These attractive wooden blocks from Wonderworld promise to offer all kinds of educational fun for babies and young children. Made from wood and plastic, these blocks are designed to make different sounds when shaken. They are great for babies learning to explore the world, and for older children learning to stack, count, and make music. You can purchase the set on sale for $34 (down from $45) at allmodernbaby.com.

These Tree Branch Blocks by Natural Pod were recently chosen as one of the Top 10 Eco-Toys of 2009 in the 2009 Eco-Friendly Toy Test by Goddard Systems and Eco-Child’s Play. Made in Vancouver, BC, Canada, these rustic blocks consist of many unique pieces of wood in various diameters and lengths, still covered in a thin layer of bark with smooth,finished ends. They are beeswax-finished and kiln-dried, and offer a child numerous possibilities in building masterpieces. They are recommended for ages 2 to 8, and are sold in a locally-made cotton bag. At $29.95, this is an affordable, safe, fun gift idea for the holidays. You can read more about them at NaturalPod.com, where these tree branch blocks are also available in a larger size.

Made from 100% organic wool, these Handmade Soft Blocks are hand-felted, dyed, and sewn by artisans in Mongolia. A bell inside each block rewards curious babies with a pleasant sound as they play. Each block costs $16. You can purchase one at modernnursery.com. The unique look and handcrafted appeal make this a perfect gift idea.

I haven’t yet seen these Rubbablox by PlaSmart in person, but they look like they are a great option for young children. Made from foam, they are soft, so little hands can easily grasp and manipulate them. The bright colors are pretty attractive, too. You can purchase the set of 9 blocks and 18 connectors for $45 at barneys.com.

One of my son’s favorite gifts he received for his 5th birthday last week was a set of Wedgits. He already had the Wedgits To Go 35 Piece Set (shown above) and wanted more to add to his collection. I had never heard of Wedgits until a friend of ours gave my son the To Go set about a year ago. Made by Imagability, Wedgits are bright, chunky geometric blocks that fit together in various ways, allowing kids to build to the height of their imagination. The complex thinking and experimentation they promote is evident every time my son builds something new with his Wedgits. Whether he’s trying to copy a design on the Design Cards that were included with his set or creating something new, he’s using spatial and perceptual skills and honing his dexterity.

Wedgits are recommended for ages 3 and up (because of some of the small parts). I’d highly recommend them as an educational tool that’s fun for a child to play with while he’s simultaneously learning. You can purchase the Wedgits To Go 35 Piece Set at Amazon.com for $44.99. It comes in its own handy carrying case, so your child can even build on-the-go.

These German made blocks from Haba can fulfill any child’s need to build their very own town and is guaranteed to bring out their creativity. Little Amsterdam is possibly the first toy that I have spent hours playing with myself. There is something deeply satisfying about making your own town. With all the products on the market today I am pleased that my son loves to play with these wooden blocks the most and that sometimes the simplest things can bring the most pleasure.

This is an extremely well made high quality set of 166 pieces which include bridges, trees, people and cars to create your own little Amsterdam. It might be more expensive than other block sets, but this is an item that will last a long time. You really are paying for great craftsmanship.

Recommended for ages 3 and up, you can purchase Little Amsterdam by Haba at oompa.com for $74.99

Assuming that everything you give your baby is going to be “taste-tested,” it’s a good idea to choose products that do not contain any harmful chemicals. These Nature Inspired Organic Soft Blocks by Dress Me Up would be my choice for infant play. Each block is made and stuffed with clean, carded wool and they’re machine washable (line dry) so your baby can enjoy them over and over again.

Visit naturalpod.com to purchase this item for $34.95CAD (approx $29 USD) for a set of 3. What I noticed first about these soft blocks was the soft and soothing colors and patterns. Infants are stimulated by color and patterns and I think these nature blocks may have a soothing effect — they do for me, just looking at them!

Every child should have the Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit books in their collection. Those stories were among my favorites as a child. This Classic Peter Rabbit Puzzle, Toy, and Book Set by Cricket would make a wonderful gift for any child, and is a great way to introduce him or her to the world of Peter Rabbit. The set includes a Peter Rabbit board book, lightweight blocks that can be combined to make six different puzzles, and a 13 inch plush Peter Rabbit toy. This would be the perfect new baby gift as well. You can purchase this set for $39.99 at Cricketmag.com.

