Building Blocks Fit for a King or Queen

Posted by Candace on Apr 27, 2009 | 95 Comments

Haba Plug and Pile The Royal Towers Wooden Building BlocksClassic toys are timeless for good reason.  Wooden building blocks never go out of style–durable, creative, open ended toys that allow for hours of exploration.

HABA makes quality toys primarily from cloth and wood.  These organic materials, combined with a European aesthetic, lend HABA toys a warmth and charm that encourages tactile play.

The HABA Plug and Pile Royal Tower Wooden Blocks are a fun twist on traditional building blocks.  The blocks nest, balance, or rest on top of one another, allowing for avariety of possible structures.  Babies will enjoy experimenting with balance, seeing how high they can build their tower.  Older toddlers can try to recreate the image on the box or try new combinations, encouraging pattern recognition.  My preschooler is discovering how certain blocks fit into one another, producing a stronger construction.

HABA Quadrino Arranging GameAs kids get older, they will be ready for a greater challenge.  HABA’s Quadrino Arranging Game is a timeless puzzle game and can be used for play as complex as your child can handle.  Each block is painted with a vibrant color pattern.

Using the principle of symetry, children create beautiful geometric patterns. The suggested age is 2+ and two year old toddlers will need assistance.  An adult can create a pattern and leave some “holes” for the child to fill in.  Or, complete  one side of the puzzle and allow the child to mirror the other.  Older children can develop their own patterns.

This toy stimulates imagination, concentration, problem solving, and mathematical thinking.  Since the puzzle is never “done” or “solved,” the Arranging Game willl provide hours of play for any child (or adult).

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WANT IT: HABA toys, including the Plug and Pile Royal Tower Wooden Blocks ($26) and Quadrino Arranging Game ($45) are available at many fine toy retailers, including Oompa Toys and Amazon.

WIN IT: HABA is offering one winner a set of Plug and Pile Royal Tower Wooden Blocks (ARV $26). To enter, please check out the selection of HABA toys at Oompa Toys or Amazon and leave us a comment with your favorite HABA toy (not including the two mentioned in the review).

Contest ends 11:59 PM EST, May 11. Shipping to U.S. Only. Winner chosen with Random.org. We never share your e-mail address.

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More in: 06-12 Months, 12-18 Months, Building Toys, Contests, Developmental Toys, Featured, Pre-schoolers, School Aged Children, Toddlers, Toys (06-12 M), Toys (12-24 M), Toys (Pre-School), Toys (School Age)
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  • Maxine said:

    The rattling caterpillar is sooo cute!

    #1 Apr 27, 2009 at 9:08 am
  • Kristin said:

    Wooden blocks were among my prized possessions when I was little. Good to see that the classics are still around for my little man!

    #2 Apr 27, 2009 at 11:20 am
  • Jocelyn said:

    As a Montessori teacher, my favorite item from HABA is Pyramis. It’s an excellent first experience for toddlers to practice building from largest to smallest. All of the HABA products are so well made that they last even with daily classroom use. I would love to add the building blocks to my class!

    #3 Apr 27, 2009 at 12:13 pm
  • Sue said:

    I love the Terry Train. So cute. Thanks for the giveaway~

    #4 Apr 27, 2009 at 12:19 pm
  • ann shuda said:

    The pyramis looks interesting.

    #5 Apr 27, 2009 at 1:42 pm
  • Margaret Smith said:

    I love the Big voyage toy. What adorable toys at Haba. Thanks so much.

    #6 Apr 27, 2009 at 4:23 pm
  • mary bradford said:

    Colorful Stacking Cubes from Haba is my fav. thier eyecatching and functional.

    #7 Apr 27, 2009 at 4:50 pm
  • Stephanie V. said:

    Foundling Rabbit – adorable!

    #8 Apr 27, 2009 at 5:12 pm
  • susan varney said:

    building set is cool mverno@roadrunner.com

    #9 Apr 27, 2009 at 6:30 pm
  • Noreen said:

    I just love the Assorted ice cream “Tiziano”, my girls would love them for tea parties or picnics

    #10 Apr 27, 2009 at 6:41 pm
  • susan said:

    I just love the Pipapo from Haba.

