Toys have been an important part of childhood since early civilization and while children today are much different than those thousands of years ago, many of their favorite toys are similar to those that have been around for centuries. As long ago as the ancient Greek and Roman empires, children are known to have played with dolls, horses, and chariots. The earliest toys discovered by archaeologists were all made of wood.
Wooden toys continued to be a common part of childhood for thousands of years. By the 1700's, German toymakers began to craft a variety of toys from wood to sell to the general public. Salesmen would travel around Europe to market the popular wooden toys, taking advance orders for special occasions and often for custom made wooden toys. Almost life-like dolls and animals were becoming favorite playthings for children all over Europe.
Graco Travel Bed
Over the next century, toymakers became more elaborate and detailed with their wooden creations. Wooden miniatures like dollhouses and theaters became popular during the 19th century, as well as wooden toy soldiers. Many wooden toys, like the classic Jack in a box, were hand painted with bright, vivid colors. Wooden trains, along with their wooden tracks, were one of the best selling toys during this time period.
By the end of World War II, a number of new materials had been introduced to the manufacturing industry including still popular plastic. The production of wooden toys steadily declined as more and more toymakers opted for cheaper and more modern materials. Plastic toys were much easier for mass production and were more affordable to families with children.
Today, wooden toys are rarely seen on the shelves of traditional toy stores but the charm and appeal of these childhood classics has kept a number of wooden toy manufacturers in business. A variety of wooden toys can be purchased online, from miniature appliances to small novelty gifts and games.
Wooden toys are typically simple playthings that encourage a child to use their imaginations. Wooden puzzles encourage children to develop cognitively as well as develop fine motor skills. Wooden ride-on toys and pedal cars enhance physical skills and gross motor development. Whether it is a fire station or a farmhouse, miniature wooden play sets aid in social and emotional development. Wooden toys hold great educational value because of their simplicity.
Plastic toys are still generally less expensive than wooden toys and are considered safer by some because of the flammability of older wooden toys and possible injuries from thrown or falling wooden objects, but wooden toys do not contain toxic PVC like plastic toys do. Wooden toys are the most durable toys and can usually last through generations of play.
Today's wooden toys are just as innovative, if not more so, than modern, electronic toys. Cars, trucks, and wooden wind-ups make wonderful gifts and wooden pull along toys delight toddlers. Quiet games like chess and checkers, and even tic-tac-toe can be found made of wood, as well as physical games like ring toss. For toys that provide educational benefits and last for decades, choose the toys that have been tested by time, wooden toys.
Black Friday Graco Travel Lite Crib with Bassinet, Marlowe 2011 Deals
Nov 25, 2011 22:43:28
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Black Friday Graco Travel Lite Crib with Bassinet, Marlowe Feature
- Weighs less than 20 pounds
- Folds small so you can bring it anywhere
- Removable, full bassinet with quilted bumpers lets infants nap comfortably at home and away
- 20% smaller than a traditional Pack ?n Play Playard to take up less room
- Push-button fold makes it simple and fast to close
Black Friday Graco Travel Lite Crib with Bassinet, Marlowe Overview
Whether youre off to Grandmas or the Grand Canyon, this lightweight travel crib has all the comforts your baby needs to sleep like, well, a baby. There's a full-sized bassinet with quilted bumpers and a comfy quilted mattress. The canopy shields baby from lightand from you, when youre sharing a room. There are removable, soft toys on the canopy for away-from-home amusement. With ruffles and compact design, it looks so good the grandparents wont mind frequent sleepovers. Under 20 pounds and 20% smaller than traditional Pack 'n Play Playards, this space-saver even fits in tiny hotel rooms and folds small, so there are few places it and your baby wont feel welcome. Features: Weighs less than 20 pounds, so it8217;s ready to go anywhere Removable bassinet is perfect for napping Versatile crib easily converts to a portable playard Quilted mattress pad creates a comfortable sleep space 20% smaller than our traditional playards for easy in-room fit Canopy with soft toys to soothe baby Signature Graco push-button fold makes closing your playard quick and hassle-free Compact fold, so you8217;re ready to go anywhere Quilted bumpers provide a cozy haven Handy casters for added convenience Airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage Recommended Use: For children unable to climb out, under 3 tall Bassinet for babies under 15 lbs Specifications: Dimensions: 29.3" H x 22.8" W x 32" D Weight: 19.7 lbs Click here to view the manualSAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!
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