February 2012 Notable Toys — Wooden Toys

Many creative building and stacking combinations — ideal for stacking experiments. Includes both round & angular blocks. 22 beechwood pieces and two boards. Made in Germany.

This wooden kitchen designed in Switzerland features a sink, stovetop, cupboard, oven with see-through plexiglass door, and backsplash with three pegs, and includes 23 wooden pieces of play cookware, food and utensils. Made of Baltic birch.

A great variation on the classic ring stacker. This one has 7 rings and the top one spins like a windmill. The round pieces have 2 holes so kids can learn about 3D. Height is 18cm. Launch date: September 2011.

A deliciously beautiful patisserie tea set with 15 pieces and made from 100% plantation wood and non-toxic paints. Launch date: September 2011.

A Bi-Plane in which parts turn. Ideal for little aviators. The propeller and steering wheel spin and the little pilot comes out. The size is 28cm x 20cm x 18cm (3y+). "Dicoveroos toys are 100% Plantation Wood and only use non-toxic paints," Jane Wood, president of Bug In A Rug, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

CircaToys is a family business that designs and manufactures heirloom quality wooden toys that are handmade in Franklin, N.C. USA.  The company was founded in 2009 by Gary Murphy whose inspiration for the first toy "Wagon of Blocks" came from the original toy itself which he received on his birthday in 1942.  The original toy still exists, although beginning to show its age, having been played with by 3 generations. It is a simple toy made from basic wood shapes and threaded nuts and pegs that can be taken apart easily. It is a mechanical learning toy that opens the door for imagination building and hand eye coordination. Safety tested and approved for children 6 months and up. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine TopToy of the Year; 2010 Brain Child Tillywig