    #11 Apr 27, 2009 at 7:43 pm
  • Melissa said:

    I like the Kringelring from Haba

    #12 Apr 27, 2009 at 7:49 pm
  • EG said:

    I like the Domino Race!

    #13 Apr 27, 2009 at 8:55 pm
  • Kelly Ann T. said:

    I like the Egyptian Set from Haba. This would keep Holt busy for hours and he would be using his imagination.

    #14 Apr 27, 2009 at 9:46 pm
  • Kristie said:

    I like the Click Clack Ball Track from Haba!

    #15 Apr 27, 2009 at 10:41 pm
  • sandy said:

    Big voyage toy

    #16 Apr 27, 2009 at 10:43 pm
  • Nadia said:

    I like the Blossom Stroller Toy from Haba. Thanks!

    #17 Apr 28, 2009 at 12:51 am
  • Darlene said:

    terry train

    #18 Apr 28, 2009 at 5:30 am
  • Erika said:

    We have and love the fantasy blocks and the Clown Klotze blocks. Some of the most gorgeous blocks on the market.

    #19 Apr 28, 2009 at 8:42 am
  • Meredith Rogen said:

    I like the Pyramis! Neat idea.

    #20 Apr 28, 2009 at 8:49 am
  • Alice Wilson said:

    I like the Clown-Klotze blocks. My grandson would just love these, he loves to pile things up.

    #21 Apr 28, 2009 at 10:22 am
  • sara said:

    my twin grandsons would love the click clack ball train

    #22 Apr 28, 2009 at 10:55 am
  • Carol G said:

    The Rolling Turtles are really cute, and just the right size for little one’s hands.

    #23 Apr 28, 2009 at 12:51 pm
  • grubmama said:

    i love their grocery toys!

    #24 Apr 28, 2009 at 1:11 pm
  • Evelyn said:

    I like Cory the Caterpillar

    #25 Apr 28, 2009 at 1:26 pm
  • Michelle said:

    I love the stew tin, sweet.

    #26 Apr 28, 2009 at 2:28 pm
  • Elizabeth Keller said:

    The cash register is really cute! A great learning tool. Thanks for a great giveaway!

    #27 Apr 28, 2009 at 2:32 pm
  • Carol said:

    I like the Eco-Friendly Tea Set and the Organic Fruit Tote
    from Under The Nile.

    #28 Apr 28, 2009 at 2:36 pm
  • beth shepherd said:

    Thank you for a great giveaway! I like the terry train. Thank you!
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

    #29 Apr 28, 2009 at 2:40 pm
  • michelle said:

    I love their walker wagon. This would provide hours of play with and endless amount of play ideas.

    Thanks!

    #30 Apr 28, 2009 at 2:56 pm
  • Chrystal said:

    I like the Terra kids angler set from Haba.

    #31 Apr 28, 2009 at 3:42 pm
  • Lana said:

    I like all the tricycles w/ the pushbars.

    #32 Apr 28, 2009 at 3:46 pm
  • Alexia said:

    I’m lovin’ the Baguette! (and the other pretend food).

    #33 Apr 28, 2009 at 3:47 pm
  • Becca said:

    I am gathering ideas for redecorating my daughter’s bedroom. HABA’s Mia carpet is perfect for the color scheme I have in mind.

    #34 Apr 28, 2009 at 5:19 pm
  • ALLY said:

    I think the 123 Plush Playmat from Kaloo would be nice to have for sure. Thanks for the chance to win the blocks!

    #35 Apr 28, 2009 at 7:05 pm
  • Ellen C. said:

    The rainbow timber looks fun. Thanks for the chance

    #36 Apr 28, 2009 at 7:58 pm
  • judy brittle said:

    I really like the Biofino Produce Basket. That would be a great addition to my grandkids play food. Thank you!

