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Whoa, are these crazy blocks or what? Brinca Dada is usually known for their dollhouses, which are actually pretty amazing, but these blocks are fit for adults and kids alike. Instead of fitting together snugly or simply, they’re completely wonky and will encourage you to play “with the simplicity of imperfection.” Nice idea, isn’t it?

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Talk about high rollin’, take a look at these gold playing cards. They’re not real gold, of course, they just look like it. Sort of fun, though, aren’t they?
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If you’re old enough to remember 8-bit computer games from the 80s, then you’re allowed to give the whole ‘when I was your age’ speech at any time you want. Any time. Permission granted. However, if you were born after that decade, then you may only sit and listen to your elders with respect, and awe, if they deserve it. Space Invaders playing cards available from Art. Lebedev Studio.

-54 card deck
-Made in Russia
-Weight: 150 g
-Designers: Alexei Lyapunov and Lena Erlikh

These wooden (non-toxic, lead-free, water based stained) puzzles are nothing short of lovely. Whether for your own amusement during a work break or as a simple gift for someone else (adult or child), each puzzle has an infinite variety of possible patterns. We all need a creative moment now and then, don’t we?

Made by Grimm’s, Germany.
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Here’s a fun way to brush up on your modern art knowledge: the Modern Art Memory Game from AMMO BOOKS. It comes with a booklet identifying each artwork/artist/title, so don’t worry if your memory from Art History I in university isn’t up to par.
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I’ve always found it strange that in most relatively nice homes with soft fabrics and natural materials, you walk into a play area for the kids and it feels like you’ve been transported into an alternative universe where only oddly colored plastic is permitted. Not that there’s anything wrong with plastic stuff for kids (I’m certainly no expert on the subject), but why not add in some regular wooden blocks, just to offset the crazy colors and random imagery? Maybe with a little less visual input, a child’s imagination will have to work a bit harder. One would hope so. If you’re a new godmother/father, bookmark this for a gift idea when the little one is 3+.
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For all you minimalists, type-ophiles, and design dorks; combine your love of Helvetica with your addictive card-playing habits. Finally!

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Shown above: 45 piece President Block Set, $98.00
Each cube shows the face, name, nickname, lifespan, party affiliation, term and number of forty-four U.S. Presidents.

These are too aesthetically pleasing to pass up, even if you’ve not made crayon art for years. Actually, if you’ve not picked up crayons in years, now’s definitely the time to bring it back, with these lovely gems as motivation.

Diamond cut wax crayons.
Set of 6

I can’t vouch for the accuracy of this kit, but kids (and adults) would do well to try it out. With a weathervane, a wind gauge (anemometer), a rain gauge (pluviometer) and a thermometer, you (or your kids) will be able to observe and learn about your local climate while trying your hand at forecasting the weather. There’s also space for a small terrarium in a bottle to see how the greenhouse effect works.
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Don’t think for a minute anyone is too old for balancing blocks. It would do many of us some good to spend a little time concentrating on something other than regular work, even if it is only for just a few moments (and even if it does just use a tiny portion of your brain). Of course, they’d make an excellent kid’s gift as well.

Hand made in Red Hook Brooklyn from repurposed hardwood scrap collected from local furniture shops.
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You might remember a cardboard chess set featured here before (see NewWave Chessboard), but I’ll take a chance in saying this one is a bit more refined with the black and white color scheme. However, it’s worth pointing out that the other might be handier for travel purposes as you don’t need to assemble the pieces each time.

These playing cards have large 1-1/4″ numbers that can be easily read by visually impaired individuals. I’d be tempted to buy them just for their graphic appeal; a few in a frame would make a satisfying black/white/red wall art.

From our archives (originally published February 23, 2010), for your gift list consideration… to see more, visit our Gift Guide.

You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate these posable animals. Their hardwood frames and elastic-band muscles will remain durable whether it’s you or a two year old playing around with them. Available for pre-order, with a ship date of around 5/15/2010.

Designer: David Weeks
Material: Sustainably Harvested Beech Wood

Hattie the Elephant, 17 x 8 x 6 inches, $125.00
Simus the Rhino, 12 x 5.5 x 4 inches, $110.00

From our archives (originally published on September 1, 2010), for your gift list consideration… to see more, visit our Gift Guide.

Designed by Lanier Graham, this modern chess set is notable for its minimal interpretation on traditional pieces. The shape of each piece mirrors its function (Knights have L shapes, Bishops slope diagonally, etc.) and the scale indicates importance. All pieces interlock neatly into a rectangular puzzle for storage.