Traditional Wooden Toys

For generations, toys have been improved upon, and been made to be more sophisticated. The popularity of wooden toys began to wane somewhat when plastics were discovered. As the years passed, toys were further "improved" - and electronic toys were born. Boys and girls are fascinated with those gadgets, attracted by the lights and sounds, learning opportunities that they present, not to mention the fun.

However, nothing can replace wooden toys--they're classic and they're traditional. When kept for generations, they remind us of something far beyond mere fun alone. They really are the best toys, as they not only last for decades, they're also among the best toys to fall back on when it comes to giving our children toys that they can learn from. . 

You know how children enjoy pretend play. This Melissa & Doug Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set encourages your child to engage in both creative and pretend games. It has four dry-erase markers in the shape of icing tubes and special wipe-off cupcake tops. The fun here starts with "cooking" the cupcakes (pretend play), then it moves on to personally decorating them using the markers (creative play) -- two educational games in one!

The oven mitts, cupcakes, paper cups, and icing-tube-like markers add realistic fun. The cupcakes are easy to wipe off with a dry cloth, but there's a small downside. The markers included in the set could stain clothing but if you purchase a washable marker, it will remove the potential for an extra laundry cycle or too for parents.

This is a wooden clock designed to teach kids about time. But the fun doesn't end there. It also makes a learning toy for babies as young as under 12 months old. The bright-colored blocks make it appropriate for babies. Once your child turns into a toddler, he'll appreciate the fun the sorting feature offers. Your little one might lose some interest in this once he starts running and jumping; but soon afterwards, when he's ready to count his numbers, this clock will help him do so.

Actually, the main purpose of this clock is to help a child in his learning, and its appeal will grow right along with your child. From infancy to preschool, it will probably be your child's best educational toy. It may seem simple compared to an electronic toy, but it provides long-lasting, high quality learning and fun.

This toy has ten two-sided wooden spelling boards with 70 wooden letters. It enables kids to spell out simple words such as car, fish and a lot more. There is a picture on both sides of each board for your child to identify and spell out.

It says it's recommended for ages 4 to 7 years old, but it would be possible for a child as young as three years old to enjoy playing with it. It's certainly a great way for him to spell out his name, since writing is still difficult for a 3-year-old. All in all, this toy is highly educational and a great way to learn through play.

Melissa and Doug provide a lot of wooden toys that encourage pretend play, specifically kitchen games. They are famous for their slicing toys which create a crunching noise when "sliced" through. And among those toys, this Sandwich-Making set is the best seller.

That's because - aside from the realistic crunching sound when you slice all the way through the wooden food - this toy enables you to create sandwiches out of the pieces. The Velcro is perfect for keeping the sandwich together. You might purchase this just because of its solid, high-quality craftsmanship; but you will enjoy this together with your kid, as it also provides a great child and parent game.