Every once in a while, Timberdoodle Company has a damaged products sale. I have been ordering from the Damaged Sale for years and I will let you in on a little secret. Timberdoodle discounts “damaged” products that other companies would keep on the shelf and sell as new. They keep very high standards! This works out great for customers in two ways. One, when you buy full-price products you get pristine products. And two, when you buy damaged products they are in beautiful condition! I have never once gotten something from the Damaged Sale that I thought was seriously damaged . . .
A while back, I ordered the Block Builders Architecture 3 set from Timberdoodle in the Damaged Sale. I have been saving it in the back of my closet for a rainy day. Today wasn’t exactly rainy, but I did have a headache and everyone was grumpy so I decided that counted. It was the perfect day to open a new toy.
How fun! I thought this toy would be a big hit with my little guys – the twins – and in fact I almost gave it to them as a gift for their birthday. At the last minute, I removed it from the birthday list and stuffed it to the back of my closet. After we played with it a few minutes today I realized it was more suitable for my older children. My seven-year-old loves the challenge, and even my twelve-year-old is having fun tonight as I type even though the challenges are pretty easy for him. My four-year-olds were able to get a couple of the challenges, but for the most part they are too difficult.
Block Builders Architecture takes a set of architecturally designed blocks that fold on hinges and arranges them in patterns. On one side of a challenge card you can see the silhouette of the blocks, and on the other side is the solution. The set has 50 challenge cards, an instruction card, six blocks, and a nice storage box. All of the parts are sturdy and will be around for a long time even in our household of six kids. The instructions also suggest free play – or in other words build your own structure. This seemed to be the perfect mode of play for my twins.
Caleb (age 7) is sitting on the table with his big brother playing with Block Builders Architecture 3 as I type and he keeps saying “I did it Mommy!” and “Mom, Look at this!” He is very excited and proud of his puzzle solutions and he just created a bird himself. Cute. Of course, as he plays he is learning to problem solve, think spatially, and balance objects with care. Fat Brain Toys always teach through play and that is a concept I love.
My Bottom Line: In ten years of purchasing from Timberdoodle Company I have never been disappointed. This toy is fun, challenging, brain-building, and definitely boredom-busting. Block Builders Architecture 3 is perfect for ages 5-12 and costs $29.75.
This looks really cool! I never realized Timberdoodle had a Damaged Sale option. I think you just sparked a new addiction for me… Don’t tell my husband yet! HA!
No worries ;). I’m good at keeping secrets.
These look awesome. I have been following Timberdoodle for quite some time. Can’t afford their curriculum but love looking at what they put together. These look like something my kids would love to work with. I will have to check these out and thanks for the heads up on the damaged sale, maybe that will be a good place to start. I’ll have to check that out.
This sounds like a perfect activity for my son!!! I have never heard of this product or the Timberdoodle Comapany. As a parent and teacher I am so excited about this post. Thank you so much!
What a neat idea, My son would love those block!!
Thanks for the heads up!!! Definately checking out Timberdoodle as soon as I finish.
Oh my goodness, you are in for a treat! I have been giving my parents/his parents Christmas lists for the kids from Timberdoodle for years :).
These blocks would keep my nephew busy! Amazing
I am deff getting my daughter some of these thanks for the info!
My daughter would love these.
Looks like fun!! My kids would eat this up! The damaged sale info is such an awesome tip
I love the damaged sale! It only happens once or twice a year but I lose track of when and find myself stalking the site all the time LOL. I also like their closeout sales, and all their products in general though.
My boys would love these, they look great!
Hi Amy,
Those are really cool! My bunch loves blocks. They have even taken my old counters and used them to create with.
When my oldest was younger he had a building set that offered directions and challenges – he didn’t do well with it either. So long as you keep the information for later use, he still enjoyed playing the set and creating w/o the instructions.
I hope you have a wonderful homeschooling week,
Victoria
Drive Me Crazy Family Adventure