Re: Do you like Melissa & Doug toys?

redhead2466

Pros?  Cons?  I like that they seem to be learning-based puzzles, that they are made of wood (not plastic) and I think I read somewhere they use non-toxic paint (not sure on that, though).   I know they are made in China, so if you boycott anything made in PRC, that eliminates M&D.

Just wondering about your experiences with their toys, and if your LOs like them.  They have a bunch of M&D stuff at our library, and DD seems to really get into the puzzles.  I'm thinking of getting some or asking for some for Christmas.  TIA

MissyOlivePants

redhead2466:

Pros?  Cons?  I like that they seem to be learning-based puzzles, that they are made of wood (not plastic) and I think I read somewhere they use non-toxic paint (not sure on that, though).   I know they are made in China, so if you boycott anything made in PRC, that eliminates M&D.

While I like that they are wood & learning based items, the MIC is exactly why I don't bother with them. I really like Plan & Haba toys.

englishviola

While I don't like that they are MIC, we do have several M&D things (mostly puzzles) and DS LOVES them. I'm talking hours of enjoyment. They were given to us as gifts from family members. I do like the plan toys as well.  I try to direct people to more EF types of toys when they ask, but many people who aren't parents of little ones don't get the whole MIC thing. I give them props for trying.

brookevangory

We have a bunch of them here, and although I love the fact that they are wooden, and they are very educational...they are not really well made. I have contacted them a few times about toys being not so well constructed, that they fall apart.

Zoe'sMama

We do like them. While I'd prefer our toys to be made in the USA, if MIC is the only wood option, then that's what we do. I'd rather have a wooden MIC toy than a hunk of plastic from the US.

brookevangory

Oh, for blocks and stuff, I actually like Little Sapling over on Etsy. Their blocks are awesome, CIPSA certified, and made in the US.

blissfully_caffeinated

DS seems to really love them. He's still pretty young so that could change but I don't think it will. I like that they're wood, hand crafted, and non-toxic. I also like that they are readily available. When someone asks what to get DS and I point them to an Etsy seller or something they just get him something else. If I say he'll like anything by M&D they usually get it. They like that they know it's something he'll like and I like that they're non-toxic and wood.

bethCT

we have a few puzzles and DD likes them.  She doesn't LOVE them, but she plays with them occasionally.  We got them all at tag sales, so even though they are MIC, I feel like I am still being eco conscious about them.

Dobie_Mama

We try to limit our MIC items but we still do buy some and M&D are some of what we will still buy.  S likes them a lot.  The only con that I have found is that some of their paper based products (like the nesting blocks) don't hold up very well.  We haven't had that issue with their wooden toys though.

jwpbride

We were given a TON of M&D stuff - I'm talking wooden puzzles, flashcards, books, threading toys, puzzle books (Noah's FAVORITE) and floor puzzles- and Noah really likes them. His favorite is this book about a truck that has a big puzzle piece of a truck attached with a string and you put it in on each page and the last page the truck is going in the opposite direction and you see all the stuff it picked up at each stop along the story- he's OBSESSED with that thing. We can't get in the car without it.

He's still too young for the flashcards and the threading stuff, but we play with everything else. I think it's all great. I get that it's MIC, but like PPs said, I'd rather have that than plastic crap that sings that's made here.

goodgalpal

NO, I don't like them. I think that with very little research you can find USA or Europe made toys that are just as nice or nicer than the MD toys. I really avoid things that are made in China as much as I possibly can. If that means ordering things instead of getting them off the shelves, then that is what I do. It is a huge priority for me.

I would generally buy a plastic USA toy over a wood China toy if I had to make the choice. I support our workers and quality above China's, I don't think the general people of China are bad, but I really do not agree with how their leaders do things. Plus, there have been too many recalls/toxins of their products so I just would prefer to avoid it. Things may change eventually, but that is how I feel about it for now. My parent's dogs both died from the toxic dog food within one month of each other so I'm extremely cautious. I don't want any of the children in my life mouthing toxic toys.

Poonico

I like the concept of their toys, however (unless this has changed recently) their toys proudly display their state or origin (CT? maybe), yet somewhat hide (IMO) the fact that they are actually MIC.  I was very upset a couple of years ago after purchasing an item only to realize that.  I took it right back to the store.

I do not purchase their products, but if we get them as gifts, I'm typically okay with that.