TDmonthly Magazine!
June 2007 | Vol. VI - No. 6


Tools:


That Towering Feeling

Construction Toys Create the World


Any kid unsatisfied with the status quo can build a new world to order. These blocks, bubbles and building sticks take construction toys to new heights:

LEGO City Advent Calendar 60268 Playset - 6 City Adventures by LEGO
LEGO City Advent Calendar 60268 Playset - 6 City Adventures by LEGO

Includes 6 City Adventures TV Series Characters, Miniature Builds, City Play Mat, and Many More Fun and Festive Features, New 2020 (342 Pieces)

Item Dimensions LxWxH 15.04 x 10.32 x 2.78 inches

Introduction to the exciting world of LEGO City and the LEGO City Adventures TV series; Kids aged 5 and up can enjoy fun imaginative play throughout the holiday season Comes with 24 gifts, including Christmas tree and Santa's sleigh miniature builds, 6 LEGO City Adventures TV series minifigures, including Chief Wheeler with Santa costume, plus a city play mat with snow-cleared roads Kids can count down to the big day with this LEGO City Advent Calendar, containing festive builds, LEGO City TV series minifigure characters and a snowy city play mat where they build their own Christmassy adventures This Advent Calendar is ideal for fans of the LEGO City Adventures TV series aged 5 and up, and kids who love creative play The LEGO City Advent Calendar measures over 2" (7 centimeter) high, 14" (38 centimeter) long and 10" (26 centimeter) wide Product Specifications Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up



 10/22/2020 (Price: $30)


Buildex John Deere Build N Play Model 7950 Deluxe Building Kit by KIDS PREFERRED INC.
Buildex John Deere Build N Play Model 7950 Deluxe Building Kit by KIDS PREFERRED INC.The most durable and deluxe tractor around, this John Deere specialty item offers great details and great adventure for little builders. Ages 8 and up, 8 x 9 x 13.5 inches. 2/29/2016 (Age: 8 and up)


NanoBlock Space Shuttle DX by OHIO ART CO.
NanoBlock Space Shuttle DX by OHIO ART CO.

You don't have to be an engineer to create with Nano Blocks. With these micro-sized building blocks, a 3D Space Shuttle is constructed like never before. Watch in amazement as the Shuttle is erected to even the tiniest detail. With over 1600 assorted size pieces, create a detailed replica of the Space Shuttle, that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Includes detailed color instructions. Not designed for children under age 8. This would be a great addition to any collection and a perfect gift for any inspiring designer, architect or collector.



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 1/31/2016 (Age: 8 and up)


Arckit by ARCKIT
Arckit by ARCKITBased on today’s contemporary building techniques, ARCKIT 60 consists of a series of interconnecting modular components permitting you to design, build and modify multiple structures. Ideal for creating smaller structures, student projects, interior designs, home extensions, and for learning the basics. This is also a great gift for budding architects. 220+ pieces, up to 650 sq ft floor area (to scale). 11/24/2015 (Price: $129.00)


MEGABLOKS® Halo Phaeton Gunship by MEGA BRANDS
MEGABLOKS® Halo Phaeton Gunship by MEGA BRANDSThe UNSC will be diving for cover with the arrival of the Phaeton Gunship by Mega Bloks Halo! Used by the Forerunner Prometheans in their long war against the virulent Flood, the Phaeton once again takes to the skies. Build the Phaeton and support the two Promethean Soldiers as they try to prevent a brave Spartan from getting a lock on the Phaeton with her rocket launcher! Ideal for ages 8 and up Features: Buildable Forerunner Phaeton, featuring front turret and two heavy beam cannon arrays Includes a highly detailed, super-poseable, UNSC Spartan and two Promethean Soldier micro action figures Spartan micro action figure features detachable Orbital armor and authentic Pilum Rocket Launcher weapon accessory Promethean Soldiers can be armed with a Boltshot and Binary Rifle weapon accessories Collect and combine with other Mega Bloks Halo sets to build your own authentic Halo universe! 11/6/2015 (Price: $44.99; Age: 8 and up)


Mighty Makers - Home Designer Building Set by K'NEX BRANDS
Mighty Makers - Home Designer Building Set by KBuild your dream house from the ground up with Brianna and Sophia in the Home Designer™ Building Set. Sophia loves building, while Brianna helps with the finishing touches of the interior. These best friends are a dynamic duo when it comes to building and decorating houses. Help them build different styles of houses - a colonial, a brownstone, and a ranch. Decorate the houses using the included accessories and make their home, your home with the Home Designer™ Building Set from Mighty Makers®. Most models can be built one at a time. Includes 433 K'NEX parts and pieces. 11/3/2015 (Price: $49.99; Age: 7 and up)


