Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're wooden, simple, fairly inexpensive, most don't make noise, seem to encourage more imaginative play versus pushing buttons and the toys do everything, aren't based on commercial characters, pretty sturdy compared to most of the plastic toys out there.

They're mostly made in China, though, so there's that.

Yea, they used to be made in the US before they became really popular. Disappointing...

OP here. Thanks for the insight. So what US-made toys would you recommend? And what is wrong with being made in China? How is it different than US?

I asked my original question because a bunch of people on my neighborhood listserv are always trying to sell or give these toys away, and it seems like they think it's such a great brand.

Well, for one thing toys made in China have been found to have lead paint in the past. They are supposed to be held to US standards, but China has shown time and again that they cut corners. You can often find Melissa and Doug toys at TJMaxx, Marshalls and Home Goods so I wouldn't say they're an exclusive brand.

only a sucker or a fool would buy that stuff anywhere but those discount stores. Try home goods too,

We follow the Montessori method here at home and we prefer wood over plastic. Wood has life in it. Plastic doesn't. Not to mention being open ended while plastic is not most of the times. They're more beautiful and last longer than plastic too. They don't offend our eyes and don't overwhelm our senses like plastic does.

My dd received their wooden shape sorter as a gift. The box had tons of splinters.--Their plastic shape sorter was great though!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't really get the draw of Melissa and Doug. They are wood, yes. But the quality and durability is not as good as other (usually higher priced) wooden toys. I love the toys at Nova Naturals much better - http://www.novanatural.com/

But the price is the draw. All things being equal, I'd choose Haba and Hape toys but the prices are really high. M&D has a large selection of affordable wooden toys.

+1

I love all these people who probably have tons of M&D toys and are now like "ooh they suck" because apparently they have become too mainstream. I like them because my kid is drawn to them and I can afford to buy them new, it's really simple as that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're wooden, simple, fairly inexpensive, most don't make noise, seem to encourage more imaginative play versus pushing buttons and the toys do everything, aren't based on commercial characters, pretty sturdy compared to most of the plastic toys out there.

They're mostly made in China, though, so there's that.

Yea, they used to be made in the US before they became really popular. Disappointing...

OP here. Thanks for the insight. So what US-made toys would you recommend? And what is wrong with being made in China? How is it different than US?

I asked my original question because a bunch of people on my neighborhood listserv are always trying to sell or give these toys away, and it seems like they think it's such a great brand.

Why do they have to be US made? Some of my favorite brands are Haba and Hape, both German.

I like Melissa and Doug toys though, I feel like they are very child friendly - most of what we have from that brand are things that my child really likes. They don't only make wood toys - they have plastic, too.

I guess I'm one of the few that's a fan. I like that they're wood, yes, but I mostly like that they offer a selection of toys like puzzles, beads, and coloring / craft toys that are affordable and durable. Other PPs have said the toys aren't well made, but every product I've purchased so far has worn well.

Family loves M&D toys and for DS several wooden tricks, but he never really played with them. The latch board was nice though.

Anonymous wrote:I've never had a Melissa & Doug toy chip, and my son is not exactly gentle.

Well good for you. We have a beautiful garbage truck where the top popped and rough wood is now exposed as a result of simple play. I'm not impressed.

The toys are safer as long as there's no lead paint

It is nice to have wooden toys rather than plastic. It seems less hazerdous for babies to be drooling and sucking on. Less chemicals. Good customer service that replaces parts. No little screws or batteries to worry about. Walk around an indepentant toy store then walk around toys r us- see for yourself the difference. To me, it is the difference between writing a story and watching a movie.

I've never had a Melissa & Doug toy chip, and my son is not exactly gentle.

Nothing! They break just as easily as any other toy and the chipped wood is far more dangerous than any plastic junk.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're wooden, simple, fairly inexpensive, most don't make noise, seem to encourage more imaginative play versus pushing buttons and the toys do everything, aren't based on commercial characters, pretty sturdy compared to most of the plastic toys out there.

They're mostly made in China, though, so there's that.

Yea, they used to be made in the US before they became really popular. Disappointing...

OP here. Thanks for the insight. So what US-made toys would you recommend? And what is wrong with being made in China? How is it different than US?

I asked my original question because a bunch of people on my neighborhood listserv are always trying to sell or give these toys away, and it seems like they think it's such a great brand.

I always say "Melissa and Doug magnetic calendar" or "Melissa and Doug toy with locks and latches" or whatever when I post stuff on freecycle because I know people can google that phrase and see exactly what I mean and determine if its appropriate for this kids. I'm not shilling for the brand, just being specific in the description.

They have a nice selection of wooden toys that are a decent compromise between quality and price. There's nothing magical about them; they're just a reliably decent brand.

We have some M&D things. They have a nice selection of reasonably priced wooden toys. So do other companies. I can't speak to all their categories of toys, but we like their wooden puzzles, which we have found to be sturdy and well-made. If your neighbors are mentioning that the toys they want to give away are M&D, it's just a way to let prospective recipients know that they are wooden and of reasonably good quality.