There’s something special about wooden toys that makes them stand out from other types of toys. They’re elegant and timeless, and they’re usually of high quality. Plus, they feel pleasant in the hand and are good for the environment. Whether or not they’re handcrafted, wooden toys for babies are sure to be a hit.
They’re usually more durable than plastic toys which have harmful chemicals (1). Furthermore, it is concerning to note that some plastic toys marketed to children contain alarmingly high levels of cadmium and lead (2).
We’ve spent a lot of time looking for high-quality, reasonably priced wooden toys that are also free of lead paint and other toxins. To save you time and effort, we’ve put together this list of the best wooden toys for babies and toddlers.
Our Top Picks
- Best Wooden Rattle Toy: Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle
- Best Wooden Lock Toy: Guidecraft Peekaboo Lock Boxes
- Best Wooden Cleaning Toy: Melissa & Doug Dust! Sweep! Mop!
- Best Wooden Ride-On Bike: Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike
- Best Unique Wooden Toy: Elite Montessori Object Permanence Box
- Best Wooden Push Stroller: labebe Baby Push Walker
- Best Wooden Activity Center: Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center
- Best Wooden Montessori Toy: Montessori Shape Size Sorting Carrots Harvest
- Best Wooden Musical Toy: Manhattan Toy Musical Forest Trio
- Best Wooden Pretend Play Set: CARLORBO Wooden Toys
- Best Wooden Stacking Toy: Lewo Wooden Rainbow Stacking Game
- Best Wooden Bead Maze: Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze
- Best Wooden Jumbo Puzzle: Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle
- Best Wooden Train Set: BRIO World Wood Toy Train Set
- Best Wooden Building Blocks: Melissa & Doug Wood Building Blocks
- Best Wooden Drum: PlanToys Solid Drum
- Best Wooden Dollhouse: Wooden Dollhouse by Hape
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Wooden Toys For Babies And Toddlers Picks
1. Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle – Best Wooden Rattle Toy
This baby toy has been a favorite of both parents and babies for generations. With its interlocking wooden dowels and clever design, it’s sure to captivate your little one as they begin to explore the world around them.
Crafted from sturdy rubberwood, this wooden rattle is built to last and is free from any harmful splinters or chips. Plus, its non-toxic water-based coating makes it safe for even the youngest babies to chew and play with. When shaken, the Skwish produces a gentle, pleasing sound that’s perfect for helping your baby learn about cause and effect. And unlike many noisy electronic toys, this rattle won’t drive you crazy with constant beeping and chirping!
2. Guidecraft Peekaboo Lock Boxes – Best Wooden Lock Toy
The realistic latches on each box mimic real-life adult items, making it the perfect toy for inquisitive toddlers who want to be just like mom and dad. Inside each box, there is a wooden block that fits snugly into the top hole. Toddlers can easily open the latches, take out the wooden blocks, and then lock the latch back up to repeat the process.
3. Melissa & Doug Dust! Sweep! Mop! – Best Wooden Cleaning Toy
Get ready for some cleaning fun with this six-piece toy cleaning set designed specifically for kids! The broom, mop, duster, dustpan, hand brush, and stand are all included in this set. The natural wood handles make the cleaning tools sturdy and long-lasting, while the vibrant colors give them a fun and playful look.
The soft bristles on the hand brush and long-handled broom allow for gentle cleaning on all surfaces. The duster features strengthened fibers to ensure that it won’t shed. When playtime is over, simply hang the cleaning supplies from the strong cords on the stand for tidy and space-saving storage.
4. Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike – Best Wooden Ride-On Bike
The Hape Scoot Around is a fantastic first-time rider scooter for toddlers aged 12 months and up. With four rubber wheels, this wooden foot-powered scooter is gentle on floors and built to last.
As your little ones zip around, they’ll develop their balance and strengthen their muscles while building active motor skills. Plus, they’ll gain confidence as they explore the world on their terms.
This push scooter is perfect for trips to the park or for indoor play. It’s easy to pack and even doubles as a push or pull toy, providing you with quality bonding time with your kids.
