Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks With Wooden Storage Tray (60 pcs)

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!

These really are 5 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 "standard unit block" sized (I just measured). This measures the same as the Caroline Pratt standard (from 1900's!) which Beka and OldFashioned blocks uses (and probably several others as well). Which means you'll likely be compatible with those sets if you buy this M&D set. (not sure if M&D ever change their "standard", or if other brands do... so measure to be sure! also, there could be small tolerance differences so if you worry, just get them all from one place).I have read (at the OldFashioned Blocks website) that M&D blocks are made from RubberWood, which comes from old Latex plantations in Asia. The side of the M&D box says Thailand, but let's be certain: the quality is _nice_, just as I would hope for and expect for a nice set of hardwood blocks. I love these. And the price is right. So ... unless you want to buy "made in America" only, save your money, these blocks are nice, real hardwood, and the wood is left natural with no chemicals to finish them.There is no chemical smell like some other reviewers said. Maybe there is a faint smell of lumber... Nothing that wont fade after a while. There is _no_ paint or laquer on the blocks, completely natural. They feel slightly dusty, like sawdust, that's ok, makes sense.The ends of the blocks are completely smooth, not rough at all. No wood pores showing there, except within just a couple of the sanded corners in the whole set.Overall the woodgrain is very fine and doesn't seem to be susceptible to splintering either. Nice quality here.They feel heavy and dense (I haven't compared to Maple, but...), and feel hard/durable.The corners are sanded really nicely. They should be safe to use for kids. No sharp edges.The wood boxes are really nice as well. The box seems to be made of the same material as the blocks, and are a unit high to boot (so you can use the storage box as something to build upon!). The box is finished nicely, not _as_ rounded as the blocks, but not sharp either, certainly not sharp, nor splintery. maybe you'd like to put the box up so your kids dont fall and split their heads on it since it does sit up high and would be a nice and solid thing to crack your head on ... but really, if they fall and hit it, it's their own fault, accidents happen! (don't blame the toy... sheesh).The box came filled with blocks AND styrofoam, which is a great idea to leave a little room for dumping the blocks back in (as they take more volume when not perfectly arranged).I got 4 sets: 2 of the "standard unit blocks" sets, and 2 of the "architectural unit blocks" sets from M&D - 208 blocks total, for $196.60 total and $0 shipping. They make for quite a pile on the floor, and I love the building possibilities here. For me, I wouldn't want any less. For you... maybe the least quantity I would buy is 2 sets of the "standard unit blocks" if I was really on a budget. Certainly you can buy 1 and continue to add on... it's easy.Rubberwood: Density: 560-640 kg/mt3Hard Maple/Sugar maple/Rock maple: Density: 720 kg/mt3Melissa&Doug at 94 cents each block (Chinese hardwood, imported) compared to Beka Blocks at $2.09 each block (which are made of HardMaple, made in USA).I like the M&D better! Or my wallet does...To me, it is the worst to run out of blocks when building. So the M&D set lets me get 2x the blocks as the competition for the same price at a comparable quality.I seriously see no difference in wood quality. The M&D set is really nice, and lets me get more blocks!I'd like to include a bill of materials here, but I just am too lazy. But I will tell you (from my own memory) it comes with 2 of the 2x unit blocks (nice to know there are really long pieces, though more than 2 would have been nice); no quad unit blocks at all; around 4 of the 1 unit (rectangle) blocks; several 1/2 (square); several 1/4 unit blocks (or 1/2 unit length square 'dowel' however you want to look at it). 4 round dowel unit length columns. 2 arches, and 2 half circles that fit in the arches, and 1 circle cut into 4 quarterrounds (kind of a neat piece to use to finish off a model). 4 ramps (1 unit block cut long ways into a wedge). I may be forgetting some pieces, but that gives you an idea of the Bill Of Materials...

As a mom of four young kids (ages 3 to 8), I’m always on the lookout for toys that are durable, open-ended, and can grow with them—and these Melissa & Doug wooden blocks absolutely deliver. I bought two sets so all four of my kids could build and play together without fighting over pieces, and I’m so glad I did.The quality is fantastic—solid wood, smooth edges, and a classic feel that reminds me of the toys I played with growing up. The blocks come in a sturdy wooden tray for storage, which helps keep things somewhat organized (as much as possible with kids!). The variety of shapes makes it easy for my kids to create everything from castles and towers to roads and cities for their cars and figurines.What I love most is how these blocks encourage creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. All four of my kids—yes, even the toddler—will sit and play for long stretches of time. It’s a quiet, screen-free activity that never gets old.If you’re on the fence, just go for it. One set is great, but if you have multiple kids like I do, getting two was totally worth it. These are the kind of toys that will be around for years!

One of my favorite things to do after the grandkids have gone home is to put all these wonderful blocks back in the box. They are so smooth and satisfying to handle, and make a great solid clunk. Our grandkids have been playing with them for years -- we bought two sets. The construction projects just get more complicated through the years.