frequently asked questions

We source our blocks from family owned companies in Ohio and Illinois. Our larger blocks (2.75") are cut from poplar wood and are solid wood, not hollow. Our smaller blocks (1.75") are cut from maple wood. They are sanded and then the edges and corners are knocked for safety and aesthetics. They are then sprayed with a white finish. Once we receive them in our workshop in Gainesville, Georgia we print them using a digital UV printer. Finally, they are lovingly packaged for your enjoyment!

Are you completely American made?

Yes! All products and materials are sourced and purchased in the USA which makes them even more special in today's market.

Why is being American made important to you?

Quality matters to us! Our blocks may be more expensive than other sets but their quality can not be beat. We source all our wood in the Ohio Valley region. Our craftsmanship includes special care to knock all our edges and corners for safety. If we went overseas to source our blocks, the price may come down but their standards would fall far short from ours.

Our products are built to last generations to come. They are a life long investment for any family.

Why do some of my blocks have marks or cracks on them?

If you look closely at your block set, you’ll see wood grain. You might even see pinholes or mineral streaks.

These aren’t defects. They show the unique nature of wood. Blocks provide you with a wonderful way to talk with children about nature and the beauty of individual differences.

Grain, pinholes, and streaks make your block set truly one-of-a-kind. No two wood block sets will ever be identical.

Wood has a naturally imperfect and beautiful character. We wouldn’t dream of replacing a perfectly imperfect wood block. However, if your block is cracked or damaged, please let us know. We’ll replace it.

Why is the identifier side of my blocks not as pretty as the rest of my blocks?

Its because of GRACE! We give our finisher just a little wiggle room on perfection. If there is an imperfection on one side of our Phraseology blocks we will still accept it and use that side for the identifier since that side is never displayed. What you give in the world will surely come back around!

What is the size of your letter blocks?

Our blocks for Phraseology, Wordology and all the add on sets measure at 2.75" cubed. Our baby blocks measure 1.75" cubed.

What is your online builder?

What makes our Phraseology block set so unique is the online builder. This tool allows you to enter whatever phrase you want to spell out and be instantly informed if the phrase can be created. You have the option of selecting if you own 1 or 2 sets along with what number or punctuation set you may own to help form your phrase.

The builder results list out the blocks necessary to create your custom phrase by unique identifier to make forming the phrase easy and fast. In addition, any leftover blocks are identified to use for spacing. Smart, huh?!

Why of you call your blocks "SMART"?

We call our blocks SMART letter blocks because of the unique identifier located on all the blocks which make forming phrases so east and fast! We use the identifier on our brochure that comes with Phraseology to show you how to arrange the letters to make sample phrases. Our online builder tool uses this identifier to custom build phrases. The builder results list out the blocks necessary to create your custom phrase by unique identifier to make forming the phrase easy and fast. In addition, any leftover blocks are identified to use for spacing. Smart, huh?!

How many phrases can Phraseology make?

Phraseology can form over 300 unique sayings and expressions! There are phrases that can carry you through all the major holidays and seasons plus a variety for everyday occasions and events.

We are always impressed by all the new and creative phrases that can be built with the help of our online builder. With two Phraseology sets, the possibilities are expanded even more!

Are the add on sets compatible with Wordology?

YES! All of our add-on sets including numbers, punctuation and all the art series can be used in Wordology as well to supplement any shorter words.

Does the Wordology shadow box come in other finishes?

Currently, our Wordology shadow box comes in two finishes. You can select either a medium brown stain or an unfinished box. We provide the unfinished box for all you DIY-ers so you can finish it to match any decor in your home or workplace.

How many words can Wordology make?

Wordology can form over 150 inspiring words up to 6 letters long. What makes Wordology even more versatile is that all of our add-on sets including numbers, punctuation and all the art series blocks can be used to supplement any shorter words.

Can I get a custom image printed on a block?

YES! We now offer custom image printing on blocks. Visit our custom block section on our website for more details.

What if I just one a particular phrase or word?

YES! We now offer custom massage printing on blocks. Visit our custom block section on our website for more details.

I am missing a block! Can I get just one block from you to replace it?

If you are missing a particular block in your set and need a replacement, please contact info@allijean.com to request a special order.

Are your products safe for children?

Yes, they’re safe. Alli+Jean blocks are a timeless classic. Remember, generations have thrived by playing with wood blocks.

All of our blocks are too big to be a choking hazard. The wood we use is natural and not pressure treated. We use inks that are GREENGUARD Gold Certified. GREENGUARD Gold Certification is a voluntary third-party program that test for over 10,000 chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds. The GREENGUARD Gold Certification offers stricter criteria to ensure that sensitive individuals such as children and the elderly are safe in their environments.

To give you some perspective, most overseas companies do only in-house testing. And their standards for safety are lower.

Why are your baby blocks recommended for age 2 and up?

Blocks make great baby gifts. Need a baby shower gift? Allli+Jean baby blocks are it. They look terrific as on-the-shelf decorations in baby’s nursery.

And that’s where we’d like you to keep them for two years. On the shelf, away from baby.

That’s because babies aren’t able to fully appreciate playing with blocks until they’re two or older. Here’s why:

From ages 0-2 babies put things in their mouths. It’s how they learn about the world. Biting is pretty much in their job descriptions.

Blocks won’t hurt baby, but Alli+Jean blocks aren’t teething toys. Leave block play to the 2+ crowd, please.

Until then, use your blocks as decorations or as props in baby pictures. Bring your blocks down from the shelf as a special toy for baby’s second birthday party.

What makes your baby blocks different than others out there?

Glad you asked! When designing these blocks, we wanted to honor the classic ABC blocks that most of us adults now have grown up with. However, we also wanted to bring them up-to-date for today’s little ones. Besides the colorful and charming watercolor images of objects and animals from A to Z, we feature both cases of the alphabet letters as well as:

- Numbers 0 -10 as well as their written word spelled out on each number block. To make counting easy, we have 2 counting dice blocks just for this! Using the counting dice and the number blocks together, kids can constructively count easily from 1 to 12.

-Shapes - 9 common shapes displayed in the same color for easy recognition and sorting

-Colors - 11 favorite colors, beautifully displayed in watercolor splotches

-EMOTIONS - Children now as young as 1 years old connect with & recognize emoji's from various digital platforms. Including emotions in this fun way seems especially important in our world today where mental health has become ever so important. Use these to help your child recognize and express how they and others around them are feeling.