“How do you listen to #reading best? My Ss like to use @LearningAtoZ #RazzKids on @kaboom @Rigamajig #21CL #FlexibleSeating #ALLIN”

With winter in Chicago, my thoughts have gone to how to entertain kids indoors. The decorator in me wanted to see some unique ideas for turning a basement or play room into a fabulous indoor space. While our basement is pretty much done, we did include a few fun things to keep the kids busy. INDOOR HOME SLIDES We have a slide built in to the walls, a swing hung from the ceiling and air hockey, foosball and shuffleboard tables. If you want to see our space you can see in here. Maybe you have a straight shot of stairs (we didn't have that option) that you could do something similar to these ideas (they would be a lot easier than what we had to do.) For a slick surface try either the white shower board (mounted on something solid since it's only about 1/4" thick or high grade plywood, finished with a smooth paint or varnish. LEARNING FUN Ever thought of putting up a pulley somewhere? While this one if pretty fancy, I'm sure you could make a real basic one with a pulley from a hardware store. I'd be careful and use under supervision to avoid any threats of choking or getting tangled up in it. a toy garden Make a latch board and hang low on a wall. This will provide a lot of hands-on learning that is so fun. After seeing this, I just HAD to make one. I realized that things could add up in cost pretty quickly, so I did some looking around. I found tons of great things at our Habitat ReStore. The best is that they have kitchen cabinet doors for $1 and that made a perfect backing! I also found a few latches at Big Lots, then finally hit Menards. Here's how mine turned out: See the darling little pulley I found at Menard's? I just used some cording and large beads for weights. This was so much fun to make and really didn't take that much time. No only did the little guy like it, but even my teenagers were playing around with it! It's just that irresistable. This was another cute version that used a magnetic surface (heating duct sheeting from Home Depot) and then surrounded it with the latches. Definitely makes a fun little center. Here's a build-your-own matchbox car race track. I'd actually try to mount a version of this low on a wall for a built-in play center. Like putting a race track on the wall, I love this idea of making ball tubes out of raingutter parts. The picture shows it done on a fence so it can be for balls or water, but I'd do in in the basement too: Lowe's via Learning through the Clutter This is the same idea, but designed for water(which I'd also love to make for outside.)I'd use those green nerf balls: familylicious Now combine the magnet wall ... with the ball runs made from pvc pipe parts and do this: For some instructions for a suction cup version that could be adapted to magnets, go here. The Brooding Hen PLAY TIME How cool would this door be for a playroom door? Once again, hit Habitat ReStore for an old solid wood door and you'd probably be able to do something similar: While were stretching things a bit, how fun would this be for those unfinished concrete basement floor? That would be such a blast! Before we finished our basement, we bought 6 of those square gym scooters and man were they fun! (Those balance bikes for toddlers would be fun too!) You can't forget the old favorite of a little area for a play kitchen. There are so many darling ideas on the web for repurposing old furniture. I thought these were adorable: A hutch top An old nightstand (perfect for a little space) An old TV Cabinet Probably from scratch, but darling ideas: And check out this amazing store from mostly IKEA parts: Domestic Candy blog Scour the thrift shops and garage sales for fake food or look online for TONS of darling felt foods to make yourself: via whilewearingheels INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS Along with our slide, we also have one of those great IKEA swings: Here are so other amazing swing ideas for stores as well as ideas you could do yourself: from Hearth Song (if you've never checked this place out, you must! Some of our favorite toys came from here.) Don't forget just a good ole' tire swing as an idea, even inside. Do your kids love to climb? Here's some simple to BIG ideas: How simple is that idea? Normal height ceilings and bars from metal pipes. I think the next one is from a manufacturer, but you could duplicate this one easily with the same pipe idea: On the indoor playground idea, there are a lot of teeter totter ideas you can make. I think these are cute and could be made so cheaply (people are getting rid of free tires on craigslist all the time!) She's crafty Perhaps this one is a bit big, but I love the tractor seats! Make a simple balance beam like this. It doesn't have to cost much and doesn't need to be high at all to be fun and safe. Paint it a cute color and avoid splinters. READING AREAS Of course, any kid-friendly space HAS to have a reading area. Here are a couple cute ideas: Shelves from raingutters again Shelves from those $4 spice racks at IKEA Shelf made from a free wood pallet Darling tree-shaped bookshelf viarosenberry And every reading area needs a soft, cushy area. These are made by sewing together standard pillows and their cases: No rest for the creative I think these square pillows look comfy and would be great for fort building. I think they're from Pottery Barn, but you could do it cheaper with old couch pillows or better yet, how about those crib mattresses that are a dime a dozen because no one wants them. They'd be lightweight, yet comfy and easy to clean before putting on new covers. These are darling ones made out of large-sized bandanas. You can order them in bulk online for really cheap. Okay, so this is outside, but how fun would this be in a wall between rooms or to let some light in to that under-stairs closet-turned kid nook? They're really not very expensive and easy to install. Okay, here's a project I've been dreaming of doing ever since seeing the life-size pin art board at the Rockford Children's museum. I've got a number of ideas, but it still would cost more than I can justify. It was going to involve an awful lot of cocktail Stir Rods... But wouldn't that be sooo cool? Inspired yet? Anyone ready for me to help finish your basement into a fun area for your family? It makes me wish I could go back to some of the basements we had in previous homes and try again!

