November 2007
Building toys
Toys are listed in order of popularity with our group of 40 kids ages 6 to 12
Magnetix iCoaster
by Mega Brands, $80
What it is: According to the package, you can “build and rebuild the very first magnetic roller coaster complete with drops, jumps, loops, and your own DJ mixes.” Place sensors along the coaster’s tracks, hook up your own MP3 player to the "Sound FX Music Studio," and create your own mix of tunes and sound effects. Metallic rider balls included. Requires four C batteries (not included).
What’s cool about it: Our kids enjoyed putting this together as a group effort.
What’s not so cool: It’s not easy to put together, and hard to keep still--it fell down a lot.
What the kid testers said: “It’s good because we can make our own thing.”
LEGO Fire Station 7945
by LEGO, $60
What it is: A 600-piece kit of LEGO blocks that includes figurines and two cars.
What’s cool about it: You can build a “very cool” fire station, according to our testers. Several boys worked together to build this.
What’s not so cool: There are lots of little pieces, but if you keep it organized, it’s OK.
What the kid testers said: “Awesome.” “It’s like you’re an architect.” “I like that we can play with it as we’re still building it.”
by K’Nex, $10
For ages: 5 and up
What it is: Building toy that lets kids create any of about 10 different vehicles.
What’s cool about it: Nice to have a kit that doesn’t limit kids to one vehicle.
What’s not so cool: This toy was overshadowed by glitzier toys in our test.
