Melissa Doug Standard Solid Wood Building (503) 278

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The F.A.Q. for Melissa Doug Standard Solid Wood Building (503)

My son (now over 3. 25 years old) has had these now for over a year. It was an excellent buy. The blocks still get a lot of use and are of very good quality. I highly recommend these. See photos i uploaded. . Update 2010-09-01: still makes use of these unlike many other toys he's had. I now consider a good set of blocks as a "must have" toy for a young child. . Update 2012-07-01: my son is 5. 5 and still uses these blocks. Many other toys come and go, but this one lasts and lasts. . Update 2013-12-04: my son is almost 7 now and still occasionally uses these blocks. Again, i'm impressed with the longevity of how long a child can play with these. Again, highly recommended! i now wish i had bought 2 sets originally.

A number of questions have been asked here.

Q&A

(0) Question: I purchases the 60 picec set, but there was no instruction in the package. can i download it somewhere?

(1) Question: Are these unfinished wood (preferable) or do they have some sort of laquer or finish on them?

(2) Question: In what country are they made?

(3) Question: Are the children in the picture playing with the 60 piece set or do they have more?

(4) Question: What are the block size?

(5) Question: Are these blocks treated with formaldehyde?

(6) Question: Does anyone know why these are so much more expensive than the colorful 100-piece m&d blocks? what is the difference between the two sets?

(7) Question: Are the blocks in this set larger than then 200 piece set? just trying to figure out why this set is so expensive.

(8) Question: Am i able paint and decorate blocks?

(note) Question: where/how to get Melissa Doug (manufacturer's brand) accessories & similiar Melissa Doug's products

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Best melissa doug standard solid wood building (503) in review

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!

M. Guest, Iowa

V. Nancy, City of Kingston upon Hull says

I'm a public high school teacher. I bought these for my grandson's first christmas, as an investment toy for the years of use ahead. Though i bought a similar set for my grown kids, these are so much nicer than their blocks, and much better than i hoped for. First, they are larger. These blocks are the size of good old fashioned kindergarten school blocks. Though the finish was better in the old days, they are price appropriate. That no reviews are below three stars is a good indicator they are wonderful childhood building blocks. I read the three star complaints regarding "tolerances" and build ability, but hey, these are for children, guys. The very most important thing about these blocks is they will be played with, hopefully, with participation of both parent and child. Adults enjoy handling well made objects, as those who spotted some flaws pointed out. But, they are smooth and pleasant to handle, and enjoy making little worlds to hold trucks, stuffed animals, dolls and imaginations. I had the time of my life playing with my little one year old grandson as he and i built his first tower. Thank you, melissa & doug.

R. Carrie, Delaware

I originally had this at five stars because the first one i ordered for christmas was perfect and my son and i had hours and hours of fun playing with it. The wood was sanded soft and fine and it had a lacquer or gloss over it. We loved it so much i decided to order a second one so we would have more blocks and build bigger castles. The second one arrived in june and i had so many splinters from taking out the blocks! super super fine splinters that i couldn't even see to get out. The lacquer was missing and some of the pieces were splitting! i contacted online store and had another one sent, and that one was splintery and missing the lacquer as well. The sanding on the third was much better than the second but still did not have that glaze to keep it contained. I had not yet sent back the second so i was able to go through both and make a complete set with the pieces that had no splinters. Now i must be clear, not all of the pieces were splintery, but there were a lot. Also you could not tell they were splintery until you picked them up. If you receive one that is glossed you are probably fine, however if it is not, definitely check all pieces before giving them to your children to play with.

Y. Allen, Swindon says

Every time i start building something i cannot finish my structure because my kids take the blocks away. Ha! . . These blocks can be lots of fun. However, i find the kids will sometimes ignore the blocks for weeks and weeks. Then i suggest building a town, a shelf, a castle, a tower, a ramp for little cars and then the kids will start playing with them. This is great to develop imagination. You can even make a pretend train! . . These are unit blocks, so they will fit together very well in many different configurations and store away neatly in the box they come in. I find it fun to put them away actually. It's like a puzzle. . Problems:. These blocks are heavy when stored in their box. If you have trouble moving heavy items, maybe these can be problematic to put away on a high shelf. When kids get upset and throw them, they can cause some damage because these are real wood blocks. Structures are sturdier when built on top of a table or hard floors. Be prepared for a loud crash when the younger kid comes and pushes the blocks and they tumble to the floor. Ouch if they hit your toes! carpet can be used but it is not as stable.

Y. Kelly, Nottingham

I love these blocks. Between myself and my mother (who keeps the grandkids) we have five sets. One set does well but to really get a good structure i feel like you need at least two. They are a great way for kids to problem solve too. My nephew built a bridge and had to figure out how to keep the center stable using other blocks. I prefer toys that have open play and encourage critical thinking. The blocks aren't so heavy that a small child can't play with them (my 18 month old loves them) but they aren't so light that they blow over with a breeze. They are sanded smooth and the sides and corners are rounded. I'll probably buy another box when they go on sale again, which they seem to do a couple times a year.

D. Audrey, Ealing says

We use these blocks in a play therapy setting. These blocks are solid and durable enough to withstand even the tallest of tumbling towers! they come perfectly packed inside a sturdy wood storage box. There are enough blocks to even split them to be used in two different spaces! when i saw the blocks packed inside the storage box like a perfectly placed puzzle, i was concerned about how well they would fit once they were hap-hazardly piled back into the box, because, let's be honest, that's how they are going back in. I was pleasantly surprised at how easily they all fit without being mounded over the edges of the box.

