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.

Your child can get playful with this little caravan of a Camel, Elephant, Giraffe, Bird and Lion. I think children will want to “handle” these animal blocks in the Zid Zid Caravan Block Set. They look like they’d weigh pretty solidly in your hand, and the cool vinyl material coupled with the embroidery details makes this a tactile delight. The company also offers a variety of block styles/themes, including “Off to the Country” and ”In the City Blocks”. It’s a very unique concept in children’s blocks.

Zid Zid Kids was founded by married artist/designer couple Julie Klear and Moulay Essakalli in 2003 after they and their two children relocated from Massachusetts to Morocco, where Moulay was born and raised. Julie and Moulay combine the local warm colors and unique designs to their line of high quality products for generations to enjoy. All of their products arel handmade by artisans in Marrakech, Morocco.

The caravan block set includes the colors blue, brown, orange, silver, gold. They are handmade from high quality vinyl with fine embroidery details.  The set even comes with a re-usable cotton drawstring bag. Sizes range from 3-14 inches.

Purchase this unique block set for $68 at pokkadots.com.

Things that move, swirl, and flow, and don’t make a mess on the floor make everyone happy. These are certainly very unusual blocks compared to the ones I used to play with as a child. I’m sure I’d be right down there on the carpet with my children playing with these Water Blocks by Plan Toys.

There’s just something about the movement of water that captures our attention — whether we’re adults or toddlers. I’ve noticed that children will tend to toss or step on blocks after a while but I think these Water Blocks will hold their attention a little longer. With the addition of colored water, these could be the building blocks of a sea port or their own Sea World.

The Water Blocks by Plan Toys was the Teachers’ Pick in Parent & Child 2004. The set includes three square blocks with red, yellow and blue water, and three semi-circle blocks with red, yellow and blue water. Made from sustainable rubberwood, it’s appropriate for ages 3 and up.

The Water Blocks by Plan Toys measure 4.25″ x 5.5″L and can be purchased for $30 at UncommonGoods