Reviews for Construction Sets
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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Brio Darling My First Train Set$33.63 at Amazon.com |
This Brio Darling My First Train Set is quite clever, as it combines various types of age-appropriate play (18 months-on) in one toy. In addition to pushing the trains along the track, boys and girls can pull the little foals around and use “Darling” (the mommy horse) as a bridge; or the babies can be attached to her belly for feeding time. What’s really nice is Darling has a zip-up pouch in her belly, where the foal trains can be stored, and carried around… to Grandma’s, for instance! All of the pieces are the perfect size for little fingers. It’s a good idea to introduce this starter train set early on, to see if a child takes interest, before moving on to what can become a pricey hobby. Furthermore, this set is compatible with Brio’s classic sets for older kids, so the tracks, etc., can be used throughout childhood.
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Lego lovers these days especially enjoy the “people” that come with the sets. They often have interchangeable outfits, hair, hats, etc., and complement most any Lego building project. And for children who like imaginary play, the possibilities and personalities are endless. But it seems like there are never enough of them! That’s why this set is so perfect. It includes loads of “characters,” you’d find in any community. Containing over 31 figures, this set is a good value for Lego. Of course, you can choose from countless Lego kits and products by clicking “Click Here,” and searching under “Toys & Games” for “Lego.”
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Lego Duplo is Lego — colorful building bricks that let little kids’ imaginations soar — only they’re bigger building bricks that are easier for little hands (of boys and girls ages 2-5) to maneuver. This set comes with 141 pieces, enough to get a budding Lego fanatic started. Beware — there never can be enough Lego! Of course, you can choose from countless other Lego kits and products for all ages, by clicking “Click Here,” and searching under “Toys & Games” for “Lego.”
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This vibrantly colored Gearation magnetic gear set by Tomy has been a fixture in our playroom for years now, and is still a favorite toy. One large master gear powers the remaining 10 gears, each having a different wacky design feature. They come with a magnetic power board for arranging them all. Named a Parent Magazine Toy of the Year Award winner, it’s early science education, it’s great for fine-tuning fine motor skills, and it’s just plain fun!
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Deluxe Jumbo Cardboard Block Set$29.36 at Amazon.com |
These sturdy jumbo cardboard blocks are a classic building toy for girls and boys, and many parents will remember having a set themselves. You’ll see them in many childcare centers — they’re safe and lightweight, yet strong. Children love them. Even budding imaginations (starting at age 2) can maneuver these blocks to build structures in minutes. Made of a strong, heavy-grade cardboard, these brightly colored brick-like blocks can be stacked high. Each block measures 19″L x 12.5″W x 5.75″H. You can also purchase smaller sized blocks with fewer pieces on Amazon.com. This Melissa and Doug set includes 40 blocks.
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Oliblocks are beautiful — both functionally and aesthetically. A new artful spin on building toys, Oliblocks include uniquely designed magnetic and interlocking connectors for children and adults to build imaginative free-form structures. Their organic shapes and vibrant colors, in addition to their components, make each Oliblock structure works of art. 24 pieces in each tube. Ages 3 and up.
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Do you have a mini entomologist in the family? Or a little girl or boy one who’s afraid a bugs? Now they each can have tons of fun with creepy crawlies. ExoBonz building toys (an edition of the Bonz collection) are silly, anatomically INcorrect parts of insect skeletons and exoskeletons. The hard plastic pieces fit together with pieces from other Bonz kits (for collectors), and vary in size. The joints, such as the “beez kneez,” pincers, antennae, and stinger, all “work” in their own wonderfully wacky way. Kids can use them to construct all sorts of familiar or imaginatively unfamiliar creatures. Other Bonz sets include GloBonz, DinogloBonz and SeaBonz.
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Uberstix are for the budding architects, engineers, and rocket scientists in the family (ages 8 and up), utilizing priciples of physics and mathematics to build countless structures, such as skyscrapers, bridges that support HO scale train sets, and boats that really sail. The Uberstix building toy system is a very progressive construction toy. First, it encourages and accommodates the use of recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles, straws and popsicle sticks, in your architectural designs. Second (and this is a fantastic feature), Uberstix are compatible with other popular building toys that your grandchild may already have, such as Lego, Knex, Erector, Zoobs, and Zome. This starter kit includes 450 pieces and a 40-page basics book. This futuristic toy is indeed fascinating!
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Amazon.com Gift Certificate$5.00 - $5,000.00 at Amazon.com |
Still can’t decide what to get your grandchild? Sometimes the best gift is allowing kids the freedom to shop online for their own special something. Amazon.com has more products to choose from than any other online retailer. Kids can spend hours, even days if they want, shopping for toys, books, clothes, electronics… almost anything they can think of! Trust us. So when in doubt give them an Amazon.com gift certificate. They’ll be in shopping heaven!
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