Reconnecting to nature has never been more important than in today's fast paced world. Our children especially need the right environment to grow, and toys are a fundamental part of their development. Plastic and electronic toys overstimulate our children and confine their imagination, but we can turn to Montessori toys for a break from our busy world.

Holztiger wood animal toys bring the natural world to our children's toy box. They offer calming tactile stimulation and open-ended play for endless hours of fun. But why is wood such a great toy material, and how does Montessori play work?

It all comes down to freedom of play. As Maria Montessori said, "Play is the work of the child." Every day, our little ones work hard to learn and grow, and it's our responsibility as parents to give them the right tools for the job. 

The Importance of Play

Play is the main way our children learn and explore their world. They practice independence, creativity, and curiosity. Through imaginative play, children learn about social relationships, emotions, and problem-solving. By exploring the world through play, they learn everything they need to grow into compassionate adults.

The Montessori Method focuses on enabling children to play without constraint. The toy aisle is overflowing with restrictive toys. Toys that come with instructions, instant-gratification lights and sounds, or modeled after specific characters restrict our child's imagination.

If our children can't flex their creative muscles, they won't enjoy all the benefits of playtime. We want our children to learn everything they can from their play, so we should invest in toys that help them grow. 

Why Wood Toys?

Although the Montessori Method doesn't claim that one material is better than the other, wood is a popular choice. And, it's our favorite! Wood has been shown to have calming properties when children touch it. The natural, tactile sensation of wood toys works magic!

Wood also tends to be more open-ended than other toy materials. By nature, it usually doesn't include noises, lights, or automatically moving parts. Mostly, you'll see stacking blocks, toy figures, dolls, or other life-mimicking shapes. These toys need our children's imagination to come to life during playtime, and our children love to direct play!

Believe it or not, wood toys are actually good for your wallet. While the up-front cost may be higher, they're more durable than plastic. Wood is less prone to breaking, and there aren't usually small parts that'll break off. 

And, high-quality toys make from natural materials are toxin-free. Other great materials include cotton and metal. Consider investing in toys that will last a lifetime!

Why We Love Holztiger Wood Animals

There's a wide world of wooden toys out there, so why Holztiger? We believe they're heirloom-quality classics that still stand out as unique pieces. They also commit themselves to sustainability and your baby's safety.

Every animal figure is hand-carved from sustainably sourced native German maple or beechwood. Then, they're hand-painted with natural watercolors and sealed with water-based finishes. Holztiger toys puts love into every toy, from the carving to the last unique detail on the face. Every animal is unique, with its own touch of personality.

The high-quality and natural materials mean your child is safe from harm during play. Each toy has rounded, smooth edges, and they're durable enough to withstand rough play. No splinters or sharp edges! The non-toxic pigments also mean your child is safe to chew to their heart's content.

With their durability and timeless design, these toys will last your children years. Then, they'll find a second life as a beloved hand-me-down. 

Our Favorite Holztiger Toys

1. Holztiger Dinosaur Collections

We all know a kiddo who loves dinos! Teach them about archaeology and encourage their creativity with a toy version of their interests. Your children can discover different kinds of dinosaurs with a physical representation of what they're learning.

2. Farm Animals

Create a fun imaginary stage with all the toy animals needed to make a farm! Choose from the basics like pigs, cows, and sheep, and branch out into cats, mice, and ducks. There are endless possibilities for stories on a farm. Watch your little one's pigs become best friends with the barn cat, and more endless stories unfold.

3. Aquatic Life

Dive into the depths of the ocean with wood animal toys! The ocean can be a scary place, so let's make it fun. You'll find the smallest ocean creatures, like a snippy crab, to the mightiest fish, like a water-spouting whale.

4. Safari Adventures

Take your child's imagination to new continents with the safari animals. A Holztiger giraffe will bring your little one's creativity to new heights, and the hippo will lounge with them when they need a break. Teach your little one all about the wide world and biodiversity.

5. Trees, Plants, and Bushes

What's a playtime with animals without natural set pieces? Add in forest pine trees or a tropical palm to bring your child's worlds to life. Pick up a mushroom or a bush to to complete the scene!

Choose a Holztiger Wood Animal for Your Child Today!

Ready to bring joy to your child's toybox? Shop our collect and pick our their favorite animal! Or, introduce them to something completely new. The possibilities are endless, and we're ready to explore them with imaginative play!