5. Elite Montessori Object Permanence Box – Best Unique Wooden Toy
Picture your little one’s face lighting up with pride as they accomplish a task all on their own with this exciting toy! The objective is to push the small ball through the hole in the box, and then observe it rolling out the other end and into the accompanying tray. By doing this repeatedly, your child will develop hand, wrist, and finger control, as well as “refined hand movements,” which are crucial for future tasks like writing and drawing.
6. labebe Baby Push Walker – Best Wooden Push Stroller
This wooden push walker is crafted from premium quality materials like solid wood and sturdy plywood, giving it the ideal weight to manage the speed of the stroller. The canvas of the wooden shopping cart can be removed for easy cleaning and it is stain-resistant. Plus, the rubber wheels roll quietly, while the sturdy frame and toy storage is designed to keep your little ones engaged. Your little one can bring along their favorite doll for a lifelike pretend game while you shop!
7. Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center – Best Wooden Activity Center
This activity center is designed with four quadrants, each one featuring a variety of exciting activities that mimic the things you might find in and around a tree.
Your little ones will be able to play sitting or on their knees, and they’ll love exploring the springtime flower, the six colorful bead runs, and the six tracks with animal-themed gliders, among other features. This activity center is made from high-quality wood and is built to last, so your little ones can play with it for years to come.
It’s important to note that while this activity center is sturdy and well-built, it is not designed to provide support for standing or pull-ups.
8. Montessori Shape Size Sorting Carrots Harvest – Best Wooden Montessori Toy
Designed to foster resourcefulness, independence, and exploration, this toy is perfect for young children. Each “carrot” is identical in color, shape, and texture, with the only difference being the size. This allows your children to focus on the task at hand without any confusion or distraction.
Kids love participating in practical family activities, and this toy simulates the growth of carrots in a garden, encouraging them to engage in the task at hand. With its sturdy material and high-quality finish, you don’t have to worry if your child accidentally drops or throws it during playtime.
9. Manhattan Toy Musical Forest Trio – Best Wooden Musical Toy
This set is not your average singing trio, instead, it’s a trio of wooden instruments that are perfect for your baby. The three-piece collection is made of durable and sustainable solid wood and includes a bear rattle, a llama with clacking blankets, and a hedgehog with a mallet to play the guiro on its back.
All of the instruments in this trio are completely safe for your baby and are made from non-toxic materials. The adorable animal designs are screen-printed with vibrant colors on both sides, providing visual stimulation for your little one.
10. CARLORBO Wooden Toys – Best Wooden Pretend Play Set
Complete with a handy tray for easy organization and transport, this premium wooden set features smooth surfaces and curves that are both odorless and non-toxic, so you can rest assured your child is safe while they play.
The fruits in this play food toy have textured peels or visible seeds for a more lifelike appearance. By encouraging early imaginative play, this set not only helps strengthen language skills but also promotes a healthy diet and an understanding of different food categories.
11. Lewo Wooden Rainbow Stacking Game – Best Wooden Stacking Toy
This stacking toy can be used to build a bridge, tunnel, home, or anything that your child can imagine. The possibilities are endless! And not only that but the Rainbow Stacker can also be used in conjunction with other toys, such as rainbow peg dolls, to create an even more engaging play experience.
While playing with these rainbow blocks, your child can explore different colors, develop fine motor skills, and sharpen reasoning and thinking skills. Plus, it’s a great way to unleash their creativity and imagination!
12. Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze – Best Wooden Bead Maze
This remarkable bead labyrinth is a fantastic addition to any high chair, adding a fun twist to mealtime! The brightly colored, diverse beads spin and slide across the red and yellow wire paths, anchored by a durable suction cup base. Through play, the labyrinth promotes the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and color recognition.
Designed for children 12 months and up, this toy has been carefully crafted with high-quality materials. Two blocks of solid wood are joined by four soft-coated wires, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and ensuring safe, long-lasting use.
13. Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – Best Wooden Jumbo Puzzle
This extra-thick puzzle is designed with vibrant colors and includes images of a home in different shapes – oval, circle, rectangle, square, and triangle. Each piece comes with a full-color illustration below it to make it easier for your child to match the pieces together. What’s more, the jumbo wooden knobs are durable and secure, making them easy for little hands to grasp. Made with high-quality hardwood components, this puzzle is built to last.
