Lots of parents are looking for wood toys this year, thanks to the number of plastic toy recalls. The good news is that there are several companies that make great wood toys with nice, lead-free finishes that are fun for your little one without the safety concerns. These companies all have high-quality wood toys that are appropriate for babies and toddlers.
This German company is known for its high-quality wood toys. The majority of their toys are actually made in Germany. A few items are made in China, but HABA maintains strict quality control over the Chinese-made items. Not only are HABA's wood toys fun, they're attractive, durable and environmentally friendly. The whole company focuses on making their manufacturing processes as environmentally friendly as possible. HABA has wood stacking blocks, teething toys, play food and stringing beads, just to name a few of their wood toys.
Not only are Maple Landmark's wood toys beautiful and safe, they're also made in the United States, which is a big deal this holiday season. Some of their wood toys are unfinished, some are finished with whey- or beeswax-based coatings and some have more traditional urethanes. From natural building block sets to hobby horses and wooden trains, there is a great variety of wood toys for various ages at Maple Landmark.
Plan Toys is committed to toy safety as well as environmental responsibility. Their wood toys are made from organic rubberwood, and they use water-based dyes and soy inks. The company attempts to have minimal impacts on the environment during manufacturing, too. From a kids standpoint, Plan Toys offerings are basic but loads of fun. From colorful puzzles to push/pull toys and teethers and rattles, there is something for almost any age.
Erzi is a German toy manufacturer that makes great wood toys with non-toxic finishes. This company is also known for environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. I love Erzi's vibrant wooden play food, some of which really looks good enough to eat. If you're looking for some unusual additions to your child's play food collection, Erzi may have what you're looking for. From gourmet cheese wheels to animal crackers, Erzi has wooden foods to match any palate.
Melissa & Doug is one of the better known wood toy companies. You can often find this brand in major retail stores as well as online. This company has a wide variety of wood toys for babies and toddlers. You can choose from simple wood block sets or musical instrument sets, or surprise a toddler with an elaborate wood doll house, puzzle or shape sorter sets. Melissa & Doug's classic ABC/123 blocks are a very popular gift for toddlers.
These pretty wood toys are made in Israel at a facility for adults with special needs. Not only will your child love the simplicity and fun of Pastel Toys, you can enjoy helping the residents of that facility with their work and rehabilitation programs. These toys are made by hand and finished by hand, and the personal attention shows. The wheeled toys are the right size for little hands to zoom around the floor, or they make a gorgeous addition to a nursery shelf. Push toys, doll houses and wood trucks are also available.
Guidecraft has a nice selection of large wood toys, such as play kitchens, child-size doll houses and castles, and play lofts. The colors are pleasing to the eye, and the toys are sturdy enough to last many years. Guidecraft also has some smaller wood toys like block sets that are fun for all ages.
