Update- I just found out that these are made from rubberwood. The rubberwood trees are treated with fungicides which are carcinogens to all mammals. Should have known the Melissa and Doug brand with all their recalls and tests that failed due to lead, barium and other toxins found in their paint (for baby toys) would put out a bad product at every turn. Just stick with blocks from European-made companies such as Grimm's, Gluckskafer, or USA-made such as Community Playthings. It's what's safe for our little ones.
I made the swap from plastic toys to wood toys a couple of years ago. I did some research and came up with brand names like Hape, Haba, Plan Toys, Grimm's, etc. My personal favorites were the Haba toys made in Germany like their clutching toys, as well as toys from Grimm's which are all made in Germany. Those toys are pricey though. I wondered why Melissa and Doug's toys were so cheap compared to most of the other reputable companies that make wooden toys. I found that first and foremost, most of Melissa and Doug toys are made in China.
I'm not a fan of child labor, so that was a no. I simply cannot bring myself to buy toys (of all things) for my own children to play with when it's made by children in China who should be able to play like mine are able to. Rather those children are treated cruelly, like slaves, made to work in horrible conditions creating toys while being paid a pittance, if that. I furthermore found that this brand also fails its tests. They found lead in the paint used on the baby toys, among other things. So, I have stayed away from the Melissa and Doug brand ever since I learned about how their company operates. They are not a simple mom and pop company like the name would innocently suggest.
Last year I wanted some neutral colored blocks. These blocks kept coming up as recommendations. After a lot of looking and not finding a good alternative, I bit the bullet and just purchased this set. Upon arrival, I inspected it thoroughly. I am very surprised by the quality I found. It arrived in a box which said made in Thailand. The crate, while not the sturdiest, will perform the job it's intended to do.
The blocks themselves are beautiful. Not hollow and cheap, but a good heavy, quality wood. Smoothly sanded down, rounded edges. Just what I was wanting for my 2-year-old toddler. I have a six-month-old baby boy who handles small toys right now. I look forward to him playing with these within the year as well. My 9-year-old will like them fine and play with them, but I will get him precision blocks later. The kind you can really stack very tall and have an easier time doing that. Since these have rounded edges, in my opinion, they are perfect for younger ones who will build smaller creations.
While these are currently stashed away and waiting to be opened on Christmas, I will say I have been incredibly tempted to get them out and just start playing with them with my children. They truly are a five-star product. I cannot find anything wrong with them at all. If a problem arises I will be sure to contact the company and come update my review here.
For a company that is able to put out such a quality product and make it in Thailand, it's obvious they make most of their toys in China with inferior quality since money matters more than quality. Due to this, with the exception of their architectural blocks and depending on where those are made, I don't think I would personally buy anything else from this company myself.
| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 503 |
| Number of Pieces | 50 |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Material Type(s) | Wood |
| Remote Control Included? | No |
| Language | English |
| Mfg Recommended age | 36 months - 8 years |
| Item model number | 503 |
| Product Dimensions | 13.34 x 31.75 x 38.1 cm; 9.12 Kilograms |
| ASIN | B00008W72D |
