International Playthings has so many cool toys for kids of all ages. They have Mighty World Sets, Calico Critters, Okiedog (the Fropper) … just a great selection. One of the BEST toys that have been around for ever are the iPlay Build-a-Road sets. When I first showed my husband the colorful road, he told me the kids he babysat for used to have them! We are talking years ago! (And how sweet that my husband babysat!)

There are two Build-a-Road sets you can get from International Playthings – the regular and the deluxe. Both sets are for ages 3 and up. The colorful pieces click and lock together. And both sets come with two battery operated cars, perfect for siblings and friends to share. I am not sure how many pieces the regular version has, but we were able to play with the deluxe version at home. It has over 400 pieces and over 20 feet of  track!  There are 2 multi-directional connectors, 2 tunnels, a turn around and a ramp to create cool jumps with this version. All of this for only $49.99. The traditional version is $29.99.

Overall, we found it to be very kid friendly. The pieces snap together – perfect for my boys who are experts with GeoTrax and Legos. Even if this is your kids first connect and build toy, I think they will have an easy time with it. I love the bright colors. It definitely teached problem solving and improves coordination and manipulation of objects. It’s an educational toy, hidden behind a whole lot of fun. My guess is if this is the first thing your child opens on Christmas, it will be hard to pull them away. This item is already on my list of must-haves for my little nephew!

And about the age limit – both my sons play with it. One is 2 in December and the other is 4 in May. The age is suggested 3 and up. My 2 year old is rough, but he is really good at building. And the 20 feet of track keeps the kids from getting in each other’s way. But he is good at this set and I can definitely see how playing with building sets from a young age has really given the kids some great problem solving skills.

You can see the Build-a-Road Cars in action on their road here: Build-a-Road Set from International Playthings

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

One Buzz Reader will win a Deluxe Build-a-Road Set.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Post a comment here telling us which other item from International Playthings you would love for a child you know!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add ErinTales to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave your Tweet Link. (1 tweet per day is allowed)
• Blog about the contest – add a link to the Mom Buzz and the Sponsor (http://www.intplay.com)
• Become a Fan of the Mom Buzz on Facebook!
• What’s your favorite video on International Playthings YouTube Channel?
• Subscribe to International Playthings YouTube Channel.
• Leave a comment or Enter any other post from the Mom Buzz Holiday Guide
• Leave a comment or Enter any other contest on As They Grow Ups Hoo-Hoo-Hooliday Guide

Contest ends 12/9/09. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz will received a Deluxe Build-a-Road Set to give her thoughts.