There are literally millions of toys available in the market today, most of them are made of synthetic materials, some are made of organic materials and other are the combination of both. For over many years, there are lots of debates of what is more suited toy for kids. Is it plastic or wooden?

Personally, I would prefer wooden toys for kids. Most of the time plastic toy may appear to be a wiser choice because of their relatively low cost. Although, wooden toys maybe a little bit expensive that its plastic counterpart, but you would end up being better value for money, as well as offering a number of other benefits. Wooden toys can incorporate learning into child’s play and development as well as promoting healthy lifestyle to children.

Here are five reasons why choose wooden toys:

1. Environmentally friendly: Wooden toys are made of renewable resources and they are biodegradable. Woods that is used in making wooden toys can be replenished in few years time to keep down the environmental impact. On the other hand, when plastic toys break or children outgrow them, they usually end up in landfills polluting the environment. Plastic are non- biodegradable and they can harm the environment badly.

2. Safety: No parents would want to endanger their child. Recently, there are numerous amount of plastic toys produced by leading toy manufacturer have been withdrawn from market because it was found to have lead content. Lead is a poisonous substance that can cause significant health risk to a child. According to the study made by experts, plastic toys may also contain chemicals that can affect child’s hormones. On the other hand, wooden toys are made of hardwoods that are sanded smoothly to protect little hands from splinters. Natural dyes and non-toxic natural paints are used in manufacturing wooden toys. Wood glues are also used instead of nails to keep children safe from injuries.

3. Developmental Benefits: Modern high tech toys are intended to entertain are frequently equipped with bright colors and loud noises to distract your child but they do not focus on educating your child, but rather they overstimulate. Wooden toys are likely to motivate creative and imaginative play in children. Many educational wooden toys build critical lateral thinking and problem solving skills and help build fine motor skills. It allows children to engage in meaningful play, developing cognitive and problem-solving skills that they will carry throughout the rest of their lives. The environment of a child with wooden toys is quiet, calm and more beautiful than in a room with battery-operated plastic toys which are frequently noisy that make kids hyperactive.

4. Long-lasting: Wooden toys are made to last, and because they are made of wood it is resilient to throwing and hammering. They are also resistant to water, unlike cardboard based toys like puzzles.

5. Value for Your Money: Wooden toys maybe more expensive than plastic toys but wooden toys are there for the long run. Unlike plastic toys which can be broken easily, wooden toys are designed to last for several years. With wooden toys you don’t have to buy a new toy every month.