Classic wood abacus by Melissa and Doug

Wooden toys have always been a favorite of mine.  There is something about the solid, lasting, made-of-the-earth quality of wood that satisfies a need I have as a toy-searching parent.

NPR’s All Things Considered recently had a report about a lumber company in Maine that has been refitted to work as a manufacturing plant for a new line of wooden toys made completely here in the United States.

The company had seen a lot of its manufacturing of house wares moved overseas, and an idea was sparked by the lead paint scares that revolved around toys coming from certain places in China.

The story got me thinking about all the toys we buy and how doing a little bit of research could end up saving jobs for people in our own country, whether that may be the US, Britain, or India.

Stimulating local economies is good for the whole world.  Any time a company is able to keep the entire production process on one continent there are environmental savings, but the added bonus of saving jobs in a time when jobs are scarce at best is wonderful.

Focus on American-Made Toys

For example, how does one find some wooden toys made in the USA?

A quick, simple search led me to a page called Maine Made – America’s Best, which lists all kinds of products, not just toys, that are built in the state of Maine.  Other online sites will have an index listing the toys they sell that are made in America.  Another way to find great handcrafted toys, and this is true no matter where you live in the world,  is to visit a local craft co-op or craft fair & talk to the artisans about their work.

The craftsmanship that goes into these items is undeniable and these toys will last generations.  My own daughter has a favorite toy that is a wooden craft toy I got a long time ago, and it is as much fun for her as it was for me at her age.

With just a little bit of thought–before we buy–we can support our neighbors and our own economy during these times where economic stimuli seem to be needed wherever possible.

Over the Christmas holidays we were able to spend some time with family and I got to witness some of the grandparent/grandchild interaction with traditional toys that I had previously imagined.

At one point, the grandparents went up to the toy room and grabbed a bag of something that my daughter and I had never seen before & they asked her if she’d played with them yet.  She eyed the bag carefully and then cautiously said, “I don’t think so.”  So Pop takes great joy in dumping the entire package on the floor and proceeding to discuss the finer points of construction using logs.

This is made even more amusing when I point out that they built their house with logs 15 years ago…

At the final grandparent stop on the holiday schedule we encountered tinker toys for the first time ever.  Construction had never seemed to come so naturally to someone as I watched her work.  She managed to convince Gramps to create a guitar just like the one on the picture & she played it for a while (even adding her own guitar sounds) before destroying it to create something new.

When she got home she told her friends all about the adventures and the building toys came out at home with renewed enthusiasm.  Traditional toys seem to offer hours of play without a single battery.  They even get us in the older generations to join in, since it’s usually somewhat familiar.

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.

It’s too bad that it takes a tragedy such as a child lead poisoning case for consumers to notice the trend of cheap, disposable, and unsafe toys in our homes and schools.

Wood toys , on the other hand, are always safe for children. Wood is naturally bacteria-resistant (in other words – practically germ free). Wood toys are perfect for infants who are teething so parents can relax about their baby’s safety. And guess what – no hidden lead, guaranteed.

For everything Haba (and FREE shipping for orders over $65) we recommended Oompa Toys.

Another great one stop Haba shop is Amazon.

More recently, HABA has expanded its award-winning line of wooden toys and traditional games to include children’s furniture and unique room decorations. These new offerings are still in line with HABA’s core mission, which actually can be seen in their name itself. In German, HABA stands for “high quality products and age appropriate materials.”

HABA also “stands up for the little guy” by supporting small businesses and partnering with boutique retailers rather than the Big Box stores. Clearly, this toy maker values traditional values, in its toys and also in its relationships. That’s why we love HABA!

Wooden Toys: the Naturally Green Heart of HABA

When HABA began in 1938 as the Habermaaß Company, its first product were colorfully painted building bricks. The bricks were made from maple trees harvested in the forests of Germany.

Wooden blocks became very popular during the Baby Boom of the 1940s, and in fact HABA’s most popular product is still their natural building blocks. Throughout their decades of success, HABA never stopped building their toys with quality hardwood like Maple and Beech.

Quality wooden toys are still one of the best ways to keep babies safe while they are having fun. Wood is naturally germ-resistant, which is why it is the perfect material to teeth with. Painted wooden toys use non-toxic water-based stains that are safe for long term playing (and knawing!).

