Building Blocks

Building Blocks are the most basic of children’s toys and games, except maybe for the box they came in!  Whether it be Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, or Toy Story 3 Legos, building sets are sure to be a hit. Children love to create, destroy, and create again.  I am reminded of a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon (one of my favorites) where Calvin’s parents are lovingly watching him play with tinker toys.  They muse that perhaps he’ll become an architect.  All the while, Calvin is building Tokyo so he can be Godzilla and destroy it.

Anyway, building sets are great educational fun.  K’Nex and Nitendo are going into business together.  The results should be very cool.

K’Nex has announced a licensing partnership with Nintendo. Through the partnership, K’Nex will create building toys inspired by inspired by Mario Kart Wii. The building toys will use characters from the Mario Kart game including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowser.

Michael Araten, president of K’Nex, said, "Our partnership with Nintendo is a win-win,. It lets K’Nex bring popular and recognizable characters to life in a new way and provides an opportunity for kids to interact with Nintendo outside of the gaming console."

The new K’Nex Nintendo line will be available at all major retailers in 2011. The building sets will be designed for children ages 6+.