Clothes now aren't actually safer, just built for different needs. Past fashion had its own set of problems that people forget.

Ugh YES, it's the worst part of cleanup. Just had a huge event and chucking all that green brick felt so bad, like we just boxed up a ton of plastic waste.

Ray Oldenburg's book talks about third places disappearing.

Totally get that approach. Giving kids safe versions of real tools is actually smart. It turns random grabbing into actual play that teaches them how stuff works. My cousin did the same with a blunt putty knife and some scrap wood, and her toddler was focused for ages. That way they learn the motion without the risk, and you don't have to watch every single second. Lets everyone relax a bit more during a visit.