Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks with Wooden Storage Tray, 60-Piece Hardwood Sorting & Stacking Toys for Building & Balancing, Preschool Learning Toys for Kids Ages 3+

Having two kids of my own (6yo & 9mo) and running a family childcare out of my home I had been shopping around for a good deal on some large unit blocks and came across the M&D set. I read review after review thinking that the blocks must be smaller than a typical set seen in schools. For the money I figured that it would still be a steal even if the blocks were smaller than what I was looking for and would work for us temporarily until I could find a set of typical sized blocks. I still did as reviewers suggested and bought two sets and once they arrived I was pleasantly surprised that they are deffinetely the size that I was looking for. They are sturdy and smooth and of good quality. I did detect the odor that a couple of other reviewers mentioned however we've had the blocks four days now and there is no odor anymore. I have a mixed age group in my daycare home (9mo, 23mo, (2)2yo's, 3yo, 4yo, 6yo & 9yo) and I'm also pleased that the blocks are a big hit and the kids all love them, even the 9yo. Being a new toy some the littlest ones have managed to launch or drop them across the room and onto our tile floor or used them to walk across them and the blocks have so far held up very nicely and after inspecting the blocks after their unfortunate flight I haven't noticed any dents or scuffing. My 9mo son managed to steal a block from one of the kids and of course he immediately began mouthing it and working it with his two teeth. After being alerted by the squealing children that the baby was "sliming" the block and chewing on it I removed the block and inspected it and the only evidence of gnawing was the wet spot where he "slimed". I am so pleased with the two sets that I bought that I doubt I will continue to look for a "better" set and I will in fact be keeping these instead. I'm extremely happy with my purchase and the quality is much, MUCH better than I had thought based on the price. It's deffinetely a great deal for the money and not "you get what you pay for". I do have one minor complaint about the product. Each set only comes with two really long blocks 11" long and only four 5 1/2" blocks. I have 2 sets and these 12 blocks are the most prized blocks for my little builders so they have to build one structure together and aren't really able to build alone if there is more than one child or they will argue over the blocks. Granted I usually have 4 or 5 kids playing with the block set at once and I think I can purchase another set or two to help relieve the issue however I am worried that if I do that the rest of the blocks in the sets won't be played with (the squares, pillars, triangles and arches). Other than that minor flaw I would highly recommend these blocks.

As a mom of four young kids (ages 3 to 8), I’m always on the lookout for toys that are durable, open-ended, and can grow with them—and these Melissa & Doug wooden blocks absolutely deliver. I bought two sets so all four of my kids could build and play together without fighting over pieces, and I’m so glad I did. The quality is fantastic—solid wood, smooth edges, and a classic feel that reminds me of the toys I played with growing up. The blocks come in a sturdy wooden tray for storage, which helps keep things somewhat organized (as much as possible with kids!). The variety of shapes makes it easy for my kids to create everything from castles and towers to roads and cities for their cars and figurines. What I love most is how these blocks encourage creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. All four of my kids—yes, even the toddler—will sit and play for long stretches of time. It’s a quiet, screen-free activity that never gets old. If you’re on the fence, just go for it. One set is great, but if you have multiple kids like I do, getting two was totally worth it. These are the kind of toys that will be around for years!

Good, solid, heavy, well built. The finish lets the natural beauty of the wood show through. Kids enjoy them enough that I bought a second set.

I purchased the Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks approximately seven years ago for my older son, and they have truly stood the test of time. These blocks have been a source of endless joy and learning for both of my children, making them a cherished part of our family playtime. The quality of these wooden blocks is exceptional. Even after years of enthusiastic play, they remain in impeccable condition. The craftsmanship is evident in the smooth finish and consistent sizing, which allows for stable and creative constructions. The durability is particularly noteworthy; these blocks have been dropped, stacked, and knocked over countless times, yet they show no signs of wear or damage. The versatility of the set is another standout feature. The uniform size and shape of the blocks encourage precision and balance, making them ideal for constructing various structures. The wooden storage tray adds a practical touch, promoting organization and providing an easy way to keep the play area tidy. What sets these blocks apart is their ability to engage children in open-ended play. My kids have used them to build towers, bridges, and even imaginative structures that defy gravity. The simplicity of the blocks sparks creativity, and the lack of predetermined outcomes allows for limitless exploration. As a parent who values educational toys that withstand the rigors of play, I highly recommend the Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks. This set has been a staple in our playroom, offering timeless joy and learning opportunities for both my older son and his younger sibling. It's an investment in quality and durability that continues to pay off year after year. If you're looking for a gift that transcends trends and fosters lasting memories, these blocks are an excellent choice.

