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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Every toddler and young child should have at least one wooden block set in their toy collection. The Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks include 60 precision-cut, standard-shaped, solid wooden blocks that will engage your child's imagination for hours. Designed for ages three and up, these blocks feature smooth, rounded edges and are housed in a convenient, sturdy wooden storage crate.
Hardwood Quality with Smooth, Rounded Edges
In these days of electronic toys, it's important not to forget the fundamentals of childhood development. Wooden blocks offer children endless ways to exercise their imagination as they improve their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. They also help children establish important relationships between the "part" and the "whole," and the help to provide basic lessons on engineering and gravity.
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 The 60-piece Standard Unit Blocks from Melissa & Doug provide hours of creative fun. View larger. |
 Your little architect will love building bridges, towers and more. View larger. |
In these days of electronic toys, it's important not to forget the fundamentals of childhood development. Wooden blocks offer children endless ways to exercise their imagination as they improve their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. They also help children establish important relationships between the "part" and the "whole," and the help to provide basic lessons on engineering and gravity.
These Standard Unit Blocks feature Melissa & Doug's signature focus on simple designs, safety and utility. Each block is sanded to an ultra-smooth finish and features smooth, rounded edges so your child can play safely. The blocks are made of 100% hardwoods, with no fillers, paints, or varnishes, adding to your peace of mind.
Includes Durable Wooden Storage Crate
Included in the set are all the classic wooden-block shapes that allow children's imaginations and engineering skills run wild as they build bridges, towers, houses and more. The blocks are packaged in a handsome, durable wooden storage crate that will help you keep the blocks stored in between building sessions, and help you keep them in your family for years to come. Parents should note that when the storage case is filled with all 60 blocks, it will be too heavy for younger children to carry without their help.
The crate measures 12.5 x 15 x 5.25 inches (WxLxH).
About Melissa & Doug
Started in the garage at Doug's parents' house in 1988, Melissa & Doug has grown to become one of the most popular toy makers in the world. Their toys have garnered dozens of parenting and "best toy" awards over the years, and have been featured widely in national print media and on television.
One of the company's points of pride is that their toys are thoroughly tested for safety, and meet all US consumer product safety regulations. The toys are tested at the factory of origin during various phases of the production process to assure that every toy meets the company's stringent safety requirements every step along the way. In particular, the paints and coatings on Melissa & Doug toys are tested frequently to be sure they meet or exceed government recommendations limiting heavy metals and lead in children's items.
Since day one, Melissa & Doug has been in compliance with every US consumer product safety regulation and will continue to stay compliant as the laws continue to evolve, assuring parents that their children can have a safe childhood while playing with Melissa & Doug toys.
What's in the Box
60 wooden blocks and wooden storage case.
Product Description
Build a tower, a town or just about anything with these large solid-wood standard unit blocks. The 60 big, smooth-sanded sturdy blocks are naturally finished with a classic look for hours of classic fun. The handsome wooden storage crate makes clean up and storage easy. Measures 15"L x 12.25"W x 5.25"D.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
352 of 356 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Durability:
Educational:
Fun:
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!
"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!
167 of 170 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Durability:
Educational:
Fun:
These blocks are all you could ask for--and at an unbelievable price!! These are indeed "Standard Unit Blocks". They are just like what you will find in Preschool and Kindergarten classes. The selection of sizes and shapes is very, very good for a set with only 60 blocks total. That being said, if you can afford it I would strongly recommend buying 2 sets. When youngsters start building it's a shame if they run out of building materials for their creative experiences. The quality, weight, and workmanship of these blocks is outstanding. This is surely a gift that can be passed on for generations. In this day and age of pricey toys-so many being electronic and/or requiring only "one right answer or goal" it's incredibly refreshing and truely necessary to encourage children to be creative and explore learning through active free play. I purchased 2 sets of these blocks for my 3 & 4 yr old boys. I believe that the purchase of these blocks are probably one of the most valuable "toy" choices I have and will make.
76 of 78 people found the following review helpful
Durability:
Educational:
Fun:
The craftmanship and detail approaches perfection while the variety of play becomes infinite. My son (4 years) continues to astound us with his imagination and engineering feats when he builds with the "Standard Unit Blocks." This will be his second box, allowing him to expand the existing set and enjoy his play even further.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Wooden Blocks
These blocks are perfect and timeless. Smooth edges and durable blocks. Fun for all ages. Multiple sets are a must - one for home and one for grandma's house.
Published 11 days ago by Sandra P. Oatley
Great size.
Perfectly sized for our almost 3-yr old. He loves building towers and sheds for his trains. If you have more than one kid using these blocks I'd recommend two sets just to make... Read more
Published 21 days ago by D. Chamberlain
Still a favorite after all these years
We purchased this set (two of them), along with the Architectural one (also by Melissa & Doug) several years ago for our two daughters. Read more
Published 21 days ago by D. Berkley
perfect.
The fella and I got these because we wanted to play with them. We had been using those little letter blocks to stack and build towers with, and our son LOVED to knock down whatever... Read more
Published 23 days ago by sara
GREAT set of blocks!
I bought these for my 2 year old son and he LOVES them! I had searched all over the place to find the type of blocks that daycares have and finally found these. LOVE them! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Teresa R. Carpenter
Nice Set of Blocks
I purchased this for my grandson, age 27 months. He was so used to Mega blocks that it took him awhile to realize they do not hook together. Read more
Published 1 month ago by L. G. Fontenot
Don't get cheap blocks, get these standard unit blocks
With standard unit blocks your kids will be able to build bigger structures that don't easily fall over. I made the mistake of getting the cheaper blocks that always fell over. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Miguelina Nickerson
Unfinished Wood Makes a Bad Toy
Within the first three weeks of playing with these blocks, the wood of a few of the pieces began to splinter. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Call6678
review
this was awesome. i built a city. it was cool. tese are fun. buy them. have fun. enjoy the toys.
Published 2 months ago by Christopher Ellsworth
PERFECT
Not only was this EXACTLY what we wanted, but it also arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The blocks are large and solid, perfectly sanded and smooth. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Legendary
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