    #37 Apr 29, 2009 at 12:28 am
  • Vicki wurgler said:

    I like the Klapperwurm from Haba

    #38 Apr 29, 2009 at 9:32 am
  • sito said:

    Haba has such wonderful toy selections. I like the Biofino Produce Basket from Haba for a little one who likes to pretend to shop, cook, and serve food.

    #39 Apr 29, 2009 at 3:45 pm
  • Hollie said:

    Animal upon Animal looks like a fun toy!

    #40 Apr 29, 2009 at 4:13 pm
  • Kate said:

    I think the Dragon’s Egg from Haba is adorable

    #41 Apr 29, 2009 at 5:37 pm
  • icefairy said:

    My favorite is the Colorful Stacking Cubes. Thanks for the giveaway!

    #42 Apr 29, 2009 at 5:54 pm
  • Monique Rizzo said:

    I LOVE the Rolling Turtles! Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

    #43 Apr 29, 2009 at 6:59 pm
  • Rosey said:

    The Knight’s Power Play Tent is my favorite toy. The jungle carpet is pretty sweet too…although that technically isn’t considered a toy.

    #44 Apr 30, 2009 at 2:56 am
  • Susan C said:

    I don’t think I have ever seen anything cuter than the Half Dozen Eggs from Haba!
    smchester at gmail dot com

    #45 Apr 30, 2009 at 1:41 pm
  • israel y said:

    I like the rattling caterpillar.

    #46 Apr 30, 2009 at 11:18 pm
  • Cynthia Shern said:

    JeansandTs@hotmail.com
    I love the Musical Piglet Selma from Haba. It plays a lullaby when you pull it’s tail!

    #47 May 1, 2009 at 7:45 am
  • Brenda S. said:

    Colorful Stacking Cubes from Haba is my fav. their eyecatching and functional.

    #48 May 1, 2009 at 1:01 pm
  • Yvette Cortes said:

    My daughter loves the colorful Stacking Cubes!

    #49 May 1, 2009 at 4:31 pm
  • Mia J. said:

    I think the Rainbow timber looks like fun.

    #50 May 1, 2009 at 5:34 pm
  • michelle mays said:

    I think the Suitcase Detectives is adorable.

    #51 May 1, 2009 at 6:11 pm
  • Simone said:

    I also like the HABA First Blocks. In fact, I just bought them! Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com

    #52 May 3, 2009 at 10:10 am
  • Bekki said:

    My favorite HABA toy is the ball track construction set.

    #53 May 3, 2009 at 3:13 pm
  • Ann said:

    I like the Stack Jack Jester toy! That’s fun!

    #54 May 3, 2009 at 7:27 pm
  • Vicky boackle said:

    i like the Colorful Stacking Cubes .

    #55 May 4, 2009 at 1:03 pm
  • Teri said:

    Cory, that adorable Caterpillar is our fave. Lily likes Paulina Pony.

    #56 May 4, 2009 at 3:27 pm
  • Autumn H. said:

    the pipapo is cool!

    autumn398 (at) yahoo.com

    #57 May 4, 2009 at 4:24 pm
  • Linda said:

    I like the Lunch with Friends Set! My niece loves to play tea party!

    #58 May 5, 2009 at 12:22 pm
  • sandra said:

    my favorite is the Fantasy Blocks set

    #59 May 5, 2009 at 2:07 pm
  • Amanda U. said:

    I like the Building Blocks: Eeny Meny Miny Zoo.

    #60 May 5, 2009 at 7:17 pm
  • Jennifer M said:

    I love their Colori stacking ball.

    #61 May 5, 2009 at 7:21 pm
  • Christine said:

    I like the Sensory Planet Touch game from Haba. Thanks!

    #62 May 8, 2009 at 11:58 am
  • Lisa C said:

    My son would love the Colori Stacking Ball, it’s so colorful!

    #63 May 8, 2009 at 5:23 pm
  • lee said:

    I love the super cute Infant Bear Tableware Set!

    #64 May 8, 2009 at 10:33 pm
  • Paula H said:

    I love the Pixie Blocks.

    #65 May 9, 2009 at 10:44 pm
  • Hesper F said:

    I like the Ball Track Roll ‘N Roll ‘N Roll!

