Choosing a product for your own children (but also for those of others) is always a responsibility. Having a reliable guide, therefore, can be a valuable help.
Wooden toys have always had, and will continue to have, a special appeal. Let’s see how best to choose them with ProduceShop.
We all have at least one memory related to the toys of our childhood; for the older among us, we can certainly talk about wooden toys. The fact that they were so common and popular a long time ago, however, does not mean that they have gone out of fashion today; in fact, this type of toy is still the first choice of many parents for many reasons (which we will see together).
Are you wondering if are there ‘rules’ for choosing them? Of course there are.
However, this does not mean that all children have to have fun in the same way; while the types clearly change according to taste, the ways of choosing them are the same for everyone.
ProduceShop, which has already shown you in another article which models are the most beautiful, today also explains how to choose wooden toys for children. Let’s find out together!
Perché scegliere i giochi in legno?
It is clear that every parent thinks, first and foremost, about the well-being of their children. Also, in case you have to give a gift to the child of some friend or relative, the basic idea is to give something useful and educational.
The reasons for opting for wooden toys are therefore diverse; therefore to make a fairly exhaustive list, which derives from studies on the subject, from our own experience and from the advice of our parent clients, we can mention some of them:
- they are toys that stimulate creativity, bringing the child not in front of lights and sounds that make him passive, but pushing him to create and invent stories and play dynamics, for instance;
- moreover they also stimulate an active involvement of the child, therefore leading him to elaborate complex reasoning and plots in order to play, either alone or with friends;
- they are very durable, especially if the wood chosen is of the best quality;
- in addition to the last point, we are talking about toys that are literally timeless: not only because they are durable but above all because they never go out of fashion;
- they are much more reasonably priced than their noisy and technological plastic counterparts;
- they are natural toys, painted with non-toxic paints, firstly with no risk to the youngest child who can put them in his mouth, but are also an ecological and nature-friendly choice;
- some models based on simple and basic mechanisms can serve as an introduction to the concept of technology for children, without catapulting them into a digital and aseptic world.
Now that we have seen why, let’s also see how to choose wooden toys for children!
How to choose Wooden Toys for Kids?
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Age
The first discriminating factor to consider when choosing a wooden toy is the age of the boy or girl. According to the age of the child, and therefore to the specific moment of his or her development, you will have to choose a more or less complex toy, so as not to risk either boring or putting him or her in difficulty; moreover, always check the minimum age, to be sure not to run the risk of small pieces that, for a small child, could be dangerous.
Wooden Children’s Hexagonal Activity Multigame Cube Fantasy Land -
Wood and other materials
Choosing the quality of the wood is of primary importance; this serves to evaluate both the seriousness of the brand and the durability and resistance of the toy itself. The wood used is always better if it is of sustainable origin, possibly FSC certified; in this way, in addition to giving our children a pleasant toy, we are making a nice gesture towards our planet.
Apart from the tree of origin (beech, fir), check that the fibre and composition of the wood are appropriate. Since we are talking about toys and not furniture, plywood and MDF (preferably the latter) are good alternatives. The varnish is an important factor; check that it is non-toxic, possibly water-based, and check its quality, to prevent the toy from losing too much colour too suddenly.
Finally, watch out for secondary materials. Metal is often used for some parts and components; plastic, given the nature and ‘philosophy’ of the toy is less used but, if it is present, check its origin and that it is of good quality.
Wooden Toy Train Track For Children 70 Pieces Mr Ciuf -
Type of games
There are different types of wooden toys for children. Obviously not being able to list them all, we have decided to group them into 7 macro-groups; when choosing, be guided by both the child’s taste and the purpose of the gift.
- wooden train set: a great classic, they have always been among the most popular products in the sector. Many, in addition to the simple toy train with wagons, include rails, bridges, landscapes, settings and characters. Choose according to playability and age;
- educational games: these are all those games that require active engagement, such as abacuses, paths, constructions, mechanisms and Montessori games. They often teach basic concepts such as numbers, letters, calculations, logical operations, animal names and verses, and more;
- workbench: ‘baby’ scale reproductions of the different workbenches for adults. We have the carpenter’s, the mechanic’s, the scientist’s, all complete with work tools and instruments;
- toy kitchen: kitchens complete with appliances, dishes, pans and food. Some advanced models include lights and sounds to make the experience more like that of a real kitchen. The more traditional ones, on the other hand, follow the designs of the first half of the 20th century, beautiful and simple;
- dollhouse: from small rooms to entire furnished villas, complete with garden and courtyard! In some cases, you can use them as ‘homes’ for dolls and puppets already in the little ones’ possession;
- wooden pedal-free bikes: one of many models of balance bikes for children, great training for future pedalling but in a classic design;
- wooden figurines: animals, fairy tale characters, family members, with wheels or without, with small moving parts or jointed or fixed, the only limit is the imagination of the craftsmen and children’s. It is up to you to choose the most beautiful ones for them!
Wooden Dollhouse 3 Floors With Accessories for Girls Pretty House XXL -
Safety
Never forget: the safety of your children is always a priority! In addition to checking that the toy, in terms of components, is compatible with the child’s age, check all the certifications and standards listed; make sure that they are in line with what is required by current legislation, especially in terms of materials and substances used.
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Budget and brand
Even if the temptation to spend without limits on your children is high, remember to set a budget; ideally, you should dedicate several small budgets to many different gifts spread over a longer period of time. In this way, you will give your little one the chance to grow and develop his or her skills with a specific game, making him or her focus on his or her potential and helping him or her to discover it little by little, then rewarding him or her with a new game with which to learn other interesting things.
Brand and distributor are crucial here; make sure you either buy from a reputable shop, such as ProduceShop, or choose a safe brand, such as PlayTown. This way you will have a guarantee of perfection on materials, products, company vision and business treatment.
Wooden Toy Workbench For Children With Tools Magic Bench
In conclusion, get ready for a season of laughter, games and lots of educational novelties! Now that you know how to choose only the best Wooden Toys for your children, all you have left to do is start crazy shopping on the ProduceShop catalogue!