Some might argue that any toy is educational, because when a child is at play that child is experiencing, exploring, sensing, and therefore learning. However, many child development experts and parents agree that wooden educational toys provide children with a superior experience of learning through play, especially when wooden toys are compared with their plastic competition.

Wooden toys have many advantages. They are synonymous with durability. A well made wooden toy has the potential to last not only a child's journey into adulthood but for generations. In some cases, wooden toys have been passed down as family heirlooms.

The production of wooden toys is a more sustainable endeavor when compared with other toys. Wood is a natural material and is easily grown, gathered and recycled; plastic is synthetic. There is also much less waste associated with wooden toy production than with plastic. Wooden toys are not just healthier for the environment; they are healthy for children too.

Most wooden toys have with a natural finish or are painted with a non-toxic finish or color, whereas, many studies have shown increasing evidence demonstrating the toxic nature of some plastics. Wood is not only non-toxic, it is resistant to bacteria. In the same environment a plastic toy will undoubtedly be carrying more germs than a wooden toy. A simple fact which appeals to many parents who know that infants enjoy the act of tasting as much, if not more, than touching.

Wooden toys also offer valuable aesthetic qualities. Children often enjoy the density and texture of a wooden toy. Plus, wood is a naturally warm material. The warmth of a wooden toy is thought to be soothing to a child and therefore more welcoming. This could intrinsically increase its educational value, because it might encourage the child to play with it longer or more frequently. In addition, many woods possess natural aromas found pleasing to many children. This provides further stimulation to a child at play.

There are a variety of wooden toys, many of which are considered educational. These toys are meant to encourage physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. There are first toys: chew toys and rattles for infants which encourage motor-skills and help awaken the senses.

Then there are toys for older infants and toddlers. Spatial awareness, color and shape recognition and motor-skills are all engaged when a child plays with a wooden sorting toy or stacking game. Large wooden blocks, an early childhood version of the basic building block set, teach balance and hand and eye coordination.

The next stage of educational play focuses on developing awareness of everyday life and the world at large. Skillfully crafted wooden animal sets expand a child's imagination by bringing the farm, zoo or wilderness right into their playroom. Housekeeping, baking and building sets teach social awareness of home life and their immediate community. Wooden number and letter sets promote language and counting skills. In addition, this age group enjoys many of the same pleasures of younger children: noise makers and stacking games. Plus, their curious minds enjoy playing with toys that resemble those belonging to older children: puzzles and mazes.

Older children often enjoy play which sharpens their analytical skills. Puzzles, mazes and labyrinths, model building and play sets incorporate all aspects of learning though play and all are all available in wood. Whether your child is an infant or an older child, some experts and parents contend that wooden educational toys build a child's confidence, expand their imaginations, and promote fun.