Cardboard blocks are a classic toy that have been enjoyed by children for generations. This guide will explore everything you need to know about the popular Melissa & Doug Deluxe Jumbo Cardboard Block set before purchasing for the special little builder in your life.
An Introduction to Melissa & Doug Blocks
Melissa & Doug produce a 40-piece set of deluxe jumbo cardboard blocks made from premium extra-thick cardboard. This bright and colorful block set includes blocks in three different sizes – measuring 2”, 4″ and 6″ (see Table 1).
Table 1. Block sizes
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Small | 2″ cube |
| Medium | 4″ cube |
| Large | 6″ cube |
The blocks feature wipe-clean surfaces and sturdy construction to withstand energetic play. They are creatively designed to inspire open-ended constructive play in children.
Melissa & Doug is a reputable company with a 30-year history of making engaging educational toys for kids. Their toys conform to all US safety standards, so you can purchase their products with confidence.
Benefits of Playing with Cardboard Blocks
Playing with cardboard blocks offers many developmental benefits for young kids:
- Spatial awareness and geometry – Stacking and arranging blocks teaches 3D geometric shapes.
- Problem-solving – Building structures requires planning, trial and error.
- Creativity – Open-ended play materials spark imagination.
- Collaboration – Group block play encourages cooperation, sharing.
- Language – Describing and storytelling around structures develops verbal skills.
In addition to cognitive perks, manipulating large blocks promotes:
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Balance and strength
This versatile toy grows with children and gives years of fun learning.
“Playing with blocks cultivates so many skill areas at once. Problem-solving, creative expression, motor skills and social interaction are all wrapped up in this simple open-ended toy.” – Sarah Davis, preschool teacher
Who Are Cardboard Blocks For?
Melissa & Doug jumbo cardboard blocks are suitable for:
- Toddlers 18 months+ – With supervision, explore simple stacking.
- Preschoolers 3-6 years – Build structures to develop spatial, math and social skills through block play.
- School-aged kids – Use in collaboration, imaginative storytelling or design projects.
- Families – Fun, screen-free interactive play for siblings and parents.
With a high weight tolerance, these blocks are also perfect for:
Young builders and architects
Budding engineers will love constructing towers, buildings, bridges and more imaginative structures. Sturdy red blocks can hold up to 150 pounds, letting kids test principles of balance, stability and gravity through hands-on experimentation with impressive super-structures.
Grandparents and caregivers
The generous jumbo size and lightweight cardboard material provides an easier grip for little hands. Grandparents will enjoy teaching science and math concepts while bonding through cooperative block play with grandchildren.
Product Specifications
- Materials: FSC-certified cardboard
- Dimensions: 19”L x 12.5”W x 6”H
- Item weight: 6 lbs
- Number of pieces: 40
- Maximum weight tolerance: 150 lbs (red blocks)
- Allergens: None
- Safety certifications: ASTM F963, CPSIA
- Manufacturer: Melissa & Doug
- Item no: 1609290
- Availability: Ships within 2-4 weeks
Melissa & Doug blocks ship direct from the manufacturer, allowing a quicker delivery time than drop-shipping from third parties. They endeavor to use environmentally responsible materials and manufacturing practices.
Benefits of Cardboard Construction Blocks
Some key advantages of cardboard blocks include:
Lightweight yet durable – Weighing just 6 lbs total, the set is easy to move and lift during play yet provides sturdy building performance.
Easy, tool-free assembly – Simply fold along pre-scored lines and slot tabs into slots by hand to construct blocks in minutes. (See Figure 1). No tape or glue required.
Figure 1 – Folding diagram for block assembly
Creative developmental play – With no predetermined building outcomes, blocks encourage imaginative project ideas not limited by kids’ dexterity or experience.
Eco-friendly materials – Made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard, blocks have less environmental impact than plastic or wood. Cardboard is highly recyclable.
Wipe-clean surfaces – No-fuss cleaning with just soap and water maintains a hygienic play surface for years of use.
Conforms to safety standards – Manufactured according to strict regulations, Melissa & Doug blocks contain no toxic materials. The red blocks meet requirements for weight-bearing stability.
Comparison of Block Materials
How do cardboard blocks compare with other block materials like plastic or wood?
Plastic
- More expensive
- Very durable but less eco-friendly
- Lightweight large pieces pose falling hazard
- Makes less sound during play
Wood
- Costlier
- Splinter risk requires more supervision
- Heavier pieces challenging for younger kids
- Higher maintenance – prone to warping
Cardboard
- Inexpensive
- Recyclable and biodegradable
- Very lightweight but sturdy
- Easy assembly
- Lower cost replaces lost pieces
While wood and plastic have merits, Melissa & Doug cardboard blocks provide an affordable, safe and eco-conscious option suitable for open-ended creative play.
Age Recommendations
Cardboard blocks align with different developmental stages. Some suggested age-appropriate activities include:
Toddlers
- Stacking and knocking down towers
- Enclosure building – make a “house” or “garage”
- Simple counting games
- Pretend play props – use as cars, animals etc
Ensure safety with adult supervision. Avoid overly ambitious structures that may fall on unsteady toddlers.