Kids First Level 1 - Automobile Engineer by THAMES & KOSMOS
Kids First Level 1 - Automobile Engineer by THAMES & KOSMOSRead the funny story of two inquisitive kids and build simple models of the vehicles they encounter on their comical trip to the supermarket with their dad. Along this roundabout journey, the kids build various vehicles to help the people in their town solve problems and complete tasks. As you follow the story, you can build models of the 10 vehicles in the story. Large, colorful plastic building pieces make it easy for small hands to put the models together. 9/30/2015 (Price: $45.00)


Wonderworld Trix Track - Cat & Mouse Track by SMART GEAR LLC
Wonderworld Trix Track - Cat & Mouse Track by SMART GEAR LLCThe Trix Track Cat & Mouse Track is more than a classic wooden ball run with fun and exciting eye-catching tricks and an easy locking system that keeps your creations stable while you build your maze. With your imagination there are endless configuration possibilities! The Trix Track Cat & Mouse Track includes exciting new blocks that add an entirely new dimension to Trix Tracks which allow you to build faster and higher than ever before. Watch the mouse chase after the cheese thru many obstacles and the challenge of big cat waiting at the end of the track! Trix Tracks help understand the cause and effect relationship. Specially designed bricks are made from a combination of eco friendly recycled saw dust and food grade plastic so it is safe, durable and good for the environment. Combine with other Trix Track sets to create even larger tracks, more trix and endless fun! 9/30/2015


Laser Pegs Tinted Space Fighter Sci-Fi Set by Laser Pegs Ventures, LLC
Laser Pegs Tinted Space Fighter Sci-Fi Set by Laser Pegs Ventures, LLCLaser Pegs® Sci-Fi Kit. Build the light up Transatmospheric Fighter and 15 more light up models like the All Terrain Racer, Alien Rover Droid, and the Automaton. 7/20/2015 (Price: $44.99)


Gears! Gears! Gears!® Sweet Shop by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.
Gears! Gears! Gears!® Sweet Shop by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.Get creative and build with the Sweet Shop Building Set! Mix, match and create your own beautiful, spinning sweet shop! Set includes: colorful gears, cupcakes, lollipops, ice cream cones, gum drops, and more! Parts are all interchangeable, allowing for endless combinations and designs. Let your imagination grow!

 7/2/2015


Builderific by WOW TOYS
Builderific by WOW TOYS118 piece Builderific with 4-pc toolset including power drill. Durable plastic.
— Gregory Faith, owner of Inside Out Hobbies in Nashua, N.H., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store. 5/28/2015


Light Stax by LIGHT STAX
Light Stax by LIGHT STAXLight Stax is a new award winning toy startup that launched in 2014 in Europe and the USA. Light Stax are beautifully illuminated construction blocks that use LED technology, but are still 100% compatible with existing traditional building blocks. Using our patented system, each Stax will magically light up as it is connected to a power base or any lit Stax. No special connectors or wires are needed. Just stack them and they light up!
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store. 5/28/2015


Super Blocks Track Set 2 by MINILAND EDUCATIONAL CORP
Super Blocks Track Set 2 by MINILAND EDUCATIONAL CORPPart of Miniland’s best-selling construction sets, our super blocks contain versatile parts that can be assembled in different ways. They surprise the little ones and the infants, and amuse them with their multiple possibilities, as with the same set different results can be obtained. This particular set is a great track of Super Blocks with 2 characters, 2 cars and 57 pieces. Large, tough and durable blocks. Include activity cards and made for children aged 18-36 months.
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Top Toy Award 4/28/2015 (Age: 1 to 3)


The ZOOB(R) Z-Strux(TM) Lift Sky Crane by ALEX BRANDS
The ZOOB(R) Z-Strux(TM) Lift Sky Crane by ALEX BRANDSEach Z-Strux set can make four possible builds. This set includes 395 pieces, including two construction-worker figurines. When completed, the build is 26 inches tall.

