LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Building Set

 If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the cosmos into your home, the LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Building Set is a must-have addition to your collection. Designed for both educational value and hands-on fun, this model offers an engaging way to understand how Earth and the Moon move in space, all through the magic of LEGO.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, this set impresses with its sleek packaging and detailed instruction manual. With 526 pieces, it's not the most complex Technic build, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Geared toward ages 10 and up, the set balances challenge and accessibility perfectly, making it a great choice for both budding astronomers and LEGO fans alike.

Building Experience

The build focuses on Earth, the Moon, and the mechanical system that replicates their rotation and orbit. The inner workings are powered by a hand crank that, when turned, sets the Earth spinning on its axis and the Moon orbiting around it. Watching this motion come together through Technic gears and axles is truly satisfying.

The instructions are clear and educational. As you build, you get a mini crash course in orbital mechanics — a great opportunity for a little STEAM learning alongside the fun.

Educational Value

This set stands out for its educational impact. It provides a visual, mechanical model of the Earth’s rotation and the Moon’s orbit, which is excellent for classroom use or at-home learning. Whether you’re homeschooling or just nurturing a curious mind, this kit makes planetary science tactile and exciting.

The LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Building Set brings science to life in the most LEGO way possible. It’s a hands-on project that teaches, entertains, and looks fantastic on a shelf. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a teacher, or just someone who loves a good LEGO build, this set is a stellar choice.

Find a wide variety of LEGO Building Sets on Amazon

LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Building Set, Outer Space Birthday Gift for 10 Year Olds, Solar System Space Toy for Imaginative, Independent Play, Space Room Décor for Boys & Girls, 42179Buy Now

 

Outdoor Fun with Cornhole: A Backyard Classic

 When it comes to outdoor games that bring people together, few can match the simple joy and competitive spirit of cornhole. Whether you're at a family barbecue, a tailgate party, or a lazy Sunday get-together, this backyard favorite delivers hours of fun for all ages.

Why Cornhole Is a Hit

Cornhole’s appeal lies in its simplicity. All you need is a flat surface, two boards, and a set of bean bags. It’s easy to set up, quick to learn, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. The game rules are straightforward: toss the bean bags and try to land them on the board or, better yet, through the hole.

The relaxed pace of the game makes it perfect for social gatherings. You can chat, snack, and laugh while still staying in the competition. Even those who aren't typically into sports find themselves drawn in by the game’s casual nature and addictive gameplay.

Cornhole might be humble in concept, but it’s a backyard legend for good reason. It encourages friendly competition, brings people together, and fits perfectly into any outdoor event. If you haven’t given it a try yet, this summer might be the perfect time to toss a few bags and see what all the fun is about.

You will find a large selection of Corn Hole games on Amazon:

Portable Cornhole Board Set 24Buy NowCornhole Set, Regulation Size Cornhole Boards with 8 Bean Bags and Carrying Case, 4 ft x 2 ft Corn Hole Outdoor Game Toss Board for Adults Outside ActivitiesBuy Now

 

Candy Land A Fun Board Game for Kids

 For many of us, the brightly colored path of Candy Land was our very first journey into the world of board games. The iconic smiling gingerbread man, the delectable destinations, and the simple premise made it an instant classic for preschoolers. 

The Premise: Pure Simplicity

At its heart, Candy Land is a race to King Kandy's Castle. Players draw colorful cards – a single square of color, or two squares of the same color – and move their gingerbread pawn to the next matching space on the winding path. There are also special character cards (Lolly, Plumpy, Grandma Nutt, etc.) that send you directly to a specific spot on the board, sometimes forward, sometimes backward. The first player to reach the castle wins!

Who is Candy Land For?

Candy Land is, unequivocally, a game for preschoolers and early elementary school children (ages 3-5 or 6). It serves as an excellent stepping stone into the world of board games, teaching foundational concepts like turn-taking, following simple rules, and recognizing colors. It's a perfect first game for family game night with the littlest members.

