what are some quality open-ended toys every child should have?

Namom

besides wooden blocks, legos, tinkertoys etc. what are which children can use their imagination? Looking for ideas for all ages- store bought as well as homemade toys- links would be great?

Answer
I don't know how old your kids are, or what gender but here are a few from mixed age groups:

-Lincoln logs
http://www.amazon.com/KNEX-00922-Commemorative-Edition-Tin/dp/B000AEOFFM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186961762&sr=1-1

-A Marble Run (my son loves it)
http://www.amazon.com/Super-Marble-Run-Vortex-200%252dpc%252e/dp/B0000A1ZF7/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186961571&sr=1-1

-A Playmobile set (there are many, here's one))
http://www.amazon.com/Playmobil-5783-Eagle-Castle/dp/B000GW56SS/ref=pd_bbs_3/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186961829&sr=1-3

-Lacing Beads
http://www.amazon.com/Primary-Lacing-Beads-Melissa-Doug/dp/B000RA38RK/ref=pd_sbs_t_3/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&qid=1186962048&sr=1-1

-Mr. Potato Head bucket

-A Sand and Water Table (you can also bring it inside in the winter and put beans in it, the water wheels usually work great with the beans too.)
http://www.amazon.com/Step2-753800-WaterWheel-Play-Table/dp/B000641DPQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186962847&sr=1-1

-A Costume area
(this one in the link is really inexpensive, I'm sure you could come up with an inexpensive area on your own)
http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Factory-COSTUME-CENTER/dp/B000NNNZE2/ref=sr_1_1/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186963045&sr=1-1

-A Kitchen (The Play Wonder kitchen sets are so neat, actually everything Play Wonder brand I've seen, is great, quality, and very imaginative!)
http://www.amazon.com/Play-Wonder-Kitchen-Set/dp/B000CCXF7G/ref=sr_1_8/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186963159&sr=1-8

-Melissa and Doug Puzzles
http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Truck-Puzzle-Melissa-Doug/dp/B000HZ67XM/ref=sr_1_3/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186964334&sr=1-3

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Large-Farm-Jumbo/dp/B000FS70QE/ref=sr_1_16/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1186964440&sr=1-16

Some great books with great homemade ideas are:

Theme-a-saurus
http://www.amazon.com/Totline-Theme-Saurus-Teaching-Themes/dp/0911019200/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186963652&sr=8-1

Toddler Theme-a-saurus
http://www.amazon.com/Toddler-Theme-Saurus/dp/0911019375/ref=pd_sim_b_2_img/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&qid=1186963652&sr=8-1

More Mudpies 101 Alternatives to Television
http://www.amazon.com/More-Mudpies-101-Alternatives-Television/dp/1883672112/ref=sr_1_1/104-1240272-7816755?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186963781&sr=1-1

I could go on, but I've got things to do, if you'd like more Ideas let me know!

How do I use this wooden toy?

Gizmo

It consists of three wooden parts, and a string tied in a loop. The three parts are:
1) a disk-like piece (3 inch diameter), with two holes near the center about a half-inch apart for the string.
2+3) Two handle looking pieces, each with a small hole through the side for the string.

The string goes through one handle, then one of the holes in the disk, then the other handle, then the other hole in the disk, and is tied in a loop.

Answer
pictures?
is it like buttons on a loop? if it is could be little kids toy for motor skills putting the sting thru the holes.

hope this hepls

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