Geomag makes creative building sets that use the power of magnets. I’ve reviewed two different types of Geomag products – sets that allow you to build a contraption that uses magnet power to make a ball move through a track (it’s awesome when you get it to work) and sets that are more about creativity than following directions. Supercolor panels falls into the later category and it’s a blast.
The Supercolor Panels set consists of metal balls and magnetic posts and some panels. The ends of the posts stick to the balls, which serve as the joints for your design. The supercolor panels are brightly colored solid shapes that can be snapped in if you build the right shape (like a triangle). The set comes with instructions, which are really just ideas for things you can make, and a really handy storage case. The pieces are made from 100% recycled plastic, which is amazing because they feel nice and solid.
This set is advertised for ages 5-99. As someone in the middle of that range, I can attest to the zen like fun of playing with this set as an adult. Using magnets to create instead of interlocking pieces is a joy (no hurt fingers trying to pry apart bricks). There’s a satisfying click when you pop one of the panels in. If you have ever played with one of those magnet desk toys you will love this.
My opinion is nice, but I had to know if this is a good gift for kids. So, I put my three year old to the test. At first, the set blew her mind. She was drawn in by the bright colors. When she figured out how the magnets worked, she exclaimed “They stick together! Why do they do that?” She then set to making shapes which she proudly showed me. “It’s a diamond! Now I am going to build a square.” The set continued to hold her attention and she soon moved from shapes to other stuff, asking me “Do you want to see something cool? It’s a track!” It was basically a row of the rods in a long line, but she was very pleased with herself. Then, all of a sudden, one of the metal balls became the baby and two of the rods became the mommy and daddy. For some reason, these relatively simple magnetic rods and metal balls unleashed a wave of creativity. Although a bit younger than the target audience, her little fingers were able to manipulate the pieces (she had difficulty getting the pieces back into the case because the magnets were giving her some trouble). Perhaps the biggest endorsement I can make for this toy is, she made me get it out two more times later in the day and then she proudly showed it off to her mom when she got home from work.
The Geomag Supercolor Panels set brings the building creativity of LEGO, but adds in an educational opportunity to discuss magnets. This set in particular gets points for bright colors and solid construction. Using recycled plastic is a bonus. I recommend playing with children who are younger since the metal balls are pretty small.
Thanks to Geomag for providing a review set!
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