I was inspired by a post over at Eco Child’s Play about wooden blocks. Blocks are certainly a must have toy for early childhood. I would suggest that you avoid painted blocks, especially with vintage used blocks. I used to work at a sawmill and I provided a private school with blocks made from scraps. Maple is the best wood for toys. Aspen doesn’t splinter. I donated a bag of scrap wood that I cut into 4″X4″X1/2″. Kids used this for imaginative play and for arts and crafts.
At home, I had some leftovers from a project that looked a bit like telephone receivers. I sanded them up a bit and gave them to my 8 year olds. We have a delightful family anecdote related to the use of these blocks. The blocks that are pictured here were a very popular item at a school that my children used to attend. They are awesome toys.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:32 am
I just pulled out some vintage 1900 wooden blocks for my 1 year old grandson to play with. They’re painted on two sides. Why should I avoid them? (He doesn’t try to chew on them.)
November 23rd, 2007 at 10:36 am
The best advice is to avoid exposing children to lead as much as possible. Lead exposure can impair mental development. Paint on older objects may contain lead. there are cases of lead paint on new imported toys as well.
January 17th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
[...] those of millions of other kids have actually fueled the market for this stuff. I have seen simple wooden blocks used with equal enthusiasm. And they make a really satisfying crash when it is time to tear the old [...]
January 19th, 2009 at 12:18 am
[...] those of millions of other kids have actually fueled the market for this stuff? I have seen simple wooden blocks used with equal enthusiasm. And they make a really satisfying crash when it is time to tear the old [...]