May 2010 New Specialty Toys — Construction

This solar panel consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity. The combination solar panel and battery holder allows users to switch out the solar panel for a AA battery, and is positionable in order to maximize exposure to the sun. 177 building pieces and a model-building manual are included.

Elastic Power stretches the possibilities for a simple rubber band while exploring the principles of potential and kinetic energy. After forming the 11 models, including a catapult, motor bike, trolley and paddleboat, students can use the 170 building pieces to create their own unique vehicle. A rubber band is the only fuel needed.

Complete with wheels and flexible parts, this set allows children to build a fire truck and five other models.

These 2-in-1 toys combine simple building with the excitement of pull back and go action. Each package includes five colorful chunky parts that are easy for little hands to construct. Comes in 2 assorted styles: Helicopter & Sports Car.

Dado Planks by Fat Brain Toy Co. are made of recycled plastic, feature notches which can connect and interlock with other peices for different configurations. Standard planks in various colors are also included. Dado Planks are interchangeable and can be used with all the other plank building systems. Set includes 106 pieces in five colors. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010.

Each box set contains 24 Reptangles in green, yellow, orange, red, purple and blue that can be snapped and slid together in more than 100 ways. The turtles connect at various angles and come with an activity book with 40+ puzzles to encourage kids to think about geometric concepts and design as they build.
Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010.

Designed to be compatible with other popular brands of building toys, Cobi's snap-together building bricks are a familiar classic. Kids can build sturdy structures from simple walls to complex designs that will hold together through play and manipulation. The 200-piece set contains plenty of material to stimulate children's imaginations and motor skills.
— Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., is selling 50 to 75 Cobi sets per month, Owner Rebecca Goblish told TDmonthly in April 2010. Nathan McKelvey, manager of Toy Castle in Jonesboro, Ark., mentioned that the blocks were a hit for the 2009 holidays.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C. said that COBI building sets were a best-selling construction toy in her store when TDmonthly interviewed her in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at Wonder Works

The intelligent design of this product uses bamboo rings to form very unique building blocks. The distinct angles of the bamboo rings combined with textile edges that act as "grips" create endless possibilities for building exciting shapes and structures. It includes 24 angular bamboo rings and an instruction guide. Hape International Marketing Manager Robin Lehnert told TDmonthly, "The eco-friendly activity helps children develop a sense of spatial awareness, geometry and hand-eye coordination." Launch date: July 2010.

Children start by joining the puzzle bases together and then twist the shapes on the appropriate post. Children can make up their own way to play this stacking and sorting activity that triples as a puzzle, too. Designed with solid baltic birch bases, the Creative Peg Puzzle posts have elasticized bases in case a child falls onto the post. Multiple bases allow for more than one child to play at the same time. Launch date: February 2010.

Make a Copter Ball, a Rocket Ball or a Glider Ball with the new OGOBILD-FLY. The soft bouncy rubber ball has 12 sockets that let you reposition and twist the wings to create your own flying creation. Part of the new OGOBILD Building Ball system from OGOSPORT. Can be combined with any of the other OGOBILD attachments offering a brilliant combination of active and constructive play.

This robot construction kit includes pieces for children to make animals and figures that move via a one-geared motor.

It is possible to build multiple variants of different buildings with the Dismantlable Vario Building Set from WALACHIA. The set contains beech parts of 15 mm in diameter, of various lengths, with which by means of locks at the ends, creative and unique constructions may be assembled and dismantled. Awards: 1995/Prague Toy Fair. Launch date: January 1992.

Art Revelations introduces Innovation in coil. The modular sculpture product that lets you create a sculpture of "whatever comes to mind" in minutes without tools. Just expand the coil, shape and connect the ends. Available in eight colors and three sizes.

This starter set of 26 Tegu blocks includes cubes, long planks and short planks in a natural finish. The blocks are made of European Beech and contain small, embedded magnets that allow the blocks to stick together and be fashioned in a variety of ways not possible with traditional blocks.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.
— In a February 2015 survey, Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, told TDmonthly that puzzles from Melissa & Doug are her store's best-selling wooden toys.

Made of fleece covered foam, these plush blocks provide children with a safe construction toy. Children can make tables, towers, bridges and forts.

Child can learn about construction with this fabric covered foam product. Easy assembly using color-coded Velcro. Children 2 and up can enjoy learning to build this barn and play farm games with it. There are 15 sections to put in place with picture steps provided. A self-confidence building product with creative play value.

Teifoc allows kids to build with real bricks made from high-quality materials. The mortar is made from a mixture of fine sand and a corn-extract, easy to create by just adding water. Teifoc offers many sets that include all materials needed to build housing structures. The bricks are reusable after immersion in water for a few hours. After the cement is dissolved, the bricks are easy to clean with fresh water. Launch date: June 2010 (U.S.).

Inchimals is a set of 12 wooden blocks with animal images that measure from 1” in height (ladybug) to 12” high (giraffe).  They can be combined with the 100 write on/wipe off math puzzles for kids to practice counting, number values and recognition, fine motor skills, language and more. Launch date: Spring 2010.

This collection is designed for Magformers to transform into hundreds of creative construction vehicles. Each set includes emergency lights and engine sound, plus an attachable, poseable figurine. Launch date: June 2010.

This set includes 32 seven-sided design blocks in various shapes and colors that are designed to allow for nearly unlimited constructions.

These beechwood blocks in a pastel palette are made in Germany and come in a 10-piece set.
— Two of 38 specialty retailers named HABA blocks as a best-selling wooden toy in February 2010.

This bright block set features 28 pieces colored with water-based, non-toxic stains.
— Two of 38 specialty retailers referenced HABA blocks when discussing best-selling wooden toys in February 2010.

This colorful collection of 36 wooden blocks comes in a red-wheeled wagon with a rope for transport. It measures 13" x 11" x 3."
— Five of 38 specialty retailers named Melissa & Doug's blocks as a best-selling wooden toy in February 2010.