The Beginner’s Introduction to Wooden Toys

I am not a big fan of “gift guides”. However, I was approached recently by an IG follower to create an introduction to wooden toys. It seems a great deal of caregivers are overwhelmed by the options that present themselves. So, I’ve divided the majority of toys into 4 categories and come up with which toys to begin with in each category. This is generic and not age-specific. It does include chokable parts, but should cater to children from 2+ imagination wise.

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Blocks

We obviously have to start with blocks. Blocks are the quintessential foundation of wooden toys! Here are the blocks to start with:

Large Stepped Pyramid

Stepped Roofs

Frames (set of 6)

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Vehicles

Children love to move things! I could get into the whole “schemas of early childhood development”, but I won’t do it justice. Here is an article from 100 Toys that does it way better than me: A Guide to Schema Play in Toddlers.

Red Truck

Two Seater Car

Rolling Boats – I know this one gets a lot of flack in Montessori circles for not being a real item (clearly these people have never seen Duck Tours) but I think they’re just darling and easier to manage than an actual boat with a round bottom.

Small Figures

When I say small figures, what I mean is wooden people and animals. And there’s so many to choose from. But here are my favorites.

Grapat Together Set – A new addition to the Grapat line, it’s inclusive and colorful!

Holztiger animals – I recommend getting your hands on a catalog if you can. That way you’ll know what you’re actually looking for and not buy whatever comes in stock.

Ambrosius Fairies – These are just so beautiful!

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Stackers 

Stackers encourage a different type of building than blocks. Things fit in a different way, and encourage vertical exploration. They also are great for ball runs

Grimm’s Large Rainbow

Gluckskafer Grotto

Poppy Baby Natural Caves (use PEARLS10 for a discount!)

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So there it is. This is a really good beginning. The building boards and semi circles can come later. This will get you started on the right foot. No, you don’t need Leonardo Sticks or Cornerstones yet. I promise. That’s for next year.