what are some quality open-ended toys every child should have?

besides wooden blocks, legos, tinkertoys etc. what are which children can use their imagination? Looking for ideas for all ages- store bought as well as homemade toys- links would be great?

Classic wooden toy blocks for young toddler?

I’ve been looking online for wooden blocks. Found the Uncle Goose alphabet blocks and am quite happy. But I’m out of luck with regards to building blocks. I’d like to have colored ones. The Doug and Melissa blocks are too small for someone less than 2 years. I found blocks that are the size that I want, but they are not painted. The ideal would be 1-3/4" or more (though 1-1/2" is okay), and not made in China. Where can I find the blocks?

Can anyone reccomand a good paint for wooden toys?

My husband wants to make wooden blocks for our son, but we don’t know what kind of paint to use. Any reccomendations?

How do you properly sterilize wooden childrens toys?

My child was given some wooden blocks and etc. second hand. How would I properly clean/disinfect these toys without using harsh chemicals? Also, I heard that if wooden toys were kept in a place like a damp basement (which some of these were) that they should by thrown away since things like mold can stay in the wood, is this true?
My child is still at the age in which he puts everything in his mouth…and yes they appear to be dirty. It would put my mind at ease if they were clean though…

What would be the best way to make wooden toys for birds?

Does anybody know the name of a toy which has wooden blocks connected by an elastic string where you have to?

Can anyone reccomand a good paint for wooden toys?