#toys and games
This box of 64 slot-together cards was a bit of a surprise; I didn’t expect to have so much fun creating a little art deco card city with the whole family. We organized the types of cards, picked our favorites, and put them together. Then we earthquake and wind tested them. Total destruction and some laughter. We made revisions and tested again.
These Build a Skyscraper cards by illustrator Paul Farrell are thicker than playing cards and really nicely printed. And they’re fun for creative, non-competitive play, too. A new favorite. Find this set locally or at Book Depository,Amazon, or Bookshop.org. There’s also a Build a Castleset.
Related:The Eames House of Cards.
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POPULAR Encode and decode secret messages with this highly-rated, laser-engraved wooden encryption machine by Creative Crafthouse:Mexican Army Cipher Disks. It was “state of the art during the time of conflict between Mexico and the USA shortly before World War I. It uses 5 disks that convert letters into 2 digit numbers based on a key that is used to initially set the wheels.” Comes with instructions.
Note: Don’t confuse it with another one of our favorite recommendations: The Safecracker 40 Puzzle and the Safecracker 50 Puzzle.
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POPULAR I first recommended Kapla blocks seven or eight years ago and can happily report today that a Kapla 280 Blocks Set with instruction booklet continues to be a smart long-term investment in play, patience-building, and problem solving. These lovely planks stay in great condition and are always ready for open-ended play.
Safe, natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and wonderfully analog, which is even more important after so much onscreen time for school and play over the last year or two. This is a wonderful toy that can challenge and inspire creativity and every age… even adults! Kapla Blocks also come in a variety of sets. Call your local toy store or science museum to see if they carry them.
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This sustainable rubber wood greenhouse play set from Tender Leaf Toys is oh so nice. Seed trays, potted plants, tall tomato plants, a raised bed, veggies, a compost bin, and lots of lovely accessories all help make this lovely garden a delightful place to imagine and play.
Pair this with a book about growing or making food.
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POPULAR “Molecule formation, acids and bases, chemical reactions, even advanced concepts like secondary oxidation states…“ and it’s all learned through experience as you play Science Ninjas: Valence, a highly-rated card game created by a rocket scientist, an alternative energy expert, and a New York Times best-selling cartoonist. Great for at home or in class for ages 6+. (They also have a Periodic Table Poster.)
Advanced Chemistry + Simple Rules + Ninjas! = On our list this year. Easy to learn and super fun.
Add more molecules, more chemical reactions, and four new elements to learn more with Valence Plus for ages 8+. I definitely recommend this one if you have older kids or are playing with adults.
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The stunning illustrations of Keymaster Games’ PARKS make this hiking board game a scenic standout. The game components, all in the theme of the United States’ National Parks, are also impressive and high quality. Every design detail is elegant and shows care, including the packaging. And through gameplay, player awareness and appreciation of these national treasures will grow. I mean, yowza, look at the 59 Parks artwork that they use.
A successful Kickstarter, PARKS is a worker placement game and like some of our favorite games in this guide, focuses on resource management. Gather memories and photos as you travel through the seasons. Strategic and tactical, yet it’s also described as ‘casual’ and 'meditative’.
Our family is in the game’s recommended age range of 9+ this year, so PARKS is the gift that I’m personally most excited about opening this holiday season. And I’m sure it will inspire a few in-person NPS hikes, too.
Look for it in your local game shop, at Keymaster Games, or on Amazon.
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There are few combinations I love more than mixing creativity with products that would otherwise go into the trash or recycling. This wonderfully inventiveToilet Tube Treasury ebook starts there and then adds affordable, kid-friendly, and charming into the mix.
Supermakeit founder and Martha Stewart LivingalumJodi Levine shares 24 crafts in a digital e-book format, making it easy to print out as many templates as you need.
Toy lions, cute dachshund note holders, dragon puppets, tube letters, endlessly inventive marble runs, Easter bunnies, enchanting tube cities, and more. Keep it cardboard or go colorful with craft paint! SO cute and creative. I can’t wait to make these.
Bonus: A portion of the Toilet Tube Treasury sales will go to Eden Reforestation Projects. Find it on Supermakeit along with dozens and dozens of other crafting ideas.
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NEW ⬆️ I grew up roller skating around our neighborhood so I’m really happy to see the sport’s recent popularity. These asphalt black Moxi Rainbow Riders caught my eye immediately, and they’re listed at an awesome price for beginners or casual roller skaters. They’re now back in stock at Moxi, or you can find them on Amazon (they should be around $109, not more) or at your local skatewear shop. Call them and ask! Rainbow Riders come in pink and yellow, too.
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I’ve been interested in getting my kids back into rock climbing, but between our schedules and climbing gym prices, I thought I’d look at alternatives. These solid Climbing Monkey holds are recommended on every list I’ve checked out.
For ages 6+, reportedly including grownups! As one commenter advises, “more importantly, it’s what you mount them on.” Surprisingly affordable. Hardware included.
Or for a rock-like look made in the USA from recycled materials, Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear’s 50 holds set (sans hardware) is a recommended alternative.
Get the Climbing Monkey color set
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POPULARKinderfeet’s wobble board is a beautiful balancing toy that can hold up to 220kg/485lbs. Impressive! And fun for all ages. Made with sturdy Beech plywood. Balance, rock, make a bridge or a little stool… kids will have lots of ideas, perfect for rainy days and sunny days alike. We all want this.
It sold out on their site during the pandemic last year but it’s back on their siteandon Amazon. You can also ask for it at your local toy shop.
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This Rex 3D Mask by OMY in France is such a cool gift. I love the retro feel of a colorfully illustrated cardboard. They have Tiger and Unicorn masks, too, all found at Kido Chicago.
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