ABC Blocks for New Baby Gifts

ABC Blocks are the essential new baby gift that says, ‘Hooray, Your Having a Baby!’ We see wooden ABC blocks used all the time for things like maternity photoshoots, baby shower decor, baby name announcements, nursery decor, the uses are nearly endless.

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Why we love ABC Blocks at Happy Little Tadpole

ABC blocks have such a long life cycle, which is something we at Happy Little Tadpole LOVE when it comes to children’s toys. Why? Because so many toys are fad toys or one-time-use toys that are played with, and then tossed in the trash. This is why we think that alphabet blocks make great gifts for new parents, especially if you gift them early on. So, without further ado, read on to learn when the best is the best time to gift ABC blocks, what they can be used for and also see an assortment of ABC blocks both classic style and newer, more niche baby blocks.

Classic ABC Blocks

Classic wooden ABC blocks are wonderfully simple, fail-safe gift for new parents. They’re a timeless classic. They make great early pregnancy gifts because they can be used for so many milestones – maternity photos, baby shower, decor, and nursery decor. Plus, they might even just be fun for the new parents to play with while they try to come up with their new baby’s name!

This set of ABC blocks is our #1 classic block pick. Aren’t they beautiful? This Uncle Goose Classic ABC Block Set comes with 28 carved wooden blocks that are made in the USA by Uncle Goose. These blocks are made from sustainable Michigan basswood. Each block has fancy scroll bordered letter, another simple letter, a number, and a picture and spelling of an object or animal, like a cow or a rabbit. Block dimensions are 1.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches.
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What we like about it: We love the pastel colors and the decorative framing of the letters that make this set feel like the perfect gift for new parents and a new baby (although we don’t recommend new baby actually playing with them until s/he is a little older, say 2 or 3!)

ABC Block Set #2: Tinkerton ABC Blocks

The Tinkerton ABC blocks are nice, very rounded edge, monotone blocks that feature a light wood and white lettering, which we find to be rather charming. Blocks are made of beech wood. They come in a fabric bag for storage. Block dimensions are 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches. Click to view price.

ABC Block Set #3: TOYMYTOY Alphabet Blocks

The TOYMYTOY Alphabet blocks are fun, multi-color painted blocks on natural wood blocks with a simple text frame that corresponds with the color of the letter. View the bocks on Amazon to see what else is on the other sides of the blocks. Each block is approximately 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.6 inches in size.
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This last set is not a classic set, but it’s so cute we couldn’t NOT include it. 

ABC Block Set #4: Uncle Goose Nursery Rhyme Blocks

This 28 block set of Uncle Goose Nursery Rhyme Blocks features classic nursery rhymes. It teaches children classic storytelling skills. Each block is engraved with two images from classic Mother Goose stories with playful text for each rhyme on the four other sides. This set, like the first set in our list is made by Uncle Goose. It includes 28 engraved basswood blocks, with 1.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 cube dimensions. Click to view price.

More Unique Blocks Sets 

If you don’t want to go the traditional route, but you still like the idea of ABC blocks or ABC style blocks, below are a couple other “ABC” block ideas you might like. What’s great about these blocks is that you won’t risk getting new baby something that s/he already has, and, that often times these blocks can go with ABC blocks, extending the play of their ABC blocks, or simply standing on their own as unique blocks. We like these more unique sets because they have really fun themes. Know a scientist having a baby? Get them the Periodic Table Blocks Want to teach new baby sign language? Get the Sign Language (Fingerspelling) Blocks Want to pass your love of flowers on to new baby? Then you should check out the Flower Blocks. 

Things to consider when deciding which alphabet blocks to buy:

Whether you’re buying ABC blocks for you, or gifting them to someone else, the same principles apply. With most things, when you spend more, you most likely receive a higher-quality item. We have found this to be true of ABC blocks as well. Expertly crafted blocks that feature engraving, precision painting, and well thought out block designs tend to have a higher price tag. More primitive blocks, with less artwork on block sides, no engraving, and a more choppy paint job equate to less expensive blocks. We have included a plethora of options in this article – from higher priced, expertly crafted blocks, to lower-priced, more simple blocks.

When gifting…Be sure to consider the soon to be parent’s style. Do you know what the nursery looks like? If it features bold, primary colors, the primary blocks might be best. If the gift recipient’s parents tend to like more pastel colors, then perhaps blocks that feature pastel colors might be better suited. Are the soon to be parents having a boy? An ABC block truck might be fun. A girl? Perhaps something a little more whimsical, like the nursery blocks. Whatever the case may be, ABC blocks are a classic gift. Pair them with a cute children’s book, and you’ve got a wonderful Baby Gift.

Here’s our ABC Block Buying Tip:

This is VERY important, as it will help make sure that you buy what you are expecting to receive: Pay attention to block size! Some of the lower priced blocks are very small (1x1x1 inch) so make sure to pay attention to bock dimensions before purchasing. Another item to look into are the edges of the blocks. Do they look well sanded, and smooth enough for a baby to play with?

The Life Cycle of Alphabet Blocks: From Decor to Toy

After new baby is born, and s/he starts crawling around and is ready to start playing with blocks, that’s when your ABC blocks stop being decoration and start being a play toy for your little one. Blocks can create hours of fun for little ones. Building blocks promote cognitive learning, pretend play, gross motor skills, and even basic math skills and other learning skills, depending on the blocks you choose. They can build castles with blocks, stack them, count them, make alphabet soup, spell small words like Cat, Bat, and Hat, spell their name, your name, and more. Integrate other items, like a ruler, and you can teach children how to measure with blocks. The possibilities are endless.

Share our ABC Block Guide Image Below on Pinterest!