droolicious : building toys

Baufix Crane Construction Set Makes a Great Tow Truck, Too

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Even though this Crane Construction Set from Baufix looks like tons of fun in its namesake creation, cranes are just the start of what the set can be used to make.

Mix and match the set's 74 wood pieces to make a tow truck, an off-road vehicle and (of course) the crane shown here, among countless other creations. The colorful, water-varnished nuts, bolts, slats and panels should last through years' worth of whatever your junior model-maker can dream up for them.

$39.99 from Target.

Twig: The Ultimate Building Blocks?

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:30:00 GMT

As much as we're drawn to gadgets, gizmos and other blinking gobbledygook, when the subject turns to longevity, few toys can top a simple set of building blocks. Which is why we're loving Twig, the newly debuted company (and former Etsy seller) whose building toys are as inspiring to look at as they are to play with.

Beyond merely stacking, Twig's brightly colored pieces slide into, between and next to one another, offering an experience that's equal parts problem-solving, spatial arrangement and basic engineering. And if green-conscious toys are your thing, Twig's renewable materials and simple, eco-smart packaging offer added bonuses.

$49.95 for the 72-piece set at Fat Brain Toys. [Ohdeedoh]

Very Big Toys: Ultimate Workout Tool for Tomorrow's Architects

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:04:00 GMT

I am unwavering in my LEGO worship, but after countless attempts at building skyscrapers out of the blocks only to watch them crumble at the slightest touch, even I've got to bow before the majesty of The Young Architect's Skyscraper Construction Kit.

That picture's no exaggeration: You and the kids can use the set's 3,200 pieces and 24-page blueprints to build a nearly 8-foot-tall skyscraper, among a variety of other structures, while also learning architectural fundamentals and plotting out how and where your buildings would fare in the real world via an interactive world map on the manufacturer's website. Cripes, they'll even send you a PDF building permit featuring seismic and wind loads for your proposed structure.

The skyscraper will still leave you around 89 feet short of the world's largest LEGO structure we recently covered, but considering that one needed support cables and a crew of hundreds to get it off the ground, this looks like a decent start.

$299.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

1st Wonder of the LEGO World: The Biggest LEGO Set Ever Made

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:35:00 GMT

Just when we thought the $500, 5,175-piece Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon was as big and complex as a LEGO set could get, along comes the mother of all brick-building challenges: At 20" wide and 16" tall, the LEGO Taj Mahal may be a wee bit under the 22.44 hectares of the actual wonder-of-the-world after which it's modeled, but at 5,922 pieces (clearly not making it one for the junior builders), it's still a formidable piece of architecture.

Priced at $299.99, the LEGO Taj Mahal ships Sept. 15 -- preorder now and you may still have time to finish it by 2009.

LEGO Death Star to Annihilate All Other Building Toys This Fall

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:04:00 GMT

If you can hold out till Sept. 16, which is when the LEGO Death Star is next expected to ship, this mother of all LEGO Star Wars creations should be well worth any time spent waiting for the mail carrier to bring it. Heck, at 3,803 pieces -- including 24 minifigures and droids (six of which are exclusive to the set), a Dianoga trash-compactor monster, and a TIE Advanced fighter -- it'll probably take you till the holidays to complete it, so you're looking at two full seasons' worth of LEGO bliss for around $400. Not so bad when you break it down, is it?

Putting to shame the old Kenner Death Star playset many of us may remember from childhood, the LEGO Death Star packs three levels' worth of characters, chambers and moving parts, and comes complete with a superlaser death ray so you and the kids can enact your own destruction of Alderaan.

There's also the famous chasm, which you can swing across with the accompanying Luke and Leia minifigures, the Imperial conference chamber where your Darth Vader minifig can choke out disobedient commanders, and the Emperor's throne room where you and Lord Vader can battle it out for the sake of the galaxy. And no questionable prequel-era characters here, bub: The minifigures -- the aforementioned as well as Chewbacca, Han Solo, Grand Moff Tarkin and a host of others -- are strictly Episodes IV through VI:

$399.99 from the LEGO Shop.

Free Download for Your Budding Engineer: LEGO Digital Designer

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:04:00 GMT

No, that's not a new CAD software program you're seeing, although it's a good way to get any budding engineer in your family primed to handle one. What you're looking at is the interface of LEGO Digital Designer, a free downloadable program (Win/Mac) that lets you put a virtual LEGO set onto your computer's desktop.

