Toys by Spiel & Holz are inspired by Waldorf education, a philosophy that children learn best through active and imaginative play. These toys are made from natural materials, and have a minimum of details, letting the natural beauty and feel of the wood shine through. These toys are much more versatile and durable than the most toys nowadays, and they sustain a child’s interest much longer. Each toy set can be played with in a variety of ways—some of their toys are puzzles, building blocks, and play buildings all in one.

Spiel & Holz uses only premium European wood, primarily Alder. Most of their toys are hand-crafted and finished, making them a true work of art and craftsmanship. And each toy is painted with either natural, kid-safe paints and dyes.

Another maker of high-quality wood toys is HABA–check out our page about them.

The BRIO Virus

If you’ve decided that wood toys are the way to go, then you should definitely check out BRIO. With roots that reach back to the 19th century, BRIO is now a global corporation and one of the largest makers of wood toys in the world. BRIO’s focus is on quality and durability—they want their toys to be passed on from generation to generation.

BRIO was started in 1884 by basket weaver Ivar Bengtsson. As his basket weaving business became more successful and his company’s range grew, their repertoire of products grew to over a thousand items, including many wonderful toys. Nowadays, BRIO is committed to creating toys that are delightful to play with and that support development throughout different stages of childhood.

And BRIO has continued with their commitment to quality and excellence. They have taken steps to ensure that all of their overseas suppliers adhere to strict international regulations regarding working conditions and environmental standards. And, of course, safety is of the utmost importance to this company. Both new and existing toys are rigorously tested against standards higher than those of international regulatory bodies.

BRIO is also dedicated to innovation in the toy industry, and gives an annual award to independent researchers or organizations that contribute to the fields of toys and play. And BRIO has also received a number of design and ‘best’ toy awards.

But of course what’s most important is the toys themselves. In addition to the classics, such as railway sets, building blocks, push-alongs, and games, BRIO offers some of the most unique toys available anywhere. One of their most exciting lines is their Network rail set, which is inspired by the inner workings off a computer. Play sets such as the E-Mail Central Set put a new twist on classic train tracks with original themes and engaging characters.

For more info, check out our Wood Toy Buying Guide.

Wooden toys have been around for millennia, and some of the first toys in history were probably made from wood. But there are plenty of reasons why they’re just as popular today as they were back then. Kids still love to play with toys made of wood. Because they rely on imagination and creativity, their appeal lasts much longer than plastic toys. Parents often tell me that their kids lose interest in those big fancy toys within a few days, but that they’ll play with toys like blocks and construction sets for years. I think this is because when kids play with wooden toys, they’re really playing, as opposed to just being entertained or distracted. Wood toys also play well with others—with a little imagination, they’re easily combined with other toys.

the Flori Teether by HABA

Their aesthetically pleasing designs, often making use of bright colors and geometric shapes, engage a child’s senses immediately. Wood toys for babies and younger children stimulate a children’s sense of sight, touch, and sound (and maybe taste!), while wooden toys for slightly older children provide challenges and encourage problem-solving. This is part of what makes wooden toys so wonderfully educational. They’re a great way for young children to hone their hand-eye coordination and motor skills, and wood toys help kids develop creativity and foster their artistic abilities.

And as a parent you can rest easy knowing that your children’s wood toys are safe and environmentally friendly. If your child chews on his or her toys (like many do), then wood toys with natural, non-toxic paint or dye will cause no harm, whereas many toys today are loaded with plastic, chemicals, and PVC. Most wood toys use much less wasteful packaging. They also need no batteries, which can harm children and end up in landfills.

Plus there’s the simple aesthetic appeal that owning a well-made wood toy can bring. Not only are they a pleasure to have around the house; they will often last for years, if not generations. After all—do you really think your kids will be passing down that plastic robot action figure with all the bells and whistles?

For more information on wood toys, check out our Wood Toy Resource And Buying Guide, and our page on HABA toys, a premier maker of fine wood toys.

For many Indian craftsmen, toy making has been their family’s way of supporting itself for generation. But it’s just now that many toy makers are working together and pooling their resources in order to increase production. Newer designs, improved quality, and better marketing facilities have allowed toys typically distributed solely within India to find their way to the international market.

Scares about Chinese toys has also increased demand for Indian wooden toys. They are entirely child-safe, made from all-natural materials and vegetable dyes. Parents have no qualms about letting their children chew on naturally germ-resistant wood toys.
With both demand and opportunity growing, the Indian wood toy market is enjoying enormous success.

For more information, check out the full story here.

Construction sets are a perfect way to foster children’s creativity, improve their motor coordination, and nurture their cognitive development. They’re also a toy that is easily integrated with others, and that lets a child’s imagination run wild. Unlike newer, flashier play sets, the Ball Track Construction Set from HABA promises to hold your child’s interest for years to come.

The set comes with 42 excellently crafted beechwood pieces and six glass marbles, allowing for an infinite number of structures to be built. Your child will love to build intricate systems of ramps and tracks, race marbles, then tear it all down and start again!

And of course you can rest easy knowing that this set is built from the finest naturally germ-resistant European timber. And HABA is a company with a conscience—they adhere to the strictest standards to environmental protection and ethical corporate policy.