HABA has gone a step further and passed the strict European Environment Standard ISO 1400, which insures active protection of the environment at every step of production. In their own words, “We assume responsibility for our environment.” We think this is important for any business operating today, and are delighted to share how HABA is naturally environmentally conscious.

Just as it was seventy years ago before “green” was even a buzzword.

HABA Buyers Guide

Now that you know more about HABA, here’s a quick breakdown of their most popular toys and new additions to the HABA family. As with all toys, always consult recommended ages before bringing something home to your toddler or young child, and consult your pediatrician if you have lingering questions or concerns.

Infant Toys and Teethers

Babies need to have safe toys around, no matter how vigilant parents may be! HABA’s series of infant toys and teethers are made of all natural materials. If your baby cannot keep her toys out of her mouth, these can be great additions to the playroom.

This classic wooden teething ring by HABA is a longtime favorite all over the world. Called the Kringelring, this teether is a flexible ring of painted Beech and Maple pieces on a sturdy cloth-covered elastic band.

All the primary colors are here too, creating a visually exciting toy that can later come in handy as an educational toy.

HABA also produces a wide assortment of clutching toys, which also can double as teethers. Clutching toys are best for infants 6 months to about 18 months. (After 18 months, toddlers are moving too fast to clutch on to anything!)

These toys are meant to be visually attractive and also familiar. Many clutching toys incorporate elements such as animals, plants, and friendly faces. We are particularly fond of the Pirate clutching toy, with its adorable compass mirror and cheerful red chime.

Wooden Blocks

HABA’s most popular toys remain their wooden block sets. These toys often become family heirlooms because of their sturdy design and perennial interest by toddler and preschoolers.

Building blocks are great because they are popular with a wide range of ages, but HABA block sets are designed for different age groups in mind. Some block sets even interest elementary school-aged children as well as preschoolers!

HABA’s First Blocks, pictured above, are a great choice for toddlers 12 months or older. This colorful set of blocks is visually stimulating but also uses texture and sounds to captivate a baby’s attention.

As with all HABA toys, these wooden blocks are non-toxic. Check out the stringed wooden beads in the red block. These are the kind of details to look for that keep babies interested for long periods of time.

Other blocks sets, such as the HABA Discovery Blocks, are suitable for children between 12 months and 4 years old. We don’t have to remind parents how rare it is for a toy to be suitable for such a long spread!

Each block in this set has a unique offering to discover: one is a kaleidoscope, another has a mirror (a safety mirror of course), and the others make various sounds when touched or rattled. These blocks are great for toddlers, but slightly older children may incorporate them into other designs when building.

For older children, the Russian blocks or the HABA Pyramid blocks (shown here) really bring out children’s imaginations. It’s always delightful to build castles, and the foundational blocks make it easy for children to develop their own imaginary landscapes. We love the look, feel and smell of the untreated Beech wood used in these blocks, too. Refreshing!

HABA has other kits that include Medieval buildings, a Roman bridge kit, and even a leaning Tower of Pisa.

Games and Puzzles by HABA

HABA is now producing quality games and puzzles with the same philosophy in mind as their traditional toys: Children at play are children in their natural state. It’s our job as parents and educators to provide our children with toys that best match their curiosity and open-mindedness.

All of the classic baby puzzles made by HABA use natural beech and maple puzzle pieces. Some also have magnetic backings to keep the pieces snugly in place. Designs such as Sunny Land Puzzle (shown to the left) are great for two years olds. The pieces form a happy home scene but can also be used on their own in free play.

Other puzzles by HABA are truly original. Take for instance this delightful “puzzle” known as Indian Summer by HABA. Designed for babies at 36 months or older, this abstract puzzle helps children develop visual concepts such as symmetry, contrast and pattern recognition.

The best part is that there is no correct design in this wooden-framed tile-swapper, encouraging those artistic genes to activate. HABA suggests that 10 years is the age limit on this toy, but we have found ourselves pretty captivated as well!

Children’s Furniture and Decorations by HABA

HABA’s most exciting modern products are their whimsical line of children’s furniture and decorations. For example, who’s little girl could resist this Dream Gondala?

This daybed is a wonderful place for young dreamers three and up to read, nap, or imagine to their heart’s content, all behind a delicate veil. For older children, the veil can be removed and the wood-frame piece functions as a couch.

HABA has several more bedroom tents and mini-forts like the Dream Gondala that emphasize the values of imaginative play and daydreaming.

