There are many different types of heirloom toys designed for a number of different purposes, including anything from educational toys to toys for use in water. These different toys are made for a wide range of ages and for many different kinds of children who may be interested in different types of toys. Some of the most common heirloom toys include blocks, often with letters and images on the blocks; building and construction sets; cars, airplanes, boats, and other vehicles; musical instruments; and rocking toys and chairs.
Heirloom toys are toys that are either antiques or are designed and made to resemble toys of the past, rather than more modern toys that are commercially available. These toys are typically made from wood, often treated with non-toxic coatings and paints to protect the wood from wear and damage from use. Many of these toys are handmade and crafted using a variety of tools including table saws, chisels, drills, and other woodworking tools. Heirloom toys can be designed in many different ways and are often intended for play by children of all ages.
Common types of heirloom toys include wooden blocks made for stacking, building, and educational purposes such as counting and alphabetical games. These blocks are often have letters, numbers, and pictures carved into them. This allows such blocks to be used to help children learn letters and numbers, as well as encouraging recognition of animals or items pictured on such blocks. There are also many heirloom toys used for construction beyond simple block stacking, and these can include building frameworks and pieces that can be used to make houses or towers.
Heirloom toys are often carved in the shapes of vehicles as well. Cars and trucks are fairly common as toys, which typically have turning wheels that allow children to push the cars while playing. Planes are also often made with wheels for driving and pretending to fly, though lighter weight wooden planes can be made and flown short distances. Boats are also made, often simple sailboats, and these are typically treated for use in water and can float quite well.
Musical instruments are also often made as heirloom toys, with drums and other percussion instruments being quite common. Rocking toys and chairs are available as well, especially for younger children, and these are usually made to look like a horse or car. A broomstick horse is also a fairly common heirloom toy. This consists of a broomstick or similar pole with a plush or stuffed end that looks like the head of a horse, allowing children to pretend to ride the horse while playing.
