For all of the hi-tech excitement that we spotted at this past week's Toy Fair, there's one genre that was refreshingly void of on/off switches, batteries, and USB hookups. Durable, classic wooden toys are a hot trend for 2013, and we couldn't be happier about it. Check out some of our favorite timeless wooden playthings for tots — coming to a toy store near you later this year!
Wooden toys are a classic addition to any child's collection, but we found seven contemporary, colorful options that go way beyond your everyday building blocks. From The Land of Nod's animal-tastic beanbag toss to Melissa & Doug's stackable owl — with modern blocks, puzzles, and imaginary play toys in between — these toys will inspire your little ones and make you feel a bit better about the mounds of plastic you've accumulated! Keep clicking to find your favorite.
Your little one will treasure playing with these handmade wooden toys that are seriously unique. All made from fabulous Etsy sellers, these affordable playthings are cool and fun for kids of all ages. From building blocks to colorful lacing flowers, all these gadgets are made to order for little hands. Adults will have a fun time checking out these toys too!
Who says educational toys have to be boring? Not only are these puzzles fun to look at, but also, they teach tots a thing or two. With great retro detail, these toys may seem like old-school classics, but they are actually modern creations lovingly made with your tot's development in mind. From traditional flat puzzles to fun 3D teasers, your child will enjoy figuring out how to put these toys together — as well as take them apart.
There's something about wooden toys that feels timeless and classic — as if they're something to be passed on. We've taken it one step further and found wooden toys that offer a learning opportunity, too. From games that teach balance to those that strengthen memory, these nine wooden toys are both fun and educational.
If you haven't added a play table to your toy collection, we highly recommend it! A combo of activities means extra playtime for kids of all ages, and when you invest in a slightly more expensive, but doubly sturdy wooden table, even cruisers can join in on the fun, as the table gives new standers support while they explore. Just be sure to supervise, as small pieces have a way of making their way into tiny mouths (I removed any choking hazards for my lil one). Play tables come in all shapes and sizes, but we picked five of our favorites, all sure to become heirlooms.
Blocks have been a staple in the toy chest for many years, but that doesn't mean they are boring! As these beautiful, well-designed sets from Etsy show, the building toys can be a perfect, all-natural, and eco-friendly addition to your lil ones toy rotation. Check out some of our favorites in the slideshow!
There's something very traditional about a rocking toy in a lil one's nursery. Even if they're not big enough to ride it, the toy makes a perfect accent piece until it is put to use. For years wooden versions have added just a touch more charm to a traditional baby's room, but today they are anything but stodgy. We've rounded up five wooden rockers to suit any nursery style from classic to ultra-modern!
Clockwise from top left: Radio Flyer's Classic Wood Rocking Horse ($100), Cabinfield's Classic Rocking Airplane ($340), Italtrike's ABC Chocolate Rocking Horse ($78), Plan Toy's Arabian Rocking Horse ($63), J.I.P.'s Wooden Rocking Scooter Chair ($100).
Lots of moms like to share their latest finds and Hansel and Gretel is no different. She shares some great eco-friendly toys in the latest post on her OnSugar Blog.
Looking at the nursery, I still needed something to brighten it up. So whenever I am looking for color and inspiration I always turn to Etsy. I found these gorgeous eco-friendly wooden stackers that instantly took my fancy.
Created by cool mum based in Indiana, Imagination Kids create products from sustainably harvested wood, AP Certified non-toxic paint and natural wood polish.Imagination Kids offer the most adorable colourful wooden toys from helicopters to stackers that will entertain children for ages. Fantastic wooden toys like these not only look gorgeous but they encourage children to use and explore their imaginations through play.
I am loving the rainbow stackers and have purchased these for the Baxter, not only do they look gorgeous in the nursery, they are so much fun. Tyler often takes them out for a play and creates visual patterns, sorts them into size, uses them as tunnels for his cars.
Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Hansel and Gretel, or start your own OnSugar blog. We may just feature your content on LilSugar.
Before families can gather around the table to complete a true jigsaw puzzle, lil ones must master smaller versions designed expressly for their hands. Chunky, five to 10 piece puzzles can be constructed quickly to stay within their attention span. Here are six versions that may inspire wee ones to start building.