HABA has a new line of creative and fun bedroom rugs, too. This Labyrinth rug is just shy of four feet in length and width, providing children with lots of built-in adventures.

Three years olds may just love the pattern, but five year olds will delight in tracing their favorite doll or toy car in and out of the fun maze.

Now that HABA is widening its vision for a childhood full of play and imagination, it is safe to say that we can look forward to more unique toys and furnishings from this innovative company. In this modern era of a “throw-away” culture, it is refreshing that some toy makers still remember what is truly important: high quality toys that stimulate our children’s minds and senses, made from natural materials in a sustainable way, and are built to last.

In our book, HABA is leading the way of toy makers that combine the best of the old and the new.

For more Haba, check out this FREE shipping offer for orders over $65 from Oompa Toys.

Or if you prefer, there’s always quick and easy Amazon and their Haba department.

Update: For news about the September 2008 voluntary HABA recall, follow our link and find out if you are eligible for a refund.

The other strong-minded camp of toy experts are the toy traditionalists.  These experts argue that the best toys are the ones that stimulate a child’s creativity and imagination.  Traditional toys are more flexible than electronic toys; they can be used in a variety of contexts for a variety of purposes.  They also can be used in the bathtub!

Seriously, traditional toys can be used in group settings, individually, and one-on-one.   They also are used differently depending on the child’s age and skill level.  For example, Legos can be used to build a simple wall or a gigantic medieval castle. The only limit with traditional toys is the child’s own imagination.

Traditionalists also say that toys made of natural materials are valuable for children because they teach what the world is made of.  Wood toys are as popular now as they were a hundred years ago because of their aesthetic value, as well as their safety value.  Play-Doh, similarly, will always remain popular because it is safe to eat (if your child is a habitual eater).

Experts will probably always argue over this division between electronic and traditional toys, so the best course of action is to utilize both and see for yourself what your child responds to.

Alphabet blocks, in addition to being fun to chew on, also aid in intellectual development. Toddlers and twosies will naturally begin to sort their blocks based on the characters.  This piques their interest in letters, numbers, and colors, providing easy and ample opportunities for parents to teach them what everything is called.

This same natural learning method is great for introducing math, too.  Numbered blocks can help with counting, and eventually impromptu lessons on addition and subtraction are possible.

For babies, learning really is fun.  Many new parents are surprised how voracious their baby’s appetite is for soaking up information.  The old cliche that their minds are like sponges is readily seen during a simple activity like playing with blocks.

Later down the road, a child’s natural aptitude for building blocks will explode once Legos or other smaller blocks are introduced.  Although many Lego-type sets are now marketed to build a specific robot or vehicle, it is recommended that you get a basic set of the building blocks.  These often come in a bucket which can also be useful on its own.

These smaller blocks are popular up to age 12 or 13 usually, so it’s possible to get more than half a dozen years of use out of them.  Don’t throw them out when your child leaves home though; there’s bound to be another Lego-lover just around the bend.  These toys are always useful to have around.

So just because we as adults may find blocks boring, keep a set at the ready if you are planning on entertaining a child for an afternoon… or a decade.  That same set will still be useful years later, as their imaginations grow with the possibilities.  There is no other toy with as many uses as building blocks.

Kids of all ages are entranced by blocks.  Babies gaze at them with perplexed and almost mystical looks, and toddlers delight in crashing through a simple wall of delicately balanced walls.  When kids get older, they really get going with elaborate towers, fanciful creatures, and mini cars to drive around in.

For such a simple toy, there’s more to blocks than meets the eye.  These toys are more than just a way to keep kids occupied (although they’re great for just that purpose) – blocks actually are one of the best educational toys around.

For example, blocks can aid in the social development of your child.  Two or three toddlers playing with blocks can be a great social bonanza – although I recommend supervision at first.  This is how cooperation’s seeds are planted early in life.  As your children get older, having these block-building friends will teach them a lot about how to work together.

Blocks can also help toddlers with their physical development.  Babies can increase their grasping power by playing with blocks.  Hand-eye coordination is another skill that is targeted.  Maybe you’ve noticed that infants like to throw blocks or drop them onto other objects; this is how they are discovering the basic principles of physics on their own.

So if you own any glass coffee tables, well, now is the time to change the decor.

Stay tuned for more benefits of this timeless toy.