This set of blocks is a classic toy that belongs in every home with a young child. -Marcie Bovetz.

caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul. indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table. callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td. think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images. amazon. com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg. png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td. glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } img. withlink {border:1px black solid;} Seven stunt pieces add drama to each iCoaster ride. View larger. A magnetic elevator takes metal rider balls back to the top of the coaster. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Track can be reconfigured for long-lasting fun The Bad: Small parts may get lost In a Nutshell: The iCoaster is a unique building set for action-loving kids. At a Glance Ages: 6 and up Requires: Four C batteries Ten Extreme Configurations The 64-piece iCoaster set comes with a booklet that illustrates 10 extreme roller coaster layouts to choose from. With 10 towers and seven hyper stunt track pieces, the possibilities seem endless. Each piece is identified by a symbol at both ends so that assembly is a straightforward process that encourages little engineers to be precise in building the suggested tracks. When they've mastered these layouts, they can unleash their creative instincts and invent new ones. Once a coaster has been constructed, five 15-millimeter magnetic rider balls act as cars, zipping around the track, providing a serious adrenaline rush. Before the action starts, an adult will need to use a Philips head screwdriver to install four "C" batteries, which power the lights, sounds and cool magnetic elevator. Lights, Music and Speed Stunts that can be incorporated into the track include a bounce jump, vertical loop and magnetic slide. One of our favorite features was the sleek, magnetic elevator that transported each metal ball back to the top of the iCoaster at the end of a ride. Two flashing lights can be placed in any tower to complement the neon track pieces and add visual interest every time a ball goes whizzing by. The plug & play control box features 10 music backgrounds, 10 sensor beats/sound effects, and a jack where you can plug your iPod or other MP3 player in and customize the sounds behind your roller coaster. You need to provide your own connector cable and music player to take advantage of this feature. Durable and Educational Design The plastic pieces seemed quite durable, and they snapped apart just as easily as they snapped together. Our only concern about the iCoaster was the potential for losing or damaging small connector pieces, but even these held up well in our construction and reconstruction of the track. It's easy to see why the previous iCoaster was recognized by The National Parenting Center and Parents Magazine as an incredible building toy. This version retains all the great qualities of its predecessor and is bigger, stronger and faster. The construction oriented iCoaster encourages kids to build with determination, helping enhance their ability to focus and their fine-motor skills. It also promotes understanding of magnetism, inspires creativity and helps kids develop problem-solving skills, adding an innovative dimension to play. What's in the Box Magnetic elevator, 10 towers, 10 tower bases, 11 track pieces, 7 stunt pieces, 17 connector pieces, 2 light-up sensors, plug & play control box with speaker, 5 15-millimeter magnetic metallic rider balls, and illustrated instruction booklet.

caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul. indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table. callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td. think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images. amazon. com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg. png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td. glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } img. withlink {border:1px black solid;} Seven stunt pieces add drama to each iCoaster ride. View larger. A magnetic elevator takes metal rider balls back to the top of the coaster. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Track can be reconfigured for long-lasting fun The Bad: Small parts may get lost In a Nutshell: The iCoaster is a unique building set for action-loving kids. At a Glance Ages: 6 and up Requires: Four C batteries Ten Extreme Configurations The 64 piece iCoaster set comes with a booklet that illustrates ten different extreme roller coaster layouts. With ten towers and seven hyper stunt track pieces to include, there are all kinds of possibilities. Each piece is identified by a symbol at both ends so that assembly is a straightforward process that encourages little engineers to be precise in building the suggested tracks. When they've mastered these, they can unleash their creative instincts and invent new layouts. Once a coaster has been constructed, five 15-millimeter magnetic rider balls act as cars, zipping around the track, providing a serious adrenaline rush. Before the action starts, an adult will need to use a Philips head screwdriver to install four "C" batteries, which power the lights, sounds and cool magnetic elevator. Lights, Music and Speed Stunts that can be incorporated into the track include a bounce jump, vertical loop and magnetic slide. One of our favorite features was the sleek, magnetic elevator that transported each metal ball back to the top of the iCoaster at the end of a ride. Two flashing lights can be placed in any tower to complement the neon track pieces and add visual interest every time a ball goes whizzing by. The plug & play control box features ten music backgrounds, ten sensor beats/sound effects and a jack where you can plug your iPod or other MP3 player in and customize the sounds behind your roller coaster. You need to provide your own connector cable and music player to take advantage of this feature. Durable and Educational Design The plastic pieces seemed quite durable, and they snapped apart just as easily as they snapped together. Our only concern about the iCoaster was the potential for losing or damaging small connector pieces, but even these held up well in our construction and reconstruction of the track. It's easy to see why the previous iCoaster was recognized by The National Parenting Center and Parents Magazine as an incredible building toy. This version retains all the great qualities of its predecessor and is bigger, stronger and faster. The construction oriented iCoaster encourages kids to build with determination, helping enhance their ability to focus and their fine-motor skills. It also promotes understanding of magnetism, inspires creativity and helps kids develop problem-solving skills, adding an innovative dimension to play. What's in the Box Magnetic elevator, 10 towers, 10 tower bases, 11 track pieces, 7 stunt pieces, 17 connector pieces, 2 light-up sensors, plug & play control box with speaker, 5 15-millimeter magnetic metallic rider balls and illustrated instruction booklet. caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul. indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } The Magnetix iCoaster takes construction toys to the next level. Using the immense power of magnetism, it allows kids to construct the very first magnetic roller coaster, complete with drops, jumps, and loops. Recommended for ages six and up, the iCoaster is a state-of-the-art multi-sensory experience that will completely enthrall kids and adults alike. An included Music Studio allow kids to put a soundtrack to their coaster. Multiple loop-de-loops, trampolines, and magnetic track sections show the power of magnetistm. An Exhilarating Ride The iCoaster combines speed, high-tech design, and magnetism into one package. As with all Magnetix toys, the basis of the iCoaster is magnetic power. The coaster's "car" is a 15-millimeter metal ball - or "rider ball" - which is propelled along the track through magnetism. Kids will be amazed as the rider ball seemingly levitates on the track of the coaster at high speeds, and they can construct the iCoaster in up to 10 different ways. Because it uses magnetism, the iCoaster is also capable of some jaw-dropping stunts. The ball will go through loop-de-loops, trampolines, sheer drops, and corkscrews. It will even "float" across broken areas in the track. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the "magnetic elevator," which carries the ball up a shaft through magnetic power alone. If kids could board and ride this coaster, it would easily be the most thrilling ride ever made! Your Own Soundtrack The iCoaster also comes with a Sound FX and Music Studio, which kids can use to put a soundtrack to their coaster. It features 4,000-plus distinct musical combinations, adding to the excitement with sound effects. The possibilities don't stop there: Kids can also plug an MP3 player into the music studio and choose the perfect song for the coaster. With this feature, kids can play everything from "Flight of the Valkyries" to the latest Billboard Top 40 hits. Crank up the volume for maximum excitement and adrenaline. Great Educational Benefit Whether they are building a vehicle or a skyscraper, kids will be totally captivated by Magnetix, as they explore the power of magnetism and learn how it works. In addition to teaching them the basics of magnetism, Magnetix can also teach them other valuable things. It will go a long way in developing their creativity, by encouraging them to use their imagination to concoct new designs and structures. It will also refine their fine motor skills and hone their ability to focus and be attentive. In addition, Magnetix can boost their reasoning skills, as it requires them to follow directions and find unique ways to solve problems. About Magnetix Magnetix is one of the most popular construction toys in the world. By harnessing the power of magnetism, Magnetix allows kids to construct creative, gravity-defying structures. Magnetix toys were released by Rose Art Industries in September 2003, and have since branched out into several different toys, such as the successful "Magna-Man" line. What's in the Box 17 Magnetix iCoaster tracks, 2 light-up sensors, 6 stunt pieces, 10 adjustable towers, 10 15-millimeter magnetic metallic rider balls, magnetic elevator, and Sound FX Music Studio.

