Reviews for Construction Sets
We always wanted one of these domino race sets! And if your grandchildren (ages 3 and older) are so lucky as to receive this present, they’ll understand that some of the simplest things — such as small wooden dominoes — can also be some of the most exciting. Using this domino set, they can building excitement indoors by designing dozens of imaginative knock-down chain reactions. This colorful kids domino race set includes 250 wooden dominoes and 21 accessories, such as: stairways, a chime, ball, gutter, pinwheel and finishing bell!
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Unbelievably true-to-form, this Lego Eiffel Tower kit is for serious Lego fans — they recommend 16 years or older, but a younger teen could probably take the project on with some help. The idea for replicating this monumental Parisian landmark came from requests from Lego enthusiasts, and is based on the original blueprints of the Tower. Built to 1:300 scale, it measures 20.1″ wide and 42.5″ tall! Once built, it can be separated into three sections, so it can be easily stored or transported. Of course, it’s a challenge to build, with 3,428 pieces to be secured just so. But once it’s complete, it’s an amazing showpiece that your grandchild will boast about and admire for years to come. If you’re not ready to commit to this set, but still want to treat your grandchild to a Lego building kit, simply click “Click Here,” and search under “Toys & Games” for “LEGO.” C’est magnifique!
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In the year since they’ve been unveiled, these new Dado Cubes building sets have already won a slew of toy awards. The idea is simple — slots cut into one block to allow another to fit into it snugly — and the results are spectacular, allowing boys and girls to create a nearly unlimited number of three-dimensional structures. Budding architects can explore principles such as proportion, balance, structure and color. Constructed horizontally, vertically or even nested together, Dado encourages visual spatial development and problem solving. And their uniqueness makes them just plain fun!
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The best thing about Playmobil is that these toys encourage kids to use their imaginations. Each time a young child plays with one of these toys, a different plot evolves, and they are endless! This new medical helicopter set allows kids to set up an operation where rescue workers help bring people to safety. It can be played out “on land” in a playroom or outside, or “at sea” in the bathtub, for added adventure! The Playmobil medical helicopter (includes 2 rescue workers) has a knob to control its propeller and sound. And its two doors, cockpit and rear section open. It also has a working hoist and gurney, as well as its own landing pad. Of course, you can choose from many other Playmobil sets for both boys and girls. From pirates to portable doll houses, Playmobil offers a range of excellent toys that place imaginations at center stage.
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Zome is used in classes (grades 1 through college) accross the U.S. to help teach math, science, art and technology. A building and learning tool for grade 1 through college, it immediately engages kids — it’s fascinating and fun! But more importantly, it helps kids learn new concepts better, and find them more interesting. Zome is a collection of small connector balls and different length rods that can be used to construct incredibly complex structures. Young kids (6+) will love it because it’s possible to create basic structures such as buildings and bridges. Older kids (and their parents and teachers) will love it because it can be used to learn geometry, chemistry, and more. Zome is available as different kits from $20 to about $300 (giant kit with more than 2,000 pieces). The more expensive kits simply include more pieces. Start small and build up. You can even order bags of specific Zome pieces as the need arises. Highly recommended for kids that love to build with their minds as well as their hands. Winner of just about every toy award we can think of!
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Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32-piece set$44.95 at Amazon.com |
Walk into many preschools and you’ll find them—usually with a group of boys and girls clamoring to gather the most tiles. There’s a reason for this. Magna Tiles are a cleverly designed educational building toy system using magnets — and they’re loads of fun! Kids learn patterns, shape recongnition, 3-dimensional thinking, fine-motor skills and magnetic principles, while they build cubes, pyramids, and countless other geometric structures. The tiles come in squares and triangles of various sizes and shapes, and attract at their edges (available in solid or clear colors). And best of all, you won’t get gripes from parents about storage issues. Magna Tiles 32-piece set is moderately sized, and since the pieces are magnetic, they’re almost impossible to lose! Winner of Parenting Magazine Toy of the Year Award, Early Childhood News Award, Parents’ Choice Gold Award, and Dr. Toy 100 Best Children’s Products Award.
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We find that kids (and grown-ups) of all ages are fascinated by gears. And some gear set toys are more imaginative than others. Oliblock gears are a new magnetic gears toy designed by artist Dan Oakley, creator of Oliblocks. The set includes 11 moveable parts that can be built 3D or onto a magnetic wall (such as a refrigerator.). They stimulate the mind as well as the eye. Just look at them — we can’t stop. They’re a work of mechanical art!
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This soft blocks set by stylish Dwell Baby is truly gift-worthy, from it’s bold yet soothing colors, to its modern designs — all packaged in a drawstring travel tote featuring big chocolate colored dots. The blocks make stimulating rattle and jingle sounds, encouraging baby to shake away — and their soft construction allow babies to explore safely. This set, as well as other Dwell Baby products, are woven from 100% combed Egyptian cotton with a 210 thread count — and are reactive printed to retain their saturated color. You can find other Dwell Baby products, such as crib linens, blankets, bibs and burp cloths (some with patterns matching these blocks), by clicking on our “Click Here” or Amazon.com link, and searching under Dwell Baby. Yes, these are luxury gift items, but they’re beautifully made and your baby is sure to enjoy playing with them!
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This gift is for the kid who’s already mastered all of the basics of Lego. There’s a good chance that she or he is also interested in computers and robots, in which case, Lego Mindstorms robot kit is without a doubt, a perfect gift. This is a real robot kit (Lego’s most advanced ever) featuring the new NXT Intelligent Brick — the robot’s brain. Once programmed by its new owner (where the fun begins!), the brick and the robot can do a lot of things many of us will never understand, but can appreciate, nonetheless. The kit comes with a quick-start guide, easy-to-use software (which works on both PC’s and the Mac) and step-by-step building instructions. In the past year, Lego Mindstorms NXT has already been purchased, tested, and wholeheartedly approved by PLENTY of “big boys,” including many dads, who’ve dreamed of building and programming a robot since the days of Lost in Space and The Jetsons. If you know a kid who you suspect has similar dreams, here’s a way to take him “by storm,” and fulfill those dreams with this incredible gift.
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At first, wooden blocks seemed like a simple and obvious gift idea. But then we realized there’s a reason why they’re still a hit with young children. Blocks successfully fulfill some development stages very well — learning how to stack, and getting satistaction from building towers, for instance, consumes most toddlers for many months. But one size block (or one set of blocks) does not fit all ages. This Fantasy wooden blocks set from HABA would suit toddlers and some preschoolers quite well, due to it’s vibrant primary colors and stimulating patterns. It also introduces a few unique shapes, along with more traditional squares and rectangles, so that each masterpiece, whether it be a humble cottage or an elaborate castle, can have its own new twist. Note: this is a small set, so you may want to purchase more than one to encourage larger building projects. Winner of Creative Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice award, and Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Toys, for 2004.
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