Rigamajig enables experimentation and creation through hands-on play inside a classroom, on a playground, or in any play space.

The Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit is the ultimate large-scale loose parts set used for creative collaboration, hands-on free play, and 'unplugged' STEAM learning. The possibilities and opportunities for inspired and inclusive play-based learning are endless with this kit! Ideal for classrooms, children's museums, libraries, or any space where creativity happens, this collection of wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts and ropes allows children to follow their curiosity through play. The solid wood 2cm thick planks range in dimensions from 30cm to 112cm, allowing children to build things bigger than themselves, as they familiarise themselves with the scale and weight of the wooden pieces.   The pieces in the Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit are compatible with other Rigamajig Add-On Kits (sold separately), so they can be mixed and matched for endless possibilities. **not compatible with Rigamajig Junior*** 260+ Parts in total, including: 2-cm thick high-quality Baltic Birch Planks, Arcs, Wheels, Pulleys, and Hooks that range in dimension from 30cm – 112cm, and feature holes of various sizes and shapes for making connections Wing bolts, Hexnuts, and Brackets to connect and secure pieces, big enough for small hands to easily manipulate them, but strong enough to hold securely, made of 100% recycled nylon Thick Nylon Rope lengths Square Milk Crates for additional building options or small piece storage Canvas Buckets with Handles Sturdy Wooden Storage Cart on Wheels with Handles designed to fit all the Rigamajig pieces securely. Total weight of the kit plus cart is approximately 70kgs Manufactured in the USA of highest quality Baltic Birch Plywood and finished by hand with a non-hazardous, air-pollutant-free finish. **All Rigamajig products comply with ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Testing for Children’s Toys, US and EU, compatible with AUS/NZ standards. This product is tested for ages 3 and up** Please note: Some assembly required May incur a bulky item surcharge Not intended for permanent use outdoors, not weather or water-resistant Inclusions are listed above, not all items in videos or images are included, and are shown only to illustrate how various packs can fit together to further investigative play

Rigamajig distributors outside of the US. Interested in becoming a distributor? Reach out to [email protected] for information.

This is the wooden construction kit that allows children to build 20 life-size ride-on models such as a 63" tall working crane. Young engineers use the 26 solid pine posts with pre-drilled holes, steel bolts, and 7 1/2"-diameter wheels to build a go-kart, tricycle, or a rolling airplane they can ride on. Many of the models have moving parts, allowing children to hoist obects from the seat of the crane, rotate the plane's propeller, and turn the handlebars on the scooter they've constructed. Steel cap nuts and plastic washers help ensure structural integrity and 13 plastic panels with pre-drilled holes provide flat surfaces ideal for a chair's seat and backrest, an art easel, or the base of a wagon. Includes two combination wrenches and an instruction manual with detailed, step-by-step illustrations. Ages 5 and up. (34 lbs.)

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I am just kicking myself for not knowing about this work kit for children that was at the High Line Park in NYC this past summer...sometimes you just don't even know the magical things that are right under your nose... I can't think of too many kids out there who...

