Melissa & Doug. We could almost stop there, based on responses from 38 specialty toy stores across the United States, but there are other top-selling wooden toys, too. In addition to Melissa & Doug’s puzzles, blocks, food and craft kits, RC2’s Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, Manhattan Toy’s Automoblox, HABA’s baby rattles and Plan’s line of infant toys are also performing nicely for independent toy shops. See the top-10 best-selling wooden toys below.
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Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway: Charlie by LEARNING CURVE
This small purple engine boasting red wheels and gold trim is labeled with the No. 14 and prides himself on mischief and adventure. It measures 3.5" x 1.5" x 2". — Ten of 38 specialty retailers named Thomas & Friends as one of their best-selling wooden lines in February 2010. — Mike Lane, manager of Hobbytown in Cumming, Ga., told TDmonthlyin early 2010 that his store sells about 3 dozen Thomas trains per month.
Prehistoric Sunset Jigsaw Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG
This 24-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle features an attractive palette of dinosaurs and scenery. It measures 0.4" x 11.75" x 15.75". — Eight of 38 retailers named puzzles by Melissa & Doug as a best-selling wooden toy in early 2010. Jamie Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Pa., told TDmonthlyhis store sells about 36 a month of assorted styles.
Kids can use the icing tube-shaped dry-erase markers to color four wooden cupcakes that come with a baking tray, cupcake sleeves and decorative wooden candles. The package measures 10.5" x 13.25" x 3.13". — Play food sets and cutting food from Melissa & Doug were named as a best-selling wooden toy by seven of 38 retailers in February 2010. "The Melissa & Doug cupcake set did really well," Lesa Smith of Whiz Kid Toys in San Luis Obispo, Calif., told TDmonthly. ― Michael McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthlyin spring 2010 that the Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set is his best-selling playset. “One of my employees absolutely loves it,” he said of what helps drive sales. ― “All year, [the best seller] is food sets from Melissa & Doug,” said Bill Rayment, owner of Toy Crossing in Harbor Beach, Mich., when asked about his top-selling playsets and activity kits during an April 2010 interview. ― Six of 43 retailers listed Melissa & Doug as their top supplier of playsets in April 2010.
These wooden, magnetic dolls come in a box with multiple clothing options and include stands for playtime. — Five of 38 retailers told TDmonthly in February 2010 that Melissa & Doug magnetic dress-up items are a best-selling wooden toy in their stores.
This colorful collection of 36 wooden blocks comes in a red-wheeled wagon with a rope for transport. It measures 13" x 11" x 3." — Five of 38 specialty retailers named Melissa & Doug's blocks as a best-selling wooden toy in February 2010.
Complete with interchangeable parts like the rest of the Automoblox collection, the T900 features a chrome grill and bumpers, all-terrain tires on chrome wheels, and an overall sleek, sporty design. — Four of 38 specialty retailers named Automoblox as a top-selling wooden toy in February 2010. "Automoblox do really well," said Stacy Solie of Leapin' Lizards Toy Co. in Bend, Ore., citing sales of about 2 dozen per month.
Brightly colored with water-based stain (no lacquer) rattles are sure to keep baby happy and busy. Whether babies want to shake it or spin it they’re going to enjoy it. Awards: Creative Child Magazine Toy Award 2010 — Three of 38 specialty retailers cited rattles by HABA as a best-selling wooden toy in their stores in February 2010.
These beechwood blocks in a pastel palette are made in Germany and come in a 10-piece set. — Two of 38 specialty retailers named HABA blocks as a best-selling wooden toy in February 2010.
Gobblet Junior brings the award-winning, fun game of strategy to the whole family. Gobblet Junior plays just like Tic-Tac-Toe except that players can gobble up their opponents and move their pieces around the board. The first to line up three pieces in a row wins. Fun, strategy, memory and surprise are always part of the game. — Two of 38 specialty toy retailers named Blue Orange when discussing best-selling wooden toys in February 2010.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