 2/15/2015


The Master Builder Set by BRACKITZ
The Master Builder Set by BRACKITZThe largest Brackitz set, The Master Builder Set, contains 200 pieces ((120) wooden planks, (20) blue 90° connectors, (20) orange 90° connectors, (20) yellow 120° connectors and (20) red 120° connectors). The Master Builder Set retails at $99.95. This set is designed for kids who want a no-limits building kit and educational toy. Ideal for building, balancing and active early-math learning. Perfect for family fun!
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Seal of Approval 11/24/2014 (Price: $99.95)


BRIO Builder Creative Set by SCHYLLING
BRIO Builder Creative Set by SCHYLLINGBuild, create and build again! This large set features 270 pieces including a hammer, screwdriver, pliers and wrench! A fun way to practice hand/eye coordination. Package measures 22" x 16" x 3.75". 11/14/2014 (Price: $80.00)


OGOBILD with AnimateIt! - Studio Kit (with camera) by OGOSPORT, LLC
OGOBILD with AnimateIt! - Studio Kit (with camera) by OGOSPORT, LLCBuild, Create and Animate! OGOBILD is a line of creative construction toys created to promote open-ended play and stimulate a child's imagination. This kit contains Animate It! Express software, which was developed with the Aardman Animations studio (the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run) and is the premier UK education stop-motion animation software. Teaches the basics of stop motion animation. Allows kids to make their own animated movies with Animate It! Express. Takes advantage of the OGOBILD System's Versatility. Share finished films with family, friends, and the world!
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award 7/31/2014 (Price: $70.00)


MAGFORMERS Gear - Magnets in Motion 20 Pc Accessory Set by MAGFORMERS LLC
MAGFORMERS Gear - Magnets in Motion 20 Pc Accessory Set by MAGFORMERS LLCAdd motion to your current Magformers set with 20 gear accessories. Easy to use, endless fun.

 6/23/2014 (Price: $17.00)


Pipsquigz by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.
Pipsquigz by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.Meet pipSquigz, a set of three Fun Little Suckers for ages 6 months and up. Adored by baby and parents alike, pipSquigz are perfect for the stroller, highchair, bathtub, and anywhere-travel. Simply push pipSquigz down on any smooth surface and watch baby interact with this high-quality silicone suction toy. With super-suction, each shape can be tugged, pushed, shaken and pulled. Or, push and stick the shapes together for new play experiences. Babies delight in the versatile movement, sound and texture.
— Heather Rounds, buyer for Smart Kids Company in Greenwich, Conn., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that Pipsquigz was their store's best-selling infant & toddler toy. 5/29/2014 (Price: $19.95)


Tinkerbots by KINEMATICS
Tinkerbots by KINEMATICSKinematics is a modular robotic construction kit, consisting of kinetic modules and adaptor blocks, which can be connected freely and without the use of cables. Kinematics is suitable for children from the age of 5 years and upwards, and with no computer skills being necessary, they may build interactive robots which have the ability to move. Exploring and playing with the Kinematic Blocks introduces children to the world of mechanics, sensors and renewable energy. The construction kit is a highly entertaining and useful teaching tool with an intuitive interface. The adaptor blocks enable Kinematics to be connected to other leading construction kits.

 4/10/2014


Ocho by KNUCKLE STRUTZ
Ocho by KNUCKLE STRUTZThis new construction toy functions off of 8 sided geometry. Pieces connect at 90 and 45 degree angles, and can be combined with a 6 sided part that can connect at 33 degree angles. Hinges, axels, and other components help kids create moving structures.

 3/4/2014


LED Work Light & Tool Set by WOWTOYZ
LED Work Light & Tool Set by WOWTOYZThis deluxe set is loaded with lots of great tools to keep little builders busy. Each tool is made of rugged hi-impact plastic; set includes a working LED light with hook for hanging, multi-tool, saw, nuts and bolts, pliers and wrenches. 9/26/2013 (Price: $24.95; Age: 4 and up)


Texo - 100 pc by GUIDECRAFT INC.
Texo - 100 pc by GUIDECRAFT INC.Texo is the award-winning 3 dimensional design and construction system by architect, author and designer Lester Walker. The beauty of Texo is the variety of building systems found within one toy: simple puzzles, shape sorting and color matching at its most basic level, the system allows for a gradual progression to stacking the interconnected shapes and on to advanced architectural models such as bridges, houses, skyscrapers and more! Solid wood rods and planks coupled with the geometric precision of molded plastic connectors enhance the design and construction potential. Also included is a deluxe Activity Guide with how-to’s, commentary and step-by-step instructions on maximizing the potential of Texo. 9/26/2013 (Price: $39.95; Age: 3 and up)