Find a large selection of Candy Land Board Games on Amazon

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures Board Game for Kids, Ages 3 & Up (Amazon Exclusive)Buy Now

 

Sorry A Classic Family Board Game

 Few board games have stood the test of time, like Sorry!, the Parker Brothers (now Hasbro) classic that’s been causing cheers, groans, and family drama since its U.S. debut in 1934. Based loosely on the ancient Indian game Pachisi, Sorry! Blends simple mechanics with cutthroat twists that make it a staple in family game collections—and a source of playful vengeance at kitchen tables everywhere.

Overview:

Sorry! is a 2-4 player game where each player controls four pawns of a single color. The objective is to move all four pawns from your start zone to your home space by drawing cards and following their instructions. Sounds easy. Well, not so fast.

The real fun—and frustration—comes from the titular "Sorry!" card, which allows you to bump an opponent’s pawn back to their start while placing one of your own in their spot. Combine that with cards that let you split movement between pawns, move backward, or leap ahead, and you’ve got a game that encourages both strategy and spite in equal measure.

Part of the charm of Sorry! It's retro simplicity. Many adults remember playing it as children, and introducing it to the next generation creates a sense of continuity. Plus, it’s an ideal "no screens" activity that still holds attention.

 A timeless classic that delivers equal parts fun and fury. Perfect for families, best played with a thick skin and a sense of humor.

You can find this fun family board game on Amazon:

Sorry A5065 Sorry Board GameBuy Now

 

LEGO Minecraft The Ender Dragon and End Ship Building Set

 If you're a fan of Minecraft and LEGO, the LEGO Minecraft The Ender Dragon and End Ship set is a thrilling blend of blocky adventure and hands-on creativity. Designed for kids and collectors alike, this set brings one of Minecraft’s most iconic dimensions—the End—to life in stunning brick-built form.

Overview:

• Set Name: The Ender Dragon and End Ship

• Theme: LEGO Minecraft

• Piece Count: ~657 pieces

• Recommended Age: 8+

• Minifigures: Enderman, Ender Dragon, End Explorer, Shulker, Potion effects

First Impressions:

Opening the box, you’re immediately greeted with vibrant instructions and well-organized bags of parts. It’s a medium-sized build that strikes a great balance between detail and accessibility, perfect for younger builders who want a challenge without being overwhelmed. The artwork on the box sets the tone: this is the final boss battle of Minecraft recreated in LEGO form.

Build Experience:

The set is divided into two primary builds:

1. The Ender Dragon

This iconic beast is the centerpiece. The model captures the pixelated essence of Minecraft's most feared mob while still feeling dynamic and posable. The wings flap, the head moves, and it can perch on the included obsidian pillar—complete with an End crystal!

2. The End Ship

This section is where the set really shines. The End Ship has a sleek, spooky look and is surprisingly detailed for its size. There’s a brewing stand, a potion bottle, and even a hidden Shulker ready to ambush intruders. The ship is perched on a transparent stand, giving it a floating appearance that adds to its display value.

Whether you're recreating the final boss battle or displaying the End Dragon in mid-flight, this LEGO Minecraft set delivers excitement, creativity, and nostalgia. It’s a must-have for any Minecraft or LEGO fan looking to complete their overworld-to-end journey in brick form.

You will find a large selection of LEGO Minecraft Building Sets on Amazon.

LEGO Minecraft The Ender Dragon and End Ship Building Set, Video Game Toy with 2 Minecraft Minifigures, Dragon Toy Action Playset for Kids, Birthday Gift for Boys and Girls Ages 8 and Up, 21264Buy Now

 

Lego Ghostbusters ECTO-1

 

This LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1 (10274) building kit will surely become a classic. In the latest Ghostbusters movie, "Afterlife," released in 2021, the ECTO-1 returns to life. 

This 2352-piece set is a perfect building experience for any LEGO or Ghostbuster fan. Our grandson Bobby is a huge Ghostbusters fan, along with his love for building Legos. Bobby has been building Legos since he was a little guy. 

Our local library sponsored a Lego club that would meet once a week. The kids spent an hour each week with huge sets of Legos. They were able to create whatever they could imagine. I think this is where Bobby developed his love for Legos. 

