Cool race cars and trains - hold the plastic

My son's car obsession knows no limits, which is why we've got tubs and tubs full of plastic race cars and trains packing our playroom shelves. But the play life of those tiny cars seem to be pretty short, which is not at all what I can say about this new toy set from HABA that's kept his interest (and my girls' too) for weeks now. Meet Discover Techniks, a cool building set that allows kids to create their own moving vehicles from wooden blocks using clamps, clutches, and wheels. My near 5-year-old son and even my 3-year-old figured out how to make cars within seconds, no instructions or even help from mom. And they were also able to take from their existing blocks to make steam engines, pick-up trucks, even "monster magic cars" that somehow worked with only two wheels.

The Basic Vehicles Set includes everything your kiddo needs to get started, especially if they've already got a plentiful block collection--but it's definitely pricey. My suggestion: Tip off Santa, er, the grandparents on this one if it's a little rich for your toy budget.

If your kids play with it as much as mine, it'll be worth the investment. Which, by the way, you've probably spent on all those dang itty bitty cars that just get lost in the couch. -Kristen

You can purchase the Discover Techniks Basic Vehicles Set at Oompa.com