Top 5 Best Wooden Toys for Babies and Toddlers
Nearly every time you turn on the television, you might catch a glimpse of various commercials running “the hottest toy(s) on the market”. Ironically, in nearly all instances, it’s rare to see “the best wooden toys” since almost all of the toys on the market are made of plastic. Such toys are only functional for a short time, even though the materials (plastic) can last in the environment for thousands of years!
As a parent, you want your child to remain happy when playing with the best toys. Wooden baby toys deliver a sentimental value that includes educational benefits. First off, they don’t need batteries to operate, which cuts your expenses compared to what you could use on plastic toys. Secondly, wooden toys are eco-friendly and align with the Montessori Method that promotes independence and creative thinking in children.
In this piece, we recommend five best wooden toys—timeless options that you can pass down from one generation to another without compromising on quality and value.
1. Finska Wooden Tossing Game
Finska is a popular backyard game that your children can enjoy outdoors. The game involves using strategy and skill to move through clever twists and emerge the winner by scoring 50 points. Finska is not only suitable for young children but also for families and friends. This outdoor activity is becoming quite popular in schools based on their ability to help young children explore their mental arithmetic and strategy capabilities.
Features
- Suitable for all ages
- Lasts a lifetime
- Made of sustainable birch wood
- Requires no battery
- Easy instructions to follow
2. Cubebot Micro Multi-Colour
Cubebot is a non-traditional toy robot that borrows from the Japanese Shinto Kumi-ki puzzles. This toy is made from a powerful hardwood frame that can support several poses. It also comes with elastic-band muscles and long-lasting wooden limbs, which are equally unbreakable. Importantly, this toy is completely foldable into a perfect cube, which comes handy when you’re travelling and when it’s not in use. It’s ideal for children from three years and up.
Features
- Made of natural beech wood
- Folds into a cube at rest
- Reasonable height (4.25 inches tall)
- Suitable for children 3 years and up
3. EverEarth Pull-along Duck Toy
If you’re looking for wooden baby toys for your 18+ month old, this sustainably-sourced wooden piece is a hit. Carved from 100% FSC Beechwood, this toy triggers your child’s senses and encourages walking while pulling the duck. Besides, it’s available in colourful shapes and a durable pull-along cord. Importantly, the ‘EverEarth’ brand promotes the ‘Plant-A-Tree’ forest sustainability initiative, which is great for the environment. The toy adorns safe, water-based paints manufactured under the European Quality Control EN71 standards.
Features
- No harmful chemicals
- Improves motor skills, hand and eye coordination
- Cute animated duck, upon pulling
- Suitable for 18 months and up
4. Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube
If you’re a fan of M&D toys, this is yours for the taking. This shape sorter is one of the best wooden toys ideal for toddlers. It comes with 12 chunky, colourful shapes that deliver a cool “clunk” as they fit into their respective slots. The overall framework is made from high-quality hardwood with a natural finish. Once all shapes are sorted, your child can start over and continue playing for hours on end as you concentrate on other activities.
Features
- Beautiful design and sturdy construction
- Each shape has a respective hole of the same shape
- Encourage learning through colour and shape recognition
- Develops problem-solving skills
5. TOWO Wooden Car Park Zig Zag Car Slide
Another play park for your toddler, this wooden toy has ramp tracks for car sliding, a rooftop car park, and four cars to keep your toddler engaged for as long as you want. The rooftop car park makes it unique compared to similar wooden car racer toys. Besides, it is easy to assemble and the car tracks come already set up. The toy is suitable for one child or many children playing in turns.
Features
- Ideal for toddlers 18 months and up
- Safe and eco-friendly
- Car tracks come as assembled
- Made of durable, wooden material
Final Thoughts
It might not be as easy to find wooden toys in the current plastic-dominated market. However, hopefully, we’ve given some ideas and inspiration for classic wooden toys that have stood the test of time. Let us know in the comments below – do you have any favourite wooden toys not listed here?
