I took a little time to get inside the head of Eric Masoncup, owner of GTB, to see what his favorite things for this upcoming holiday season were.  With products ranging from building to games to dolls, I would keep this list in mind when searching for the kids on your list!  So without further adieu…

Eric’s Favorite Things for the Holidays!

1.  Citiblocs building planks

Citiblocs are high quality wooden construction blocks which inspire both traditional building and modern building.  Each block is exactly the same shape and size and cut from Grade A Radiata Pine from certified renewable forests in New Zealand.  Citiblocs construction is perfect for justa bout anyplace and anyone – including groups and individual play!

Recommended for ages 3+

2.  Artisands

The original sand painting kit, will provide many hours of fun and creative expression. Whether you are 5 or 105, our pre-cut picture patterns and our non-toxic assortment of colored sands will bring out the sand art genius in everyone—regardless of artistic ability!

Ages 5+

3.  Flower Tower by Grimm’s Spiel & Holz Design

Grimm’s Flower Tower is a unique and intricate building toy for kids.  Beautifully designed with amazing benefits to children.  It inspires children to be creative and use their imagination.  Its simple, reduced shapes and beautiful colors help children develop artistically.  It is made of all natural wood which stimulates the child’s senses and is colored with a water-based dye that is harmless to children.

Ages 4+

4.  Karito Kids by KidsGive

Karito Kids dolls are a fantastic line of dolls by KidsGive that help teach children about charity and giving back to others.  KidsGive’s mission is to raise global awareness among our youth, teaching them about children around the world and exposing them to the importance of social responsibility and charitable giving.  Through the purchase of each Karito Kids product, 3% of sales will be donated to Plan USA, a worldwide children’s charity.  By entering a special code (found on every product) on the company website, children will be able to select the charitable cause to which the donation will be directed.  By directly tying together the purchase of any Karito Kids doll with the support of children’s charities, KidsGive will teach a generation of children at a young age what charitable giving really means.  The dolls are high quality made from non-phthalate vinyl with 1/3 vinyl breastplate for fashion sensibility and 2/3 soft body torso to maintain the nurture nature of a doll.

Ages 6+

5.  Überstix

Uberstix are the latest construction toy, but with a twist.  Uberstix are engineered to work with recycled materials such as straws, paper cups, paper clips, water bottles and more. Uberstix also connect with other major building systems such as Lego, K’NeX, Erector, Zometool and more so you can integrate and end up with a great construction project!

Ages 8+

6.  Architecto, Cliko, Equilibrio & Tangramino by Foxmind

Architecto: Players construct 3D models based on illustrations shown in perspective.  As players progress, the models become more complex, thereby developing an intuitive understanding of 3D forms, geometry and spatial vision.  Creative free form play with the Architect precision blocks further stimulate the imagination.  For ages 7 and up.

Cliko: Logical analysis and geometry come into play while players attempt to reconstruct 3-D structures based on 2-D images.  As players progress, imagination and perseverance are called for in order to succeed.  A solitary or group game of exquisite ingenuity.  For ages 6 and up

Equilibrio: A game of ingenuity and fine motor skills. Using the Architect precision blocks, players erect structures illustrated in the challenge book.  As players progress in the game, the structures become more complex and difficult to balance requiring the use of fine motor skills, ingenuity and perseverance.  In addition, while immersed in the game, players experiment with basic concepts of geometry and balance.  For ages 5 and up.

Tangramino: Players use the 18 enclosed precision-cut geo-blocks to construct each of the 60 two dimensional shapes illustrated in the enclosed challenges book.  Initial challenges are easy, however, as players progress in the game, the challenges become more sophisticated requiring rather creative thinking.  A simple color coded progress indicator allows players to track their advancement.  Tangramino is an all time classic that will captivate children and adults alike.  For ages 6 and up.

7.  Science Project Kits for Kids by Bright Products

Discover how Project Kits for Kids can give your child the opportunity to explore the world of science.  Create, investigate, and have fun flying planes, propelling boats, launching rockets, performing optical illusions, sending Morse code, building a motor, and making an electromagnetic train.  Every kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, cool graphics, and lots of interesting trivia.   Each kit is a Multi-Award Winner!

Ages 8+

8.  Boochie by Gamewright

There’s a new name in indoor/outdoor games – Boochie!  Whether you’re hanging out in the back yard, or heading to the park or beach, we guarantee you’re going have a blast playing this game.  There are so many things to love about Boochie: from the active-play element, to the unique 12-sided rolling target, to the amazing variety of throwing challenges packed inside.  No two games will ever be the same!  Take note that all of the wrist trackers have completely different sets of challenges so be sure to try them all.

First toss out the soft foam Boochie target and then try to land your ball and hoop as close to it as possible.  Keep score on a special wrist tracker that gives you a different outrageous throwing challenge every round.  You may have to toss between your legs, behind your back, or even with your eyes closed!  The player with the most points wins.  Get out and play!

9.  Doinkit Darts by Marky Sparky

The Doinkit Dart set was designed with one thing in mind…  To develop the best playing magnetic dart set on the planet.  Each Doinkit Dart uses N-35 Neodymium rare earth magnets.  Combined with their space age Doinkit material that is light, durable and keeps the dart always flying perfectly true, we feel Marky Sparky have the perfect dart.  This is the finest, most well designed and balanced magnetic dart set made at any price.  The best part?  It’s recommended for ages 3 and up!

10.  Snail Pull-Along by Plan Toys

This friendly Pull-Along Snail to encourages good balance and steady walking for toddlers. German Design Prize and the “Good Toy Award” in Thailand.  Made from durable, recycled rubberwood and painted with eco-friendly, vegetable based paint.

Ages 19m+

Keep an eye out for Eric’s Favorite Board Games, too!  If you know Eric at all you know he likes his board games.  We came up with his list of favorite games as well that we will be sharing with you soon!