Living in a throwaway culture, we accept products made from inexpensive materials for disposable use. An example is the disposable diaper. According to Wikipedia, modern diapers are made of disposable synthetic materials, contain absorbent chemicals, and are thrown away after use. Old-fashioned cloth diapers, on the other hand, are made up of layers of fabric such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, or microfiber and can be washed and reused multiple times. Children’s toys are another example of our throwaway culture. Toys were once made of more durable materials for long-term use, but are now generally made of less expensive, less durable materials for cheaper product cost and higher profit for the manufacturer. As a result, disposable nappies are one of the largest single consumer items in landfills, and too many toys are quickly thrown away as well.
Fortunately, some toys still last for generations. Many of these keepsakes are well-crafted wooden toys made from the finest materials. These wooden toys may cost more than a disposable plastic toy, but his son will always have fond memories of playing with such a toy, and he will also greatly enjoy watching his own children play with the same toy. When a true wooden toy craftsman cares about what is being made and uses the best possible wood material, the result is a better toy that can be passed down from generation to generation. Such a toy is an investment in your child that is solid, safe, and well worth the money spent.
The best wood for the best toys are quality hardwoods like maple, birch, oak, beech, walnut, poplar, and ash. Although hardwoods are more expensive, they are still the best option for making durable toys. Softwoods like pine and fir are less expensive, but they are also more likely to split, and if they do, splinters are dangerous. Of the hardwoods recommended as the best wood for best toys, maple is a favorite because it’s not likely to splinter, resists drool, and is hypoallergenic. Birch is often used in instruments such as guitars and drums. Oak is legendary for its strength and resistance to water. Look for wooden toys made from hardwoods like these that come from trees with broad leaves, and pass on wooden toys made from softwoods that come from trees with needles. Hardwoods are a great choice for wooden toys because they are denser and therefore more resistant to wear and tear.