Why Wood?
There's are so many different toys to choose from, as parents we get overwhelmed when trying to decide what to buy for our children. While plastic toys are varied and easily available, wooden toys are often overlooked. But wooden toys have lots of benefits. Let's take a look at a few...
Environmental concerns
Wooden toys are more environmentally friendly than plastic due to their biodegradable nature and its ability to be recycled. Instead of filling the landfills with man-made products, you can buy toys for your child that will give back to the environment. As an organic, renewable, and sustainably sourced product, of course, wooden toys are a much more environmentally friendly option than plastic.
However, when selecting wooden toys make sure that what your buying isn't just composite wood, or MDF, as these contain more glue than actual wood and more of a throw away item for short term play. Lots of cheaper alternatives out there use it and really to us its no better than plastic.
At Indigo Jamm, we use sustainable rubber wood as a main material throughout. This is actually a waste product of the latex industry. As rubber
products such as tyres and trainers will always be needed, this ‘waste
productʼ will always be produced.
products such as tyres and trainers will always be needed, this ‘waste
productʼ will always be produced.
To find out more about the environmental aspects of our toys click here.
Are wooden toys safe?
Wood is indeed a safer alternative to plastic or
metal since children tend to stick everything in their mouths. It is
unfortunate that plastic toys, especially cheaply made ones, can break
easily, potentially leaving sharp edges and small parts that may cause
harm to your child. Plastic also contains lots of nasty chemicals such as
phthalates. We still don't know what the long term effects of exposure to
these chemicals can do but as levels are constantly reviewed and reduced
throughout testing we think it canʼt be good!
metal since children tend to stick everything in their mouths. It is
unfortunate that plastic toys, especially cheaply made ones, can break
easily, potentially leaving sharp edges and small parts that may cause
harm to your child. Plastic also contains lots of nasty chemicals such as
phthalates. We still don't know what the long term effects of exposure to
these chemicals can do but as levels are constantly reviewed and reduced
throughout testing we think it canʼt be good!
Do wooden toys last as long as plastic toys?
Wooden toys are extremely durable and can be refinished or repainted
to look like new. This makes them environmentally friendly and can more
than make up for the slightly higher cost.
Wood does not break down or shatter and can last a long
time. Because of this, wooden toys have a long life span and can be
passed on to younger siblings, relatives or friends. Plastic toys once
broken will sit in a landfill for 100s of years.
time. Because of this, wooden toys have a long life span and can be
passed on to younger siblings, relatives or friends. Plastic toys once
broken will sit in a landfill for 100s of years.
But aren't wooden toys expensive?
While the upfront cost is larger than plastic toys, the lifespan of a
wooden toy is significantly larger than that of a plastic one. Instead of
having to keep replacing broken toys or dead batteries, a wooden toy can survive for decades! This means you can pass down toys and reuse them
and, without needing to replace batteries or electric components, the long
term savings could be significant.
wooden toy is significantly larger than that of a plastic one. Instead of
having to keep replacing broken toys or dead batteries, a wooden toy can survive for decades! This means you can pass down toys and reuse them
and, without needing to replace batteries or electric components, the long
term savings could be significant.
This means you can pass down toys and reuse them, saving you money in the long run. Toys without batteries and electric components are much easier and cheaper to maintain. While the short run cost is larger, the long run cost will save you a large chunk of your pocket.
90% of every toy we produce has been made by hand.
Each toy is a real labour of love - weʼre not simply injecting liquid into moulds.ʼ
Children love to experience different weights and textures -
plastic just doesnʼt give off the same feeling and sensory experience to a
child as a wooden toy does. There is a certain sensation that comes with rubbing your hands over a well-crafted wooden object and children know that better than anyone.
plastic just doesnʼt give off the same feeling and sensory experience to a
child as a wooden toy does. There is a certain sensation that comes with rubbing your hands over a well-crafted wooden object and children know that better than anyone.
There is a timeless element that wooden toys add to a room. This modern look and simplicity adds perfect decor to any room.
Other benefits.
Our wooden toys also have a number of developmental benefits. We have highlighted a few below but there are many more.
