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Parenting & Farm Kids:  Construction "toys" for Christmas?  |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 27 2006 : 10:23:02 AM
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I was wondering if any of you farmgirl moms (or aunties or grannies or friends, for that matter!) out there had reviews of or ideas for a low-tech construction set/materials for a 3-1/2 year old. Now, this is a little guy who asks for a "phillips" or a "regular" instead of a screwdriver, and who regularly corrects my casual calling of a "trackhoe" a "backhoe." He knows his little stuff, and I'd like to get him something that he can build with inside during the cold winter evenings. Any ideas?
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2006 : 6:54:36 PM
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Libbie, the kinetics are super cool, but they do have small pieces. I am sure William is ok, but Baby A might be trouble, especially when he starts getting mobile.
We love the oldies-but-goodies around here...tinker toys, Lincoln logs, and try googling "wood farm toys" or "toddler building sets"
I found a really cute farm and stable on line...and a doll house too, they are all wooden construction, pricey, though...
Good luck
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
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vintagechica
True Blue Farmgirl
438 Posts
Eren
Poolville
TX
USA
438 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2006 : 07:01:47 AM
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My oldest 2 were like your little guy. Very specific about their tools, LOL! Ours (now 4 1/2) loved the Home Depot line of toys and building kits. It was really fun putting the kits together and them taking them apart again. Last Christmas we also gave them scrap pieces of wood for them to screw into, hammer, etc. The scraps were by far the clear winners in the gift catagory. Hope you find the perfect thing for him!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 3:26:58 PM
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After thinking about it and reading your suggestions, I had an idea - I think I might try to find a piece of "furniture," like an old desk or small chest of drawers for him to "work" in inside in the winter. I'll bet someone around here will put one out on "garbage day" sometime soon - I'll be on the lookout...
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 10:37:39 AM
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Eren,
I went to Home Depot here on Saturday to look for their line of toys and building kits and when I asked about them, they looked at me like I had two heads!! I wonder if I can find them online. Bummer.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 10:54:08 AM
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What about some kind of some old appliance or the like that he can take apart? I gave my little nephew an old turntable (I cut the electrical cord off with a pair of wire cutters first) and some little plastic containers to sort out his parts and screws, and he was busy for hours (under a very watchful eye). He had a great time. Old, windup clocks are fun too with all their screws and springs...a thrift shop might offer lots of possibilities.
I got him a couple of inexpensive birdhouse kits for Christmas that he can put together and paint. He loved seeing the baby swallows in my birdhouses last spring...hopefully he can have his own now.
Di |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 9:00:11 PM
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Libbie, I think your furniture idea is a great one...Do you guys have a DI or thrift store in your area? You could even get some small shelves, a bird house, or some other wood crafts that he can hammer away on...just beware that getting rid of the when they are "finished" might be tricky...
Maybe they can find a permanent home in the barn????
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2006 : 9:34:34 PM
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I think it's settled - I'm going to be on the lookout for a piece of furniture or an appliance with LOTS of screws in it! I just know getting rid of it is going to be a challenge. We still have this huge box that a table saw that my dad bought came in - Will has been "working" on it for, really, around 4 months. It has a permanent home in the dining room. He calls it his "worksite," and I just can't bring myself to get rid of it!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: Construction "toys" for Christmas? |
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Construction "toys" for Christmas?
