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CHICAGO (December 1, 2004) – Screeching tires, buzzing propellers and roaring engines – no it's not the newest racing video game – it's a child's mind at play. From trucks and planes to rocking horses and dollhouses, “back-to-basics” gifts like wooden toys and blocks are making a comeback this holiday season.
“This year, countless gift-givers are opting for toys that challenge kids to flex their minds not just the dexterity of their thumbs,” said toymaker Tom Merrin, who's seen an unprecedented spike in his wood-only toy building business. “This season is shaping up to be as much about classic toys as video games, action figures and talking baby dolls.”
And along with expanding creativity and challenging a child's mind, timeless holiday classics, like basic building blocks, offer a durability that will outlast the holiday season, Merrin added.
An Environmental Message, as well
Unlike plastic and electronic toys which are non-biodegradable, susceptible to changing fads and can end up in landfills, wood toys are keepsakes that provide children with a lesson in forest preservation.
“Every time we give a wood toy or purchase a product made of wood such as a guitar, grandfather clock or even new kitchen cabinets, we send a message to the industry to plant more trees,” said Merrin. “This is a great lesson for kids of any age.”
Wood toys also offer a lesson in environmental health. When anything is built from wood, the entire tree is used. “Nothing is wasted,” Merrin added. “Even leftover or discarded scraps are used to make paper and composite lumber.”
Heirlooms in the Making
The durability of classic constructed wood toys is also a major selling feature for Merrin's customers this season.
“Many of my customers are grandparents who want their grandkids to have something they can hand down to their own children when they grow up,” Merrin said. “Many folks hope they're giving a gift -- that will not only make it past January -- but one that will be passed down and played with for multiple generations.”
Visit www.beconstructive.com for more information on wood products and visit www.hardwoodtoys.com for wooden toy gift ideas.
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EDITOR NOTE: To schedule an interview with toymaker Tom Merrin, please contact Jason Sparks at 312/988-2232 or jsparks@webershandwick.com
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