Hi everyone, Hope you had a wonderful weekend full of play and fun. This is the last post I’ll be making here at Play Library. It’s also my last day at b5media where I served as writer and editor. I’ve decided to return to the genetics playground where I’ve spent most of my life! I’ll miss sharing my toys with you (all except the collectible ones…hehe) but I know Kerri has enough fun and games for everyone. Thanks for reading Play Library. It’s been a joy hanging out with you all. All the best, Hsien [Read more]

Mega Brands America, Inc. has expanded its recall of the dreaded Magnetix sets. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information. A Mom at Magnets Can Kill has a comprehensive history of Magnetix magnetic toy injuries and recalls. To date, CPSC and Mega Brands are aware of one death, one aspiration and 27 intestinal injuries. Emergency surgical intervention was needed in all but one case. At least 1,500 incidents of magnets separating from the building pieces have been reported. Although the hazard was initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than six, it has since been learned that at least ten injuries involved children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old. If a child swallows more than one tiny powerful... [Read more]

Do these Automoblox cars come in big people sizes with real engines? Let me know when they do because I’d love to cruise down the street in these beauties. Inventor Patrick Calello in the Baltimore Sun: We like to say this is the reinvention of the classic wooden car. What we really wanted to do is bring great styling, craftsmanship and heirloom quality to children. Essentially, what we’re combating is the disposability of the mass toy industry. The mass-market toy market is all about flash, bells and whistles, noises and distraction. And we’re trying to bring substance and quality and real learning benefits. [Read more]

For all the talk about kids being too wired to be able to enjoy simple toys, my son’s favorites are still building sets. This week, we got him his first box of “real” LEGO and he’s been busy building rockets, houses, airplanes, and anything else you can imagine. Not once has he asked for an on switch. Like many parents, educators, and journalists, Seth Porges at CrunchGear would like to take a whack at the ugly head of modern technology and how it has ruined toys. I’m not sure if I agree since my personal observations tell me that kids might like power toys, but they’re just as happy with paper and pens. What kinds of toys to your kids prefer? Non-tech or totally wired? [Read more]

My son’s favorite toy of late is Kid K’nex. In this podcast, he talks about the different things he makes with the building sets. I think I’ve created a podcasting monster! powered by ODEO Subscribe to the official Play Library podcast! Tags: kid knex, kid k’nex, building sets, toys, children, kids, podcast, parenting, family [Read more]