The 60 large, classroom-sized blocks have a classic look and are easy for little fingers to grasp. Ideal for ages three to five, this block set stimulates children for hours as they engage in imaginative play. Naturally Finished for a Classic Look Wooden blocks have been around for centuries and make an excellent tool to teach basic math concepts, organizational skills, sequential skills, and spatial relations. It is no surprise that blocks are found in almost every pre-school and kindergarten classroom. Youngsters become the architect of their own world as they fit pieces together to form their vision. This open-ended play set stimulates creativity and hones basic motor skills. Each set features a large variety shapes and sizes including arches, columns, squares, rectangles, triangles, cylinders, and circles, as well as basic, half, and double unit blocks. This block set is crafted to the standard unit block size (1-1/2-by-2-by-5-inches) and constructed from Rubberwood, a resilient hardwood. The blocks are big, chunky, and easy for kids to grasp and build with. Smoothly sanded surfaces tantalize fingertips and create a handsome natural aesthetic. Best of all, when the child finishes constructing their masterpiece, all the pieces store neatly into a wooden storage box. There is no limit to the types of fortresses the child can build with these blocks. This deluxe set even contains pillars, buttresses, gothic circles, and half-circles for advanced architecture. As an added bonus, the storage box doubles as a building platform. Children and parents have fun as they complete projects together. Parents can purchase another set and add to the amusement. An essential for any child's toy box, these blocks are sturdy, durable, and beautiful enough to put on display. The box measures 15-by-12-1/2-by-15-1/4 inches. What's in the Box 60 solid wood pieces and wooden storage box. The open-ended play set stimulates creativity and hones basic motor skills. The 60 large, classroom-sized blocks come contains gothic circles, half-circles, buttresses, and pillars.

callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td. think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images. amazon. com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg. png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td. glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } img. withlink {border:1px black solid;} The convenient carrying case is also a construction base. View larger. With 100 pieces, the MagNext offers endless magnetic building options. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Building system offers infinite possibilities for construction fun The Bad: Small metal balls can roll away and get lost In a Nutshell: The MagNext system inspires hours of imaginative play At a Glance Ages: 6 and up Ready for Action Just open the convenient case, take the pieces out of their plastic holders, and you and your child are ready for the fun to begin. A single page of illustrated instructions offers some construction suggestions and shows how to use the mX logo to figure out the polarity of magnetic connectors. The carrying case converts to a platform for construction that can be arranged in several ways, allowing inventions to hang in the air or climb up and down a slanted platform. Several compartments help keep small parts from getting lost when the set is not in use. Colorful, Easy-to-Combine Pieces Plastic pieces in red, blue, orange, lime green, and gray combine with shiny silver balls to make bold, colorful creations. A mixture of square and triangular base pieces increases the geometric possibilities of this system, while special pieces that snap into the middle of those base pieces allow the addition of interesting features. Translucent faces can be snapped on for a smooth look, and snap-in connectors that spin or hinge add movement to favorite creations. We found that the pieces were durable and easy to handle. Both assembly and deconstruction came naturally, making it easy to begin new projects. Encourage Creativity Innovation and creative thinking come naturally to children, and building toys stimulate their desire to create new things and explore the world around them. With the MagNext system, kids can choose between recreating the things they see each day, like houses and vehicles, and inventing entirely new machines. MagNext also offers a hands-on way to explore geometry and magnetism. The only downside we found with this building system was that metal balls occasionally escaped off of smooth tables or across hardwood floors. Playing on carpet or being careful to store the balls in the carrying case when they weren't in use quickly solved this problem. Since there are plenty of pieces for simultaneous construction projects, this set is perfect for cooperative play or a single child with a huge imagination. It can be combined with other MagNext systems, increasing building possibilities and adding to the fun. What's in the Box Case, two plastic base pieces, 100 plastic and metal construction elements, fold-out instruction sheet.

This block set will most likely become the most used toy in the playroom. -Cristina Vaamonde.