Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Larsen Toy Lab :: Wood Block Sets {Giveaway Ends 3/3} #MadeInAmerica


Larsen Toy Lab is all about plain and simple wood blocks and making them better and more exciting. No batteries required, wood blocks are a classic toy that is great for all ages and truly gives plenty of educational value through the cultivation of problem solving, critical thinking, and social skills. Add to that a company that seeks to lessen their environmental footprint and keep everything made in the America, and you have Larsen Toy Lab! Yep, that's right. A hard to come by phenomenon these days, but here today I have the privilege of sharing our experience with a truly American made toy company.
We received the Building Bridges set which includes 24 blocks and the Building Bridges book. The blocks are made from unfinished maple, and the darker cherry wood blocks have a light beeswax finish. They are all so unique just due to their beautiful simplicity and obvious attention to detail. Each one is hand-sanded and individually beveled for the best product possible. Again, all made in America with great regard to responsible wood harvesting practices, wind energy and local production as part of their environmental strategy. With personalized engraving available, this is sure to be an incredible set of heirloom quality wood blocks that any child will enjoy. The quality is so great that I can imagine my son passing down this set to his children since they are practically indestructible! I have certainly enjoyed looking them over intensely and I have even been caught playing with them also (not kidding!). See, there's just something about blocks that all ages can enjoy.
The Building Bridges book features a boy named Leif whose curiosity and imagination of his new surroundings help him dream up new buildings and taller structures to build while making new friends and facing new challenges. It's really a lovely storyline. At first I think Buddy was a bit disappointed that many of the illustrated structures on each page spread involved far more blocks than included in this set. However, he quickly thought up a new way to build what he wanted using the blocks he had and I think that's the point!! The Building Bridges block set and book together offer kids a chance to learn how to explore, create, and imagine with the blocks given and then beyond. Buddy started including his toy trains and cars while playing with this block set and he's been "building" plenty of things with anything he can find now. I definitely approve of the imaginative play that Larsen Toy Lab has helped push my son to enjoy a bit more.

When I come across a toy product of such a quality and that's made in America, I really treasure it much more than a plastic toy set coming from China. I can see the love and passion reflecting through the beautiful craftsmanship. You simply don't see such precision and quality from toys made elsewhere.

 Years ago it honestly never occurred to me where the products I was buying actually came from. When Buddy was born though, this mama bear went into serious research mode and stumbled upon so many ideals of natural, greener living that I really wanted to implement into my family's life. Through my journey of living a more natural, green life, I've really made huge strides in buying American made products, and local whenever possible. Naturally, toys are one area that were really concerning to me, especially when it seems like there's constantly a report coming out about toxic levels of lead or other toxins being found in this toy or that baby formula. By buying American made I feel like I have more control over what I'm buying and receiving due to the strict standards and testing that are more controllable when made here in the USA. I'm supporting my local economy, my country, and American families. I'm keeping money here on our soil. For all these reasons I can say that this wood block set will be treasured greater than others we have, and if you know me at all, that should say everything!
 
Grand Opening Sale!
  • Use code 15GRAND for 15% off all orders
  • Free Name Engraving
  • Free Limited Edition Block

Price: Building Bridges set - $46
 
Buy It: Check out Larsentoylab.com for this set and more!
 
Win It!
One winner will receive a Building Bridges set (with personalized name engraving too)!

Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!
Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product(s) to facilitate this review for free. No other compensation was received. This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

24 comments:

Julie Lynn Bickham said...

I like the 24 mixed block set.

Ariana said...

I'd like the 48 mixed block set

Kristin said...

The ten towers game set is great!

Ruth said...

I like the 10 towers game!

Joy N. said...

the shape match puzzle looks nice

Carrie Phelps said...

I really like the Ten Towers Game blocks.

Sarah Hull said...

I like the 24 Blocks Mixed set

Keara B. said...

I'd love to have the Shape Match Puzzle!

Nancy said...

I'd like to have the 48 Block Mixed Set.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

shana said...

24 Blocks Mixed Set

aperry said...

Shape match puzzle

Unknown said...

Our little girl is learning to stack now I think the 48 Mixed Blocks set would give years of fun

jenna said...

48 piece
cmuchick2006@hotmail.com

deb c said...

I like the Ten Towers Game.

Adina said...

I like the sticks and stones set

Adina said...

I like the sticks and stones set

natali said...

I love the ten tower games!

Anonymous said...

I like them all, but would especially like the 10 towers game!

polly said...

i like their 48 piece set

Amanda said...

Id like the 48 Mixed Blocks!

Domestic Diva said...

The ten towers game looks fun.

Mrs. Martinet said...

I think my toddler would LOVe the 48 mixed block set.

Audra Weathers said...

My favorite is the set of 48 mixed blocks.

d schmidt said...

I really like the shape match puzzle

(d schmidt in widget)