Braille and ASL Blocks

Braille and ASL Blocks
Ages: 2 and up
Is there anyone out there who did not have a set of alphabet blocks when they were growing up? You know the kind I'm talking about, right? Well, the future of alphabet blocks is here!
On one side of each block is a letter of the alphabet, printed on the block in the traditional way that we've all seen before on alphabet blocks.
On another side is the letter, embossed so that a person can easily trace it with their fingers, as well as the braille cell for that letter.
On still another side is a picture of the letter being formed in American Sign Language.
Since it is a block, there are three more sides, at least one of which has a number. At least some of the blocks have an arithmetic symbol, like a plus or minus sign, so that you can even use them to practice math problems!
I should also mention that they are made from sustainable Michigan basswood.
If you ask me, these cool blocks are worth the price. Every child should have these!

VEX Robotics Orbit

VEX Robotics Orbit
Ages 8 and up
This is a great gift for someone who enjoys putting together mechanical things, and is also interested in space. This requires you to follow directions to put together a working model of the 1704 Orrery Planetary Machine.As you turn the crank, you can watch the earth move around the sun, and the sun move around the earth. There is a chart on the device that lets you see how much time is passing, as well as the phases of the moon. I'm pretty sure there are some kids out there who would quickly become obsessed with this toy! 

Building Blocks

Who says all building blocks have to look the same? Here are some cool, unique choices that will inspire builders to get busy.


Barkless Tree Blocks
Ages: All!
Eco-friendly blocks made out of real branches. These beautiful blocks will add something special to any child's play room!




Magz Bricks
Ages: 3 and up
These bricks are magnetic! Feel the magnetic force as you build!




Brain Flakes 
Ages: 3 and up
Each Brain Flake is shaped sort of like a snow flake. You can lock the flakes together to create awesome 3-D works of art! 


Hexactly
Ages 3 and up
These blocks are shaped like hexagons, and can be balanced in wacky and surprising ways. Includes a booklet with challenges that kids can try to make.


Straws And Connectors
Ages 3 and up
The name says it all! These are basically large plastic straws, with little pieces you can use to connect them to each other. I saw these used at a child care event where I was working. The kids were using them to build a fort. They'd use the straws to create the structure of the fort, and then they covered it with blankets or table cloths to make walls.


Magformers 
Ages: 3 and up
These magnetic shapes can be used to make all sorts of cool 3-D designs!


Light Stax
Ages: 3 and up
What is special about these blocks? The base is powered. As you add each block onto the base, it lights up!

Squigz

Squigz Starter Set
Ages: 4 and up
This is a unique building set that involves suction cups! You can suction some to a flat surface, and then suction more to the first pieces, and keep adding on and on! Unlike regular building toys, because they suction you can build outwards instead of just upwards. You can stick one to the refrigerator door, and build a 3-D structure that stretches across the kitchen! You can even take them in the bathtub! Well, maybe not you, specifically, but some little child you know and love. (And you too. We won't tell.) When you're ready to tale your creation apart, just pull them apart with a satisfying sucking sound! This would make a fun desk toy for an adult as well.