There has been much debate over just how safe, or unsafe, the plastics used in baby bottles and children's toys are to our children. Never one to throw caution to the wind, I made the decision to look for toys that were not only non-plastic, but battery free as well.

Short of going to specialty stores, and paying an arm and a leg for toys my toddlers would eventually outgrow, I searched high and low for fairly reasonable priced toys that I felt would be a safer alternative to their plastic peers.

How thrilled was I, when I stumbled across a brightly colored Melissa & Doug alphabet puzzle in my local arts and crafts store. Not only was it a great price - one wooden alphabet puzzle set me back $13 - it was both educational and entertaining.

An added bonus was it's durability. We've had this puzzle three years now, and it's still in such great condition, that we were able to pass it down to her younger sibling!

In addition to finding a limited amount of their products in the stores (A.C. Moore, Target, Toys R Us) the majority of their unique, often back-to-basic toys can be found on their website (www.melissaanddoug.com). There are literally hundreds of wooden and soft play toys provided for children of all ages.

From at home play that encourages developmental and motor skills, to educational toys used in the classroom, if you can imagine it, they've got it.

CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) compliant, any parent can feel secure about the safety of their children whom they're purchasing for. Among the 800 toys offered, some include:

1.) wooden puzzles

2.) wooden pull-along toys

3.) giant stuffed animals (from bears to zebras)

4.) wooden food play

5.) wooden and soft toys for infants and toddlers

6.) puppets and theater sets

7.) outdoor play

8.) dollhouses, castles, and stables

Depending on what you're searching for, prices range from as low as $4, to as high as $100. So parents, if you're looking for great non-plastic, battery free children's toys, check out the Melissa & Doug brand - you won't be disappointed.