Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks with Wooden Storage Tray, 60-Piece Hardwood Sorting & Stacking Toys for Building & Balancing, Preschool Learning Toys for Kids Ages 3+

AnnaleaUnited States

Best blocks for the money. Period.

There is one reviewer here who didn't like these blocks. (I'm guessing that reviewer has other, more expensive, unit blocks.) Please allow me to address the points raised by that reviewer. "The Weight": Some children can lift 15 pounds (like my 3-year-old), and some can't. Know your child, and supervise the little ones when moving the full box of blocks. Common sense, really. Not a problem. Usually, my kids leave the box on the floor and just push it across the carpet. We have had one box split near the bottom at one end. A little wood glue and an overnight clamping session, and it was good to go. The dovetail joints are plenty strong for the job, even if there might be weak points in the wood. For the first while, my kids' favorite piece was the box (it was a boat, a bed, a car, etc.), so I'm not surprised that it had a problem. "The Smell": yes, these blocks to have a slight odor to them when the package is first opened. It's the finish they use, and it's not strong at all. I would guess it's some type of natural oil. (Tung, linseed, or something similar.) I'm highly sensitive to chemicals and other odors (headaches and allergic reactions), and this didn't bother me at all. It dissipated quickly, and is completely unnoticeable after a short while. I especially like the finish M&D use on these blocks because it's not readily apparent, and yet it has kept the wood smooth. Even blocks that sneaked (under their own power, I'm sure ;o) into the bathtub have dried very well. The grain of the wood raised slightly, but smoothed back down nicely with play, and never splintered at all. The feel of these blocks is great, too. Smooth and pleasant to touch, but with enough texture to make them easy to manipulate for small hands. "Not True Standard Unit Blocks": Um, yes, they are. The larger triangles are the size of two of the smaller triangles, two of which equal half of the standard unit block (1-1/2" x 2" x 5"). The hypotenuse of the large triangle is also the same length as the standard unit block (5"). The large triangles use variations of the same "unit" all the other blocks do. Just because HABA or other companies don't have a block that size doesn't mean it can't be done. Each and every block in this set shares the same width, as well as one other dimension (whether that second dimension is exactly the same as the first, or is a multiple of it). And those little quarter circles are some of my kids' favorites. They're also great for helping to teach fractions, as are the half circles. Put 'em on their rounded edges on top of a little block, and you've got a nifty sailboat, to boot. Or on top of a pillar, and you've got a minaret spire. They're great. "Not hardwood": Rubberwood is a hardwood. Not all hardwoods are as heavy as cherry or oak. Can you imagine how heavy this box would be if the blocks were made from a heavier hardwood? Ay! No thanks. It's heavy enough as it is. I love it that the Rubberwood is tough as well as light. Along with the very tight, straight grain and smooth feel, my kids have abused these blocks for nearly four years now, and they're still looking great. (We now own two sets.) To sum up: We love love love these blocks. If you have more than one child (or one very imaginative and creative child), you would do well to purchase two sets. (And you're still paying less for two sets than you would be buying 60 unit blocks from other companies.) Cheap? No way. An excellent value? Definitely!

VanessduhUnited States

Pleasantly Surprised For The Value

Having two kids of my own (6yo & 9mo) and running a family childcare out of my home I had been shopping around for a good deal on some large unit blocks and came across the M&D set. I read review after review thinking that the blocks must be smaller than a typical set seen in schools. For the money I figured that it would still be a steal even if the blocks were smaller than what I was looking for and would work for us temporarily until I could find a set of typical sized blocks. I still did as reviewers suggested and bought two sets and once they arrived I was pleasantly surprised that they are deffinetely the size that I was looking for. They are sturdy and smooth and of good quality. I did detect the odor that a couple of other reviewers mentioned however we've had the blocks four days now and there is no odor anymore. I have a mixed age group in my daycare home (9mo, 23mo, (2)2yo's, 3yo, 4yo, 6yo & 9yo) and I'm also pleased that the blocks are a big hit and the kids all love them, even the 9yo. Being a new toy some the littlest ones have managed to launch or drop them across the room and onto our tile floor or used them to walk across them and the blocks have so far held up very nicely and after inspecting the blocks after their unfortunate flight I haven't noticed any dents or scuffing. My 9mo son managed to steal a block from one of the kids and of course he immediately began mouthing it and working it with his two teeth. After being alerted by the squealing children that the baby was "sliming" the block and chewing on it I removed the block and inspected it and the only evidence of gnawing was the wet spot where he "slimed". I am so pleased with the two sets that I bought that I doubt I will continue to look for a "better" set and I will in fact be keeping these instead. I'm extremely happy with my purchase and the quality is much, MUCH better than I had thought based on the price. It's deffinetely a great deal for the money and not "you get what you pay for". I do have one minor complaint about the product. Each set only comes with two really long blocks 11" long and only four 5 1/2" blocks. I have 2 sets and these 12 blocks are the most prized blocks for my little builders so they have to build one structure together and aren't really able to build alone if there is more than one child or they will argue over the blocks. Granted I usually have 4 or 5 kids playing with the block set at once and I think I can purchase another set or two to help relieve the issue however I am worried that if I do that the rest of the blocks in the sets won't be played with (the squares, pillars, triangles and arches). Other than that minor flaw I would highly recommend these blocks.

