I’m always on the lookout for funky, open-ended play toys and games for my girls, but I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately.  We’ve been heavy on art supplies, and the toys I shipped from the States don’t seem to cut it.  Lucky me when my friend told me about Kapla Blocks. 

“Kapla” is short for the phrase “Kabouter Plankjes,” which means “pixie planks” in Dutch, and that’s exactly what you get with each set of Kapla Blocks.  Made from renewable forests in France, Kapla Blocks are non-toxic, free of magnets, with no little screws or tiny extra pieces to worry you.  They come in seven different colors, and include directions and lesson plans based on a child’s building abilities.  You can also download different projects as your kids get more advanced (or, as you get more and more hooked!)

What other toys or games are your kids hooked on these days?  I’m getting a suitcase ready to bring back to Panama with us, and I’d love your ideas!