Let's be honest, even if we really wanted to it's impossible to exclude plastic from your child's bedroom, and that's ok! But we can all make a more conscious decision when choosing decor and toys for our children by, when possible, choose other materials, recycled plastic or small made-on-demand manufacturing.
But we are happy to see that wooden toys have made a major comeback across Europe. With more parents choosing natural materials, it’s worth understanding the differences between wooden and plastic toys, and why wooden options often come out on top.
1. Durability that lasts for years
Wooden toys are naturally sturdy. They survive drops, bumps and everyday play far better than plastic toys, which tend to break or crack. This makes them ideal for passing down through siblings or saving as keepsakes.
2. Safer materials and fewer chemicals
Quality wooden toys are typically finished with water-based paints and natural oils. They don’t contain the synthetic additives often found in plastics, making them a reassuring choice for babies and toddlers who like to explore with their hands and mouths.
3. Support for open-ended, imaginative play
Wooden toys usually have simpler shapes and fewer buttons or sounds. This encourages children to use their imagination, develop problem-solving skills and create their own worlds instead of relying on preset play patterns.
4. A calmer aesthetic for the home
Many families prefer wooden toys because they blend beautifully with neutral, Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Their earthy colours and textures look harmonious in children’s rooms and living spaces.
5. More sustainable
Wood is a renewable material, and high-quality wooden toys tend to be produced in small batches, with more focus on craftsmanship. They also last longer, reducing the need to replace them frequently.Ultimately, both wooden and plastic toys have a place in a child’s life. But choosing a few well-made wooden pieces can bring beauty, durability and calmness to everyday play.
View our beloved handcrafted Wooden Toy Set by Golden Pigs®.
Lots of Love,
Lilla North