    #66 May 10, 2009 at 12:01 pm
  • Jennifer M said:

    I like the Cheese Carriage.

    #67 May 10, 2009 at 12:46 pm
  • Marianna said:

    I really like the Trix! Perfect baby toy!

    #68 May 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm
  • ktanjatk said:

    I like HABA Dragonstone Castle With Inhabitants

    #69 May 10, 2009 at 8:10 pm
  • Sherry R said:

    My favorite is the Nessie Water Game!

    #70 May 10, 2009 at 8:52 pm
  • Courtney said:

    My favorite is the Doll Pram Natural Free Shipping from Haba! They make such cute stuff, I’d love to have this! Thanks for the great giveaway.

    annasmama0702@gmail.com

    #71 May 10, 2009 at 9:03 pm
  • Chrysa said:

    I like the Maison Depliable Castello

    #72 May 10, 2009 at 10:43 pm
  • Lindsay said:

    I just love the fantasy blocks

    #73 May 11, 2009 at 2:57 am
  • Kyndra Sherman said:

    The MiniLand Fabric Ball is my favorite. I’m going to have to get one now.

    themeimlookingfor at yahoo dot com

    #74 May 11, 2009 at 3:59 am
  • jjean said:

    Kringlering and Trix look great for mt babies’ developmental stage right now. I read reviews on Trix and it looks like kids love it! Thanks!

    #75 May 11, 2009 at 9:16 am
  • Cassy said:

    Building Blocks Sevilla , wow!

    #76 May 11, 2009 at 10:02 am
  • susan p said:

    the train is cute, thanks

    #77 May 11, 2009 at 11:39 am
  • Denise said:

    I like the Threading Zoo (item # 4328) best. Thanks!

    #78 May 11, 2009 at 12:37 pm
  • vicky said:

    Chalet Dollhouse with Furniture would make a great birthday present for my daughter

    thanks so much

    #79 May 11, 2009 at 1:39 pm
  • Jennifer March said:

    I would love to win this for my 13 month old!

    #80 May 11, 2009 at 2:26 pm
  • Lorie Shewbridge said:

    My grandson would really love the Village with Train from Sevi. He loves all kinds of trains and automobiles and this combines both. This is really a great set.
    Thanks for the chance to win.

    #81 May 11, 2009 at 3:36 pm
  • Stephanie said:

    I like the pixie blocks

    #82 May 11, 2009 at 4:13 pm
  • Jennifer Jozwiak said:

    I think my little one would like the colorful stacking cubes.

    #83 May 11, 2009 at 4:19 pm
  • Dan said:

    I like the Rattling Caterpillar

    #84 May 11, 2009 at 4:58 pm
  • Carrie said:

    I like the duck pull toy

    #85 May 11, 2009 at 5:13 pm
  • Jennifer C said:

    The doll pram in natural is adorable. We love Haba around here!

    #86 May 11, 2009 at 5:26 pm
  • kathy said:

    i love the Beetle Trixie Clutching Toy from Haba

    #87 May 11, 2009 at 5:50 pm
  • Jen Mc said:

    I like Catch the Fish.

    #88 May 11, 2009 at 7:21 pm
  • Angela said:

    I like the Fantasy Blocks!

    #89 May 11, 2009 at 9:02 pm
  • sarah b said:

    i really like the Pipapo from Haba

    #90 May 11, 2009 at 9:29 pm
  • Linda Ancona said:

    fantasy blocks

    #91 May 11, 2009 at 9:52 pm
  • Katherine Dunn said:

    I love the colorful stacking cubes :)

    kylie8cake(at)gmail(dot)com

    #92 May 11, 2009 at 10:04 pm
  • Heather said:

    I like the Oval Xylophone from Plan Toys!

    #93 May 11, 2009 at 11:28 pm
  • Gianna said:

    I love the Colorful Stacking Cubes :)

    #94 May 11, 2009 at 11:39 pm
  • Donna K said:

    The Dragon Egg is cute.

    #95 May 12, 2009 at 12:11 am