Saturday, October 4, 2008

Wooden toys nourish the soul

Wooden toys are experiencing a definite resurgence on the market. Not so long ago they were pushed aside into the antique departments of our psyche. But now more and more parents are realizing the benefits of wood and choose these toys for their kids.

There is just something about a well crafted wooden toy that gives us a cozy-warm feeling. If you really think about it, wood has a great power over humans. Our associations with it run back into our very own roots. By using wood we learned to keep fire and thus survive the cold. Our first tools were made out of wood, and what are toys but tools for learning? And many scientists believe that we came down from the trees in the first place…

Think about it, do you feel more comfortable in a room full of plastic or concrete, or in a room with wooden floors and furniture? Do you feel calmer in the concrete jungles of our cities or the forestry greens in the country?

Nature has not lost it’s power over us. Giving children wooden toys nourishes their souls. It stimulates their growth on many more levels than we can see with a casual observation.

People of many cultures have attached magical properties to wood. For example, birch tree is thought to have cleansing and purifying energy, oak is healing and protecting, maple is for spiritual healing… For wood is a living material. It has pure energies of nature in it, and when enhanced with human creativity, especially when handcrafted by a dedicated master, they transfer those energies to people. And to our kids.

I believe that the subtle comforting energy of wooden blocks are much more beneficial to children then the factory stamped plastic contraptions. Not to mention the recently surfacing information about all the toxins in the main-stream toys. There are many quality manufacturers out there making wonderful toxin-free wooden toys. They range from pure fun to educational toys. Push toys, pull wooden toys, wooden kitchens and supplies. Toys for any stage of a child’s development. Fewer toys made from high quality material can be much more beneficial to your child than a myriad of plastic imitation.

1 comment:

The Doll House & Toy Store said...

Wood toys are wonderful. They feel good to the touch and are good for the environment. Check out this website for wood toys and other green toys. The sight is not complete but they are adding items almost daily. The site promotes developmental, multi-functional, creative toys & collectibles for children & adults.
http://www.azdollhouse.com