14. BRIO World Wood Toy Train Set – Best Wooden Train Set
With a vintage-inspired engine leading the way, kids aged two and up will love traveling around the racetrack, stopping at the all-wooden station, and chugging over the bridge. This train set is not only entertaining but also a beautiful addition to any home, with its clean, Scandinavian-inspired design.
Crafted from FSC-certified wood and built to BRIO’s high standards, this train set is made to last and provides endless hours of fun while promoting fine motor skills and learning about the world around us. All aboard for a journey of discovery and play!
15. Melissa & Doug Wood Building Blocks – Best Wooden Building Blocks
Crafted from smooth and sanded hardwood, these blocks are the perfect tool to encourage screen-free play. With their naturally polished finish, these blocks are not only safe for children to play with, but also provide a sleek and polished appearance.
But that’s not all! These blocks come with a wooden storage container that makes them easy to keep organized and ideal for on-the-go playtime. Made for kids aged 3 and up, this kit also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that your child can have hours of fun and learning.
16. PlanToys Solid Drum – Best Wooden Drum
Designed for toddlers and preschoolers aged 18 months and up, this drum is the perfect size for small hands to grasp and play with. It’s a fantastic tool for developing your child’s hearing abilities and arm muscles as they explore the different sounds they can create by tapping on different parts of the drum’s surface.
Made from high-quality materials, this Solid Drum is durable and built to last. It’s an excellent way to introduce your little ones to the joys of music and rhythm while also providing a fun and engaging playtime activity.
17. Wooden Dollhouse by Hape – Best Wooden Dollhouse
This dollhouse comes with six complete sets of furniture, allowing your child to furnish each room of the house. From the living room to the kitchen, from the family bathroom to the master bedroom, and even the cozy cellar, the doll family has everything they need. The movable elements of the dollhouse also add to the fun, allowing your child to arrange and decorate the home in any way they desire. Suitable for children ages 3 and up.
How To Choose The Best Wooden Toy?
- Age-Appropriate: You’ll want to make sure the toy is age-appropriate. The best wooden toys are designed for children of specific age ranges. This ensures that your child will be able to safely play with the toy.
- Type: There are many different types of wooden toys available, from traditional blocks to more modern puzzles and games. Consider what type of toy your child would most enjoy before making your purchase.
- Materials: The best wooden toys are made from durable hardwoods, such as maple or birch. These materials are less likely to splinter or break, making them safer for your child to play with.
- Child Interests: Does your child like to build things? Or are they more interested in pretend play? Choose a wooden toy that will match their interests.
Are Wooden Toys Better Than Plastic?
It depends on a number of factors, including what kind of toy it is, how it’s made, and personal preferences.
Some people prefer wooden toys because they tend to be more durable than plastic or fabric toys. They can also be more environmentally friendly, since they’re made from a renewable resource. wooden toys can also have a more classic look and feel than toys made from other materials.
In addition, the size of wooden toys is not small enough for infants and young children to be able to swallow and this is an important checkpoint because infants tend to feel the object in their own touching and therefore to have everything to the lip (3).
Why Do Montessori Use Wooden Toys?
There are a few reasons why Montessori schools might choose to use wooden toys (4). One reason is that wooden toys tend to be more durable than toys made from other materials. This means that they can be used for longer periods of time, which can be helpful when operating on a tight budget. Additionally, wooden toys typically have a more classic and timeless look than toys made from plastic or other materials. This can help create a calm and peaceful atmosphere in the classroom.
How Long Do Wooden Toys Last?
Wooden toys are built to last and can be passed down from generation to generation. They are strong and durable, which is why many parents choose them for their children. With proper care, wooden toys can last a lifetime.
Are Wood Toys Sanitary?
Wood toys are made of natural materials and are not treated with chemicals or pesticides, making them a safe choice for children. Some parents prefer wood toys because they are less likely to harbor bacteria than plastic toys.
How Do You Sterilize Wooden Toys?
Wooden toys can be sterilized using boiling water or vinegar and water solution. To sterilize with boiling water, simply place the toys in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. To sterilize with a vinegar and water solution, mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and soak the toys for a few minutes.
