What You Are Buying When You Purchase Wood Toys

Wood toys offer something different. Once, nearly all toys were made of wood. Now, it seems that more and more toys are being made of plastics. Parents might find that going back to a simpler time by buying wood toys brings rewards they never considered.

1. Wood toys are durable. Plastic toys are not made with any concept of how rough children play with them. Even though they may pass minimum testing, they are no match for toys made of solid hardwood construction. They cannot be torn apart or broken into pieces -- they are strong and tough.

2. Long term value counts. While plastic toys may be cheaper, they are not designed to survive more than one child. Wood toys will not only make it through the use of one child, they will be around for that generation's children and grandchildren. When you consider the time that the toys will be used, the cost is very inexpensive.

3. Quality is important. Not all wood toys are made with quality construction methods. It is necessary to check the ordering information you get to make sure. See that the manufacturer is using good hardwoods or woods that are appropriate for those particular wood toys.

4. Safety is in the spotlight. Not all wood toys are the best, but the wood toys that are safe for children have special safety features. Look for rounded corners, nontoxic paints, wood that will not splinter, and no small pieces.

5. Wood toys add decorative flair. Your child's room will have a more classic look with wood toys and toy boxes in it. Their brightly painted surfaces will add interest that plastic toys could not begin to equal. Wood toys can be seen as decorations as well as playthings. Other toys are simply seen as clutter.

6. You buy variety. Wood toys come in many different categories, from wood blocks to pull-along toys. There are rocking chairs and maze tables. Older children will enjoy playing Chinese checkers on a classic wooden board. There is something for every child.

7. Fun is the name of the game. Children will truly have fun with their wood toys. They will play with them from the time they are toddlers until they are grown. The charm of wooden toys is not lost on youngsters, who cherish them and play to their heart's content.

8. Wood toys are easy to clean up. Most of them have only a few pieces. The prime exception is wood blocks, which can be gathered up quickly and stored in a wood toy box. When wood toys have a good finish on them, they are also easy to wipe down after a spill.

9. Wood toys give you peace of mind. You can rest assured that wood toys containing only large pieces will not present a choking hazard for your small child. There will be no toxic paints to make her sick. The toys will not fall apart the first week after the child receives them. You can have peace of mind, knowing you have made a wise investment in durable wood toys.

Ray Subs works with Heirloom Wooden Toys as a public relations consultant, more information about wood toys can be found at www.heirloomwoodentoys.com