Admittedly, while the program is 100% freeware, there is a bit of an ulterior motive on LEGO's part: Drawing from over 763 brick types, you can build your own virtual LEGO masterpiece either from scratch or from a pre-existing template. From there, you can upload the results to have a customized kit, complete with a real-life version of every brick you used, put together for purchase.

We're three days into the thing at my house, however, and so far my kids have only managed to create, delete, and overrwrite a bunch of logic-defying vehicles and robots they couldn't possibly have the motor skills to replicate in real life. The moment they do come up with a winner, though, I'll confess: I'd probably buy the blocks to help them realize it.

[LEGO Digital Designer] [Via Lifehacker]

Coupon Code: Free Shipping on LEGO Orders $99 & Up (ends Feb. 3)

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:03:00 GMT

In honor of its 50th birthday this week, LEGO is offering free shipping on online orders of $99 and up. The offer ends this Sunday, Feb. 3, though, so get to LEGOShop.com and enter the coupon code FS50US at checkout.

Happy Birthday, LEGO: The Brick Turns 50 Today

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Grab the kids and cut yourself a slice of LEGO cake, because at 1:58 p.m. today (the time of the the original patent's filing), the iconic building toy celebrates the 50th birthday of its original LEGO brick. Though it's slightly younger at 30, the LEGO minifigure is also celebrating a birthday this year, and considering that 4 billion of the little figures are presently spread throughout the world -- a stat that makes them the largest population group on Earth -- it's going to be a heck of a party.

All those years ago, the "LEGO System of Play," as it was then known, shipped its first set of bricks with instructions for building models; seen above, the original LEGO Town Plan is getting a comprehensive facelift as part of the brick's 50th anniversary. The retro-style 2008 Town Plan ($149.99), pictured below, packs 1,981 bricks and comes complete with a town hall, a movie theater, a gas station and car wash, and eight different minifigures to carpool in its two automobiles. Reprising his original role on the cover is a slightly older and richer Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, present-day owner of the LEGO Group and the grandson of its founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen.

Check out LEGO.com for a complete look at the new sets that have rolled out so far in the big 5-0, and renew your Brickmaster subscription while you're there, as it looks like three member's-only mini-sets are also in the works for later this year.

Got 30+ Snow Days to Kill? Pick Up a LEGO Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:03:00 GMT

If your kids are as LEGO-mad as mine, they've had this 5,195-piece Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon on their wish list for weeks; and, really, considering the thing costs $500, it probably pushes many of our gift-buying limits. If, however, you've got room in the budget and are looking for a 3D alternative to the old thousand-piece puzzle, this beast (the largest LEGO set ever made!) will keep you and the kids occupied for many a snow day.

The nearly three-foot-long Falcon is marked for ages 16 and up, but let's face it: If you've ever struggled to build even smaller sets with your kids, you already know most LEGOs should be labeled similarly. (Heck, knowing a set is secretly meant for you is half the fun of buying it.) It also includes Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia minifigures (pictured below), all of whom can sit in the built-to-scale interior, as well as a removable cockpit cover, working landing gear, an extendable boarding ramp, rotating turrets and radar dishes, and a display card with detailed specifications on Solo and Chewie's famous smuggling ship.

Just be sure you find a place to display the Falcon once it's built: Within five minutes of finishing my son's similarly epic LEGO Star Destroyer this Christmas, I practically wept as the little dude tried to fly the thing and joyfully undid several days' worth of my labor.

Droolworthy: Build it with Toobeez

Mir — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT

They look like giant Tinker Toys, and that's essentially what they are -- with one important difference: Toobeez interconnects with a twist-and-lock mechanism, so your structures stay put together. Combine that with the giant size and you've got the ingredients for endless forts and fun! Visit their store to check out the various kits; you can buy a sample kit for just $5, and 57-piece sets start at $149.99 (shipping included).

Count Down to the Holidays with LEGO Advent Calendars

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:03:00 GMT

Okay, so technically you're supposed to use an Advent calendar to count down the days till Christmas, but with 24 miniature LEGO surprises waiting behind each of their doors, these holiday-countdown sets could pique LEGO fans' interest regardless of belief system. Aimed at ages 5-12, the LEGO City Advent Calendar ($24.99, above) offers a new city-themed goodie for each day of the season, including LEGO City minifigures, equipment, a fireplace and a tree.

The Bellville Advent Calendar ($19.99, above) offers 24 similar treats aimed at girls ages 5-10, including fairies, animals and accessories from LEGO's Bellville world. Bundle them in LEGO's Santa gift wrap ($2.99) to complete the package.

