Thursday, August 8, 2013

Block Builders Review

Have you ever heard of Fat Brain Toys?

If not you NEED to check out their website. They have so many toys that are not only fun, different, but also educational.

I have two former students that work there. They work on their packaging, website, ads, and more.

I just won a toy called Block Builders off of their Facebook page.


About Block Builders:

  • It was a winner of 2011 Parents' Choice Gold Award.
  • In 2013 Major Fun Award - Puzzles.
  • There are 6 cubes that break apart in their own unique way. 
  • It gives kids and adults a fun way to understand architecture.
  • There are 50 building puzzle cards.  They give facts to historic and modern architecture.
  • Can be played with individually and independently. 
  • This game focuses on critical thinking, perception and spatial awareness.
  • It has levels of difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate and Expert.
  • Awesome packaging that doesn't take up a lot of space.
  • Price: $32.95.
Here's what the blocks look right out of the box. Simple enough. Right?



The blocks break apart like this:


There are cards inside. You draw one and create what's on the card. The card tells you an ArchiFact about modern or historic architecture.


This card says, "Norman: a style of buildings erected by the Normans (1066-1154) based on the Italian Romanesque. It was used principally in castles, churches, and abbeys of massive proportions. Sparsely decorated masonry and the use of the round arch are characteristic."

The next one we worked on was this one:




This card says, "Constructed between 1931 and 1936, Hoover Dam was built to last approximately 2,000 years. The concrete used in the construction of the dam will not by fully cured for approximately another 500 years. Hoover Dam is 726 feet tall and 660 feet thick at the base."

What I thought of Block Builders?

I thought the age recommendation is right on. It's for ages 5 and up. Both of my boys ages 5 and 8 seemed interested! In fact they fought over it. I said, "It can be played by both of you." Sometimes they still struggle with sharing.

Isaak of course can't read the ArchiFacts yet. He certainly can build some of the easier cards.

This game reminds me of the game Rush Hour. It doesn't look like Rush Hour. The pieces are very different. It's the critical thinking that made me think they were similar.



What I think of Fat Brain Toys?

I love the fact that the website and store have an out of the box mentality with their toys. They carry some toys you'd find at any toy store, but most of them are different. They have a lot of toys that teach kids something, while they play. 

My children love going into their store; located in Omaha, Nebraska. The workers are friendly. They have toys on the floor that kids can play with. 

Sometimes they hold special events at their store. One time farm animals were invited to be outside Fat Brain Toys. My kids really loved that! 

They stock many American made toys, award winning toys and toys that will last!



Way More Than a Box 

Way More Than a Box is something that Fat Brain Toys pretty recently started. It's a spot where people can upload toys and more of things they've created with a box. It really gives you ideas on things that you can make at home.

I uploaded two of our box creations. 




Check out other ideas on what you can make with boxes at Way More Than a Box!

Check out Fat Brain Toys and enter their weekly giveaways on their Facebook page.
Follow Fat Brain Toys on Twitter.


Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. I did get products to help with the review. 
 
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7 comments:

renae said...

That picture of you is LOL funny. I love your expression.

Oooooh, I might have to get this toy for me and my grandkidlettes.

Ai Sakura said...

What an awesome toy to win! I love your cardboard creations too :)

Ai @ Sakura Haruka

Masshole Mommy said...

Awesome toy- my kids would LOVE that. Especially my little one - he loves hands on stuff. I need to check that site out.

mail4rosey said...

Pretty sure my son (5) would love it!

Theresa Mahoney said...

Congrats on your win! I love toys that are not only fun, but educational as well!

~ Noelle said...

ugh... dont know if my last message went or not..
was saying..........
congrats on the win! :)
i havent won anything in ages...

that looks pretty cool.. like a great game for all of us :)

Eat To Live said...

Congratulations Alissa on your win. Way to go!!

Disclaimer

The opinions on this blog are my personal take on products and topics relating to motherhood. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.

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