Wooden toys go way back in the history of toys. The earliest known wooden toys date back to ancient Egypt, where children played with animal shapes, dolls, animals, and small carts made from wood. In other parts of the world, for example, in ancient China, wooden toys like tops and yo-yos were popular. It was first made only for the upper class of those times on customized orders. Eventually, it became a poor man's gift for his children. During the Middle Ages, like in the 14th century, a German monk named Johannes de Garlandia wrote a book called "De Mensurabili Musica," which included instructions for making a wooden instrument called a "monochord." This toy was used to teach children music and sound.
Then the 20th century saw significant changes to the world of wooden toys. With the rise of plastics and other synthetic materials, wooden toys began to lose some of their demand. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in wooden toys, as we seek out more natural and sustainable options for children's playthings.
Something with such a long history tends to have deep-rooted meaning to it, although lesser known to people during those times. Research suggests that building skills with wooden puzzles can be a fun and effective way to enhance various cognitive and motor skills. Manipulating the puzzle pieces helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This is especially important for children as it supports their overall development. Wooden puzzles such as Puzzle Pitstop's Tessellation Puzzle often require logical thinking and problem-solving. Figuring out how the pieces fit together challenges the brain and enhances cognitive abilities and assembling wooden puzzles involves understanding spatial relationships. This skill is beneficial in many areas of life, including navigation, organization, and even activities like packing or moving objects. Moreover, working on a challenging puzzle teaches patience and persistence. It encourages individuals to keep trying, learn from mistakes, and stay focused until they successfully complete the puzzle.