Educational toys like wooden building blocks can help develop a child’s motor skills and creativity. However, it doesn’t mean that these toys are non-toxic and certified safe to be played with by very small children.
So before you make your purchase, here’s a list of wooden blocks for kids tested by our experts to ensure your child’s safety.
Reviews of the Top Wooden Building Blocks for Toddlers and Kids
1. Annie's Young Woodworkers Kit
Unlike other wooden block sets on this list, Annie’s Young Woodworkers Kit is intended for more advanced building activities. It includes fun tools like a small hammer that allows your child to create more freely rather than just stacking blocks together.
Instead of a typical block set, different woodworking kits will be sent for your child every month once you subscribe to its services. Example kits you may receive are quarry truck, marshmallow launcher, or pirate ship bank.
We also noticed that these engaging projects are accompanied by pre-cut and pre-drilled wood pieces, making them safe and easier to play with
What We Like
- It includes a step-by-step manual for different projects
- High-quality tools specifically sized for children's use
- Subscription-based projects work as a great gift
- Ready to build and error-free wood pieces
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for very young children
- Scissors and glue aren’t included in the kit
2. Melissa & Doug Standard Blocks
Although a bit more expensive than the previous option, these Melissa & Doug 60-piece traditional wooden blocks include a wooden storage tray. Letting your child play with wooden building blocks can get messy, so trust us when we say you’ll need a place to store them.
These wooden block sets include different shapes and sizes that are great for nurturing a child’s imagination. Besides that, sorting these can lead to better hand-and-eye coordination for your toddler.
If you look at it closely, each wood block is well-sanded with a natural finish that’s safe and suited for children around three years old.
What We Like
- It includes a wooden crate for easy storage
- Blocks came in different shapes and sizes
- Each block is carved well and splinter-free
What We Don't Like
- Sold at a higher price than other sets
- Not for a toddler aged under three years old
3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Blocks
Unlike the typical building toys you see in the market, the Melissa & Doug block set includes wood pieces in the colors red, yellow, and green.
You may not know, but this variety of color schemes allows children to develop creative thinking by identifying different colors while playing with the blocks. It also includes blocks in different shapes like rectangular prisms, cubes, circles, etc.
Thanks to this, your child can create different constructions, from a tower, house, or castle. During our team’s inspection, we noticed that this wooden block set has smooth rounded edges, freeing the pieces from splinter disasters.
What We Like
- Great toys for children aged 2 to 8 years old
- Blocks are lightweight and have smooth edges
- The set includes different shapes and colors
- Recommended for screen-free playtime
What We Don't Like
- Not for toddlers under two years old
- No other freebies
4. iPlay, iLearn Building Blocks
If you’re not a huge fan of wooden block sets, you can try an affordable option like the ones from iPlay, iLearn.
Despite the lower price range, this product includes 72 traditional wooden blocks that are sturdy and naturally finished. It’s also stacked in a wood crate, so it won’t be a hassle to store it away.
Like plastic legos, these iPlay, iLearn building blocks can also be used to create different constructions. Because the set includes different shapes, your child can build a house, airplane, tower, duck, and everything that imagination allows. These pieces are also pink, so it’s the best wooden blocks to gift a daughter.
What We Like
- Best wooden blocks for a tight budget
- Non-toxic and lightweight material
- It comes with a crate for safe storage
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable toys for very young kids
- Limited color selections
5. KEVA Contraptions Plank Set
If you want a unique building block set, your search is over with KEVA Contraptions Plank Set. These blocks have unique shapes that allow children to build ramps and different engineering marvels according to their creativity levels.
And because these toys have more room for creativity than other building blocks, older kids aged five and up can have loads of fun playing with it. The block set includes 200 precision milled wooden planks, so kids of any gender[1] should suit these toys.
If your child runs out of ideas, we recommend using the block set’s idea book. Each kit has this manual that includes geometric concepts and designs to stir one’s creativity.
What We Like
- A wonderful and fun art craft activity for kids and parents
- It requires more imagination and creativity
- Includes an idea book and manual
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for a baby or toddler under five
- It may be complicated to play with for kids
6. Migargle Store Wooden Building Blocks Set
It’s no surprise that most toddlers love colorful toys, and that’s exactly the charm we like about Migargle Store Wooden Building Blocks Set. Instead of a natural wooden finish, these wood blocks are covered with different non-toxic water-based paints.
Besides that, each block is labeled with a specific design. It’s either with letters, windows, or even a tree. Through this, the child can play and build the blocks by identifying how it fits into the structure.
Parents also don’t have to search big spaces for storing these toys as they’re compact and sturdy enough to withstand storage conditions.
What We Like
- Each block has numbers and words suited for learning
- The block set can be stored easily in a small room
- Safe for toddlers as they’re well-sanded and non-toxic
What We Don't Like
- Limited building options
- No cardboard or canvass to build on
7. Schylling MKT Wood Construction Toy
Another distinct but wonderful wooden blocks for kids is the Schylling MKT Wood Construction Toy.
Besides blocks, kids can create different construction using connecting rods and circles. Thanks to this, the imagination of your child isn’t limited to stacking blocks together.
Your kids can play with this wooden building kit containing wood pieces and blocks by building a functional mini windmill or even a tiny giraffe on a jungle safari. Without a doubt, it’s the kind of building toy that allows a child to be a little more inventive instead of the usual wood stacking.
