If you have visited a “big box” toy store looking for infant or toddler toys that do not make noise, do not light up and do not require batteries then you know they are not easy to find. For years the trend in children’s toys has been to load them up with buttons to push for sound, lights and movement. But how can a child learn to use their imagination when all they are doing is pushing a button? Many building toys have parts and directions to create only one specific shape or vehicle. These might help a child learn how to follow directions, but they don’t aid in developing the imagination. After the one shape is built, then what? The toy has already outlived its usefulness.

Most child and speech development experts agree that you should look for certain characteristics when purchasing a toy. It should be open-ended; meaning that there is more than one way to play with it. It should promote interaction and encourage collaboration and conversation. And it should be able to be used for simple or elaborate pretending and stimulate a child’s imagination from toddler to early school age. If the toy meets one or all of these characteristics then you should consider it a toy box staple.

Classic wooden toys fit the bill. They are not only popular with kids and parents alike, they are educational as well. Kids learn co-ordination, problem solving, colors, shapes and best of all; how to use their imaginations. How many times have you seen a child receive an electronic toy with all the bells and whistles only to be more entertained with the box or packaging it came in? Time tested wooden toys will keep your little ones entertained for hours all while aiding in their educational development.

Wooden toy blocks especially accommodate a child’s increasing abilities and changing interests throughout the formative years. At a young age, the child learns how to pretend by building simple and familiar things like houses or cars. As the child ages they can use the same blocks to create more complicated objects and elaborate scenes. And don’t forget wooden cars, trucks and planes. All children enjoy playing with vehicles because they are so familiar. A child might start out just pushing the car around but then use their imagination to invent people in the car, trips to the store or the mechanic and even drive the car through the car wash. To the child, the toy is just fun but for the parent these toys are tools that help enhance the growth and behavior of their child.

Take care to ensure the toys you purchase are safe for your little ones. Don’t choose cheap foreign plastic imports manufactured without following safety guidelines that will fall apart quickly. Choose toys that are manufactured while adhering to strict child safety guidelines, labor laws and workplace safety regulations. When purchasing wooden toys be sure that they are constructed from quality hardwood, which has been considered the safest raw material for toys for years. Also look for toys that are hand sanded for no rough edges and decorated with non-toxic finishes.

Classic wooden toys are oldies but goodies and still the best buy for your money. They have stood the test of time and your little ones will be playing with them for years to come!