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The Best Wooden Toys for Babies & Toddlers: Our Top Picks

by Vannessa Rhoades 31 Mar 2019
The Best Wooden Toys for Babies & Toddlers: Our Top Picks

*Updated: 27 Nov 2024

Wooden toys have been a staple of childhood for generations, and for good reason. Wooden toys offer unique benefits that set them apart. Whether you're searching for something safe, eco-friendly, or long-lasting, wooden toys check all the boxes. Today, we’re exploring the advantages of wooden toys and introducing you to some exceptional products available at ANB Baby. Let’s dive into why wooden toys continue to be a favorite among parents, educators, and toy manufacturers alike.

Why Are Wooden Toys So Popular?

Wooden toys have stood the test of time due to their durability, simplicity, and developmental benefits. Unlike their plastic counterparts, wooden toys offer a more tactile experience, fostering sensory engagement. They tend to be heavier, providing weight and texture that helps young children understand the physical properties of objects, which is a key component in cognitive development.

Beyond their educational benefits, wooden toys are also environmentally friendly. Made from renewable resources, wooden toys are often biodegradable, reducing their impact on the planet. They can also be passed down through generations, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Are Wooden Toys Safe for Babies?

As a parent, safety is your number one concern when it comes to choosing toys for your baby. Thankfully, wooden toys are one of the safest options available. Most high-quality wooden toys are made from natural materials and finished with non-toxic paints and sealants, ensuring they don’t pose a chemical hazard to your child. You won’t find harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or PVC in wooden toys, which are common in some plastic alternatives.

Mushie Wooden Multi Shape Stacker, ANB BABY

Mushie Wooden Multi Shape Stacker

Why Are So Many Montessori Toys Wooden?

Montessori education emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and hands-on learning. Wooden toys fit perfectly within this philosophy because they foster creativity and imagination without overwhelming children with flashy lights or sounds. In Montessori classrooms, wooden toys are favored for their ability to encourage open-ended play and focus.

Unlike plastic toys, which often come with specific instructions or one-dimensional functions, wooden toys leave more to the imagination. A set of wooden blocks can be anything from a castle to a spaceship, depending on your child’s creativity. This type of play builds problem-solving skills, enhances motor development, and helps with cognitive growth.

Brands like Tegu, which offers magnetic wooden blocks, exemplify the Montessori approach. Their simple yet innovative design sparks curiosity and allows children to explore balance, geometry, and magnetic properties in a hands-on way.

Wooden Toys for Babies

For babies, wooden toys can provide a safe, enriching play experience. Look for options that are specifically designed for younger children, with smooth edges, larger pieces, and non-toxic finishes. Wooden musical toys, like the Manhattan Toy Lili Llama Musical Wooden Toy or the Manhattan Toy Tiger Tunes Wooden Musical Toy, offer a great introduction to wooden playthings for babies. These simple instruments encourage sensory exploration through sound and movement. Babies can enjoy tapping on drums, shaking rattles, or banging xylophones, all made from sustainable wood and designed with safety in mind.

Manhattan Toy Tiger Tunes Wooden Musical Toy, ANB BABY

 

Manhattan Toy Tiger Tunes Wooden Musical Toy

Wooden Toys for Toddlers

Toddlers are at an age where they are constantly learning and exploring, and wooden toys provide the perfect medium for them to engage in creative play. Whether it’s stacking, sorting, or building, these activities encourage hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and early cognitive development.

Take the Mushie Wooden Multi Shape Stacker, for example. This beautifully designed toy helps toddlers practice shape recognition, color sorting, and coordination. The natural wood finish is easy on little hands, and its sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand even the most enthusiastic toddler play sessions.

Another favorite is the Manhattan Toy T-Rex Express Wooden Train Set for toddlers, encouraging hours of imaginative play away from an electronic screen and allowing kids to exercise hands-on cause-and-effect learning while developing additional motor skill coordination.

Manhattan Toy T - Rex Express Wooden Train Set, ANB BABY

 

Manhattan Toy T-Rex Express Wooden Train Set

Wooden Toys for Kids

As children grow, their play evolves, and wooden toys continue to be an excellent option for fostering learning and development. Older kids can appreciate the open-ended possibilities that wooden toys offer, as well as the aesthetic appeal and durability that make them a timeless favorite.

Consider gifting your child a Tegu magnetic wooden block set. These toys are more than just building blocks—they’re a tool for learning about physics, magnetism, and balance. The magnetic feature adds a new layer of challenge and excitement, while still encouraging the creativity and imagination that make wooden toys so beneficial.

Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set, Sunset 14 - 42 Piece Sets, ANB BABY

 

Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set

Why Wooden Toys Are Worth the Investment

While wooden toys may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term value they provide more than justifies the expense. These toys are built to last, often outliving plastic toys that may break or wear out after just a few uses. Plus, wooden toys rarely go out of style—they’re timeless, classic, and beloved by children of all ages.

Not only are they durable, but wooden toys also support key developmental milestones. From problem-solving and fine motor skills to creativity and social interaction, wooden toys offer a well-rounded play experience that can grow with your child.

At ANB Baby, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of high-quality wooden toys from trusted brands committed to providing safe, engaging, and beautifully designed wooden toys that will become a cherished part of your child’s playtime.

Wooden Toys for Every Age at ANB Baby

Whether you’re shopping for a baby, toddler, or older child, wooden toys offer something special for every age group. They’re safe, sustainable, and promote healthy, imaginative play that nurtures your child’s development. From Manhattan Toy’s wooden musical toys to the Mushie Wooden Multi Shape Stacker and Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks, you’ll find a variety of options that inspire learning and creativity.

Ready to explore more? Visit ANB Baby today to discover our full range of wooden toys that are sure to bring joy, growth, and lasting memories to your little one’s playtime.

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