What We Like
- Allows children to be more inventive
- It includes rods and circles for more building options
- Colorful wood pieces that engage kids to play
What We Don't Like
- Choking hazard on small pieces
- Not recommended for very young toddlers
8. Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set
The magic of block building lies in the output, so we’re not surprised why parents like Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set. Unlike the typical lego blocks, these pieces include hidden magnets that provide better building output.
Although it’s just a 14-piece set with magnets, your child can immediately delve into the creative world with its colorful palette and unique shapes. Upon trying these pieces, our testers were able to build a giraffe and a unicorn without any hassle.
These pieces are not toxic and durable, so expect these wooden blocks to accompany your toddlers in their long years of play.
What We Like
- Durable enough to last in any playing conditions
- The blocks are available in different color packages
- It includes hidden magnets for a better building experience
What We Don't Like
- Very few blocks to play with
- Not very engaging for older children
9. Lewo Large Wooden Blocks
If your worst fear is your baby choking on small toy pieces, buying Lewo Large Blocks is a wise option. No one can predict the future, so giving your toddler bigger building blocks than usual is a great alternative to develop creativity and motor skills with lesser choking risks.
These blocks are also sturdy, making them not prone to damage even if your kids knock them over during playtime.
Unlike regular blocks, these pieces come in many colors, like yellow, orange, blue, green, and others. From shapes, it’s not just squares but also cylinders, cubes, and prisms.
What We Like
- The best wooden blocks with fewer choking risks
- Blocks are big enough for a safe playing experience
- Can withstand regular stacking and knocking
What We Don't Like
- The surface can be too smooth for a baby’s grip
- Limited design and construction ideas
Wooden Building Blocks for Kids Buyer’s Guide
Shapes and Sizes
Unlike dolls, wooden blocks for kids come in different shapes and sizes. Because of this, it may surprise you that the set’s pieces may limit the construction and designs your kid can make.
If you truly want your child to explore their creativity, the best wooden blocks to buy are the ones with triangles, cylinders, squares, or even planks and rods. Through this, you can ensure that your kid’s imagination is maximized.
As for the size, keep in mind that smaller pieces are harder to clean up. It will also help if the blocks are reasonably sized to prevent confusion as the child plays with them.
Age-Appropriateness
Before you purchase building blocks for your children, we urge you to check the label to ensure that your kid is old enough to use the block set.
You may not know, but some blocks sold in the market are made for adults. Sometimes, these products are complex and not suited for the creativity level of very young children.
It is important to consider the age appropriateness of building blocks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of your children.
Safety
Regarding appropriate ages, safety is also a concern when buying building blocks. As you know, toddlers tend to put everything they get their hands on into their mouths, so checking if the product aligns with the toddler’s years is crucial.
Buying block sets with bigger pieces should do the trick if you don’t want to worry about your child choking on these blocks. On top of that, you must also check if the block’s surface has a great surface to grip on so your toddler can grip onto the pieces properly.
Additional Features
Some blocks include hidden magnetic components inside these pieces to keep the structure standing after the building process. This feature is a great addition, especially because the magnetic force engages them to play and build more stacks with the blocks.
Storage
These are the types of toys that are messy to deal with, so your best bet for easy cleaning is buying ones with crates or plastic storage.
Through this, you can stack the pieces in one place without needing to find a new space for storage. It’s also a great way to encourage your child to put the blocks back into storage.
How do wooden blocks help child development?
Letting your child play with blocks develops their focus on creative thinking and playing. It also introduces them to the concept of cause and effect as they continue to stack to build different constructions.
Unlike playing with dolls, these blocks are an open-ended kind of play. It enables them to think deeper and innovate different ways of stacking the wood pieces. Because of this, it’ll provide great sensory stimulation and develop fine motor skills along the way.
Letting them build through blocks also makes children self-reliant and independent. It will develop their self-esteem and eventually increase their attention span.
FAQ
What age is appropriate for wooden blocks?
The age that is appropriate for wooden blocks is around six months old. You can introduce a child to these toys early, but remember that most babies that can only enjoy sorting blocks are aged one and up.
Nevertheless, it could increase a baby’s focus and senses.
Why are wooden blocks good for toddlers?
Wooden building blocks are good for toddlers because they develop their sensory and learning development. Through these blocks, they can also get acquainted with helpful STEM concepts as they grow older.
Will babies munch on wooden blocks?
Yes, babies tend to munch on toys they’re playing with. However, as long as your purchased toy is non-toxic and well-shaped, you don’t need to worry about any hazards.
It’s also wise to buy ones that are big enough to prevent any potential choking accidents as your baby plays.
Why are wooden blocks preferable to blocks made of plastic or other material?
Blocks made of wood are less toxic than PVC or plastic blocks. These options are also heavier, have richer textures, and have distinct colors.
Thanks to this, they’ll provide a better sensory experience to toddlers. On top of that, wood pieces are long-lasting and can withstand harsh playing conditions than other materials.
Our Top Pick For Wooden Building Blocks for Kids:
Annie's Young Woodworkers Kit
Despite being different from other wooden blocks for kids, our team chose Annie’s Young Woodworkers Kit as our top pick due to its highly engaging project kits.
Rather than just stacking blocks together, this woodworking kit teaches children how to make careful measurements. On top of that, it includes kid-friendly tools that can boost crafting skills and build their imagination even further.
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