

Tegu Blocks
Fall 2010 ToysTegu won the hearts of our parent testers. Its simplicity accounted for this, as the toy combines basic wood and magnets. The set also promotes a clear message of "create, capture, share", while also providing clear support for sustainability. Tegu products are made in Honduras from recycled hardwood.
One tester, upon opening the kit, said "Let's play together and let's make it huge." She first organized all the pieces by shape and then decided to build a replica of a landmark she'd seen over her summer vacation. After starting this, other figures created included a triangle table and then a playground. First our tester made a bench, then a slide, and eventually a merry-go-round. Kids can use other toys with the set, like wooden dolls, to add to the merriment. When building is complete, children can take a picture and upload it to the Tegu site. The website mirrors the product's simplicity - it is easy to use, clean, and functional. The discoveries with this toy never end. One parent managed to make a spring, and another found that the magnets also enable the blocks to move as though they were "gears". Tegu has created a modern twist on a classic toy - and somehow it already feels classic itself. The only issue we discerned was the lack of magnets in the middle of each piece. There may be greater play extensibility with a magnet inside the entire inner core.