Right before my children and I came back from Illinois, my mother decided to buy "Welcome Back" gifts for all three of my kids. She bought my 8-year-old a set of Tinkertoys. He loves them. Of course, he loves anything he can build with. I think he is going to be an architect when he grows up.

One day I let my 15-month-old son play in the same room that my 8-year-old was building. I was a bit nervous because Tinkertoys do have some small pieces. Well, I was sitting in the room watching them when my 15-month-old began to build too. I was totally amazed!!

You see, my youngest son is the type that will watch what you are doing intensely and then try to do it on his own. He is only making simple things like squares and such. He did make a noisy object. He took a long rod put one of the large circle piece on it and put a small circle piece on each end.

Now, both of my boys are almost obsessed with Tinkertoys. In fact, they end up fighting over them. I have had to deal with a Tinkertoy war and the injuries from that war. Nothing too serious. Most of the injures comes from my oldest wanting a piece that my youngest has, my oldest takes it, my youngest pops him over the head. Although it is a behavior that is being corrected, it is a tad bit funny to see a 15-month-old being able to handle himself during a sibling rivalry incident.

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What Is Tinkertoys?

Tinkertoys have been around since 1913. It has a variety of wooden pieces that allow a child to build all sorts of contraptions. They can build everything from Ferris Wheels to vehicles that actually roll. To me it is an old-fashion, simple version of K'nex.

What Is Included?

32 Rods
12 Spools
8 Connectors
4 Pulleys/Wheels
4 Endcaps (this is what poses a choking hazard)
4 Plastic Tinkertoy Flags

1 set of instructions that shows your child unlimited possibility.

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I am glad that my mother bought Tinkertoys for my oldest son. I will, however, have to go out and buy a set for my 15-month-old.

If you have a child that loves to build with Legos, wooden blocks or whatever, Tinkertoys are perfect to add to your child's building accessories.

On the package it says that Tinkertoys are for 3 years and up. If you do buy them for a child under 3 years, make sure that you supervise carefully. Tinkertoys are intended to bring happiness, not sorrow.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $19.95
Type of Toy: Blocks
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years