The endless list of amazing attributes of wooden toys make them loveable, not just among the environmental enthusiasts but even among the rest of the population.
For me, even if they’re a bit more expensive than plastic ones, I will always opt for the wooden version of the toy.
Besides the fact that I find wooden toys extremely beautiful compared to plastic ones, I also prefer them because of durability, sturdiness and eco-friendliness.
Well, whatever your preference, there’s no denying that wooden toys are here to stay.
Let me share with you a few facts about these toys.
By Lilian.
6 Historical Facts About Wooden Toys
Wooden Toys have been Around for over 3,000 Years!
Can you even imagine that?
Wooden toys, in case you didn’t know, have been around more than any other toy!
These gorgeous toys first appeared during the ancient Greek and Roman Empires.
There are 950-900 BC images of ancient Greek wooden toys of horses with wheels which look just like the pull-along wooden toys in today’s market!
The Earliest Wooden Toy was a Rattle!
Rattles are top on the list of toys found to have existed 3,000 years ago.
The most fascinating thing is that even with the enormous growth in technology, rattles are still as popular today in early childhood as they were then!
Another wooden toy that was popular then, just as now, is the doll.
The Craft of Making Wooden Toys was Launched by German Toymakers
Around the 1700s, wooden toys were mostly hand-made for special celebrations.
It is the German toymakers who started to craft dolls and animal figures for selling in Europe.
To date, Germany’s wooden toy-making industry still goes strong!
Making wooden toys here is actually more of preserving a tradition.
The Most Manufactured Wooden Toys in the 1800s were Toy Soldiers, Doll houses and Mini-theatres
The toys were only made in primary colors such as yellow, red, blue and green.
Wooden train track sets and the Jack in the box were popular too!
The Invention of Plastic Almost Killed the Wooden Toy-making Industry
Plastic is definitely cheaper than wood.
Also, the production of plastic toys is highly mechanized, so the output per given time is always higher than hand-made wooden toys.
So, when plastic came in, the wooden toy market started to decline.
It’s only recently – the 2000s – that people have started to embrace wooden toys more.
The comeback can be attributed to people being more aware of the impact of their choices on the natural environment.
The First Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle was Invented in 1767
The main objective of the craftsman – John Spilsbury – was to teach kids the concept of maps and geography.
The puzzle was made of solid hardwood and was, at the time, too expensive to be a “toy”.
It took 100 years to produce similar puzzles made of cardboard as toys for kids.
Wooden Toys for Babies?
If you’re looking for wooden toys for babies, there’s a whole list of toys your little one will really love.
For example, wooden shape sorters, push toys, pull toys, stacking trains, animal stacking cars, puzzles, animal figures, etc.
These toys confer important benefits for your child’s development – including fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity and imagination.
Handmade Wooden Toys
Handmade wooden toys are some of the most beautiful toys you’ll find in the market.
For example, wooden dragons, rocking horses, some wooden toy cars and trucks.
Although they’re more expensive than plastic toys, their durability and visual appeal is top-notch.
Have you ever thought why the price of hand-made wooden toys is so high?
Well, let me tell you why. It takes so much time and expertise to make a single handmade wooden toy.
The highly-experienced craftsmen have to be compensated for their time and skills.
Don’t forget that wood is also quite expensive too!
Traditional Wooden Toys
There are so many amazing attributes of traditional wooden toys.
The one I love most is safety for kids.
These toys have no toxins because they’re made from natural wood.
They have no sharp edges, especially those made by top craftsmen.
What is more comforting to parents than to be assured of their kids’ safety?
I also love the classic, age-old beauty of traditional wooden toys.
They’ve been trendy for centuries, they’re trendy today, and will definitely be trendy even in future!
Last but not least, these toys are just quiet. No unnecessary noise in your home.
Isn’t this fantastic for those of us who want to have some quiet time while kids play?
What do you love about wooden toys?
Photo by cottonbro.
