Wooden toys are classic because of their wonderful colors, shapes, textures and lasting power. Wooden food is especially popular because it can be used in a variety of ways in an imaginary play.
Two popular toy companies that make wooden food toys are Melissa & Doug and HABA.
Who are Melissa & Doug?
Melissa & Doug, a husband and wife, started their company in 1988 at their base. They produce a variety of educational toys, puzzles, musical instruments, puppets, children’s games, supplies and of course woodworking crafts.
Melissa & Doug is based out of Connecticut, however their products are manufactured in China. A figure of the Chinese manufacturer (created by the Chinese company itself) can be viewed by clicking here.
Who is HABA?
Founded in 1938 in Germany, HABA has expanded from wooden toys to school games, a marble farm table for children, and gaussape toys. wooden ornaments, school supplies, decor and children’s furniture. Their colors are tested regularly to maintain safety and their products are manufactured right in Germany. They maintain a comprehensive environmental policy and announce that their suppliers also operate under strict environmental policies.
What foods are available?
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Melissa & Doug’s food group set, birthday cake, sandwich maker, toaster toaster kit, meat cutting set, pizza party set, sushi set, condiment set, sauce rack, and 3 dimensional dinner puzzles.
HabA foods are usually sold individually and include an grocery theme. Their collection includes a numbered wooden board, a working food scale, food baskets, shopping bags, dollars and coins. Their selection is easily European, and includes chocolate croissants, salami, yogurt, pasta, sugar cubes, and chocolate boxes, in addition to fresh fruit, vegetables, and breads.
How do they compare the quality?
This is where you see the real difference. I have my own wooden food from each team, and it has been strongly tested by Todro who loves to toss things around and crack them together. A famous winner of HABA. After less than a year of ownership, Melissa & amp; Doug’s products are looking pretty cheap. Haba products still look new, with no accident paint or chipped wood.
The downside to HABA is that their products are much smaller, making it easier for small hands to hold. When I first received the HABA wooden food in the mail, I was very disappointed in the size.
Their reverse, besides being more excellent, is made of a lighter wood. Melissa & Doug’s wooden fruits and vegetables, for example, are not only large, they are heavy, and therefore not very suitable for a younger child who is tossing things around.
Price and Availability
In China, Melissa & Doug are the clear winners in the price category. It is difficult to make a true price comparison, because Melissa & Doug items are sold in sets and HABA items are sold individually. But Melissa & Doug can be found at most United States toy stores, including Toys R Us and WalMart’s toy department. HABA toys are usually only found in proprietary toy stores or ordered online, and therefore the prices tend to be a little higher; especially when you’re into shipping.
A Note on the Personal Side
In addition to the direct comparison of wooden toys, we would like to add that we are disappointed in other Melissa & We had Doug’s products, including these and a selection of toys. For they are all torn, cut, or chipped. Our wooden fruit basket assortment falls apart within a few months of purchase. If price is an important consideration for your family, then Melissa & Doug certainly delivers on the fun and variety. However, if you want classic-toys to stay, HABA toys are worth the extra cost and service.
Report:
- www.haba.de/index.php?en< /li>
