Unit Blocks

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DS is always playing with the preschool unit blocks when I pick him up after work. He still loves his Haba blocks and steals the flat blocks from the Djeco animal sets. I'm looking to get him a good set of unit blocks for his birthday in November.

The Barclay blocks are beautiful but pricy. http://www.barclaywoods.com/toy_blocks_small.htm

I may be a snob but I don't trust M&D blocks especially since 1 Amazon reviewer mentioned wood filler (my DD still mouths blocks and we have another on the way). The Plan unit blocks from AMazon http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toy-50-Unit-Blocks-Set/dp/B000A42YMS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1223918020&sr=8-2
seem to be a good price and I've had good luck with Plan toys.

Will I regret getting rubberwood unit blocks? The Haba and Djeco blocks have withstood daily use and are still brightly colored and gorgeous. We plan on adding to the Haba blocks for DD. If I bought the Barclay blocks should I get Toddler set B or would I be ok ordering 1 each of the infant sets? Any other suggestions?


Thank you so much

Christine W
mom to John 11.19.05 and Katie 1.25.07

[MamaKath]

We have a few sets of the Plan ones at my moms. She got them quite a few years ago and they have held up to lots of play. I am really thrilled with them.

Our other favorite set of blockas is this one...
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/ca%7CsearchResults~~p%7CDB416~~.jsp They are so much fun to build with!

[new_mommy25]

The Plan blocks look really nice.

FWIW, we have 2 sets of the M&D blocks (got them for $30 each last xmas) and I have no complaints. They are very sturdy and have held up well. Very smooth, no splinters, cracks etc. My kids play with them alongside all our Haba blocks.

[kcimato]

We have had a set of these for about 3 years and look as good as new


www.maplelandmark.com

[brittone2]

We have 2 sets (I think? ) of M&D and have been surprisingly happy with them. I've seen mixed reviews but overall, I've been reasonably happy with the unfinished rubberwood (especially when purchased at AC Moore with a 40% off coupon, making the price very reasonable).

To that set, we added a set of used unit blocks picked up on ebay. They are old and kind of beaten up, but are still filled w/ tons of play value.

If budget wasn't a concern, I'd go for Barclay or Maplelandmark.

[The Review Mommy]

We have the M&D set and couldnt be happier! We have other M&D wood (painted) and are not thrilled with the quality but these are absoluetly fine. ;) My twins are freeks at the chewing thing.

I just posted a review here of them:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=303362

[annasmom]

For the past few years before Christmas (so possibly in time for your dc's b-day) TJ Maxx and Marshalls have carried unit blocks made by Guidecraft.

I bought a set a few years ago, and they are great. I think the set is about 30 or so blocks, and it has been priced about $15.