droolicious : Fat Brain Toys

Beyond the Basic Block

Lisa Mulcahy — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Blocks, shapes and colors this building set has it all.

Originally launched exclusively at the Metropolitan Museum Store, Fat Brain Toy’s Twigs, $50, is scheduled to be released to a wider array of retailers this January. The set features 72 vibrant colored wooden pieces—each precision-cut and compatible with one another. Designed to foster creative thinking Twigs will provide hours of open-ended play.

Cool Ride-On Toy from Apple Pie

Erin Behan — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:28:00 GMT

I'd never heard of these ride-along toys from Apple Pie until a far-away Santa stowed one under our Christmas tree. Having Ellie the Elephant in hand, I can tell you she's sturdy and quite attractive looking. Details include rubberized wheels which protect both your floor and little hands, a fun bendy nose and a cute waggable rubber tail. The paint is nontoxic and the fun is recommended for 18-plus months. Buy it for $74.95 at Fat Brain Toys.

Simply Fun: Jacob's Ladder

Cathy Hale — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:30:00 GMT

I've had mine for over 25 years and my kids think it's the coolest toy ever. Create fun shapes and perform magic tricks with Jacob's Ladder. It's just fun - pure & simple. If you're child doesn't have one, you might consider grabbing one as a holiday treat. $7.95 at Fat Brain Toys.

Kiddie Cubism

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:15:00 GMT

So simple, yet so genius, that’s usually the formula for good design. Proof that you can improve upon a classic idea, this evolution of the basic block is sure to spark your toddler’s architectural talent.

I’ll always have a soft spot for old-school alphabet blocks, but Dado Cubes by Fat Brain Toys offer so much more. The exploration of proportion, balance, structure, composition and color is all in a day’s play. It’s amazing how slits in the sides and a hollowed out form can entirely revolutionize a product category. O.K. I’m stepping down from the design soapbox now. I realize your Jr. Gehry is not going to be pondering architectural principles at the next playdate. But forget about the kids, maybe there’s a bit of George Costanza in me and I just want to play architect.

$24.95 at Amazon.