December 2011 Notable Toys — Construction

Attack the Hoth Rebel base with the Lego Star Wars AT-AT Walker (8129). Build one of the most iconic vehicles from the original Star Wars movies and celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. Use the grappling hook to help Luke Skywalker climb the body of the AT-AT, then use his lightsaber to stop the walker before it destroys the Rebel base. Will Luke triumph in time? Includes 8 minifigures: Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, Han Solo in Echo base gear, Rebel Trooper with P-Tower laser cannon, AT-AT pilot, 2 Snowtroopers, General Veers and Imperial Officer. AT-AT Walker measures more than 13" (33 cm) long and 12" (30 cm) tall. This is the stationary AT-AT model.
— As of 09/06/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on ToysRus.com. Pros: Fun, durable, easy to assemble. Cons: Expensive for a non-motorized version of this product.

This 51 piece set helps kids get back to the basics. With the addition of square locking widgets this simple block set turns into a building set with ability to build stable horizontal and vertical structures as well as endless stacking fun. Launch date: 2010.
Awards: 2011 Parents' Choice Recommendation

Kids can have fun with the 24 Christmas gifts from LEGO City with the LEGO City Advent Calendar (7553). With a great for each day, the LEGO City advent calendar has 24 days of building fun with Mini-figures, vehicles and other accessories for LEGO City sets. The LEGO City Advent Calendar (7553) includes: 6 MiniFigures, Christmas accessories, furniture and lots of vehicles.

Escape from the Death Star in the iconic GO Star Wars Millennium Falcon (7965). Straight from the Death Star escape scene of Episode IV A New Hope, the all new LEGO Millennium Falcon features stunning details, like hull plates that open to reveal a detailed interior, twin flick missiles, rotating quad laser cannons and detachable cockpit cover. Featuring Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa and Darth Vader, kids can rewrite history and help Ben Kenobi defeat his evil nemesis from the dark side. The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon (7965) includes * Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa and Darth Vader MiniFigures * Millennium Falcon features opening hull, detailed interior, twin flick missiles, rotating laser cannons and detachable cockpit cover * 3 lightsabers, 3 blasters and 1 crossbow also included
– As of 07/23/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Set is very large; figures all fit inside the ship once it's built; sturdy once assembled. Cons: Though many reviewers said the set was durable enough to be played with, some reviewers reported that the set fell apart easily.

Playable Metal blocks are made in aluminum alloy. There are 10 different shapes each with threaded holes on many of its facets. Blocks can be interconnected using specially designed screws. This patented connecting mechanism makes building flexible structures possible for each two adjacent blocks can be secured in any easily adjusted angle. Playable Metal blocks are available in 7 metallic colors. This set includes, 22 playable metal blocks, 39 connecting screws, 6 aluminum rods, 2 special rods (sports pack), L-shaped wrench.

Kids can create shapes, animals, and people with the 42 geometric shapes included in this set. The set includes 24 idea cards. The wooden storage case with metal closure doubles as a playing surface for the pieces.

SmartMax allows children to explore magnetism safely. The oversized pieces are specifically designed for handling by young kids as they learn about the effects of magnetic attraction and repulsion. Older children will have fun using the pieces to construct towers and bridges. The magnets are strong enough to carry up to 60 times their weight. Basic 36 includes long bars, short bars, large 1.8" diameter metal balls and a guide to build models. 25-piece and 42-piece sets are also available.