Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks (60-Piece)

Important note on wooden blocks

Wooden blocks are one of those toys that get used constantly and over many years. Kids handle them for long stretches of time, build with them close to their faces, and younger children may mouth them. When I’m choosing wooden blocks, I focus on the base material, how the surface is finished, and whether the design stays simple and straightforward.

What I avoid in kids’ building blocks

In this category, I avoid PVC and PUR materials and plastic components that aren’t clearly identified. I also pay attention to finishes and coatings and steer away from polyurethane-style sealants, added flame retardants, or heavily treated surfaces. With wood toys, I’m mindful of what’s on the outside of the block since that’s what kids are touching most.

Product description

Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks are a classic open-ended building set designed for creative, screen-free play. The set includes 60 solid wooden blocks in a variety of traditional shapes and sizes, all cut with smooth edges for stacking, balancing, and building. The blocks come stored in a wooden tray to help keep everything organized when playtime is over.

This is a simple, timeless toy that supports imaginative play, spatial awareness, and early problem-solving without relying on lights, sounds, or electronics.

Materials

The brand describes these blocks as solid hardwood with a natural, smooth-sanded finish.

What I like

I like that this is a straightforward, solid-wood toy with no plastic parts and no extra coatings or features competing for attention. The natural, smooth-sanded finish aligns with what I look for when choosing lower-tox toys, and the open-ended design makes this a piece kids can return to again and again as they grow.