Zenblocks

Let’s face it, kids’ building blocks aren’t generally the most stylish of items – coloured plastic just doesn’t cut it on a cream carpet. Which is why zenblocks are so completely fabulous. Made in Idaho, the quirkily shaped and incredibly tactile wooden blocks are harvested from sustainable urban stocks and finished with child-friendly mineral oil.

As much objets d’art as toys, they come in either classic plain ($24.75) or striped ($25.50) walnut and look great lined up on a mantelpiece or, if you are that way inclined, stacked into inventive shapes – be warned, the attractive arch on the website will take a super-steady hand to create. Buy yours from the Etsy shop – shipping to the UK is $13 – and spread the good karma.