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Toy Lab

My grandson's birthday is coming up soon.  Hard to believe he will be turning eight.  Grandchildren really do grow up just too darned fast!  I don't understand how they manage it.

I looked up area toy stores on line and I found a small, local place called the Toy Lab in the heart of historic Sarasota.  It had some outstanding reviews so I decided I would brave the season traffic and check it out.

It was a charming little store, filled with all kinds of interesting things.  Not a video game in sight, but I don't think even an eight year old would miss them if he found himself standing inside the place.

It was a challenge to make a final selection.  So many fun and interesting things--and educational.  Pity the grandchildren of educators.  They know they are going to get educational toys for birthdays.

I chose this:
Magformers

They are magnetic pieces that can be used to construct different gizmos  This set has gears that add some movement to the creations.

Since my grandson can spend hours building forts out of cardboard tubes, I figured he could have some fun with this.

I also bought a package of clay.  He used to love playing with playdough, and I thought playing with clay might be good for his fine motor coordination (or lack thereof).  See what I mean about the educational thing?

I will also send along a book (of course!!) of optical illusion puzzles as that should play to his strength.


 I do hope he enjoys his gifts...even if he learns something as well.

Comments

  1. BarbJanuary 29, 2015 at 5:07 PM

    I bought Magnetos years ago and my grandchildren (even the oldest at nearly 12) still love to build with them. The 2 year old is just starting. I bought a big set (no moveable parts) which was pricey, but I think it's been a great investment. The twins will turn 12 in Feb - our oldest Grandkids, and it seems like yesterday that they were born.

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  2. RianJanuary 29, 2015 at 6:53 PM

    One of my grandsons will be turning 8 soon also. And he is not an easy one to buy for. I may check into this also. Thanks for the idea.

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  3. Linda ReederJanuary 29, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Good job, Grandma! Those look like great choices to me. But then I am a former teacher too.

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  4. SakuJanuary 30, 2015 at 12:27 AM

    I always liked those types of toys when my children were small...they required imagination, not batteries to work. I'm certain he'll enjoy them!

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  5. SextantJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:19 AM

    The magformers look cool. What a nice collection of BD presents--even if they are educational.

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  6. KayJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:32 AM

    Oh my! You are so good at gift giving. Your grandson will love that! And it does make him think and create. His parents will love it too.

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:56 AM

    What great toys! Rylan will turn 5 next month and I was going to give him money, but now I wonder if I can give him something educational as well.

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  8. Granny AnnieJanuary 30, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    You did a great job of picking gifts for the 8 year old!

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  9. Arkansas PattiJanuary 30, 2015 at 10:29 AM

    You are a good grandmother. All toys that will stimulate their creativity. I might enjoy those Magformers.

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  10. MuffieJanuary 30, 2015 at 11:55 AM

    I, too, look for the educational value in toys. I might get one of those magnetic building sets as a Valentine gift for the two little guys to share.

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  11. oklhdanJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:48 PM

    Who says education can't be fun too? I'm sure he will love everything you picked out.

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  12. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    You made such wonderful choices! I bet he is just going to love all of them. And you are right -- they grow up was too fast. Enjoy him while you can!

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  13. Jenn JilksFebruary 3, 2015 at 5:45 PM

    That's a nice selection. It's harder to buy once they get older. So tricky!

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  14. fiftyoddFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:09 AM

    We could do with a place like that.

    ReplyDelete

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