Wood blocks are a classic children’s toy that has been around for generations. They are a simple, yet versatile toy that can provide endless hours of imaginative play. Wooden building blocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small cubes to large rectangular blocks. They are typically made from high-quality, natural wood, making them durable and long-lasting.
Whether you are looking for a set of wooden building blocks for your child’s first birthday or a more advanced set for an older child, we have got you covered. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect set of wooden building blocks for your child’s needs.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks!
Best Wooden Blocks Starter Set
Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Set
The blocks are lightweight and easy for her to handle, but still sturdy enough to withstand her enthusiastic building sessions. The variety of shapes and colors provides endless possibilities for creative constructions, and we love that it encourages her to experiment with the laws of physics and develop her fine motor skills.
What We Love
- Hours of educational fun with 100 durable wooden blocks in 4 different colors and 9 shapes
- Durable and safe construction with rounded edges and a smooth painted finish
- Great for developing fine motor skills, creativity, and early math concepts
What We Didn’t Like
- Blocks are smaller than expected, which may be a problem for some children
- Box may not be sturdy enough for long-term storage
One thing to note is that the blocks are smaller than we expected, so they may not be suitable for very young children or those with fine motor challenges. Additionally, some blocks may have rough edges that need to be sanded down before use.
Best Educational Wooden Blocks
Melissa & Doug Deluxe ABC
With 50 traditionally-styled one-inch wooden alphabet blocks, this set offers hours of timeless block play that encourages matching, stacking, sequencing, and sorting.
What We Love
- The blocks are made from high-quality solid wood and feature charming hand-painted artwork.
- The set includes a collection of pictures, letters, and numbers that help develop strong skills including matching, stacking, sorting, and word recognition.
- The blocks are an excellent value that will last for years and come with a convenient storage pouch.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers have reported that the blocks are smaller than they expected.
We absolutely love the Melissa & Doug Deluxe ABC/123 Blocks Set. Our toddler has spent hours stacking, sorting, and exploring the different pictures, letters, and numbers on the blocks. The blocks are beautifully designed and well-made, and we appreciate that they come with a storage pouch for easy clean-up and organization.
Best Open Play Wooden Blocks
BigShu Wooden Building Blocks
The blocks are easy to grip and stack, and the different shapes and sizes provide endless possibilities for building structures. The blocks are also a great way to promote family bonding as children interact with family members while playing.
What We Love
- The set includes 36 wooden stacking rocks in different shapes and sizes, allowing children to develop their color perception and stimulate their imagination and creativity.
- The balancing stacking game helps stimulate children’s sense of challenge, develop their coordination and attention, and promote spatial and logical thinking skills.
- The blocks are made of high-quality wood coated with water-based paint, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, ensuring the safety of toddlers.
What We Didn’t Like
- The set only includes 36 blocks, which may not be enough for children who want to build more complex structures.
- The blocks may be challenging for younger children to balance and stack.
The balancing game is challenging enough to keep children engaged, but not so difficult that they become frustrated. We were also impressed with the quality of the blocks, which are smooth and free of burrs, ensuring the safety of toddlers.
Best Pattern Blocks for Older Children
LOVESTOWN Wooden Pattern Blocks
. The blocks are made of high-quality wood, well-polished, and painted with eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, making them safe for children to play with. The set includes 209 wooden blocks and 24 design cards, featuring animals, buildings, and transportation, making it perfect for both boys and girls. It also comes with a storage bag for easier storage and carrying.
What We Love
- The blocks are made of high-quality wood, well-polished, and painted with eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, making them safe for children to play with.
- This tangram puzzle set is an excellent educational tool for children to learn about shapes, colors, and space, promoting their imagination and creativity.
- The set includes 209 wooden blocks and 24 design cards, featuring animals, buildings, and transportation, making it perfect for both boys and girls. It also comes with a storage bag for easier storage and carrying.
What We Didn’t Like
- The blocks and cards are relatively small, which could be a problem for younger children or those with poor fine motor skills.
- The design cards could be more challenging for older children.
The tangram puzzle set is an excellent educational tool for children to learn about shapes, colors, and space, promoting their imagination and creativity. The design cards are easy to follow and offer a range of difficulty levels, making them suitable for children of different ages and skill levels.
Best Magnetic Wooden Blocks
Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set
The magnetic feature of the blocks adds a new level of play and allows for unique building possibilities. The variety of shapes and sizes in the set means that our kids never get bored and are constantly coming up with new creations.
What We Love
- The magnetic feature of the blocks adds a new level of play and creativity.
- The variety of shapes and sizes allows for endless possibilities in building and creating.
- Made with sustainably sourced hardwoods and safe water-based finishes, these blocks are environmentally friendly and safe for kids.
What We Didn’t Like
- The blocks are expensive compared to other wooden block sets.
- The blocks are heavy and may not be ideal for travel or on-the-go play.
One downside to the blocks is their price point, which is higher than other wooden block sets. However, we believe that the quality and sustainability of the product justifies the cost. Additionally, the magnetic feature can be limiting for some types of building and play, but we have found that it adds a new level of challenge and creativity.
Buying Guide for Traditional blocks
When it comes to buying classic wooden building blocks, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you choose the best wooden block set. Here are some features to look for:
Material for wooden blocks for toddlers
The first thing to consider is the material of the blocks. Traditional wooden blocks are usually made from different types of wood, such as maple, birch, or pine. Make sure the blocks are made from high-quality wood that is durable and safe for children to play with.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the blocks are also important. Blocks that are too small can be a choking hazard for young children, while blocks that are too large can be difficult for small hands to manipulate.
Look for wooden block toys that are a good size for your child’s age and skill level to help with their hand eye coordination, also look for blocks offering free delivery. For older children look for architectural blocks which offer more design features and complexity for example tegu blocks, see our guide to tegu.
Number of Pieces
Consider the number of pieces in the colored blocks set. A larger block set may offer more opportunities for creativity and building games, but may also be more expensive. Choose wooden building blocks that can be merged with other construction blocks sets and styles to create more game play.
A smaller set may be more affordable, but may limit your child’s building options. Try and break up the sets from the standard blocks to more open play toys and ensure you have a wide range of colours to help small world play.
Design
The design of the blocks can also impact your child’s play experience. Some blocks may have unique shapes or textures, while others may be plain and simple. Consider your child’s interests and preferences when choosing a design.
Safety
Finally, make sure the blocks meet safety standards and do not contain any harmful materials. Look for blocks that are certified by safety organizations such as ASTM or CPSC.
