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Wooden Toys: Safe and Educational Gifts for Children

By: Chris Robertson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

I have a love-hate relationship with shopping for gifts for all the children in my life. I love giving the children presents, but I hate shopping. So when I find a line of excellent toys I'm very excited. That's how I feel about handcrafted wooden toys.

Educational, safe, fun, and durable

My standards for toys are extremely high. When I give a toy to the children I love, the toy must be educational, fun, safe, and durable. Plus, I won't give anything that has lots of small parts or needs batteries. I won't buy any painted toy unless it specifically says that it is lead-free and non-toxic. That's why I'm so pleased with the natural wood toys I found online.

Encourage imaginative play

The best wooden toys for children have a simple design to encourage children to use their own imaginations. They are sturdy enough to withstand years of active play without falling apart. They can be passed on to younger children, which is not only economical but also teaches children about reusing and recycling. Toys that are handmade are especially desirable, because they support craftspeople and help children understand the value of quality. Wood from sustainably harvested forests is preferable to wood from tropical forests.

Choices for every age

A good retailer of wooden toys has a wide assortment of products to choose from. With such variety it's easy to choose the perfect gift for any age and any preference. It is true that from an early age many children show preferences for certain types of toys. Retailers with vehicles, dollhouses, animals, and puzzles have options for children of all ages and interests.

Push and pull toys are ideal for children from one to three years old. Tool kits and trucks appeal to slightly older children. Wooden building block sets provide hours of fun and imaginative play for all ages. Games and puzzles are great for anyone over five, even adults.

Personalized name board puzzles, coat racks, name train sets, and stools make perfect birthday gifts. Painted (non-toxic paints only) or in natural wood, they show that the gift-giver cared enough to order a special gift. Farm animals and miniature cars are classic gifts that survive well beyond the latest toy crazes.

Tool kits and kitchen sets are not only fun, they encourage children to practice their fine motor skills. Job-related toys educate children about the work adults do and start their thinking about work they might want to do. Wooden toys are not gender specific. Boys and girls of all ages enjoy playing with doll furniture, animals, kitchen sets, tools, vehicles, and occupational toys.

Learning by doing

Children learn by doing and playing, not just by watching and listening. Wooden toys stimulate their imagination and provide hours of safe and enjoyable play by themselves or with other children. The fine craftsmanship of wood toys teaches children about the value of quality and durability-a healthy alternative to the ever-present disposable consumer items. All in all, wooden toys are excellent products. I am delighted to give them to the children in my life.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: wooden toys
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