Toys For Building A Dream World
Reader Anny asked yesterday about my opinion on Lego. My toddler loves to build things and is always fascinated by any kind of building set he sees at the store. So, I’ve spent a fair amount of time playing with him–clicking, forcing, stomping, and slamming pieces together–to construct space ships, robots, houses, race tracks, and other nonsensical pieces.
A search of Amazon.com
- Mega Bloks
- Tinkertoy
- Lincoln Logs
- Lego
- Gears
- Imaginext
- Imagiplay
- Magnetix
- Kid Knex
- Toobers & Zots
- Erector
- Coolblox
- Wooden Blocks
Anny and I both have toddlers whose fingers are still not yet nimble enough to manipulate itsy bitsy pieces even if they insist on playing (usually leading to a meltdown in frustration). Wooden blocks are easy to maneuver but they can be frustrating because of the tendency to slip out of formation. Lego Duplos are probably the most sturdy and fun because of the different accessories but they tend to be a little pricy. Still, Lego’s hardiness make it possible to purchase good quality sets at garage sales or second-hand stores.
The best way to judge whether your child would have fun with a particular building set is to test them out with him/her at the store or at a friend’s house. If you can stand playing with them too for more than a few minutes, then you probably have a winner on your hands!
NB: For ideas and diagrams of what to build with your kids, check out each manufacturer’s website.
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POSTED IN: Children's Toys
4 opinions for Toys For Building A Dream World
Kirsten
Jul 27, 2005 at 7:39 pm
LEGO can last a long time - I am sure the lego we had as kids is still in a box somewhere. I think half the reason my fiancee wants kids one day is so he can play lego with them! LOL (OK that could be a bit of an exaggeration but I know he is looking forward to it).
Lei
Jul 27, 2005 at 9:52 pm
Thanks for your comment, Kirsten. My MIL says I am actually mother to two boys - my 3-year-old and my husband! LOL
Qadira
Jul 28, 2005 at 11:03 am
My 3 brothers and I all had Legos. My son now has all the Legos we had as kids. The Duplos my son had as a toddler (10 years ago) are in perfect condition and much loved by my toddler and infant. I recommend the brand without hesitation even though they are expensive (as compared to other options).
We tested out some MegaBlocks and loathed them. The pieces wouldn’t stay stuck together, and how on earth are you supposed to build glorious things if your blocks keep coming apart?
My brothers & I had Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs also, and they were great. I don’t know what the quality of the current ones on the market is, but if it’s good, then I’d recommend them too. :)
Lei
Jul 28, 2005 at 11:07 am
Qadira, In my opinion, MegaBloks are great from the under-one set because they don’t have enough dexterity to pry apart blocks that stick together too well. After that when they really want to start making things and fly it around the room, Legos are the best. Knock-off versions tend to chip and break after a while.
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