Wooden Toys: Are They Really the Best for Kids? My Honest Take!
Toys hold a special place in childhood. They aren’t just things we play with they become our little treasures, our partners in crime, and sometimes, our bedtime buddies.
But let’s be real I never really connected much with wooden toys and never understood the benefits of wooden toys. As a kid, I had my share of wooden blocks, spinning tops, and that one wooden truck (which, by the way, still exists!). But this innocent heart always dreamt of soft toys, Barbies, colorful blocks, and all those fancy playthings that made my eyes pop with excitement. Wooden toys just didn’t do that for me back then not knowing how the benefits of wooden toys really played a crucial role in our lives as kids.
Fast forward to now…
Life has a funny way of making you see things differently. Today, my son plays with the very same wooden truck I had as a child. It has survived decades of play, moving from my tiny hands to his, carrying little toy passengers, and rolling through endless imaginary adventures. Studies have also shown that wooden toys encourage problem solving skills and creativity in young minds. And studies have shown a lot of benefits of wooden toys.
That’s when it hit me wooden toys last generations. They don’t crack, break, or die out like most modern-day toys. I even remember using some of my wooden fruits as decor for Ganesh Chaturthi (who knew my childhood playthings would get a festive promotion?!).
Benefits of Wooden Toys for Toddlers:
1. They Spark Imagination
Unlike flashy, battery-operated toys that do everything for kids, wooden toys let children take charge of playtime. A wooden car isn’t just a car it can be a spaceship, a rescue vehicle, or a delivery truck. Kids build their own little world instead of watching one play out on a screen.
2. Better for Motor Skills and Coordination
Ever noticed how wooden toys usually don’t have complicated buttons or flashy lights? That’s because they encourage kids to use their hands and figure things out. Stacking blocks, fitting puzzle pieces, and rolling a wooden truck all help with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
3. No Overstimulation Just Pure Play
Modern toys come with so many bells and whistles flashing lights, loud music, and buttons that do a million things. While fun, these toys don’t always allow kids to slow down and focus. Wooden toys bring a sense of calm, letting kids engage without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Durable Enough to Last Generations
Okay, this is one point I totally agree with. That wooden truck from my childhood? Still going strong, while some of my son’s plastic toys barely lasted a few months. Wooden toys can take a beating, and they don’t break as easily making them a solid (and sustainable) investment.
5. Less Plastic, More Sustainability
I may not be a huge fan of wooden toys personally, but I do appreciate their eco-friendly factor. They’re biodegradable, don’t add to plastic waste, and are often made with non-toxic materials so no worrying about harmful chemicals.
My Honest Conclusion?
Do I love wooden toys? Not really. Do I think there alot of benefits of wooden toys for kids? Absolutely!
At the end of the day, every child is different. Some may thrive with colorful, interactive toys, while others enjoy the simplicity of wooden ones. Personally, I keep a mix some bright and engaging toys for excitement, and a few classic wooden ones for open-ended play. Open-ended toys, like wooden blocks and puzzles, nurture patience and creativity key aspects of emotional intelligence in kids
While I may not have been a huge fan back then, I now see their value both as a parent and as someone watching childhood memories come full circle. I now understand and read about the benefits of wooden toys in child’s play. Choosing mindful playthings, like wooden toys, aligns with mindful parenting techniques that help children grow emotionally and mentally.
Would I buy my son more wooden toys? Yes. Would I ban all other toys? Nope. Toys should spark joy, creativity, and endless imagination whether they’re wooden, plastic, or a mix of both. Many parents are now choosing sustainable wooden toys from brands like PlanToys that prioritize child-safe, eco-friendly play.
What about you? Are you team wooden toys or colorful, eye-catching ones? Let’s chat in the comments! 😊