Hellobee Boards

I think Etsy has some great options, if you are willing to do a little digging. I have been stalking some sets here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlesaplingtoys

We got the Uncle Goose blocks which are made in America. Highly durable and many options.

@pointybird: I LOVE that Etsy shop!!!

@Thehistoryofus: @Mrs. Jacks: I was going to suggest Uncle Goose too - my nephew has them and loves them. They aren't very expensive: http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Goose-Classic-Embossed-Alphabet/dp/B000BW51UQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349876301&sr=8-1&keywords=uncle+goose+blocks

We have the Uncle Goose set and DD loves to chew on them and paint does chip but not too much.

I've heard great things about the uncle goose blocks too. I have them on my wish list on amazon. Its about $50 on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Goose-Wooden-ABC-Blocks/dp/B00000J50F/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16L5OPXU805XR&coliid=I39ELJRCTMYTUV

We have the uncle goose blocks too. Very durable and great looking blocks! I think we paid around $35?

Eta: here are the blocks I bought. They are cheaper now: http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Goose-Classic-Embossed-Alphabet/dp/B000BW51UQ/ref=pd_sim_t_1

@Mrsbells: sounds like the pack we got. We bought directly from uncle goose, I believe. We got them for her first Christmas at about 8 months. She has used them in so many different ways already. At first she just liked knocking them down, then stacking, then building. It was instrumental in teaching her all the letters. Also someone got us a spanish set and that is how she learned all her animals in Spanish

@Mrs. Jacks: Thanks for that. I thought I had to wait till she was at least a year, but I will buy a set in a a month or two when she will be around 8 months too

We have the Uncle Goose ones, as well. They are on Zulily and Gilt all the time it seems.