I try to find/use wood toys more than any other type of toys.
It's hard though because a lot of the high quality ones are made across the pond so shipping is sometimes spendy but I have to say that many of the ones I have splurged on have stood the test of time and really last a long time.
I try to avoiding wood toys made in China. Many of them can contain lead paint, there have been hundreds of recalls on toys made in China because of lead in paint.
I also kind of have a hard time with the cheap labor, shoddy environmental practices, and poor resource management.
American and European made toys seem to have better quality/craftsmanship.
My favorite brands are:
- Plan Toys
- Djeco
- Grimms Spiel und Holz
- Holztiger
- Little Colorado
- Fagus
- Elves and Angels
- Fagus
- Haba
- Orange Tree
- Oops Imagine
- JoJo Maman Bébé
- Little Baby Company
- Great Little Trading Co
- Maple Landmark
- Tegu
I have a much bigger list somewhere but those are just the brands I could think of off hand or have in my line of sight right now.
To be honest, I try to avoid Melissa and Doug and Hape brand toys.
Although they are super easy to find and aren't really that expensive, most are made in China