One wooden block after another: Building and constructing is an important activity for children – not only is it fun, but it also requires many different skills. Find out here why building blocks play such an important role in children’s development.
One wooden block after another: Building and constructing is an important activity for children – not only is it fun, but it also requires many different skills. Find out here why building blocks play such an important role in children’s development.
Especially in the first years of life, touching, grasping, and feeling play an important role as children explore their surroundings. That’s why wooden building blocks are among the most popular toys for babies and young children.
Few toys support children’s development as holistically as classic wooden blocks. While interlocking or magnetic blocks are also popular and allow for endless creative play, they have clear limits when it comes to balance and structure. Stacking wooden blocks requires precision and patience – and that’s where valuable learning begins. Children train motor skills, concentration, and spatial awareness – all while having fun building!
From around 12 months, children can begin exploring large, easy-to-grasp blocks. At first, it’s all about stacking and enjoying their first sense of accomplishment. As they grow, creativity unfolds – from towers and castles to imaginative figures. Step by step, wooden building blocks grow with your child’s abilities.
The ideal number depends on your child’s age and play ideas. For babies and toddlers, a smaller set of 20–30 blocks is often enough for the first stacking adventures. From around 2–3 years, children enjoy larger wooden block sets with 40 or more pieces that allow them to create more elaborate structures.
The beauty of wooden building blocks lies in their timeless appeal. They accompany children for many years – from toddler age well into elementary school. There’s no fixed age limit: wooden blocks grow with your child’s imagination and remain engaging for a long time.
Plastic blocks are colorful and versatile, but natural, certified wooden blocks have a special charm of their own. With their warm texture and natural feel, they’re one of the best choices you can make for your child – and with a clear conscience. Children explore their creativity freely without preset rules, while parents can feel confident knowing they’ve chosen a sustainable, high-quality toy.
Wooden building blocks toys go through a lot: they’re not only stacked but sometimes thrown, chewed on, or banged together. That’s why quality and safety are essential. The surface should be smooth and splinter-free, colors must be non-toxic and saliva-resistant, and the material robust and durable.
Ideally, choose blocks made from FSC-certified beech wood – a hard, long-lasting material that’s stable and resistant. Wooden toys made in Europe must also comply with DIN EN 71 standards, which cover safety, materials, and processing. Compliance with the REACH regulation is equally important, ensuring that all materials are tested and safe.
Wooden building blocks are timeless toys that never lose their charm. Even the youngest children marvel at their first wobbly towers, and later they build castles, roads, or entire imaginary worlds. Each block challenges skill, patience, and creativity – and that’s exactly where their educational value lies.
At Merle Toys, you’ll find wooden building blocks that are safe, sustainable, and child-friendly. They grow with your child’s imagination and create countless little “Look, I can do it already!” moments.