Our daughter got him the ECTO-1 for Christmas last year, and needless to say, he was excited. I believe the ECTO-1 is one of his favorites in his Lego collections. Bobby spent about a week assembling the ECTO-1 and has it proudly displayed on a table in his room.

Lego Ghostbuster ECTO-1 Features:

• The ECTO-1 measures 8 inches high, 18 inches long, and 6 inches wide, and is packed with authentic details.
• It is equipped with a working steering wheel
• A curved windshield
• A trapdoor with a ghost trap
• An extended gunner seat
• A moving ghost sniffer
• Ghostbuster decale
• Many other authentic details

The Lego Ghostbusters ECTO-1 is a perfect gift idea for any Ghostbuster or Lego fan and is a piece that any Ghostbuster or Lego fan will be proud to display in their home or office.

A Fun Fact: The word Lego is an abbreviation of two Danish words, "leg godt" meaning "play well". The Lego Group was founded by Ole Kristiansen in 1932 and is currently owned by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, his grandson.

Read my review of the original Ghostbusters Movie and how Bobby actually got Dan Aykroyd's autograph on his Ghostbusters DVD here:

Ghostbusters Movie Review

LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1 (10274) Building Kit; Displayable Model Car Kit for Adults; Great DIY Project, New 2021 (2,352 Pieces)Buy Now

Toy WorkBenches for Kids

 

Toy workbenches for kids are another cherished toy find. There is no doubt that children want to mimic their parents. So, when the kids see you with tools around the house, they want to do the same. We certainly don't want our kids playing with real tools, so these toy workbenches are a perfect choice for boys and girls alike. 

The Handy Manny workbench is the one that we own. We bought it when our grandson was just 3 years old. Now, our Handy Manny workbench is still in use with our 4th grandchild. I can't tell you how many times I've built the birdhouse. I know now that I can build it with my eyes closed.     

To my knowledge, they don't make the Handy Manny workbench any longer. Buy, there are so many more of these toy workbenches that are new and improved today.

Black and Decker Toy Workbench

BLACK + DECKER Power Tool Workshop - Play Toy Workbench for Kids with Drill, Miter Saw, and Working Flashlight - Build Your Own Tool Box – 75 Realistic Toy Tools and AccessoriesBuy Now

These toy workbenches are a perfect way to teach kids motor skills and tool safety. The kids will have hours of imaginary fun playing and building with the tools. 

This 75-piece Black and Decker toy workbench is recommended for ages 3+. It makes realistic sounds so the kids can imagine that they are really cutting and drilling. These pretend tools will be their own set of tools for many imaginary projects. 

You will find them working on all kinds of projects around the house just like Mom and Dad do. These toy workbenches are educational and fun for the kids. This toy workbench comes with screws, nails, and nuts, along with storage bins to keep them neat and in place. 

The kids will also be able to build their own toolbox. These toy workbenches are truly a cherished toy find and will make memories you will cherish for a lifetime.  

Find the best toy workbench for your children with this large section here:

Toy Workbenches for Kids

You might also like more building fun with this: Classic Erector Set

         

Toy Story 4 Legos

In 1995 the animated movie Toy Story hit the big screen. Toy Story has gone on to give us all so much fun and entertainment over the last 25 years. Introducing us to Woody, and Buzz Lightyear, the two main characters. 

Legos have not let us down either, as they have developed so many Lego sets for these movies. This review is all about Toy Story 4 Legos, another truly cherished toy find. 

 Legos, as you know are classics, and for sure a Cherished Toy Find. These are toys your children will cherish for a lifetime. Legos are fun for all ages, you will find Lego sets for girls, boys, and even adults. You are never too old to play with Legos, it's not just playing it's building.

Toy Story 4 Legos

Dive into the wonderful world of Disney's Toy Story Logos, starting with the set we recently assembled, Buzz & Woody's Carnival Mania. This 230-piece set is for ages 4+ and features a shooting game, an ice cream shop, two bumper cars, and much more. We had loads of fun assembling this one with the kids.

