Alphabet blocks are children's toys which are designed to encourage creativity and learning while enriching the play environment. They consist of cubes which are imprinted or carved with letters of the alphabet. It is not uncommon to see alphabet blocks with symbols, as well, such as ducks on the D blocks, or mooing cows on the M blocks. Most toy stores carry alphabet blocks, and they can also be ordered through companies which specialize in children's toys.
A complete set of alphabet blocks typically includes 26 blocks, with each block representing a letter of the alphabet. The blocks are traditionally made from wood and carved, with brightly colored paints accenting the letters and the edges of the blocks. The blocks may include lower and upper case versions of the letters, numbers, or even different letters on different faces of the same block. Ornaments are usually included on at least one face.
Themed alphabet block sets are available in addition to the basic alphabet block kit. Some may pertain to specific holidays, or they may have a theme like “on the farm” or “at the zoo.” Themed blocks encourage children to start building associations; even if kids aren't ready to start spelling yet, they can start to associate the letter “Z” with “zebra,” for example. Alphabet blocks are also available in Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, and other non-Roman alphabets.
When children play with alphabet blocks, they are exposed to the alphabet in a way which encourages play and exploration. As kids start to think about the fact that letters represent sounds which can be built into words, they can start exploring words in a safe, playful environment. Alphabet blocks are designed to be easy to handle and manipulate, making it easy for children to use them. Adult supervision is still recommended, as the edges of alphabet blocks can hurt if a child falls on the blocks or throws a block at another child.
One concern with alphabet blocks is the paint. Unscrupulous companies sometimes use paints which could be toxic if chewed or handled excessively. It's a good idea to select blocks manufactured by a reputable company, and preferably a company which is willing to explicitly state that its blocks are non-toxic. If you aren't sure about the safety of an alphabet block set, ask the staff of the toystore or the manufacturer for additional information. Lead-based paints in particular are very dangerous to young children, and it's better to be safe than sorry.