Wooden Toys vs Plastic Toys
We are great fans of wooden toys, and we also are big fans of a plastic toy.. sometimes. You see we firmly believe that choosing between wooden and plastic toys depends on the toy, the child and the way your family will use it.
Neither material is automatically the 'better choice'. Here are a few practical differences to help you decide if you are trying to choose between wood and plastic.
Environmental Factors
Ok, We can't start this conversation without talking about the environmental impact of these materials.
Wood is sustainable, natural and of course breaks down faster than plastic. Making it better for the environment. The down side to that is that wood does wear out, and doesn't withstand water use as well as plastic.
If a toy last and is used and loved for generations, the environmental impact is lessened slightly.
Durability of the Toys
Durability is so important. The longer a toy lasts the better for the environment and, of course, we want our kids to enjoy the toy as long as possible.
The durability depends on the toy’s design and construction as much as its material. Wooden toys can be sturdy, and we think that small bruises or scratches shows that toys are loved. Though they may chip and can crack if dropped or handled roughly. Such is the nature of wood.
Plastic toys are not never ending either, plastic can become brittle and small pieces may break off these toys too.
The best here is to teach kids to care for their toys. Also ensure youcheck for cracks or damaged edges regularly no matter what you toy is made of.
Cleaning the Toys
Many plastic toys are straightforward to clean, some may go in the dishwasher ( always check the product info before you try this) Some plastic toys have electronics, stickers or moving parts and may need special care.
Wooden toys are usually best cleaned with a lightly damp cloth and dried promptly. With less intricate pieces, they can often stay clean longer.
The Sensory Experience
Well hands down, on this one we wont debate. Wooden toys are so beautiful to touch. Wooden toys often feel heavier and have a firm, natural texture with a beautiful warmth and texture.
Plastic toys can be lighter and come in a wide variety of shapes, colours and finishes. Yet nothing is as beautiful to touch or look at as a wooden toy.
Plastic toys can be moulded to provide some great sensory tactile input for kids, and are more likely to have sounds and lights.
So we think this one is about which senses you are looking to explore.
Safety considerations
By their very nature, wooden toys are generally made simply and have less moving parts than that of a plastic toy. By that we mean they are less likely to have a battery, electronics or small pieces.
Please, always choose toys that are suitable for the child’s age and follow the manufacturer’s warnings and care instructions! Never allow your child to play with small parts under the age of 3. This is because their throats are small and choking is a higher risk.
And always check any button battery is securely closed. Using sticky tap to keep it shut is not ok.
All toys may become damaged during play, wooden or plastic.
Finding the right 'fit for play'
This is where we think there is room for wooden and plastic toys.
Think about the kind of play you want to make room for in your play room and your life.
Simple blocks, vehicles or figures are beautifully open ended play and can be used in different ways. The simple toys often bring out the most play. Allowing space for the imagination.
While there is also some great reasons to choose plasic toys that can be used in water, or inspire creativity, like magnetic tiles.
Toys with specific features may suit a particular interest or activity better in a plastic form over a wooden version.
We really believe that a mix of materials can work well.
Plastic may also be silicone or bioplastic, which is better for the environment, using less raw plastic which is the element that last so many many years.
So plastic is not our enemy, and we don't believe that wooden toys are the only option. When you can find a wooden alternative, check it out. Does it provide the play you are looking for?
Vroom
- Helle.
Helle has been playing since 2012 and has fallen in love with both wooden and plastic toys. Don't forget the felt toys too!
