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Wooden Toys Are the Hot Old ThingConsumer Interest in Natural Products Continues
While the furor over the recalls last summer has simmered down a bit, wooden toys are still enjoying a resurgence. Here, TDmonthly Magazine presents some of the latest toys that started as trees. Check back weekly; the article will be updated as new products come in.
See a trend report here, and for a recent take on this old-fashioned category, see the December 2007 story, Wooden Toys Catch Fire.
Melissa & Doug® Ms. Rachel™ Wooden Phonics by MELISSA & DOUG
 Bring the magic of Ms. Rachel into playtime with this officially licensed wooden alphabet puzzle that makes learning come alive. When little ones lift any of the 26 solid wooden letter pieces, they'll hear Ms. Rachel herself clearly pronounce each letter and corresponding word, creating an engaging phonics experience (just remember to play in bright light for optimal sound activation). The clever design includes an on/off switch for quiet moments, running on 2 AAA batteries (not included). More than just fun, this thoughtfully crafted puzzle builds essential early skills as children develop vocabulary, letter recognition, memory, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on play. The sturdy wooden construction encourages fine motor development as kids practice hand-eye coordination while matching each chunky letter to its proper space. Created in collaboration with Ms. Rachel and early childhood experts, this versatile learning tool grows with your child from those first curious baby years through preschool. Perfect for ages 2 to 6, it makes an ideal gift that combines screen-free entertainment with meaningful skill-building. Part of Ms. Rachel's complete line of developmental toys - from tummy time essentials to interactive plush friends - this puzzle delivers trusted educational value in every playful moment. 6/12/2025
Balancing Tree by PLANTOYS
 Help develop fine motor skills. Toss the dice to see what color you get, then choose an animal that have the same color as the one you rolled. The player that can balance the animals on the boat using the pincers without making it fall is the winner. The set consists of a boat, 6 pairs of animals, a dice, and a pincers. Ideal for 1 to 4 players. 12/30/2015
My First Loom by HAPE
 Make the shuttles go zip and zoom as you weave your very own design. Talk about the way cloth is made. Look at different kinds of fabric. 11/13/2014
Balance Boat - Endangered Animals by BEGINAGAIN
 Kids develop dexterity, patience and pretend play skills with the BeginAgain Balance Boat. Inventing their own games and stories, kids will stack the brightly colored endangered animals as high as they can, balancing them atop the 6"x12" wooden boat. The animals are also perfect pocket pals, starring daily in pretend adventures. Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with non-toxic, child-safe stains, each of the 15 pieces in this playset is double-sided and one inch thick. Recommended for ages 3+, the Balance Boat includes a 14" x 12" wood tray for storage and display.
9/22/2014 (Price: $35.00; Age: 3 and up)
Lincoln Logs Collector's Edition Homestead by K'NEX BRANDS
 The BIGGEST Lincoln Logs® set ever created - over 330 parts, including real wood Lincoln Logs®, just like you remember! Includes a frontiersman figure, 2 horses and a buildable covered wagon that really moves. Packaged in a beautiful, silver-accented tube for durable storage 8/28/2014 (Price: $99; Age: 3 and up)
Tree Top Adventure by MANHATTAN TOY
 This wooden activity center is packed full of exciting features! Includes 4 quadrants with a variety of activities: 6 tracks with animal-themed gliders, 6 bead runs with colorful wooden beads, a spring flower and more. Adult assembly required. 4/28/2014 (Price: $99.95)
Apple Ball Roller by PURE PLAY TOYS
 An apple a day makes everyone play! With Pure Play Toys' Wooden Apple Ball Roller, kids love watching the large wooden balls meander along the “worm tracks” and through holes in the brilliantly colored apple. This toy's large size makes it a perfect center piece for retailers, homes and preschools. Unlike most marble or ball run toys, Pure Play Toys' Wooden Apple Ball Roller has been engineered to be safe for children under 3 years old. Comes with three 1-1/2” diameter wooden balls - too large to pose a choking hazard. Measures 24"H x 20"W x 8-1/2"D. Safe for ages 18 months and up. 4/7/2014 (Age: 2 and up)
KEVA Trebuchet by MINDWARE
 Build your own medieval siege engine from pre-drilled planks, a little glue and the help of easy, step-by-step “blueprint” instructions. Then let the fun and experimentation begin! What travels farther: a marshmallow or a piece of macaroni? Alter the counterweight to adjust the trebuchet's hurl, and practice knocking down a field of target planks using the two included balls.
— In a February 2014 survey, Julie Steinbach, owner of Rainbow Toys in Falmouth, Maine, told TDmonthly that this Trebuchet from Mindware was among their best-selling wooden toys.
— Tye Steinbach from Thinker Toys in Portland, Ore., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this is one of their best-selling activity kits. 2/27/2014 (Price: $29.95; Age: 7 and up)
Croc Pile by AREAWARE
 A set of five stackable wooden crocodiles. 6/18/2013
Rainbow House by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.
Discover the possibilities! Your little one will love the Rainbow House Pegging Game from HABA! Stackable, colorful fun! 19 parts, 1 peg base with 3 pegs. 5/23/2013
Brio Farm Railway Set by SCHYLLING
 This rural railway set has the classic Brio quality and features a barn with loading crane, farm engine with wagon, farm tractor with trailer, farm animals and hay bale.
— In a February 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Brio Trains were among their best-selling wooden toys.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Ok., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Brio was one of the store's best-selling brand of collectibles.
— In a February 2015 survey, Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding (aka Sand Castle Toys Inc) in Mattapoisett, Mass., told TDmonthly that Brio trains are her some of her store's best-selling wooden toys. 4/29/2013 (Price: $59.99; Age: 3 and up)
 Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
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