Keva Planks

Sometimes, we get all wrapped up in how cute a toy is that we forget toys aren't supposed to do the playing, children are. Fortunately, there are some wonderful toys that are so simple, the brain can't help doing the "work."



Keva Planks are like that. Keva planks are sets of American-made, maple blocks where each block is exactly the same size (1 in. x 4.5 in. x .25 in.) - the perfect size for building just about anything a child or adult can imagine.



I have to admit that I had some doubts when Kate of Blueberry Forest suggested this toy. It is suggested for ages 5 to 95, and Arielle is just five. I had visions of Arielle building complex palaces, and Linnea knocking them down, and everyone bursting into tears. But, Kate has five children between the ages of three and nine, and she said that her kids love this toy.

She also said that she sometimes builds a little house at the breakfast table for fairies and gnomes, and her children's faces just light up. That's so much like something that I would do. I love it!

I'll just say that Kate knows what she is talking about.


We reviewed the Keva Planks Set of 200 ($63.95).

Keva planks are available in different-sized sets ranging from 100 to 800 blocks. You can start out with a small set and keep adding as your child grows and his building becomes more and more complicated. Or, buy a huge set as a gift for the whole family. We all sat on the playroom floor and tried these out.

Arielle started out simply. She built a tower for Rapunzel the Rabbit. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your ears..."


Then Linnea built this. Just kidding! That was me (totally fun for moms). But, Linnea was watching intently.


And, when I walked away, Linnea tried it for herself. Not bad.


Arielle took the geometric lessons that she learned from her first project, and tried them on a bigger scale - an octagon.



Linnea got frustrated.


She gave up on stairs and made a cat bed.


Arielle ran out of blocks, so she imprisoned Linnea's friend PooPoo. PooPoo didn't mind; she's smiling because she loves her little house.


So, the cat needed a house, too.


Hmmm..... what can I do with this house?



There's nothing better than a look of intense concentration on an almost-three-year-old's face. It's so much better than the tantrum face, right?

The blocks arrived on Friday. Today is Monday. Both girls have H1N1 and nobody really feels like playing, but these blocks have been out and been played with almost constantly (between naps).

So, thank you, Kate. What an excellent toy!

And, check out Blueberry Forest for many wonderful toys.