Haba Hubelino Basic Set Marble Run

If you are looking for ideas to keep the kids occupied during these long pandemic/ “shelter in place” days  of no school, no camp, no playdates, etc, check out the new Haba Hubelino Basic Set, Marble Run. It’s a fun toy that has blocks that are used to build the set into as many tracks as the mind can imagine- but don’t worry, it comes with a booklet that illustrates ideas in case the mind is tired.

Some basic info-

  • 123 pieces for endless building

  • Build different marble runs with base plates, run elements, building blocks and marbles

  • Use booklet for inspiration

Age: 4+

MSRP: $119 | Buy it here

Here is a silly video my son and I made, opening it up and making the first track in the booklet.

Tech Your Kids Will Really Fall For

 

Now that school is (finally!) back in session, you might be looking for fun ways to keep the kids stimulated and learning but still having fun while at home. We like board games and hiking as much as anybody, but sometimes a little hands-on building and creating goes a long way towards getting your child(ren) interested in something new, or perhaps just learning a little more about their favorite activities and what makes them “go”.

smart toys

If your kids like computers, video games, robots, or construction, Botzees might be the tech for you. This smart toy brings together virtual and hands on play in a way that is both fun and educational. Kids will enjoy playing, and won’t feel like they are having more “ugh, learning” heaped on them.  Botzees, the newest toy from Pai Technology, is a new robotics kit that is meant for kids ages 4 and up. This is a great way to sit with your kids and learn together- I have to admit this is an area my son is far and away better then I typically. It’s fun to learn together, and he loves when he can show me things. With this kit, you and your kid(s) can build, program, and code. There are six pre-designed robots, or you can go all out and create your own.

Once you build your Botzee, it can “be taught to move, drum, dance, make sounds and light up using the free Botzees app. Additionally, the 30 interactive Augmented Reality puzzles will teach even more coding concepts with visual cues.” (as per Pai Technology) It is available for $100 at https://www.pai.technology/botzees and Amazon.

Labo

If you have a child that is into video gaming, there is a new construction toy available that enhances gameplay. Nintendo recently released Nintendo Labo, which is one part game and one part construction toy. According to  Nintendo, they “designed Labo as a way to teach principles of engineering, physics, and basic programming”. You and your child build the kit out of sheets of pre-cut cardboard (thick stuff, not the weak stuff that instantly falls apart on you) and other parts. These you then use with your Nintendo Switch and it’s joy cons, and the creation is what Nintendo is calling a “Toy Con”. You use your “toy con” to interact with software and games.  With the basic Starter Kit, you can build VR Goggles and a Labo Blaster to take on aliens (not my favorite aspect, honestly).  The Blaster Labo Toy-Con can be played with either one or two players. Everything is in VR.  Starter set is $39.99 at https://labo.nintendo.com/kits/

kirby's extra epic yarn

If you are looking for a fun and non-violent game to play with the kids, check out Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn. Rated “E” for everyone, it’s the latest in the Kirby series.  In this game, Kirby was banished by a baddie into a world where he is made of yarn. While that may seem like a problem, the plus side is that Kirby can transform himself into all sorts of awesome like tanks, UFOs, a dolphin, and more. He gets “power ups” that give him advantages like getting a sword or becoming a tornado. Of course, he still has his classic copying abilities. Collect treasure as you move along the game, and show them off with the “Street Pass” feature, or switch out of story mode into “Devilish Mode” to try to earn even more. There are also two minigames that feature Meta Knight and King Dedede.  Available for $39.99 at https://www.nintendo.com

 

Can We Build It?

Disclosure- I received the below in order to review.  All opinions are my own and honest.  See “I disclose” for more info.

science toys

LittleBits

Littlebits are an interesting take on the build it concept.  Instead of blocks or pieces, these are parts of something bigger.  The set includes LED lights, Servos, battery or power blocks and sensors of various types.  These pieces are broken down into 4 categories- input, sound sensors, buttons, etc; output, LED lights, Servos; power and connectors, wires to transmit a signal long or short range, or to break up a signal by fixed intervals.  When first looking at the box, it almost looks like someone took apart a complex electronic device, and it’s your job to put it together. However, this set is much more than that.  When stringing the pieces together, the user can make simple or complex circuits that can do everything from massage your back, to working a backhoe, or if the creativity is really flowing bring a drawing to life.  The instruction book is a great tool in learning how each piece works but the best way to really learn is hands on and with this set
hands on is easy to work with.  There is no danger of electrocution when connecting or disconnecting pieces.  They are held together with strong magnets and can only fit together in such a way that short circuiting the boards is difficult.  When playing with LittleBits it was great fun watching Little Man make connections in his head, from what he wants to happen to how he can make it happen using the pieces at his disposal.

science toy

Air Stream Machines

Air Stream machines is an educational set which teaches kids about air pressure and air driven mechanics.  The book included is part instruction book, part educational tool.  Each project is broken down into simple steps while showing real world examples of air pressure, air flow and electrical to mechanical energy.  The star of the set is the hover craft.  This project is simple to build and rewarding as well.  With an adult helper, the pieces fit together perfectly and work just as the instructions say.  The hover craft can float over land or water on a pillow of air.  Little Man’s eyes lit up like Christmas trees when the hovercraft’s air pillow inflated then started moving.  This set is perfect for anyone young or old who is fascinated with vehicles and science in general.
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