Play to Learn: Heirloom Wooden Toys ~ The Learning Tower

Simple, natural toys are best at inspiring imagination. Not only that, but natural wooden toys reduce a child’s potential exposure to toxic chemicals. One of the beauties of natural wood toys is not just how lovely and nostalgic they look, but they truly do become “heirlooms” handed down to younger siblings, nieces, nephews… perhaps even the grandkids! The point is, they last! Meaning in the long run, not only do you have gorgeous toys that are safe, but you will save money!

First, some details: The Learning Tower is a safety stool – the only safety stool rated for as young as 18 months, that holds TWO children at the same time, with a max load capacity of 500 lbs! The platform adjusts as your child grows and to fit different height counters and tables (no tools required!). The support legs that stick out from the bottom, well, yes, they can be toe-stubbers, but you learn to adjust around it. And it’s so worth having, because there is NO way I would have wanted my child up on a chair where he could tip over, or on an open stool with nothing to hold on to! The Learning Tower is so much safer, and easy for kids to climb in and out of!

Part of Waldorf educational philosophy is allowing children to be creative and imaginative. Since we’ve had The Learning Tower in our house, we’ve been branching out giving our son new experiences, and new ways to engage with us!

We’ve discovered he loves “cooking” – I give him a bowl with acorns and a wooden spoon, and he has a blast! He helped me make Jell-O one night (a messy endeavor!). And, he’s never been a climber, but I showed him ONCE how to use the footholds, and ever since he has clambered up and down all on his own! He stands outside the Tower and stacks blocks on the stand part, or drives his cars through like it’s a tunnel. Already he has found more uses for this Tower than I could imagine!

Using The Learning Tower even helped my son want to try new foods! No, really! My 19-month-old would never eat carrots, but when he was on the Tower playing and watching me chop carrots, he begged for them! I think just bringing him up to our level has created a great learning environment for him!

Here’s a video of him having a ball on the Tower! You can see right away how sturdy it is – it doesn’t even move when he clambers around! It was so much fun to have him right next to me happily “cooking” while I made some gluten-free Blondie bars!

The Learning Tower is one great piece of children’s furniture! It is so versatile: climb, stand, observe, play, pretend (Playhouse attachment!) draw (Art Easel attachment! More on that later!). And it grows with your child – even when kids are older and don’t need to climb up to see the counter, they can use the Tower for acting out plays, creating artwork and more! Read more about what you can do with The Learning Tower at various stages.

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a product sample to facilitate this review. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.