J. Peggy, Merton

We bought these for my 22 month old for christmas. In only 2 weeks, i have had to remove paint and crayon and had no trouble at all. She loves using the mini blocks along with the big blocks. The bin they come in is great. But don't be fooled thinking you will ever get them back in there how they came! they can fit and lay flat, but they just don't fit like they started. I've tried for many hours lol. They do have a bit of weight to them, but the corners are soft and rounded. If your toddler throws it at your head, you might get a bruise but nothing more unless it's one of the two tall pillars maybe lol. . I plan on purchasing another set, as i will soon have 2 girls using them. I wouldn't hesitate on purchasing the architect set either!

H. Newell, St. Helens says

Thee blocks offer hours of entertainment. They are smooth cornered and solid wood. Plenty of blocks for more than one child to enjoy! my daughter likes to draw on them with crayons (faces or designs) and i can easily wipe them down with one of those white magic sponges. The box is really heavy when full but that's what you get with real wood :). Oh and they smell like fresh cut wood. I love that smell :)

W. Kimberly, Colorado

This is a christmas present for my little man- if i can wait that long! i'm almost positive it will be one of his favorite gifts. It came beautifully packaged like most melissa & doug products. I hesitated over the price but ultimately it is worth every penny! look no further, this is the set you're looking for- 5 stars!

T. Eva, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern says

We bought these blocks a year and a half ago for our 2 grandsons. At the time they were ages 4 and 2. They have now just turned 6 and 4. They use these blocks every time they visit and it is the one toy that they use together without a fuss. Our 3 1/2 year old grand-niece just visited and she had a great time with them too. . These blocks are very well made and the kids do such creative things with them. They are worth every penny. . Here's a tip. When these blocks first arrived, i took a photo of each layer of blocks (there are 3 layers) as we unpacked them. I'm posting those photos here, because i refer to them every time we put these blocks back in the sturdy box that they came in. The photos also give you an idea of the various sizes and shapes that are in the box.

I. June, Rutland

Craftsmanship/quality:. These melissa & doug 60-piece blocks are made of solid unfinished wood. The edges are smooth and slightly rounded so they don't hurt my little one or give him splinters. So far we haven't had any problems with them. . Function:. These blocks stack and balance well together and create all sorts of castles, cabins, garages, or whatever you and your little one can imagine. :) since baby's bedroom is carpeted, we turn over the wooden box the blocks come in and build on top of the box for a firm supportive platform. . Durability:. Baby throws, bangs, licks, colors on, scrapes, and does goodness knows what else to these and they have withstood everything and remained in a build-able and usable condition. . Safety:. Watch out if baby likes to throw or hit things with these. They're solid and they hurt. Thankfully we haven't gotten any splinters from them yet. I'm happy that they're natural wood with no chemical crap on them, so when baby chews on them he isn't ingesting anything harmful. . Ease of use:. They're super easy to build with. Although they get scattered easily and you will be finding pieces of them hidden throughout your house for the next 18 years probably. . Aesthetics:. They look great. . Summary:. Get these blocks. They're safe, high quality, durable, and your baby will love playing with them.

V. Annette, Texas says

I'm a public high school teacher. I bought these for my grandson's first christmas, as an investment toy for the years of use ahead. Though i bought a similar set for my grown kids, these are so much nicer than their blocks, and much better than i hoped for. First, they are larger. These blocks are the size of good old fashioned kindergarten school blocks. Though the finish was better in the old days, they are price appropriate. That no reviews are below three stars is a good indicator they are wonderful childhood building blocks. I read the three star complaints regarding "tolerances" and build ability, but hey, these are for children, guys. The very most important thing about these blocks is they will be played with, hopefully, with participation of both parent and child. Adults enjoy handling well made objects, as those who spotted some flaws pointed out. But, they are smooth and pleasant to handle, and enjoy making little worlds to hold trucks, stuffed animals, dolls and imaginations. I had the time of my life playing with my little one year old grandson as he and i built his first tower. Thank you, melissa & doug.

P. Rhonda, Brandenburg

I don't write a lot of reviews but i rely heavily on other people's reviews when it comes to purchasing items. So i figure i need to start contributing. . So this set of melissa and doug standard unit blocks arrived very well padded/protected. There is a terrific variety of shapes and sizes for lots of creative play (for both my 5 year old and for me! ). They are incredibly smooth and feel wonderful in the hand. They are really quite beautiful. They wooden crate they come in is just as smooth and lovely as the blocks are. They all fit back in even when thrown in haphazardly, although they will be mounded up over the top when put away like that. I don't mind. If you wish to take the time and effort, you can put pack them away neater and they all fit great. All of the pieces are very precisely measured and integrate perfectly with one another, as well as with the set of hearthsong arcitectural unit blocks that we own. . The only reason i knocked off one star is because of the wood filling that some other reviewers have mentioned. Several of the pieces have areas of wood filler. A few of these have several areas filled on the same block. There are a couple of blocks that i feel should have been scrapped rather than filled in 3 or 4 places and sent out. These areas of wood filler are just as smooth as the rest of the block, but it definitely takes away from the beauty of the wood and the piece. Now, my son is 5 years old and way past the age of mouthing his toys, so this isn't a concern for me aside from visual asthetics. However, if you are buying this set for a younger child who may be still in the mouthing stage, this is probably something to consider. . I'm including a picture of how the blocks fit back into the crate when tossed in haphazardly. Also have included a photo of a couple of the blocks with wood filler so you can see how that looks. . Overall, this set is a nice big set of lovely buttery-smooth blocks that will get many hours of enjoyment and no doubt last a lifetime. I have no regrets with this purchase and would likely purchase again, as long as it's for a child who doesn't still mouth his or her toys.

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