The 4 Essential Benefits of Wooden Toys for Children

There are many reasons why wooden toys are still as popular as ever with parents, educators and children all over the world.

 First of all, a huge benefit of wooden toys is that they last longer than other toys. They don’t break, snap or wear down as easily due to the durable materials they are made from. This makes them a favourite with parents as they don’t have to be replaced so often, saving them money in the long run.

Parents can also relax, knowing that they’re made from natural materials without the harmful chemicals that are found in some plastics. This also makes them much more sustainable which is also better for the planet as well as our kids.

Another key advantage of wooden toys is their ability to spark creativity and imagination in children of all ages. Wooden toys encourage children to invent their own games, stories and characters, without being distracted by screens and other electronic distractions.

Alongside this open play, wooden toys are designed to promote learning and development, such as cognitive skills, spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities.

Durability and Longevity of Wooden Toys 

When wooden toys are crafted out of high-quality materials, there’s no doubt that they are much more durable than plastic or electronic toys. As we all know, children can be rough with their toys when playing, and things get broken easily. With the advantage of being well-constructed and stronger, wooden toys are much less likely to break, snap or crack than many plastic toys. This also makes wooden toys safer as they are less likely to have small parts that could be a choking hazard for young children.

Although wooden toys might seem more expensive to buy, they can be enjoyed for a longer period of time and potentially by more people. Because they stay in good condition wooden toys are often passed on down through families and across generations making them good value in the long term.

Stimulating Creativity and Imaginative Play 

Wooden toys are an incredible way of letting children use their imagination and creativity.

Unlike more modern toys that often come with instructions and pre-designed functions, the simplicity and versatility of wooden toys allows the child space to explore, experiment and create their own stories and thoughts.

Imaginative play and open-ended play encourage the child to make up their own games and tasks. There are no switches, screens, or sounds telling or guiding them what to do which also gives the child peace to think. In today’s fast-paced, technology-mad world, wooden toys offer a balance and a chance to lead their own learning rather than being led by technology.

These skills are vital for a child’s growth and cognitive development, stimulating emotional intelligence, social intelligence, critical thinking, focus and motor skills.

Safety and Eco-Friendliness of Wooden Toys 

As wooden toys are usually made from non-toxic materials, they reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals often found in plastic. When choosing a wooden toy, look for high-quality woods, water-based paint or lacquers, and food-grade oils as these are a much safer option for children to play with. This is especially important due to toys often ending up in young mouths. Another health benefit of wooden toys is that children are not exposed to screens which is better for their eye health and overall cognitive development.

 Wooden toys can also be classed as more eco-friendly, which is perfect if you are looking for an alternative to a plastic toy. This is because they are usually made from sustainable, biodegradable and renewable resources. As they are longer-lasting, they can also be passed on down through families and generations. These qualities mean that wooden toys can be reused and recycled, unlike much of the plastic currently used for other toys.

Supporting Developmental Milestones 

Wooden toys can support a whole range of very important developmental skills and milestones for younger children. The benefits of handling wooden toys like puzzles, building blocks and shape sorters are numerous.

To start with, hand-eye coordination is required as the child touches and manipulates the wooden pieces. Other sensory experiences are also stimulated through the different textures, weights and temperatures of the wood while auditory senses can be exercised through banging bricks together. It’s also believed that touching natural materials like wood are calming and help children to focus more clearly.

 When a child is doing a wooden puzzle, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are practised. Similarly, when a child is constructing with building blocks, logical reasoning and spatial awareness are developed. When building blocks fall, they become aware of cause and effect and start experimenting to overcome the challenges.

 And let’s not forget the toys that are more suited to older children. As they grow and learn about the world around them, kids love to copy who and what they see. For example, toys such as a wooden food and kitchen set can teach them about food names as well as how to prepare and cook meals. Learning these skills early on can significantly spark interest in young minds for the future.

Hip Kids’ Selection of High-Quality Wooden Toys 

It’s easy to see why wooden toys have remained popular over the centuries and why people still choose them over their more modern alternatives:

1. They are more durable and are designed to last a long time, unlike many plastic products that often end up in landfill.
2. They encourage creativity through open-ended and imaginative play. In turn, this enhances the skills for crucial cognitive development.
3. They are made from non-toxic materials which makes them safer for young children. As they can be recycled or reused, they are also more eco-friendly than many plastic products on the market.
4. They provide an opportunity to naturally integrate the development of fine motor-skills, problem-solving abilities and sensory experiences into play.

 At Hip Kids, we have an extensive range of wooden toys to suit all ages. For younger children, choose from our wooden puzzles, building blocks, shape sorters and musical instruments. For older kids, explore our range of doll houses, kitchen sets, work benches or balance bikes.