Until recently, I knew nothing of Plan Toys, where everything is eco-friendly. Therefore, I had never seen anything like their Water Blocks. How interesting for little ones would manipulating blocks with colored water inside be? They can pile them in front of one another and watch the colors change, see the water move, or peek through rose colored…blocks. There’s no end to the possibilities; mix them in with other, regular blocks, play with them on their own, use them for doll chairs—it’s the block for the modern child.

Buy 6 for $24.99 for your child age 2 and up (or decorate shelves in contemporary nurseries for now) at UrthChild.com and see what your child comes up with. You’ll have multi-colored towers and houses sprouting up in no time.

Every parent wants her child to play with ABC blocks, hoping that the child will absorb some knowledge from these blocks that will help the child when it’s time to learn to read. Most children will inevitably put these blocks into their mouths from time to time, making a parent worry about the safety of these toys. Maple Landmark has produced a line of toys called Schoolhouse Naturals that are made up of only hard maple wood - with no chemicals, just wood glue used as necessary, and are laser-engraved with no chemical detailing.

This Natural ABC Block Set looks like the perfect first letter block set for a child. The set consists of 16 blocks that measure 1 3/4″. Each has a letter engraved on it against a background of an object beginning with that letter. Most importantly, you can be sure that it’s safe if he puts it into his mouth. Recommended for ages 12 months and up, you can purchase these blocks for $98 at MapleLandmark.net.

These unique blocks from Haba allow your child to build structures reminiscent of ancient Persia, Syria, or Egypt. The Middle Eastern Block Set consists of 50 wooden pieces in 13 different shapes. They can be used by a child to create a Middle Eastern village, or added to other Haba block sets to make larger structures. Each block measures about 1″. The set is recommended for ages 5 and up. It is made in China but is guaranteed by Haba to be safe. You can view and purchase this unique building set at BabyNaturopathics.com for $61.50. It would make a great holiday gift.

These are real blocks like we used to have when we were kids. These PBK Blocks (by Pottery Barn Kids) are big and smooth and feature graphic art and oversized letters. Each 2.25″ sq block has two letters, two words and two colorful pictures.

There are many, many alternatives for blocks made out of everything from bubber and plastics to sponge and fabric materials. And those are fine, depending on the age and development of the child. These PBK Blocks are a little retro but still charming and fun to look at and touch (notice the rounded edges). You can order a set for your child at PotteryBarnKids.com for $39. The collection of 26 blocks comes in a canvas bag for storage. They would make a great gift .

Haba Sevilla Building Blocks are made from beechwood and measure 2 inches. Their size and shape makes them easily stackable, and the bright colors make kids want to play with them. Included in the set of 25 building blocks are a block with a rattle, a block with a bell, a block with a prism, a block with a mirror, a block with a magnifier, and a block with a peep hole. Recommended for ages 1 1/2 and up, they are designed to be compatible with other Haba building blocks as well.

Fun for a boy or a girl, these blocks would make a great Christmas gift. At $70, they won’t break the bank, either. Take a closer look at LandbridgeToys.com.

If your child is at that throwing-things-around-the-room stage, you might like to consider these Circus Soft Blocks. Made by Pottery Barn Kids, they’re designed especially for visual stimulation and sized just for infants’ hands as they develop hand-eye coordination. With these soft fabric blocks, you won’t have to worry about your little one hurting themselves as they might with any kind of hard-edged blocks. These are sewn of polyester velour and cotton percale with polyester filling.

Plus, its a circus theme and I, like most folks, cannot resist the circus. This would make a great gift as well. View this item at PotteryBarnKids.com where the set is on sale for $39.99.

In this day and age, when shopping for toys, one doesn’t always know what one will get. There have been so many safety recalls, problems with melamine in plastic toys, problems with imports from China, and so forth, that it might make parents afraid of buying toys for their children this holiday season.

If you feel like this, it might be a good idea to return to basic toys, such as this classic Roy Toy Tree House Play Set. These building blocks have been made in Maine from real wood since the 1930s. This is a practical, quality toy. The 71-piece set comes in a reusable storage container.

Recommended for ages 4 and up, you can purchase this toy for $24.95 at VermontCountryStore.com. It’s one gift you can feel good about buying and giving to your child.