I purchased this plain set of blocks with the intention of painting them, but the set is so lovely that I may just stick with a simple pattern and leave most of the wood natural. The photograph of the product does not look nearly as nice as the actual. The blocks have been finished nicely - very smooth edges and rounded corners.
The listing on Amazon stated that the blocks are for ages 6+. However, the box clearly states "Ages 3+". The blocks aren't super tiny and most of the blocks in this set are comparable in size to sets for 18month+, but to be safe, I will sit aside the smallest pieces for awhile since my son is only 14 months old, which is what I've had to do with other sets that are intended for 12month+.
My only complaint about the product is that there is no storage box included. The listing mentioned one, so I assumed that it would include a plastic storage tub, like the other Guidecraft Tabletop Block sets include, but instead, there is a canvas storage bag. It is a nice bag though, and for what this kit cost (Only about $20+ Free Shipping), and the quality of the blocks (I'm very pleased that I won't need to sand them prior to decorating them) I can pick up a plastic tub at Walmart.