Blog & Guides

Gift guides, age-appropriate toy advice, and educational play tips.

A wooden pull-along cart, stacking rings, and building blocks arranged on a wood floor by an entryway

April 2, 2026

The Ultimate Gift Guide: Best Wooden Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Choosing a first birthday gift can feel overwhelming. Here are our favorite wooden, educational toys for one-year-olds — and why they're worth the investment.

Colorful wooden building blocks stacked into an arch and towers on a wood floor

March 18, 2026

Why Wooden Toys? The Real Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

Wooden toys are having a moment on social media, but the appeal goes deeper than a matching nursery aesthetic. Here's what the research and our own experience say.

Shelves of wooden jigsaw puzzles and memory games at Max & Lizzy

February 25, 2026

Screen-Free Gift Guide for Toddlers (Ages 2–4)

Looking for a gift that doesn't involve a screen? These educational, hands-on toys keep toddlers engaged through imaginative and skill-building play.

A toddler reaching for a toy on a display shelf at Max & Lizzy

January 15, 2026

How to Choose Age-Appropriate Toys: A Parent's Checklist

Age labels on toy packaging aren't just marketing — they're safety and development guidance. Here's how to actually use them when shopping.