I will always remember the fun that my son and I had building things with Lego blocks. What I enjoyed the most was the imagination that Tim would use to make his own creations.
Lego toys are sold worldwide and appeal to kids of all ages. First developed in 1934, the company is best known for producing toy blocks and shapes that "lock" together, allowing kids' imaginations to run wild as they build cities, vehicles, buildings, bridges and more.
Many Lego toys are sold in kits that are specifically designed for a particular purpose, interest, or age group. Some of the kits are centered on a superhero or popular children's character. Other kits are designed so kids can build a particular type of item, like a robot, dinosaur or vehicle. And, most well known, is a big bucket of a variety of colorful blocks, shapes and sizes that most kids can use to create anything they can imagine! This was my favourite, as it allowed our imaginations to control the outcome.
If you decide to get a child a specific Lego kit, how do you know which one is right for them? Be sure to take your child along in the store to see which kits strike his/her interest, and don't forget to consider these items as you select a Lego kit:
The Age Of Your Child
Many Lego kits contain small parts, moving parts or other pieces that could be hazardous to very young children. Moreover, toddlers typically do not have the manual dexterity necessary to manipulate tiny blocks and shapes. If your child is younger than four years of age, you may want to consider Lego's QUATRO set, designed for kids ages 1-3, which includes large interlocking shapes in bright colors. The larger sized blocks are perfect for little fingers. Another option is the DUPLO set, designed for kids 2 and up, which includes lots of colorful bricks.
For older children, the smaller blocks of the regular Lego building sets, such as Imagine and Build, or Lego Classic House Building, provide lots of extra shapes and accessories. These kits include items like trees, windows, wheels, and animals so older kids can create an entire Lego world. For kids who are capable of following complex instructions, you may want to consider some of the more advanced Lego kits, such as the Lego Mindstorms NXT, which allows the child to create a working interactive robot that reacts to sound and movement!
Your Child’s Interests
If your child loves science and technology, consider a Robotics kit. Does he prefer dinosaurs? Try a kit from the Dino Attack line. If she's fond of Harry Potter, you can find a kit to fit her interest, too. If your kid is interested in popular characters like Bob the Builder or Star Wars, or loves to play with trains and automobiles, there's a Lego kit that will suit his/her needs. If your child is not focused on a particular interest, hobby or character, your best bet may be a general box or tub of Lego blocks. Because they aren't centered on a specific topic or subject, your child is limited only by his/her imagination.
Your Child’s Previous Experience
Some of the kits, particularly the ones with moving parts, can be frustrating for new builders. Even if your child is old enough for the more advanced Lego kits, he or she may not have the experience necessary for assembling a moving crane or a working robot. If your child is new to Lego toys, begin with a basic kit, such as the Lego Classic House Building set. Once he or she has mastered the basics, you can move them up to a kit with moving parts, such as the Forklift or Dump Truck.
Your Price Range
Lego toys' prices vary depending on the size of the kit and its complexity. A small tub is usually priced between $10 and $20. A set of accessories, like a set of animals or a set of vehicles, tends to be around the same price. An "extra" set of 50 or so blocks is priced at about $7, although the cost varies depending on the size of the blocks.
Prices on specialty items, like Star Wars toys or Harry Potter kits, start at about $10 and go as high as $300. Larger, more complex kits like moving vehicles or working robots, range in price between $20 and $250. When selecting a Lego kit for your child, remember to consider your child's age, interests, Lego experience and your price range. But most importantly, once you've chosen the kit, have fun!
