The 11 Best Non-Toxic Building Blocks for Babies & Toddlers

If you are looking for a toy that is both fun and educational, look no further than a set of non-toxic blocks.

While they might seem simple, they actually give babies and toddlers endless opportunities for developmental play. They’re the perfect addition to any toy collection.

Building blocks give children the ability to use their imagination and experiment with important principles like balancing, stacking, and creating. Believe it or not, blocks even lay the foundation for early math skills. But most importantly, they provide hours of active engagement and fun — and something that children return to time and time again. 

That said, choosing the perfect block set for your child takes a little research! There are so many blocks on the market, but there are a few things to consider before purchasing. For example, you’ll want to take note of the size of the blocks, the materials, and the quality.

So, I’ve rounded up my favorite block sets that I think are perfect for both babies and toddlers and will certainly last you and your family for years to come. 

Here are my top recommendations for block sets that will inspire daily creative play and are appropriate for both babies and toddlers. You might even consider stocking your child’s toy collection with a few different sets!

1. The Block Set by Lovevery

Out of all the block sets on the market, Lovevery is by far the best standalone set. With 70 different heirloom-quality blocks made of sustainably sourced wood, this is a highly versatile block set.

There are 20 different activities children can do with these blocks from building various basic designs to creating more interesting buildings and structures. Even the block’s storage container can join in the fun by turning into a shape sorter or a wagon. I’m telling you, these are awesome!

When reviewing block sets, one of my top requirements is its versatility. This set really does have endless possibilities and is suitable for all ages, which is why it’s #1 on my list.

Lovevery The Block Set

Buy on Lovevery

2. Uncle Goose Blocks

For a more traditional block set, I recommend the Uncle Goose blocks. This set comes with a variety of beautiful wooden blocks that are sealed with beeswax. On the blocks, you’ll find various letters and numbers as well as familiar animals. While this is a classic set with all cube-shaped blocks, that doesn’t mean they are limited. In fact, children love to sort, balance, stack, match, and work on number, color, and animal recognition.

I love that the blocks are colorful and made using non-toxic, safe inks. Keep in mind, they do have pointed corners, so they are generally recommended for ages 2+. 

3. Everwood Friends

The Everwood Friends Block Set is a natural woodblock set. Made of high-density hard maple, these blocks have a rigid, tight-grain that wears well. The 45 piece set includes a variety of shapes and sizes including cubes, triangles, rectangles, arches, pillars, and ramps. I love their simplicity as well as the endless building options.

And you will love that there are even add-ons you can purchase for some extra building fun! You can find extra platforms that can provide an even ground for your child to build on. You can also find other add-ons like arches or triangles. 

Note that all the surfaces of these building blocks are completely rounded for safety, so these are suitable for younger children as well!

4. Melissa & Doug Solid Wood Blocks

Another good choice is the Natural Block Set by Melissa and Doug. With 60 natural-finished blocks, you’ll find a huge variety of shapes and sizes ready for countless, creative building opportunities. The blocks are also packaged in a decent-quality wooden crate for easy storage.

I love that these blocks are on the larger side, so children can stack and balance these a bit more easily than smaller blocks. My kids have been playing with these blocks almost daily for 2+ years.

Melissa & Doug offers a 100% happiness guarantee, so if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, their customer service is there. Although, I don’t anticipate any issue;  these blocks are a huge hit and will last for years! 

5. Lego Duplo Blocks

While Lego Duplos are not traditional block sets, they create just as many learning opportunities. With bright colors, Duplos are specifically designed for both babies and toddlers. The bricks are larger than regular-sized Legos so they are easier to grasp, stack, and build with– perfect for tiny hands! Made of ABS plastic, these blocks are stable and non-toxic (even for those babies who like to mouth their blocks). 

Duplos come in a variety of set-types. From open-ended play sets that include a variety of colors and shapes to the more specific themed sets like airports, fire stations, and trucks, Duplos are definitely something that can grow with your child’s interests as they get older.  

Want to see even more Lego Duplo sets? Check out our full guide to the best Lego Duplos for babies and toddlers.

6. Fat Brain Toys Block Set

The Fat Brain Toys Block Set is a beautiful and vibrant 100-piece set of solid beech wood blocks. Made of completely non-toxic materials, you can be sure that these are safe for all young children to play with. The set has a variety of different shapes including cubes, cylinders, arches, triangular and rectangular prisms, so children can build just about anything they put their mind to.

7. Tegu Wooden Blocks

Tegu Wooden Blocks are a highly innovative type of building blocks set in that they are magnetic. It makes for a really fun, unique experience that is actually a bit easier for children to use since the blocks stick to each other!

Tegu’s magnetic blocks can fit together to create unique items and shapes, giving your little one endless play opportunities. Kids really enjoy building all kinds of structures with these. With 42 blocks that are unique in shape and size, these blocks promote the best kind of open-ended play and exploration. 

Additionally, these are completely non-toxic. Made from sustainably sourced solid wood and stained with non-toxic water-based finishes, you can be confident and comfortable with these blocks! 

As always, monitor your child’s playtime when using magnets of any kind.

8. Curved Blocks

Curved blocks provide unique challenges and opportunities. Whether your child uses the curved block set alone, or likes to incorporate a traditional block set with these, the curved blocks are incredibly versatile. From balancing the blocks on top of one another to creating bridges and tunnels, kids can use their imagination for endless play. I like this handmade, natural curved block set.

9. Bannor Toys Block Set

Bannor Toys makes a traditional block set. With 26 blocks in all, each natural block is etched with a letter of the alphabet. You’ll find that the blocks all have their own unique color since they are made of natural woods and finished with non-toxic flaxseed and beeswax. 

These are actually really great for smaller children. Sanded with round edges and all the same shape, younger children don’t have as much trouble stacking or balancing them. Frustration-free play is key with the little ones!  

10. Wooden Story Toys

For a variety of unique blocks, Wooden Story Toys is a great company to browse. They offer many natural products, including shape sorters and large block sets. They also have stacking sets and pyramid options. You can purchase colorful, stained options or choose an all-natural set. These blocks are a little more expensive than most, but they are incredibly high-quality and will last for generations.

11. Hape Blocks

Hape Blocks are some of the more popular blocks on the market. This 100-piece set features bright colors, a variety of shapes, and different sizes. Perfect for countless building projects that children will use for years. Like all Hape products, their finishes and colorations are all non-toxic. While these toys are recommended for 2+, I think with supervision, they could be used for younger children as well.

Which Block Set Did You Choose?

I hope you find a block set or two that are perfect for your family! I recommend choosing a block set that is as open-ended as possible and possibly adding another unique set to expand playing potential.

Enjoy building and creating!