Geomag KOR - Aki by REEVES INTL. INC.
Geomag KOR - Aki by REEVES INTL. INC.53 pieces include: 1 non-magnetic steel sphere, 8 triangular magnetic components,18 square magnetic components, 4 triangular covers, 8 medium square covers, 1 mask, 10 ball joints, 1 hand/head, and 2 crests. Aki is a Proteon. Geomag KOR Proteon are five characters with differing rocky, swampy and volcanic native environments. These characters are differentiated by the color of their covers and masks. There are three developmental stages that give life to different characters: from Aki, in the more simple stage, to Taurex, intermediate stage and Blatta, Vulkrum and Swomp who have evolved to the more advanced stage. 9/26/2013 (Price: $30.00; Age: 5 and up)


Game Creator Set 120 by ARTEC EDUCATIONAL
Foster your children’s imagination and creative expression with our revolutionary new block design! A cube with square holes on each face, and a single, connecting stud located off-center. Unlike traditional building blocks which can only be stacked, an Artec Block can be connected in all directions. Horizontal, vertical, and even diagonal connections are possible for unparalleled ease and freedom. The possibilities are endless in the structures, animals, and shapes you can make! 6/10/2013 (Price: $20.99; Age: 3 and up)


The Hänz Backpack by HANZ TOYS
The Hänz Backpack by HANZ TOYSKeep your Hänz kit in this super cool and durable backpack. Use it to take your kit to workshops and competitions or just as an everyday fun backpack to show your Hänz spirit. 6/6/2013


SmartMax Build & Light by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC
SmartMax Build & Light by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INCIncludes two LED-lit bars for building houses, towers, and other structures that light up and blink. The accompanying instruction guides help model construction ideas so children can learn how to create designs of varying shapes and heights.
— Lisa Shinn, manager and buyer for Dancing Bear Toys in Frederick, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.

Where to buy:
NORTH EAST 5/30/2013 (Price: $99.99)


Snapo "Build & Go" – 35 Big Blocks by SNAPO
Snapo "Build & Go" – 35 Big Blocks by SNAPOThese high quality Snapo building blocks are made in the USA. They SNAP together in all directions for fun, fast, creative building. Snapo blocks stimulate development of spatial and fine motor skills, connecting sideways, and you can slide and rotate them too for extra fun. 5/29/2013 (Price: $23.98; Age: 1 and up)


Creature Blocks by CITIBLOCS LLC
Creature Blocks by CITIBLOCS LLCFangs and Tentacles and Eyeballs Oh My! Create your own Creature Feature with these playfully designed blocks. Let your imagination run wild with blocks featuring wings, eyeballs, teeth and more. 100 pc set available Summer 2013. 4/30/2013


Modular Dream Palace Construction Kit by MODULAR TOYS USA
Modular Dream Palace Construction Kit by MODULAR TOYS USAThe Modular™ Dream Palace Construction Kit takes a unique approach, allowing true three-dimensional architecture to be constructed. The game develops abstract thinking, three dimensional perception, and creativity. Compatible with other “Modular™ Toy Construction kits”. Watch and participate with your children while they’re thinking, planning, and building in all three dimensions. Age 5 and up. 4/19/2013 (Price: $69.99; Age: 5 and up)


Soft Blocks by SOFT BLOCKS LLC
Soft Blocks by SOFT BLOCKS LLCSoft Blocks are soft, interlocking blocks that are safe for kids to use. It doesn't hurt to step on them, and kids won't pinch their fingers or have trouble pulling the blocks apart.

 2/21/2013


Fairy Tale Blocks by PLANTOYS
Fairy Tale Blocks by PLANTOYSCreate your own version of happily ever after with this fairly tale block set. (Includes a prince too!) 2/21/2013 (Age: 3 and up)


Engenius by BLUE ORANGE GAMES
Engenius by BLUE ORANGE GAMESBlue Orange Games is releasing their first line of toys called Engenius, a collection of three wooden construction sets. With interchangeable parts, kids can design and build their own toy. The pieces are easy to screw, push and bolt together into dozens of models. Everything stays in place for hours of play until they're ready to disassemble and build again. Available in Airplane, Helicopter and Spaceship sets. Blue Orange plants two trees for each tree used to create their wooden products. 2/20/2013








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