Why wooden toys are better than plastic ones?

Are wooden toys really better than plastic ones? To find an answer one must take a closer look. I have to admit that my preference lies with the toys made from wood and I decided to investigate into the topic.

When it is about our children you tend to choose the best option possible, however some things seem too good to be true. Nowadays, practically 99% of all toys being sold are made from plastic and metal. Wooden toys are hard to come across. This is really a sad situation since these toys had always been an important part of our cultural heritage and, one can assume, they are safer than plastic ones.

How many times we were told that plastic or painted toys are safe, only to learn later on that a specific toy had again been recalled due to unsafe amount of lead in the paint or other risks? This is especially true when it comes to babies and toddlers. They tend to put everything in their mouth, and a piece of plastic or metal or a painted toy is probably the last thing you want to see in your kid’s mouth.

Taking into account the problems of sustainability and keeping in mind that many toys end up in a landfill, wood, by all means, shows to good advantage. From the point of view of durability and endurance and taking into account all the the pressure the little owners put onto their toys, - both plastic and wood materials, - depending on a specific toy,- can show great qualities.

It looks like when there is a choice between wooden and plastic toy, the latter one has more chances to be purchased. And consumers, so it seems, don't even consider buying a wooden toy for their children. But at the end of the day wooden toy will likely prove to be more useful.

Let's think about the differences between the two toy types. Plastic toys break easily and can potentially cut or scrape child’s skin. Wooden toys, on the contrary, are more durable. If you step on a plastic truck chances are it will break, with potentially dangerous sharp edged piece. This toy will end up in landfill in no time.

Wooden toys encourage a child to use his or her creative potential. Such simple activities as “baking” in kid's own miniature kitchen or rocking on a wooden horse contribute to development of creativity and visual images.

One may wonder why parents quite often offer their children simple wooden toys instead of those cheap China-made plastic ones. Lots of people think that plastic toys are more practical than wooden, primarily because of the cheaper cost. Despite the higher cost of wooden toys they are winners in a long run. Wood is sustainable and recyclable material. Acquiring a wooden toy you also help to protect the environment. And besides, wooden toys have more sentimental value for the kids themselves.

Through playing our children get educated and emotionally developed. Wooden toys are sensible choice for the little ones. Among these toys you can find miniature farm animals’ sets for toddlers as well as doll houses. Many wooden toys, such as puzzles and brain-teasers and blocks, are appropriate for preschoolers and elementary school children.

Wooden toys last longer than their plastic or metal “competitors”. If properly taken care of, such toys can remain with the child throughout the whole childhood and maybe even get passed along to a next generation.

How wooden toys are made? Wood is easy accessible material and can be worked with simple tools. It is really sad to see that there isn’t sufficient selection of wooden toys in toy stores.

Web-based retailers offer larger selection of wooden toys, which makes it easier for parents to target-shop. The selection in real stores remains poor.

Did you ever see a child who, - in the room filled with newest toys, - still prefers to play with vintage wooden toys, similar to those you played with as a child? This picture has a consoling effect. It is maybe because we feel nostalgic about it. In this modern world of disposable consumption one can rejoice seeing the lasting toy. And it is especially nice to see the toys that are passed on from generation to generation. All new gadgets and modern toys cannot entirely replace those old traditional ones made from wood. Children know it and especially so us, parents.

Wooden toys are toys that are made from natural materials, unlike the plastic toys. We try to recycle plastic but it is a costly process, and making new plastic is still cheaper. Wooden toys are easier on our environment, one of the reasons we like wood better, even on subconscious level. There are plenty of emotional and sensorial reasons as well. Tactile sensation remains one of the main aspects of educational programs, which aid children in development of their various capabilities. While playing with wooden toys, by touching and exploring, your children always find something new to learn about. Besides, one can purchase toys and games, specifically designed for children's development.

Plastic toys come in different shapes and sizes, a large variety of brightly coloured toys attract children of all ages. They are durable, washable and quite safe, however, like with any toys, one must check the safety regulations when choosing a toy for a kid.

Safety labels are the most important things a customer must check. The label “CE” would guarantee that a certain plastic toy complies with safety standards and precautions. Absence of “CE” label would advise against buying the toy, as it might not be entirely safe for your child.

Author: Росс Тэннер