From TIE Crawlers to Muscle Cars: Three Must-Have LEGO Sets for the Holidays

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:32:00 GMT

Just in time for the holidays, the brickmasters general at LEGO have rolled out several new and hard-to-find sets, all of which look to be as awesome for kids in the 7+ age range as they are for the grown-ups who'll ultimately end up building the things.

While the Exo Force Combat Crawler X2 dominated the Target end cap that sent my kids into a frenzy, the TIE Crawler ($49.99, above) was the hands-down favorite. Part of LEGO's Star Wars Expanded Universe, the 548-piece Rebel-crusher brings Imperial TIE fighters literally down to earth via its working treads, flick-launching missiles and hidden cannons, as well as its two Shadow stormtrooper minifigures. It's a great way to keep the excitement going as ~~you~~ your kids count the hours till LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga hits stores.

If swords and sorcery are more your thing, the 575-piece Dwarves' Mine ($49.99, above) adds an underground world of trolls, dwarves and mystical loot to the clashing knights and skeletons at the center of LEGO Castle's universe. Transport your diamonds and gems in the rolling mine cart and bucket, and defend your haul with a working catapult.

Want something with more big-kid appeal? The 598-piece LEGO Racers Nitro Muscle car ($49.99, above) should satisfy your inner gearhead. It'll look great on a bedroom shelf, with four rotating tires (you can also use the rear wheel to turn the front tires), metallic decals, and a flip-open body that lets you show off its interior. Or, if your kids are like mine, just plan on getting an extra set so you can race 'em around the house when you're done building.

Droolworthy: Magnetix iCoaster

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:32:00 GMT

While there have been some awesome Magnetix spinoffs (I’m looking at you, Magna-Man) since the magnetized building-toy line debuted in 2003, the new iCoaster ($89.99 from Amazon.com) is the granddaddy of them all.

Gadget geeks have been cracking up over this thing for its Rube Goldberg-style design, and it’s true: once you start experimenting with configurations, there’s no limit to how ridiculous a track you can build. Stick to the 10 suggested designs, however, and the iCoaster feels like the cool, hyper-animated physics teacher you always wanted.

Assembling the tracks is as easy as getting two magnets to stick together, and with the addition of sensors, you can use the included 10mm ball to trigger a mix of music and sound effects as it flies around the track. (You can also plug in an MP3 player to trigger your own tunes.)

Better yet is that the “Sound FX Music Studio” that drives the soundtrack is the only piece of the iCoaster that needs batteries (4 “C,” not included):

The track, complete with jumps, loops (see below), drops, gaps and working elevator, is completely powered by magnetism, and it can be as quiet or as loud as your imagination will allow.

Heros Constructor Recalls the Olden Days

Mir — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:04:00 GMT

If your old wooden blocks and your Erector set went and hid in the corner and had a baby, it would be Constructor by Heros (the set pictured above is available at Amazon for $53.99). It's got all of the same fun you remember from your Erector days -- tools, bolts, and all -- but no pesky worries about rust or lockjaw. Plus, I seem to remember that Erector stuff having tiny pieces and so being recommended for older kids; Constructor is safe for kids ages three and up.

We Built This City (With TC Timber's Skyscraper Set)

Leigh-Ann Jackson — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:00:00 GMT

When Legos aren't quite sophisticated enough, there's this wood block skyscraper set by TC Timber. Kids can build a cityscape backdrop for their superheroes' travails, or get an early start on their architectural careers. (Potholes, homicidal cabbies and pigeons not included.) The site also has Leaning Tower of Pisa, Japanese temple and Russian palace kits.

$36.99, Da Vinci Kid.

Build Your Own Silly Sipper with DIY Drinking Strawz

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:32:00 GMT

ThinkGeek's description of these next-level straws may be a little NSFK, but older kids -- especially those with an inclination for building toys -- will flip out over DIY Drinking Strawz. Priced at $12.99, the kit includes 36 dishwasher-safe pieces -- 20 flexible rubber connectors and 16 translucent straw pieces -- and gravity is about the only limitation for how kooky a sipper kids can build.

You can even bridge different sets of straws and sip from multiple cups at once. DIY cran-apple juice, choco-berry milk... The possibilities are endless -- and, kids being kids, inevitably disgusting!

Big Deal: Inflatable Aerobloks

Mir — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:03:00 GMT

Blow 'em up, build whatever you like, play a while, then deflate 'em and store 'em with ease. The award-winning Aerobloks gain points for collapsing down as well as holding up to both imaginations and up to 145 lbs at a time. Best of all, this 15-piece squares set is currently over half off at Amazon (just $69.49).