So, how do I begin.... I suppose with some declarations 1. I am not in any way connected to this company, although I'd like to be 2. I have no incentive for writing this review other than to spread good information based on my experience with these blocks So, my addiction with these blocks started about 2 years ago, when my son turned 1. Given, at that time he was unable to play with the two sets we had bought form a major big box retailer. The sets happened to be 25% off at that time of year and I jumped on two boxes and stored them for a bit. When my son turned 2 the blocks started being played with. Every since its been a uphill battle to not buy more pieces consistently. At this time we have 3 sets in use, approximately 300 pieces and I have two more boxes (100 pieces each) for my sons upcoming birthday, which will put us over 500 pieces. So why are these blocks so important to our lives you ask? Why invest so much money on these blocks? Please allow me to answer in a multi-tiered fashion. Cost: These blocks are not expensive, not for when you think about the cost associate with one dinner for a family of 3. Go to your RedLibster or go to AliveGarden one night and tell me how much you spend. Oh.. you spent a 100 bucks on some pasta and breadsticks great... you could have had a toy your child/children would play with for 10 years and hand down to their kids one day or an item you could have easily sold on online auction sites for at least half of what you initially spent. We all know it, 'if u want something good u pay a little more'.. so lets not be delusional about the cost of these being too much. In comparison to other toys... they are but a fraction of the cost, based on the possibilities....(see below) Possibilities: These things are almost entirely unlimited in regards to what they will allow someone to produce. When my son first started playing with them he would make 'floors' for his trucks to drive over, then it was simple enclosure unites, then enclosure units with roofs, then villages with roads and buildings, then airports and firehouses, etc... hence the reason we need more blocks. I am having a hard time keeping up with his very creative mind. Why: These blocks for 100 bucks, or whatever u spend on them, trumps any other 'setting' toy you can buy, such as a TTT setting to run trains on which gets old after a while, although the tracks allow for imagination. Even with train tracks though you can only run trains on them. These pieces allow for you to, as described above, build whatever. My son has built house for his 'stuffed animals'... heck... we even built some for his dinosaurs and for him on one occasion. Perks: So easy to store and for the analytical/OCD type person who loves to clean up after their kids, these blocks are ideal. A few minutes and they are exactly as neat as they were when they first arrived in their original packaging. Not many toys can offer that... not to mention these avoid the infamous 'middle of the night' stepping on a (little block) and screaming murder. So.. I am here to simply praise Valtech for their exceptional product. These blocks are sturdy, safe and break proof (or so they appear to be). I am a very hands on father and I spend countless hours with my son playing games (he is an only child, that turns 3 this coming week). I've found great joy in playing with him with these blocks and watching his brain develop in a number of fashions.. below are some of the learning benefits I believe these blocks offer: 1. Patience in understanding how long it takes to build something up 2. Mechanical Dexterity 3. Resiliency in rebuilding things that fall 4. Geometry/Shapes recognition 5. Mathematics/Counting 6. Physis; Forces; Magnetism/Leverage 7. Teambuilding 8. Creative play 9. Pre-approach 10....(more I'm sure to come as my child grows) I DID NOT receive any sort of discount on this product. I do not receive any perks for writing this review other than knowing that I possibly helped lead you to buy these blocks for your child or children to play with. That in of itself would be rewarding enough or me and make me happy for having taken the time to review these blocks. We have since started branching out with these blocks: -Plays with them in the shower -Bringing them to grandmas house -Bringing them into the sandpit (Mr. Crabbie) My son calls these things 'sticky blocks' and they are one of his favorite toys. We really have played with them for at least a half an hour to 3 hours for the last 6 months straight. I'd say, its a bit much, (the playing that is), however, I know with my son we are going to play..it is very rewarding to know I am doing my job as a parent and able to find some 'enjoyment' myself in watching his little brain expand before my eyes... These are the epitome of the type of item you buy to enrich your kids life. I took a while to buy a STEM toy/product in that I wanted to buy the right one... this one.. on the 4th purchase continues to reaffirm my belief that there is no better toy available out there. Cons: None Additional information: Magnetic Strength is good Suggestions: Buy Base that avoids using 4 'big squares', buy a carrying case, take pictures of each of your designs Questions? I'm happy to provide additional thoughts should you have any questions. Enjoy.. and remember... You cant say 100 bucks is allot of money for a toy, if you are eating out each night, drink, smoke, etc...