FrederickUnited States

High quality blocks that inspire imagination and creativity

In this age when there are so many toys that do "one" thing (i.e., a spaceship or something) it's refreshing to see toys like this that inspire creativity and imagination. The first time I took these out of their wooden box I could tell they were high quality, and our daughter loves playing with them. They aren't perfect, but they are probably one of the best sets of blocks on the market right now. Here's what I really like about these blocks: 1) They are clearly high quality and well made: they're heavy and smooth, with no chips or rough edges anywhere. 2) They come in "quantized" lengths; in other words, the lengths of the blocks are all multiples of each other, which makes building with them much easier. Two of the small triangles together equal the size of the square; two squares together are the same size as one of the rectangles, etc. 3) They come with a wooden box that perfectly contains all the blocks for storage or transport (but it is rather heavy!). Here are a few minor drawbacks, or at least things to keep in mind: 1) As I mentioned, the blocks are heavy -- in particular, the two largest rectangle blocks are quite hefty. This normally shouldn't be a problem, but if a very young toddler was playing with these on the floor and stacked the large rectangle on top of a lot of other blocks, it could fall and cause a nasty bump on the head. We noticed the potential for this when our 18-month-old daughter played with these, and it's why we only let her play with them under our close supervision. This may also be a reason why the suggested age range is 36 months and up. 2) As other reviewers have noted, the lengths of some of the blocks are not exactly identical, especially with the wedge-shaped ones. I don't see this as an enormous drawback, but I suppose it could be an issue if you were building a really complex structure. 3) Not to state the obvious, but these definitely need a smooth hard surface beneath them. Playing with these on a thick carpet would just be an exercise in frustration! One final note: I was initially worried about being able to get all these blocks back into their storage box - figured if I didn't put them back in a certain way they wouldn't fit. As it turns out, there's no need to worry about this. It's probably easiest if you start with the largest blocks and finish with the smallest, but they go back into the box easily without needing a special order or orientation. A wonderful toy!

Lion.bunny.momUnited States

A Testimony to Timelessness

I purchased the Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks approximately seven years ago for my older son, and they have truly stood the test of time. These blocks have been a source of endless joy and learning for both of my children, making them a cherished part of our family playtime. The quality of these wooden blocks is exceptional. Even after years of enthusiastic play, they remain in impeccable condition. The craftsmanship is evident in the smooth finish and consistent sizing, which allows for stable and creative constructions. The durability is particularly noteworthy; these blocks have been dropped, stacked, and knocked over countless times, yet they show no signs of wear or damage. The versatility of the set is another standout feature. The uniform size and shape of the blocks encourage precision and balance, making them ideal for constructing various structures. The wooden storage tray adds a practical touch, promoting organization and providing an easy way to keep the play area tidy. What sets these blocks apart is their ability to engage children in open-ended play. My kids have used them to build towers, bridges, and even imaginative structures that defy gravity. The simplicity of the blocks sparks creativity, and the lack of predetermined outcomes allows for limitless exploration. As a parent who values educational toys that withstand the rigors of play, I highly recommend the Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks. This set has been a staple in our playroom, offering timeless joy and learning opportunities for both my older son and his younger sibling. It's an investment in quality and durability that continues to pay off year after year. If you're looking for a gift that transcends trends and fosters lasting memories, these blocks are an excellent choice.