Everything You Need To Know About Wooden Toys
Wooden toys have long been a top choice for families, celebrated for their simplicity, durability, and nostalgic appeal. In this article, we’ll explore the developmental benefits, longevity, sustainability credentials, and age-suitability of wooden toys, and introduce some new and bestselling favourites from our range.
The Appeal of Wooden Toys
Bigjigs has been specializing in wooden toys for nearly 40 years, so it's high time we answer your questions about these timeless treasures.
What are the benefits of wooden toys?
- Durability: Built to last, wooden toys can endure years of enthusiastic play.
- Eco-conscious: Made from natural, biodegradable wood that can be recycled.
- Montessori-friendly: Their simplicity and open-ended design align with Montessori principles.
- Sensory Stimulation: The tactile feel of wood encourages sensory play and texture exploration.
- Educational: Many wooden toys are crafted to promote learning through play.
- Traditional & Timeless: Wooden toys possess a classic, enduring appeal that spans generations.
- Safe & Hygienic: Free from harmful chemicals and naturally antimicrobial.
Longevity of Wooden Toys
Renowned for their exceptional durability, wooden toys can last for many years with proper care. Unlike plastic toys that can crack or wear down, wooden toys withstand rough play and frequent use without significant damage, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Wooden Toys:
- Dust and wipe regularly.
- Deep clean occasionally with a damp cloth and gentle soap.
- Avoid prolonged moisture exposure.
- Keep away from extreme temperatures to prevent warping.
- Smooth splinters with sandpaper.
- Reapply non-toxic oil or paint when needed.
- Store in a dry place to prevent mold growth.
Environmental Benefits of Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable and can naturally decompose, unlike plastic. Opting for toys made from sustainably managed forests (look for the FSC® Certified label) is even more eco-conscious. The production process for wooden toys typically has a lower carbon footprint, and many manufacturers use non-toxic paints and finishes.
Hygiene of Wooden Toys
Wood's natural antimicrobial properties make wooden toys a hygienic choice for babies, toddlers, and children. They generally need proper cleaning only when noticeably dirty, after illness, or if chewed by a baby. Use a damp cloth and mild soap for cleaning.
Are Wooden Toys Safe for Babies?
Wooden toys are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for babies. These toys can greatly benefit an infant’s development and early learning, stimulating senses and helping to strengthen grasp, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. Their durability ensures they withstand zealous baby play.
Wooden Toys for All Ages
Explore some of our favourite new and bestselling wooden toys for kids of all ages, from babies to 3+ years. Browse through wooden sensory toys, animal toys, educational toys, stacking toys, garden toys, train sets, food toys, Montessori toys, and more.
Wooden Toys for Babies
- Wooden Number Blocks: Introduce numbers with lightweight blocks featuring bold shades and vibrant patterns. For 6+ months.
- Push Along Hedgehog: A wooden hedgehog with a bead frame, felt ears, and four smooth wheels. For 6+ months.
- Black & White Puzzle: A shape-matching puzzle with high-contrast patterns in animal and pet themes. For 10+ months.
- Penguin Puzzle: Four-piece jigsaw puzzles with Arctic animal themes. For 10+ months.
Wooden Toys for 1 Year Olds
- Mini Vehicles: Choose from construction machinery, tractors, and a recycling truck. For 12+ months.
- Animal Activity Table: Includes a bead frame, spinning cogs, shape sorter, stacking tree, wooden bears, toadstools, and a sliding squirrel. For 12+ months.
- Sensory Board: Explore diverse patterns and textures with this sensory toy and shape-sorter in one. For 12+ months.
- Moon Balance Stacker: A stacking toy with chunky silicone moons and stars atop a wooden moon. For 12+ months.
- Rolling Sensory Sorter: Learn about shapes, reflections, and movement with this sorter featuring bead frames, peekaboo animals, and shape sorter slots. For 12+ months.
Wooden Toys for 2 Year Olds
- Wooden Baking Set: Includes a baking tray, kitchen scales, pastry cutters, mixing bowl, rolling pin, and wooden ingredients. For 18+ months.
- Crocodile Number Puzzle: Learn your numbers with this 10 piece puzzle perfectly sized for little hands.
- Ride On Tractor: Features a squeaky horn, four wheels, and a wooden seat. For 18+ months.
- Weather Board: Learn about the seasons with a sunshine wheel, cloud dial, and temperature switch. For 2+ years.
Wooden Toys for 3 Year Olds & Up
- Coffee Maker: A stylish coffee machine with an espresso portafilter, coffee discs, cups, saucers, milk jug, sugar pot, and spoon. For 3+ years.
- Kids Microscope: Includes three lenses and 10 wooden discs featuring bugs and plants. For 3+ years.
- Biscuit Box: Assortment of classic wooden cookies, including custard creams, bourbons, and gingerbread men. For 3+ years.
- Country Play Kitchen: A child-size kitchen with an oven, four burners, sink, cupboard, and clock. For 3+ years.
Explore More Wooden Toys
We have an extensive collection of wooden toys to explore. Browse through and find something your little one will love!