Preschoolers
- Themed construction projects – buildings, bridges, railroads
- Storytelling and imaginative play
- Cooperative building activities
- Early math concepts – sorting by color, shape, size
- Develop vocabulary describing structures
Jumbo blocks are perfect for improving preschoolers’ spatial awareness, planning skills and social interaction.
Environmental Aspects
As a conscientious company, Melissa & Doug demonstrate environmental stewardship in several ways:
1. FSC-certified materials – The Forest Stewardship Council audits supply chains to promote responsible forestry practices. FSC certification demonstrates sustainability from tree seedling to final product.
2. Recyclable components – Cardboard blocks can be recycled through regular curbside pickup and corrugated cardboard recycling. The packaging is also recyclable.
This ethos makes their cardboard blocks a great environmentally-friendly toy choice. Disposal is easy – just flatten and add to your household paper recycling.
Setting up a Block Play Area
Designate a space for energetic building play safe from falling structures. Considerations:
- Flat, sturdy surface – floor, playroom table or rug
- Clear area without obstructions
- Playmates seated around perimeter
- Nearby storage for quick cleanup
- Rotate with other toys to maintain novelty
Outdoors, grass or dirt permits temporary structures exceeding indoor heights. However, secure blocks if windy and store indoors to prevent weathering.
Supervise young kids and educate on safe construction practices – building perpendicular to the ground, avoiding leaning towers. Establish clear rules for taking turns, sharing blocks and not intentionally demolishing another’s creation.
Creative Block Play Activities
Beyond free building, structured block activities teach different concepts:
- Math – sorting by color, shape or size. Predict “how many blocks tall” then confirm by counting.
- Language – build objects from a story as it is read aloud. Describe structures using new vocabulary.
- Spatial intelligence – copy increasingly complex block patterns.
- Cooperation – each child is responsible for specific blocks needed to construct a planned design.
- Motor skills – balance blocks in different arrangements to improve dexterity.
Collaborate on public structures like cities, airports or amusement parks to inspire community spirit. Recreate classic buildings together like the Parthenon, Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building.
DIY Cardboard Block How-To
Kids will love assisting in the construction process while also learning useful household skills:
What you need:
- Corrugated cardboard boxes
- Safety scissors or utility knife
- Pencil
- Glue
- Tape
- Ruler
- Brown craft paper (optional)
Step 1. Lightly draw block outlines on cardboard according to desired dimensions (e.g. 2″, 4″, 8″).
Step 2. Carefully cut along outline edges through 2-3 cardboard layers using scissors/knife and ruler.
Step 3. Fold along existing interior ridges to form cube shapes.
Step 4. Apply glue or clear tape along tabs to fasten blocks into 3D forms.
Step 5. Wrap cubes in matching brown paper to achieve a uniform appearance (optional).
Customize blocks using paints, markers, decals and other embellishments. While homemade blocks may not have the same durability as commercial products, engaging kids in the creation process has many benefits!
Key Takeaways:
- Melissa & Doug make excellent, high-quality cardboard blocks conforming to all US safety standards
- Playing with blocks provides cognitive and physical developmental benefits
- Great toy for toddlers through elementary schoolers and the whole family
- Lightweight cardboard construction provides stability along with eco-friendly properties
- Set up in dedicated play space for learning opportunities and hours of fun!
I hope this guide offered you ample information about these must-have cardboard building blocks for young children. Feel free to refer back as needed while introducing your child to constructive block play!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of the Melissa & Doug cardboard blocks?
The deluxe jumbo set comes with 40 blocks in three sizes – small 2” cubes, medium 4” cubes, and large 6” cubes. When assembled, the entire set measures 19” long by 12.5” wide by 6” high.
How much weight can the blocks support?
The thick premium cardboard is remarkably sturdy, with an impressive 150 pound maximum weight capacity for the red 6” building blocks. This allows for tall block structures. Smaller blocks can bear typical loads during play without collapsing.
What type of materials are the blocks made from?
The blocks are constructed from extra-thick cardboard made from 100% recycled paper. Melissa & Doug responsibly sources FSC-certified supplies, so consumers can feel good about the sustainability of these toys.
How do you assemble the blocks?
The easy fold-together assembly does not require any glue, tape or tools. Just push tabs into slotted areas to transform the flat packs into 3D 6-sided cubes. Smooth flat surfaces neatly interlock when stacking, aided by a wipe-clean coating.
Can cardboard blocks get wet?
While cardboard can degrade over time with moisture, these blocks are intended for indoor use. Their wipe-clean surface allows cleaning with a damp cloth. Avoid contact with liquids beyond brief cleaning to preserve the integrity of blocks.
Are there replacement blocks available?
At this time Melissa & Doug does not offer replacement pieces specifically for the jumbo cardboard block set. However, the reasonable price point helps mitigate the cost if replacements ever become needed, whether supplementing with smaller Melissa & Doug sets or homemade blocks.