Why are unit blocks so much more $ than regular blocks?

[JTsMom]

Somebody needs to explain this to me, b/c I'm totally perplexed by the price difference! I must be missing something. For example:

Unit blocks:http://www.sensoryedge.com/toddler-w...block-kit.html

Blocks:http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-P...939563&sr=1-21

or
http://www.amazon.com/Maxim-Natural-...6939860&sr=1-2

Is there something really special about unit blocks? Is it the wood quality, and if so, is it really THAT important? I'm having a really hard time wrapping my brain around spending over $120 on 53 blocks! I did find this set at a reasonable price-any thoughts?
http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-6...6939474&sr=1-1

[egoldber]

Well that first set is insanely expensive. There are sets that are handmade, custom from sustainable hardwoord blah blah, but those don't seem to be of that variety.

We have the last set you linked to and I have been extremely pleased with them. FYI, I got them at AC Moore with a 40% off coupon.

FYI, the first M&D set you linked to are pretty small. If it's the set I am thinking of, the size of the blocks is much smaller than in your typical unit blocks set. That isn't readily apparent when viewing online.

[brittone2]

Yeah, I think the M&D are rubberwood which is sustainable but will dent, etc. more easily than maple.

I'd like maple, but that said, we've been very, very happy with our M&D unit blocks (and ITA w/ the PP...make sure they are truly unit blocks if that's what you want. ) For the price, they've given us tons of play value. I bought two sets both using a 40% off coupon on separate occasions (AC Moore)

[new_mommy25]

We have two sets of the Melissa & Doug unit blocks and are very happy with them. They are good quality for the price. We've had them since last Christmas and there are no dents yet despite constant play. They don't have all the super cool pieces that they have at preschool or kindergarten (like the really long blocks and the big arches) but the kids still manage to create some pretty cool things. HTH.

eta: Check Plan Toys. I saw their unit blocks in a toy store yesterday and they felt really nice. They are a little more expensive than M&D. http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toy-50-Un.../dp/B000A42YMS

[octmom]

We've got the M&D set too and have had no trouble with denting, etc., even after several years of play. I picked ours up at TJ Maxx a few years ago. I think I paid around $30 (and no shipping cost). They sometimes get them, particularly around the holidays.

[JTsMom]

Thanks for all of the feedback everyone. We don't have AC Moore here- the closest is 100+ miles away. Does anyone happen to know if the carry the M&D ones at Michaels?

Also, how many pieces do you think I should I start with? If it makes any difference, we have lots of other blocks- piles of Legos, and those big cardboard blocks.

[egoldber]

We just have the one basic set and that has always been plenty for Sarah. We've had them for about 5 years and they look practically brand new. They are still a fav toy for playdates.

Michaels may have them, especially this time of year. It's worth a call.

[fivi2]

Just FYI - my Michaels looked at me like I was insane when I asked if they had blocks... But I am sure they are all different!

[1964pandora]

The first set you listed is made by Barclay blocks. They're made of solid maple, thus the expense. Wonderful, but probably not something that everyone needs for home use for a few kids to play with. The Barclay blocks website will tell you everything you want to know about the hows and whys of unit blocks.

http://www.barclaywoods.com/wooden_blocks/details.htm

Also, do a search on this Baby Bargains website to pull up information about Barclay blocks and unit blocks, in general. I love Barclay blocks, but M&D unit blocks seem like a great deal to me. It IS important to find UNIT blocks, in other words, but I think softer wood suffices for most home use.

Susan

[greatcanuk]

I was able to get Guidecraft blocks at a discount at Marshalls. Marshalls has different Guidecraft products periodically. Very nice quality; I think sometimes schools use them. At various times, there were bigger and smaller sets at Marshalls. I bought different sets maybe 3 times, in order to build up my (oh, I meant DD's) collection slowly.
http://www.guidecraft.com/product/43...UNIT_BLOCK_SET

I was also able to get the Rainbow blocks:
http://www.guidecraft.com/product/43...S%26%238482%3B

Good luck!
Camille