ToyDirectory
April 17, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

August 2012 | Vol. XI - No. 8


Construction Toys

By TDmonthly Staff
August 2012

Check out these recently added specialty and mass market construction toys:

Mario Kart Wii: Mario & Bowser Ice Race Set by K'NEX BRANDS

Mario Kart Wii: Mario & Bowser Ice Race Set by KKids can bring Mario Kart Wii to life as they race Mario and Bowser through a series of ice-themed obstacles. The set includes the parts to build Mario and Bowser, 2 Standard Karts with super-fast battery-powered motors, 2 moving obstacles: Penguins & Shy-Guy Snowboarders PLUS 2 collectible items from the game: a golden mushroom and a spiked blue shell. Also includes 16 pieces of buildable, interconnectable track that creates a closed loop - combine this set with other sets from the Mario Kart Wii Series to build even bigger tracks. Building set includes 182 parts. Launch date: May 2012. 7/5/2012 (MSRP: $64.99; Age: 6 and Up)


Super Structs BIG Builder by WABA FUN LLC

Super Structs BIG Builder by WABA FUN LLCThe multiple, award-winning 126-piece Superstructs™ Big Builder set provides everything you need to build detailed, hard working, construction vehicles. Build a working forklift, dump truck, crane, or utility truck with the enclosed step-by-step plans. And once you have mastered these, you can take them apart and use your imagination to build other great creations! 6/22/2012 (Age: 3 and Up)


Flying Dragon Automata by MECHANICAL KITS LLC

Flying Dragon Automata by MECHANICAL KITS LLCEnter the Dragon. Made from natural wood this moving model, with leg action and moving wings, is easy to paint. Automata are whimsical mechanical toys that make movements when a crankshaft is turned. This dragon moves its head, neck, legs, wings and tail while flying gracefully through the air. (Watch the Flying Dragon Automata Video Watch Video) 6/21/2012 (MSRP: $20.00)


Mega Bloks First Builders - Big Building Bag by MEGA BRANDS

Mega Bloks First Builders - Big Building Bag by MEGA BRANDSBuild and stack for limitless fun with the award-winning First Builders Big Building Bag by Mega Bloks. These bright primary-colored blocks encourage hands-on exploration as children imagine and create. First Builders blocks are big and easy for little fingers to assemble. When playtime is over, zip the blocks up in the bag and stash them in the toy box until the next adventure. Includes 80 First Builders blocks.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys 6/19/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 1 to 5)


LEGOŽ DUPLOŽ Creative Sorter by LEGO

LEGOŽ DUPLOŽ Creative Sorter by LEGOTeach stacking and sorting with a colorful assortment of big LEGO® DUPLO® bricks as children learn to build basic animals.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys 6/19/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 2 to 5)


Erector 30 Model Set by SCHYLLING

Erector 30 Model Set by SCHYLLINGBuild 30 Amazing Erector Models. Designs include Dune buggy, lawn mower, crane, speedboat, tractor, forklift, motorcycle with rider. Kids can make their own masterpiece with a 6 Volt Motor (Requires 4 AA batteries not included). Set has 352 Parts and includes instructions and illustrations for 18 models.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Puns Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that Erector sets are one of their top selling hobby items. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $64.99; Age: 8 and Up)


85 Piece Bristle Blocks by TOYSMITH

85 Piece Bristle Blocks by TOYSMITHThis 85-piece set contains 72 easy-to-handle building blocks in a variety of brightly colored, interlocking geometric shapes, 8 wheels to construct buildings and vehicles with and 5 figurines. A convenient handled carrying case stores all the blocks neatly away when not in use.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiostiy Zone in Ashburn, Va.,  told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.
 5/25/2012 (Age: 3 and Up)


SmartMax Basic Stunt by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

SmartMax Basic Stunt by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INCWith a simple click, wheels, cockpits, wings and panels attach to the magnetic bars. 48 magnetic pieces provide building variation and fun that reaches the finish. 18 medium bars, four long bars, two cockpits, four pairs of wheels, ten metal balls, two ramps, two containers, and four panels. Giant, non-swallowable 1.8 inch diameter metal balls. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $79.99; Age: 3 and Up)


nanoblock musical series assortment by OHIO ART CO.

nanoblock musical series assortment by OHIO ART CO.The nanoblock ‘Miniature Collection’ includes a wide range of musical instruments. Form a miniature band with the Drum Set and Electric Guitar or perform a piccolo concerto on the Grand Piano or violin. nanoblocks are all about the creative construction process with rewarding sculptural results – the perfect three-dimensional puzzle. The miniature blocks connect securely to create extremely detailed objects of varying size and complexity. Challenging three-dimensional puzzle with amazingly small sized building blocks. 5/25/2012


OGOBILD Nexus by OGOSPORT, LLC

OGOBILD Nexus by OGOSPORT, LLCWith over 90 different attachments the Nexus offers maximum play value. With attachments like wheels, a scoop, hands, feet, wings, springs and more, the possibilities for creations are endless. Build a flying Martian, a hovering robot, or objects that fly, drive, and spin. The Nexus includes 4 flexible OGOBILD balls for hours of fun, and increased variety. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $34.00; Age: 6 and Up)


The ZOOB Challenge by INFINITOY

The ZOOB Challenge by INFINITOYHow can kids move a ball into a target with 2 high walls from 2 feet away? Build a ramp? A catapult? A trampoline? A zip-line? There are no right answers and we provide no solutions--it's up to kids to use ZOOB pieces (and other materials that they choose) to build contraptions that solve the challenges. The ZOOB Challenge features 175 ZOOB pieces, string, wheels, a ball, rubber bands, a foam play pad, and 25 challenges based on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) skills-skills that educators have targeted as essential to helping the US compete successfully in the 21st century. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $32.00)


Tower Block by SMART GEAR LLC

Tower Block by SMART GEAR LLCColorful blocks with unconventional basic shapes. Learn matching shapes, sequencing and stacking. Develops hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, and trial & error skills. Made in Thailand from environmentally friendly rubberwood. Strictly using Non-Toxic Paint; Dyes and Lacquers. Formaldehyde Free Glue. Packaging is made from at least 70% recycled paper. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $14.95; Age: 2 and Up)


Starter Pack Domino by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Starter Pack Domino by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.Contents: 61 colored domino blocks, 6 pieces of untreated wood, 1 ball, 1 building block clamp, 1 arched clamp with little bell. Endless building fun with abundant options for experimenting. Helps kids learn cause and effect. 5/23/2012 (Age: 3 to 10)


100 pc Glow in the Dark Blocks by CITIBLOCS LLC

100 pc Glow in the Dark Blocks by CITIBLOCS LLC100 piece GLOW IN THE DARK building block set. The building fun doesn't have to stop when the lights go off. Safe and non-toxic glow paint adds a new dimension to block building. Set includes 70 glow blocks and 30 natural color blocks. Building guide included.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 5/18/2012 (MSRP: $29.99)








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