Nuts and bolts and wheels, oh my! Here’s a golden oldie. With all of the electronic toys out there today, simple, old fashioned toys are making a comeback (as are simple old fashioned names, you may have noticed). So maybe, though they are still gold, they are no longer old.

But wait – this one is both. The Erector Set was invented in 1911 and they say, was the first toy to be advertised. Don’t we wish fewer were advertised today!

If you’re not familiar with this popular toy, it’s a collection of gears and nuts and bolts and plates for building structures and vehicles. It comes with a 6 volt motor, ball bearings and clutches for building just about any motorized vehicle including a forklift, excavator, crane, airplane, cherry-picker truck, towers…the list goes on.

Truly a child powered toy, this is terrific for the older (8+) child who enjoys building. It’s a great way to encourage logical thinking and beginning to understand about physics, mechanic and deductive reasoning.

So, if you’re looking for an alternative to video games and electronic gizmos this year, consider this classic toy. But better leave some extra room and have a bin handy for all of the pieces. This one could take over the house!