Animal Blocks

Perfect for Baby Gifts

Animal Blocks are made from solid Japanese wood and thoughtfully designed for babies. They are a popular choice for newborn celebrations and birthday gifts. Inside the wooden box are 16 charming animal figures. As babies look inside and take them out one by one with their tiny hands, they naturally enjoy the experience of “looking,” “touching,” and expressing curiosity through words.

Supporting Growth Through Age-Appropriate Play

This Animal Blocks set is a wooden toy that grows along with your child. Around 8 months, babies enjoy exploratory play by peeking inside the box and taking animals out. By age 1, they begin language play, learning animal names and sounds. From age 2 and up, children move into arranging, stacking, and pretend play. It is an educational toy that gently nurtures the senses and imagination at every stage.

[How to Play] From 8 Months Old
Simply Taking Them Out Is Fun

Babies who are beginning to sit up love peeking into the box with curiosity—“What’s inside?” They reach in with their small hands, feel the shapes, and take out the animals one by one, wondering “Which animal is this?” Even this simple action becomes a valuable learning experience, connecting touch, shape, and visual recognition.

[How to Play] From Age 1
Playing with Words

Language play begins with imitating animal names and sounds, such as “woof woof” or “meow meow.” Parents and children can enjoy gentle conversation together, expanding the child’s world through simple pretend play with the animals.

[How to Play] From Ages 2–3
Stories Begin to Emerge

As children acquire more words, they begin recalling animals from picture books or stories and create their own narratives—“The bunny is going to the forest,” or “I had lunch with the bear.” Their ability to form original stories develops naturally. What kind of story will be born today?

[How to Play] From Age 4
Stacking and Balance Play

The animal figures can also be used for stacking and balance games. Because each animal has a different shape, children explore new ways to stack them, leading to conversations like, “How should we stack this one?” As parents and children play together, the animals naturally become beloved companions— “Where is the crocodile going?” “To the kitchen!” “And the bunny?”

Grows into Decor or Craft Materials

As children grow, the wooden animals can be reused as keychains or knobs, and the wooden box can serve as storage or home décor. Loved as a toy that grows and changes with the child, this set can be cherished for many years and passed down to siblings, family members, or friends.

Natural Colors, Just as They Are

Each animal block is made from carefully selected Japanese hardwoods, including cherry, zelkova, maple, horse chestnut, and beech. No dyes or paints are used—the animals’ forms are expressed entirely through the natural colors and grain of the wood. The warmth, texture, and gentle scent of the wood provide a rich sensory experience that nurtures a child’s five senses.

How Animal Blocks Were Born

These animal figures once sat quietly in a corner of our workshop. When we placed them inside a wooden box, children began joyfully taking them out, calling their names, and playing with them. Seeing this, we realized the value and joy of this simple play. That moment led to the creation of Animal Blocks as they are today. Though the toy itself does not move, it inspires children to expand play through words and imagination.

A Toy with a Gentle Touch

Each animal and box is carefully cut by artisans using a scroll saw, then meticulously polished until smooth. With softly rounded shapes and no sharp corners, they are safe and gentle even for the smallest hands. The pleasant feel of the wood helps children form a natural, lasting bond with the toy.