Magnetic!
Sometimes the simplest toys are the most popular...and, sometimes, they aren't really "toys" at all. Case in point: magnets. Magnets have been always been fun to play with but, this year, magnets seem to be making a comeback. For example, Buckyballs are small magnetic spheres which can be used to build various 3D shapes. Simple, yet highly addictive...and very popular. (We saw a few knockoffs of it at Toy Fair in New York this year.)
Another popular magnetic toy is Magna-Tiles. Magna-Tiles are multi-colored plastic tiles with magnetic edges that allow kids to build all kinds of structures. (It also comes in a both solid and translucent versions.) They can also be used to help kids understand shapes, basic geometry and basic physics as well.
There are lots of other magnetic toys out there (including puzzles, games, and more) at a variety of price points. But, the end result is the same -- magnetic toys will be "sticking around" for many years to come. -- E. Christian Moore
Tina @ Ride On Toys on March 10, 2010 at 02:03 PM
How cool is this? I think using magnets like this is a really great idea. I love the Magna-Tiles.