May 2010 Notable Toys — Construction

Solar Power Plus is a gigantic photovoltaic science lab that navigates the fundamentals of solar energy, the conversion of light into electricity, and circuits. This kit includes two of the special solar panels from the Solar Power kit that when connected generate up to 3 volts of electricity to power 22 different models. 265 building pieces are included.

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.

Called by Be Good Company “The Buildable Art System,” Jaw Bones is construction and sculpture in one. The brightly colored pieces in distinctive shapes ratchet, swivel and snap together in an endless array of combinations, allowing children a lot of freedom when deciding what they want to build and how.  An instruction booklet with more than 17 individual projects is included with the kit to offer children ideas.
― Two of 49 retailers said Jaw Bones is a top-selling construction line during an April 2010 survey.

With 125 pieces, the Explorer Pack from Wedgits opens up great dimensions in building play. More than simply stacking or snapping pieces together, Wedgits employ unique shapes that brace or “wedge” together in order to form firm structures.  The geometric interplay between pieces becomes increasingly complex as children begin experimenting with designs other than stacking and patterning activities also offered by the set.  Some of the pieces even glow in the dark. Tips, techniques and designs can be found in the included booklet.
― “We do great with Wedgits. They don't break, or get vacuumed up. They don't get returned,” said Lori Hershman, owner of Evan's Toy Shoppe in Camden, Conn., during an April 2010 survey on best-selling construction toys.
― Three of 43 retailers named Wedgits a top-selling construction toy in spring 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 1,200-piece set contains plenty of material to stimulate children's imaginations and motor skills.
― “The theme with [Cobi] is availability,” said Sue Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited  in Danville, Calif., when asked about her best-selling construction toys in spring 2010. Banducci added, “It's really appealing for the kids.”
― “It was a huge hit over the [2009] holidays,” said Nathan McKelvey, manager of Toy Castle in Jonesboro, Ark.
― Three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in April 2010 that Cobi is a top-selling construction line.

Zoob's sturdy snap-together pieces are joined with colorful, flexible foam pieces that allow children to customize and accessorize their creations in new ways. The 80 Zoob pieces come with more than 100 pre-cut foam shapes and 10 sheets of foam from which kids can cut their own pieces. Instructions are included for projects ranging from robots to rocking horses, but the kit is totally open ended, allowing young creators to design straight from their imaginations. Cons: Foam pieces tear too easily.
― “Zoob seems to appeal to a broader age range,” Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly in spring 2010 of what makes Zoob her top-selling construction toy.
― Of 43 retailers surveyed in April 2010, three listed Zoob as their best seller in construction.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va. told in late Spring 2011 TDmonthly she sells a dozen Zoob kits each month.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at The Curiosity Zone

With more than 600 pieces, the 50 Model Set from Erector offers kid builders a multitude of creative options. The kit is packed with detailed instructions for 50 complete models, 38 of which are taken from favorites in the 10 to 40 model kits, plus 12 new designs. From that springboard of projects, children can leap into inventing their own creations with the tools and parts provided in the box. This kit also includes a small, hand-held power tool to make assembly easy and fast.
— Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Inc. in Columbia, Ill. said Erector sets were one of her best-selling construction toys in late Spring 2011.
― “Erector sets do really well for us,” Chris Cahalane, owner of Cape Cod Toys  in Mashpee, Mass., told TDmonthly when asked about top-selling construction toys in spring 2010.
― “Erector sets have made a comeback,” said Lance Ghulam, manager of Handlebar Toys in Lafayette, Calif., during an April 2010 survey.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at Creative Kids Inc.

This Lego tractor pulls along the included log loader. The intricate set includes a fully articulated mechanical arm that children control with a mechanism that resembles the pneumatic valves on a real loader. Free-rolling wheels on both vehicles add to realistic play after the fun of constructing these machines in the first place.
― “The collectibles, the quality and the price make it so popular,” said Shanna Frieling, owner of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont., of Lego during an April 2010 survey.
― “It's one of the few male products that goes beyond the young ages. Eight- to 10-year-olds still play with them, even though they're into the electronics,” Fred Rosenberg, owner of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, told TDmonthly of Lego in spring 2010.
― Of 43 retailers, 20 told TDmonthly in April 2010 that Lego is a top-selling line in their stores.

A new way to play the classic game of BATTLESHIP, in U-Build Battleship players can build and customize their fleet of ships, including Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Destroyers, Submarines and PT Boats, and stack weapons on the ships to increase the power of their hits. Package includes: 108 U-BUILD bricks, 150 scoring pegs (100 white & 50 red), 40 red cones, 20 blue pegs, 10 locator plates, two target grids, two peg storage trays, two game boards, parts sheet, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010.

U-Build Connect 4 combines the family favorite of Connect 4 with customizable U-Build bricks that create a unique game experience every time the game is played. Start by building a grid using U-Build bricks that snap into the game unit. Once the grid is built, players drop their red and yellow checkers into the top of the game and watch as the checker bounces down into a row. Add U-Build bumper arms to the top of the grid to help to steer a checker into a chosen row in an attempt to get four in a row. Bumper bricks can be used to assist a score or used as a defensive move to keep the opponent from scoring. Players must drop the checkers and see where they land to slide, bump and block their way to victory. Package includes 158 building parts (110 U-BUILD bricks & 48 construction pins), 21 red checkers, 21 yellow checkers, one game board with stand, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010.

As part of the brand's 75th anniversary celebration, Monopoly is giving players the chance to choose how long they want to enjoy a game with Monopoly U-Build, a new concept in Monopoly game play. Using hexagonal property spaces that snap together, players build a game track that creates a custom game board and determines the length of play. Decide to use the Starter Track for a 30-minute game before dinner, or try the Classic Track for a 60-minute game during family game night for longer-lasting fun. Once you've perfected these tracks, move onto the Pro or Freestyle Tracks for the ultimate gaming challenge. For two to six players. Launch date: Spring 2010.

Uberstix introduces a construction toy that flies and performs stunts. One can build and design their own Gliders while experimenting with the placement of Wings, Wheels, Nosecones and Tailfins.  Make your glider do stunts. Learn about the forces that affect aerodynamics.  These flexible Glider Kits are made with lightweight foam wings they will soar for long distances. Each has a 13.5 inch wingspan.  They come in a variety of 8 graphic designs including the "CYPRUSO", "ELECTICUS",  "FOURBARRELL",  "PLASMOS", "SKORGE", "STEAMTANK",  "TURBINER", and "VORTICIES." Launch date: 2010.

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.

STiX add another dimension to construction designs with Wedgits. Each STiX part follows the geometry of the WEDGiTS small, white octahedron - making it easy to link different WEDGiTS designs, structures or vehicles. Four pieces are included in this pack. Launch date: 2010.

Easy-click bricks, sticks, panels, and a play figure make building a snap for kids. They can build suggested designs, or use their imagination to build things all their own. Includes 100 pieces in a convenient storage tub whose lid doubles as a building base. All pieces in the Fisher-Price TRIO Building System work together. Launch date: 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.