7 Reasons to Support Natural Wooden Toys

1. Natural wooden toys can be made in a sustainable way. The wood selected for these toys can be harvested using sustainable forestry practices. A good wooden toy manufacturer will know where their wood comes from so don't be afraid to ask. 
2. Toys made from natural wood are non-toxic.  Most are assembled with non-toxic water based glue but a skilled craftsman can join the pieces together with a set of techniques called locking joinery.  Glue free wooden toys are hard to find but but are truly amazing to see.
3. They are compost-able! All natural wooden toys are designed to by nature to go back to the earth. If one of these classic gems happens to find its way into a landfill, or even better a biomass reactor, there is no harmful environmental fallout.
4. They are durable and last a long time.  Just because they are organic doesn't mean they wont last.  If properly cared for these toys can last several generations.  Wooden toys are the most likely to pass from generation to generation.
5. Peace and quiet! Most wooden toys, can't help you if you buy a whistle, are quiet.  Many modern day toys provide a constant din in your household, many are too loud and can damage young ears. Wooden toys let your children come up with the sound effects rather than spoon feeding them character lines.
6. Pretend play can be better with wooden toys. Most wooden toys are simple representations of every day things. This simplicity allows your child's imagination to fill in the gaps. It allows them to decide who is driving the car and what kind of car it is.  Rather than pre-made play sets children can build their own castles with wooden blocks or lay down their own train tracks.
7. Many wooden toy manufactures are small, dedicated, businesses based in the USA and Europe. They often support their local communities and provide fair wages.  Check out Maple Landmark Woodcraft, http://www.dandmewoodtoys.com/

There are plenty of places to purchase natural wooden toys online.  I recommend http://ncmtoys.com they provide toys that will stimulate and challenge your child's mind.