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 .