Who makes your favorite wood blocks?

[Thystle]

Which "safe" blocks do you like the best?

[kellybelly]

HABA makes a great set. These were pricey, but WELL worth it. My DD has these out every single day, and I am amazed at all she finds to do with them.

http://www.blueberryforest.com/heirl...tarter-set.htm

[AnalogWife]

I just ordered these alphabet blocks for DS (we picked the German ones, our last name is German, and I studied it a bit in hs/college) and now I can't wait for Christmas!

http://www.playchild.com/catalog/blo...-41_1_166.html

[Panthira]

I like the plan toys 50 unit blocks.

[nascarbebe]

Originally Posted by JimmyMom

I just ordered these alphabet blocks for DS (we picked the German ones, our last name is German, and I studied it a bit in hs/college) and now I can't wait for Christmas!

http://www.playchild.com/catalog/blo...-41_1_166.html

Those made by Uncle Goose look so cool and they're made in USA. We have two sets of wooden blocks and I got both sets on eBay used for a fraction of the price. You just have to look hard and be patient. We have this one
http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/...ks-w-Cart.html
and this one
http://www.thewoodenwagon.com/p-CSH1012.html
Love them except the lighter colors get marked up by the darker blocks

I love Plan Toys and haven't had any problems with the wood or their finishes so I'd get anything made by them. Haba too.

[Eben'sMama]

We have the Uncle Goose ones, and they're great!

[Pam_and_Abigail]

I've been envying these for months:

http://www.greenmountainblocks.com/architect_set.html

[reducereuserecycle]

uncle goose

[AngelBee]

:

[Max'sMama]

I am looking at http://www.barclaywoods.com/kitpics/beg1a_imports.htm for my ds.

[MomToKandE]

OK, if you buy on ebay how can you tell if the finish is safe? Do you just stick to brands you know? I'm seeing lots of used older blocks but I have no idea what they're painted with. If you stick with natural finish can you be fairly sure they're safe? My kids are well past the putting stuff in their mouths age but I know it's still important to be careful.

[nascarbebe]

Originally Posted by MomToKandE

OK, if you buy on ebay how can you tell if the finish is safe? Do you just stick to brands you know? I'm seeing lots of used older blocks but I have no idea what they're painted with. If you stick with natural finish can you be fairly sure they're safe? My kids are well past the putting stuff in their mouths age but I know it's still important to be careful.

I've bought a few used wooden toys on eBay and I've only bought brands I recognize and/or trust. MOst things have been Plan Toys, Vilac or Spiel & Holz. I've only bought stuff that was recently outgrown. I wouldn't feel comfortable buying anything vintage or that looks old if I"m buying it for DS. What I do is I shop online at the wooden toy stores and then I look for the exact same thing but used on eBay. It takes more effort but I've saved lots of money that way. I also factor the shipping price into the price of the toy.

[mommymarliah]

Brians Woodshop makes my favorite. Their stuff is on www.universalmama.com