Wooden Toys Stimulate Local Economies
March 6, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Wooden Toys
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.
Melissa & Doug Toys: My Top 5 List
February 16, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Melissa and Doug
Quality products from Melissa & Doug have my appreciation and that of others, even in a less-than-booming economy. The educational toys are fun and designed to last, the puppets are wonderful, and the imaginary play items keep my daughter occupied for hours.
Wood Toys by Spiel & Holz
July 26, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Wooden Toys
Spiel & Holz, established in Germany in 1978, is one of the finest makers of wood toys in the world. Their toys have won awards for their designs and aesthetic appeal, and kids love the open-ended creative play that they offer.
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.
BRIO: Maker of Fine Wooden Toys
July 25, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Wooden Toys
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.
Why Wood Toys Are Still The Best
July 21, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Wooden Toys
It’s often tough to resist giving in to your children’s demands for the latest, flashiest toy advertised on TV, there are plenty of alternatives out there. Wood toys are a great way to provide your children with entertainment and education without shelling out a fortune on the newest talking, light-up plastic toys.
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.
Making Your Own Wood Toys–Is It As Hard As It Seems?
June 20, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Wooden Toys
The timeless appeal of wooden toys is indisputable. They’re beautiful, safe, and hold a child’s imagination for years. If you’re the arts & crafts type and have a few tools lying around, you might consider making your own wood toys for your children. This will make them even more personal and special, and ensure that your children will love and cherish these toys for years to come.
This site features fantastic guides for all sorts of wood toys, from building logs to go-carts. The type and dimensions of wood that you’ll need depend on the project you’re tackling, but poplar, pine, fir, and spruce are all good candidates that are most likely available at your local hardware or hobby store. You’ll also need a selection of woodworking tools, such as cutters and molders, as well as glue and finish. But the results are well worth the effort—wooden toys are perfect for children of all ages, and knowing that you’ve made them yourself will bring you satisfaction and joy.
Of course, if the task of making your own wood toys seems a bit daunting, manufacturers such as HABA offer wonderful wood toys that are environmentally friendly and germ-resistant.
Demand For Wood Toys From India Grows
June 18, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Wooden Toys
When you think of toys made of wood, you probably don’t think of India. But it’s a testament to how universally adored these toys are that even in this developing nation, dedicated craftsmen turn out high-quality, child-safe toys in droves.
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.