The Woodmobiel Standard Kit can make at least two different sizes of See-Saws- the playground toy that has all but been banished in many playgrounds. Why? WHAT: Woodmobiel distributed by OOTS! INVENTOR: Ben Fritz DOES: allows you and your child to build the toys and furniture that she/he can use everyday! INVEST: $300 for Standard Kit; $165 Starter Kit AGES: 3+ TOOLS: Express Yourself, I Can Take of Myself, More Make-Believe Please, Think Like a Scientist/Engineer EXPERT OPINION: David Wells, Manager, Creative Making and Learning, New York Hall of Science Today I am going to sound like a crazy person or an absolute idiot. You are welcome to call me either but seriously, here is the crazy truth: This year, the biggest bargain toy that I have found is a $300 dollar building toy. That is right. $300.00! Uh, hello? How is $300 a Bargain? First, let's get something straight. I know it's a lot to spend in one setting. BUT, if you have ever purchased toilet paper in bulk then you are going to appreciate this. Moreover, with this bulk purchase you won't be buying 100 of the same. Rather, you will be getting over 100 ways to have various children's toys, furniture, and even therapeutic equipment. Before I show you my list of toys that could be shaved off of any shopping list, let me share with you David Wells' expert opinion. After all, the Woodmobiel is a life-sized toy and it really is designed to be safe but as the manager of the Makerspace at the NY Hall of Science, he still has to buy things so that kids can make things with them. He is as budget-conscious as the rest of us. "...it's heavy as hell," says David Wells, expert maker and teacher and facilitator Two combinations wrenches are also included. The red tray and Radz guy is mine. About the $300 pricetag, David said, "It's seems to me to be a pretty reasonable price because a lot of thought and a lot of care went into the product." David has never met the Woodmobiel folks but he could strongly assume this (and you would too) from working with this toy. "It's also durable. I mean... it's heavy as hell." SAVE $$$ - Have You Ever Purchased or Plan on Purchasing Any of These? (I've put some sample links to show you things on the market today) 18 Months - 3 Years: Table and Chairs ($35-$200) Easels ($30-$200) Wheelbarrows, wagons ($$$$$$ ever tried scouring eBay for these? Who even makes handtrucks for kids) Seesaw Toy (plastic) ($50-$60) Push Bike ($20-$70 - can be way more....) Pretend Kitchen (usually $100+, Here's one that looks like what we had. ) Can be made with One Standard Kit Directions also include instructions for building smaller push-bikes for kids. 4 Years +: OOH, kid's desk WITH adjustable height settings? COOL. Can be made with Standard Kit. You can make a dollhouse with floors and walls... So cool! Desk ($40 - $75 - or more!) Dollhouse (Wooden ones are usually $100 and up) Balance Beams- (Therapeutic catalogs have good ones but it ain't cheap) I had always wanted to buy a balance beam but it was too hard to justify this cost and space challenges but here is Woodmobiel telling me that I can try it out to see if I really want to make this investment or if I just want to use it for a few months. This can be made with one Standard Kit but instructions for this one is not included in the set. Basketball Net and Stand- a real one ($$$$) Go Kart -one that won't break the next day or give parents a heartattack ($ +not easy to find) Semi-Functional Pretend Play- Tents, Markets, (affordable ones are currently offered in plastic, nylon, and cardboard- but wood is better, right?) Contraptions + Pretend Play - (This takes you to the hardware store but it can also be achieved through smaller building sets but LEGO, K'nex, Erector, etc...) And this is supposed to be... I don't know but it will have to be done outside. If your child is five or older, you will have purchased many of the things on the above list but as it was for me... Weren't they all SEPARATE PURCHASES that were offering only ONE FUNCTION? And you know you spent more than $300 on buying just some of the things in that list. I always felt like I was being ridiculous buying these things but then I couldn't help myself and I'd scour the web to find the best toy at the best price. Have More Time To Yourself While it's true that you sometimes use these things at the same time (toddler push bike and chair), you will have to agree with me that sometimes you will not! Understandably so, some of these toys will not be interesting after 6 months or you may not have enough space to have them all at the same time. So you buy it and then give away or sell it which of course is good. However, if you were to get many of these items covered by your Woodmobiel set, things would work out even better... I'm sure of of it. For one, you'd save TONS OF MONEY. Look at all those things and how much they cost and most importantly---- how much time did you spend researching which was the best, safest, most fun.... Bargain-toy-shopping should not be the huge time-suck that it is today - internet shopping doesn't always save you time. Veteran shoppers know what I mean. If you have a very young child, Woodmobiel is going to save you even more money. This is THE savvy grandparent X-mas gift for toddlers, yes toddlers! Think....... a toddler could have a chair, a wheelbarrow, a mini-balance beam.... I bet you can make all of that with just one Standard Kit. Go-kart are awesome to build but you don't have to trash it when you're done with it! OH- AND it's MEGA-Educational Too Let's not forget why we're here. This toy offers limitless learning opportunities. David had so many amazing things to say about Woodmobiel but here are the highlights: Being Rewarded for Following Directions: "You're not only building these toys, you're following directions," he said. "You're also developing a foundation of how joints work." David is a ghost in my home. Number 1 Son didn't want to follow directions but he soon realized that he couldn't make whatever he wanted to make (lack of experience) and so he started testing out the directions and he started to get familiar with the material. He made a little see-saw the first day! It didn't take long at all. Learn to BE A Builder Beyond Woodmobiel: David said that kids could learn to build more things by combining their Woodmobiel pieces and say... a big slab of wood. They could drill some holes, get more screws... (ie. making a hut). From the design, he sensed a greater purpose in Woodmobiel that they weren't trying to monopolize building play in anyway. "They're providing a platform for kids to be introduced to it and not only be introduced to it but have them follow certain rules and regulations behind it order to ideally to create their own." Woodmobiel Standard Kit $300; Pushing your little brother around on a cart you made: Priceless And If They Don't Become Mechanical Engineers? Understanding nuts, bolts, structural integrity, following directions... these are all important things to David. So basically, even if your child doesn't end up building a mansion with it, you can still pat yourself on the back. All that knowledge gained will stay with them. "It's still going to be part of their mental toolkit," said David. Nevertheless, while neither of us has taken this toy out for a long term drive, I agreed with him when he said he could possibly see certain outcomes, "The toy would end up growing with the child, dependent upon the child's needs." Look at that bilateral coordination! I love it! Why Life-Sized Building Toys Rock David also talked about one of Woodmobiel's best traits. It's not just for building... it's for using too! "It's a lot different to build a bike and put a doll on it," David explained. "When you're sitting on something, there's a whole sense of pride that goes along with something you've made that you use in your everyday life." Oh a cute little desk with just two wheels (for stability and for rolling easily around!) Note to parent: this does not really fly There is so much more that we talked about but for now let's just say that this life-sized toy is proving to be a wonderful everyday toy for a lifetime. You don't have to build with it everyday but you can build something and then enjoy it everyday for years and years. Before they are ready to build, you can build something for them (instead of buying it) and watch them enjoy their creations. Think how cool it is that your child can see how his toddler desk turned into a camp tent a few months later and then finally he himself was able to build go-kart with it, just a couple of years later. What else is cool? When you give this toy that kind of time to be a part of your home, to let it become real reliable fun and furniture, without saying a word, you send your child this message loud and clear: "You can make anything you need." Instilling this message effortlessly while getting toy after toy from it year after year for $300? Like I said folks, when talking toy bargain buys, Woodmobiel is THE ultimate steal. You DO get the directions for this. It's just so cool! Woodmobiel Waiter- 45 second video Want to get it on Amazon? Here are two strategies. Buy it now and get ready to take off on a new toy adventure or if you want... start saving now... But remember, the earlier you buy this the more you save. You heard it here first! educational toy, best educational game, best educational toy, learning tools, toys for learning, toys are tools, child development, therapeutic toys, special needs toys, gifted children toys, games for gifted kids, Disclosure: Toys are Tools was not compensated by the manufacturer for the publication of this review. The reviewed items were provided to Toys are Tools and the expert to facilitate a review. Reviews are never promised.

The Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit is the ultimate large-scale loose parts set used for creative collaboration, hands-on free play, and 'unplugged' STEAM learning. The possibilities and opportunities for inspired and inclusive play-based learning are endless with this kit! Ideal for classrooms, children's museums, libraries, or any space where creativity happens, this collection of wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts and ropes allows children to follow their curiosity through play. The solid wood 2cm thick planks range in dimensions from 30cm to 112cm, allowing children to build things bigger than themselves, as they familiarise themselves with the scale and weight of the wooden pieces.   The pieces in the Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit are compatible with other Rigamajig Add-On Kits (sold separately), so they can be mixed and matched for endless possibilities. **not compatible with Rigamajig Junior*** 260+ Parts in total, including: 2-cm thick high-quality Baltic Birch Planks, Arcs, Wheels, Pulleys, and Hooks that range in dimension from 30cm – 112cm, and feature holes of various sizes and shapes for making connections Wing bolts, Hexnuts, and Brackets to connect and secure pieces, big enough for small hands to easily manipulate them, but strong enough to hold securely, made of 100% recycled nylon Thick Nylon Rope lengths Square Milk Crates for additional building options or small piece storage Canvas Buckets with Handles Sturdy Wooden Storage Cart on Wheels with Handles designed to fit all the Rigamajig pieces securely. Total weight of the kit plus cart is approximately 70kgs Manufactured in the USA of highest quality Baltic Birch Plywood and finished by hand with a non-hazardous, air-pollutant-free finish. **All Rigamajig products comply with ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Testing for Children’s Toys, US and EU, compatible with AUS/NZ standards. This product is tested for ages 3 and up** Please note: Some assembly required May incur a bulky item surcharge Not intended for permanent use outdoors, not weather or water-resistant Inclusions are listed above, not all items in videos or images are included, and are shown only to illustrate how various packs can fit together to further investigative play