My two grandsons love them! They are 8 and 5. They love to build dinosaur pens for their toy dinosaurs.
The boards stack easily and there are plenty in the 200 box set.
My only negative is that they didn't seem as solid as the ones they play with at the public library. Those seemed heavier...maybe different for commercial use?
In any case, the boys love them and it encourages imaginative play, so I'm a happy grandma.
akesmith
January 02, 2018
simple blocks for complex brains
The kids love them. In an age of digital dependence, it is encouraging to see my 6 and 8 year old kids building and stacking their ideas into reality. I should have bought one for each because they fight over who gets to use them. Also, the demolition is fantastic!
March 12, 2014
my child is only 5 so he is a couple years behind the recommended age. However, he is wildly interested in toys like these. Contraptions is quite basic. the planks are all same size/shape and you have to do the building. It is pretty rudimentary. the builder needs to be precise and patient. I built a couple contraptions for my son and I equate them to the precision of dominos and the patients of card house building. It is rewarding once you complete a contraption and the ball does as expected. At this point I see me and my husband building all the contraptions and my son enjoying our work. However, I find him many times playing on the floor building his own things (basic block towers, etc) and having a great time with the planks and the included balls. Overall this ia great toy. I love simplicity and the toys that make you think and refine skills. However, if your child is not into building things (i.e.legos, blocks or tiles) this probably isn't the right toy.
February 06, 2014
Wonderful toy to foster imagination and cooperation. This is one of those toys that sat for a while before my children started playing with it and seeing all the possibilities. Now they take it out at least once a week and it is one of the few toys that they all use together. Love to see my 11 year old playing with my four year old!
December 25, 2013
I was expecting 'Tunnels, funnels, ramps and chutes'. I got kindling. It's 200 identical pieces of wood. They are too light and ball knocks them over. Kids were really excited for this, total disappointment.
January 17, 2013
This is a lot of money for a box of rectangular wooden planks. There are no specialty pieces.
February 13, 2025
Verified Purchaser
Great gift
Bought these for our grandson and he loves them. They are perfect for building whatever he wants-but if he needs ideas, it also comes with a suggestion packet.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
January 18, 2024
Verified Purchaser
As pictured, pricey box of blocks
I bought for 9 year old son because he likes to build little structures out of jenga blocks. It is exactly as pictured-just a box of blocks. He has played with it some. He has found it somewhat frustrating-those marble tracks are never as exciting as one expects. He has also had some success -improving over his early attempts. Generally, a so-so toy that was too expensive for what it is. The packaging is great-a sturdy carrying bag and sturdy box. Will come in handy for a school science project.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
Disliked:
Value,Educational
January 18, 2024
👏
This is a great product. I would definitely recommend purchasing it.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
January 17, 2023
Verified Purchaser
Creative for inquiring minds .
My great grandson (7 1/2) said it was his favorite gift. He loves creating things and for about one minute, plain planks
was a puzzle. Then, various creations occurred. He lives in CA so my only photos are on Ipad and I am not good at
tech.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
shannon l.
May 16, 2022
Best gift ever
My daughter said it was the best birthday gift ever when she got it for her 10th birthday.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
April 11, 2022
Verified Purchaser
Me a Contraptions
I ordered this item as a gift. I understand that it was a big hit. I will order this again for my grandkids.
