Living in a throwaway culture, we accept products made from inexpensive materials for disposable use. An example is the disposable diaper. According to Wikipedia, modern diapers are made from disposable synthetic materials, contain absorbent chemicals, and are thrown away after use. Old cloth diapers, on the other hand, are made up of layers of cloth like cotton, hemp, bamboo, or microfiber and can be washed and reused multiple times. Children’s toys are another example of our throwaway culture. Toys were once made with more durable materials for long-term use, but are now generally made from less expensive and less durable materials for a cheaper product cost and higher profits for the manufacturer. As a result, disposable diapers are one of the largest consumer items in landfills, and too many toys are quickly thrown away as well.

Fortunately, some toys still last for generations. Many of these souvenirs are well-crafted wooden toys made from the best materials. These wooden toys may cost more than a disposable plastic toy, but your child will always have fond memories of playing with that toy and will greatly enjoy watching their own children play with the same toy as well. When a true wooden toy craftsman cares about what is being made and uses the best possible wood material, the result is a better toy that can be passed down from generation to generation. Such a toy is an investment in your child that is solid, safe, and worth the money spent.

The best wood for best toys are quality hardwoods like maple, birch, oak, beech, walnut, poplar, and ash. Although hardwoods are more expensive, they are still the best option for making toys that last. Softwoods like pine and fir are less expensive, but they are also more likely to break, and splinters are dangerous if they do. Of the hardwoods recommended as the best wood for best toys, maple is a favorite that is unlikely to splinter, resist slime, and is hypoallergenic. Birch is often used in instruments such as guitars and drums. Oak is legendary for its strength and resistance to water. Look for wooden toys made from hardwoods like these that come from broad-leaved trees, and pass on wooden toys made from softwoods that come from needle-bearing trees. Hardwoods are an excellent choice for wooden toys because they are denser and therefore more resistant to wear and tear.