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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.

From our archives (originally published October 2, 2007), for your gift list consideration… to see more, visit our Gift Guide.

I’ve been a fan of Charles and Ray ever since I first saw their designs. And, man, if you even like the Eames’ a little bit, you should take a look at the film ‘901: after 45 years of working‘ that their son, Eames Demetiros, did of their workshop being packed up for the Library of Congress. It’s pretty amazing.

Small Cards, $25.00
Medium Cards, $45.00
Giant, $50.00
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From our archives (originally published July 15, 2008), for your gift list consideration… to see more, visit our Gift Guide.

This is super smart and so inexpensive it’s ridiculous.

Daniel Young, a New York-based inventor / designer…discovered that simply by cutting slits into the fluting of corrugated board he could harness its extraordinary capacity to hold and release inserted flat objects, like chess or checkers pieces. New Wave Chess comes with a carrying case and pouches for the pieces.

$12 plus shipping, from Paradoxy Products.

What do you get the person who has everything? Well, a $75 handmade slingshot by Christopher Jarratt, of course*. 5 different distinct colors were chosen exclusively for (the-ever-so-exclusive) Moss, and each slingshot is made from a found tree branch in Epping Forest, England.

From a numbered and signed limited edition of 30 slingshots.

*(duh)

Fans of chess can now draw up their own chess board wherever they want, thanks to this Chalk Chess set by SUCK UK. Each piece is regulation sized, though obviously once you draw enough boards, your pieces will change slightly as you use them (but that won’t matter, will it?).

Also available through SUCK UK’s shop for £10.00 and Useful Thingsfor $19.95
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I know I posted the Optical Mixer by Naef Toys last week, but I can’t help but feature these varnished blackboard paint cubes as well. 5 water-soluable chalk crayons enable kids (or yourself) to decorate the cubes with imaginative artwork, with only a quick wipe of a wet sponge to make them ready for another memory game or masterpiece.

12 piece set: $59.99
25 piece set: $99.44

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The Optical Mixer (Optischer Farbmischer) can demonstrate aspects of color theory when spinning the top with one of the seven interchangeable discs. So, you can buy it for color teaching purposes or buy it just for fun (which is what I’m tempted to do).

Seven interchangeable cardboard discs included with info describing the phenomenon.
Designed by Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack.

I guarantee you’ve never solved a puzzle like this. The Mysterious Mushroom Puzzle is a set of engraved mushrooms that fit together in a six inch birch square. Each mushroom is unique and based on a real species of mushroom. How fungi.

Designer: Xylocopa Design
Material: assorted hardwoods; maple, cherry, mahogany, padauk, bloodwood, finished in all-natural tung oil.
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Whether you’re learning about molecular structures or you just like the way they look, this set of 24 molecules is certainly one learning tool that doubles as a cool decorative accessory.

Each set consists of 24 molecules made of wood (6 colors, 4 of each).

If the Walnut Top Set by Herman Miller was a bit too rich for your wallet, these carved wooden tops from Japan will be a welcome alternative.

Designer: Saikai, Japan
Dimensions: 1″ diameter, 1.5-2″ tall
Price per top: $8.50