Melissa Doug Standard Solid Wood Building (503) 278

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

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.

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

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.

Y. Kelly, Nottingham

F. Fabian, Utah says

I was a little hesitant to buy these at first because of the cost, but then, over the holidays, the cost dropped enough that i decided to purchase these for my not quite two year old daughter. I'm glad i did. These are great blocks! each block is smooth and rounded, and has a nice sturdy and weighty feel. Being unit blocks, they are great to work with, and should provide many learning opportunities over the years. (the blocks are each a fraction of another block, so some are half, or a quarter of the base block, two triangles make one block, etc. ) my daughter really enjoys building with them and i've seen her grow in dexterity in short order as we try to build the "biggest block tower in the world! ". . Overall, the quality is really high. Solid wood, well finished, with no stain or paint. Just plain wood. No real odor, other than what reminds me of cut wood from my wood shop days. As a result, i can see these simple toys lasting for pretty much forever. Highly recommend. It's good to have some creativity and toys with no batteries.

K. Cageen, North Carolina

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.

Q. Judith, Kingston upon Thames says

I picked up a set of these from warehouse deals, and even though they were missing 2 blocks and 1 was damaged, my son likes them (he can't count yet anyway). We also own the plantoys 50 construction set and i have to say that i like those better for his age group (20 months) because they are smaller, lighter, and less likely to cause injury or breakage if thrown. But these are great blocks. He seems to really like them and enjoys trying to build tall towers and then kick them over with his foot. Good times. . The only thing i don't like is that these contain formaldehyde, and the plan blocks don't. I wanted to buy plan's larger set to avoid this, but i did not want to pay the money for them, so i went with these. Plus the corners of the m&d unit blocks are more rounded than the plan blocks, which seems safer. Ecr4 kids also makes a set that is almost identical to this which has greenguard (for indoor air pollution standards),  ecr4kids hardwood building blocks, 64-piece set but again, their set is more money. . Overall this is a nice set and highly recommended as a classic, open-ended toy.

F. Aldana, Leicester

Great set of wooden building blocks. I got this 6 months ago and my son still loves to play with it. He entertains himself for hours with it still. He builds all sort of stuff from ants to spaceships. . Just the right size for him (4 year old). The pieces are various size and shape. Most of them are about 1. 4" thick. The large long rectangular piece measures 1. 4 x 2. 75 x 11 inches. . The texture of the pieces are just right. Not too smooth that they slide off each other. Not too rough either. . 1 set is great and 2 would be spectacular especially if i play with him! but $55 is a lot for 60 pieces is a lot so i'll wait for it on sale to get another set. I would love to know if there is something else similar out there for less. . You can not go wrong getting this for a toddler.

D. Anonymous, North Yorkshire says

In today's world of structured, single purpose, do-it-one-way toys, the classic blocks are a standout. . Our 3-year old daughter loves playing with these blocks. And they are fun for daddy too! . . They are full-size blocks and did not have any weird odors. . We like having the wooden case to put them in when we are done playing. . The only downside to this set is that you quickly run out of big blocks to bring to life big ideas. The only thing i would do different is to order a set with more pieces, or to order a few more sets. Which i'm likely to do soon!

M. Guest, Iowa

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!

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.

J. Sarah, Rhone-Alpes

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.

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.

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!

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.

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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