The origin of building blocks as toys

We love building blocks – they’ve been around for years, are brilliantly versatile and can support babies’ learning in multiple ways. It got us wondering when they first came into use as toys... 

When children earned their keep 

Around 200 years ago, children were expected to work, either at home or in the workplace. Children of richer families went to school, but this was typically boys only. Girls learned practical skills at home, such as cooking and needlework.

When it came to toys and amusement, items were very basic. Parents would decide when their children would play, what they would play, and for how long. But the possibilities of the humble building block got noticed... 

The first block 

The origin of block play is not heavily documented, however, references to wooden blocks being used as a learning tool for reading have been found from as early as 1594. 

In 1798, wooden blocks were first referenced as ‘rational toys’ in a practical childcare book, albeit they were being used to teach gravity and physics. 

It wasn’t until the 1800s that wooden blocks found their way into large-scale manufacturing. German educator, Friedrich Frobel, most probably gave them the biggest boost when he rebranded them as ‘educational toys’. 

No looking back 

It seems that the 19th century became the ‘boom time’ for wooden building blocks, when these reliable, functional toys gained popularity in the homes of the richest and poorest families alike.  

Blocks today 

Today, building blocks are still likely to be found in most homes, but they now come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colours and materials to inspire curious young hands and minds. They offer a diverse range of learning opportunities, from developing fine motor skills to encouraging creativity and language.  

It’s no wonder the love of building blocks has crossed centuries!