There is one reviewer here who didn't like these blocks. (I'm guessing that reviewer has other, more expensive, unit blocks.) Please allow me to address the points raised by that reviewer. "The Weight": Some children can lift 15 pounds (like my 3-year-old), and some can't. Know your child, and supervise the little ones when moving the full box of blocks. Common sense, really. Not a problem. Usually, my kids leave the box on the floor and just push it across the carpet. We have had one box split near the bottom at one end. A little wood glue and an overnight clamping session, and it was good to go. The dovetail joints are plenty strong for the job, even if there might be weak points in the wood. For the first while, my kids' favorite piece was the box (it was a boat, a bed, a car, etc.), so I'm not surprised that it had a problem. "The Smell": yes, these blocks to have a slight odor to them when the package is first opened. It's the finish they use, and it's not strong at all. I would guess it's some type of natural oil. (Tung, linseed, or something similar.) I'm highly sensitive to chemicals and other odors (headaches and allergic reactions), and this didn't bother me at all. It dissipated quickly, and is completely unnoticeable after a short while. I especially like the finish M&D use on these blocks because it's not readily apparent, and yet it has kept the wood smooth. Even blocks that sneaked (under their own power, I'm sure ;o) into the bathtub have dried very well. The grain of the wood raised slightly, but smoothed back down nicely with play, and never splintered at all. The feel of these blocks is great, too. Smooth and pleasant to touch, but with enough texture to make them easy to manipulate for small hands. "Not True Standard Unit Blocks": Um, yes, they are. The larger triangles are the size of two of the smaller triangles, two of which equal half of the standard unit block (1-1/2" x 2" x 5"). The hypotenuse of the large triangle is also the same length as the standard unit block (5"). The large triangles use variations of the same "unit" all the other blocks do. Just because HABA or other companies don't have a block that size doesn't mean it can't be done. Each and every block in this set shares the same width, as well as one other dimension (whether that second dimension is exactly the same as the first, or is a multiple of it). And those little quarter circles are some of my kids' favorites. They're also great for helping to teach fractions, as are the half circles. Put 'em on their rounded edges on top of a little block, and you've got a nifty sailboat, to boot. Or on top of a pillar, and you've got a minaret spire. They're great. "Not hardwood": Rubberwood is a hardwood. Not all hardwoods are as heavy as cherry or oak. Can you imagine how heavy this box would be if the blocks were made from a heavier hardwood? Ay! No thanks. It's heavy enough as it is. I love it that the Rubberwood is tough as well as light. Along with the very tight, straight grain and smooth feel, my kids have abused these blocks for nearly four years now, and they're still looking great. (We now own two sets.) To sum up: We love love love these blocks. If you have more than one child (or one very imaginative and creative child), you would do well to purchase two sets. (And you're still paying less for two sets than you would be buying 60 unit blocks from other companies.) Cheap? No way. An excellent value? Definitely!

This is the fifth set I’ve bought. Grandsons, Toys for Tots, friend’s child, they all love them and play with them for years. No splinters, nothing breaks. The sturdy wood storage box is lovely, but if you get sick of fitting the blocks back in every time, just get a big plastic bucket from Lowe’s.

Very satisfied. good quality blocks. Pretty sure they’re made of white oak which is a dense hardwood so the blocks have good weight to them and they will withstand some hard playing without getting dented up too easily. Perfect size. You wouldn’t want them any bigger.

I have known for years that I wanted to get a nice set of blocks for my children. With my background as a play therapist, I know how awesome blocks are for encouraging imaginary play as well as creativity and thinking outside the box. So, I was determined to find a good set for Christmas this year. I shopped around on several websites looking for the most bang for my buck. This was by far the best set I found with the best price. The variety of the blocks themselves is very nice. There are many different shapes and sizes for creative building. The blocks are a very sturdy hard wood, but are also very well sanded and smooth so there is no chance of splinters. They have a nice solid feel to them that I wanted. My daughter enjoys playing with them. My son is also completely obsessed with these blocks, and he is not even 1 yet! He loves to knock down towers and has even tried his hand at stacking the blocks. Great for honing those fine motor skills. My son has even gnawed on the blocks and the wood is so hard he hasn't even left a single tooth mark with his sharp little teeth. And they are so smooth I at least know he won't get a splinter in his mouth before I can get it away from him. The storage box is a blessing. All the blocks fit in the box quite easily, and while the box is heavy when loaded with all the blocks, the carry handles make it easy to move from one place to another. My husband and I joked that these blocks are so sturdy and great that our grandchildren will be able to play with them someday. I plan to get a set for my therapy practice, and might even get an additional one for the house when my son gets older so both of them can have hours of creative play.