LEGO Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4 Buzz Lightyear & Woody’s Carnival Mania 10770 Building Kit, Carnival Playset with Shooting Game & Toy Story Characters (230 Pieces)Check the Price

Toy Story 4 Carnival Thrill Coaster. This is a 98-piece set also age 4+ your kids will quickly be on their way with this fun building set. They will be building the complete coaster ride with spinning turnstiles. This set also includes three coaster cars, Buzz Lightyear, and the Alien Minifigures.

LEGO | Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4 Carnival Thrill Coaster 10771 Building Kit (98 Pieces)Check the Price

Next up is the Toy Story 4 RV Vacation. This fun set is 178 pieces for ages 4+. With this set, your kids will build the complete park entrance along with a neat recreational vehicle. The vehicle has a removable roof, and the interior includes a bed, toilet, and sink. 

They will be all set for a fun vacation. Lego provides simple-to-follow guides for all of the Toy Story 4 Legos that will teach kids the fundamentals of following the building steps to complete the project.

See More Legos on Cherished Toy Finds Here

 

American Girl Dolls

 

American Girl Doll - Rebecca: American Girl Doll is a truly cherished toy find. Playtime is such a treasure to watch, and you really have to cherish those times. Parents, you'll cherish the times watching your little girls and their playtime with their dolls. 

Their creativity and imagination just run wild and is amazing to take it all in. These times you will cherish forever. Our granddaughters have so many dolls that I've lost count. But, American Girl Doll Rebecca is a true companion for Guiles, our youngest granddaughter, and for Giada, her older sister Blaire from American Girl Doll is her trusted friend.

Rebecca 2014 Mini Doll (American Girl)Rebecca is always by her side. Playtime, dinner time, nap time. The imagination and creativity with her companion Rebecca never seem to end. Guiles brought Rebecca to bath time one night because she thought Rebecca was dirty after playing all day. But, not to worry because Rebecca was not only clean but she dried out and is as good as new.

Her full name is Rebecca Rubin she is one of American Girls' Historical Characters. Rebecca is a first-generation Jewish girl in 1914 New York City. The paperback book that tells her complete story is included. Rebecca will arrive in an American Girl Box with her paperback book. 

She is dressed in a 1914-era outfit. Rebecca has brown hair and her eyes open and close. She is 6 inches tall with a soft huggable body. The accessories for the dolls are endless. Guiles has a full wardrobe for Rebecca complete with drawers and a place to hang all of her outfits. Guiles also has a full kitchen where she and Rebecca can cook.

American Girl Dolls - Blaire

American Girl - Blaire Wilson - Blaire Doll & Book - American Girl of 2019Check the Price

Meet American Girl Doll Blaire Wilson, Blaire is American Girl's 2019 doll of the year. She is Giada's, friend, and companion for life. 

Blaire has bright green eyes and curly red hair, she's a party planner, and chef-in-training, and works on her family farm and restaurant. Blaire is 18 inches high and made of soft huggable cloth.

American Girl Dolls, a true Cherished Toy Find for your little Princess.

   

You might also like these Kids' Kitchen Play Sets

     

Lionel Polar Express Train

Start a family tradition with a Lionel Polar Express Train. Lionel trains have been a long family tradition in our family. And, that tradition is now three generations deep. Every year as my dad was stringing the lights on the Christmas Tree my brothers and I would run to the attic to pull out the Lionel train box. This was our older brother's train with a 1952 Berkshire engine with a smoker and a whistle.   

Our younger brother Joey has become quite a train enthusiast as he still runs this same train today. Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Ready to Play Train Set Now let's fast forward a few years. Fran and I now have our own kids and this tradition also ran in Fran's family. 

Her brother bought our kids the Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer as a Christmas gift. And, the tradition continues. When our grandson Bobby was born. Fran and I just couldn't wait to get him a train set. We decided on the Lionel Polar Express Train. And so the tradition continues as we are now three generations deep. We have so much fun every year setting up our Polar Express. The track connects easily and we have it set up and running in about 15 minutes.

Lionel Trains: A little history and a Holiday Tradition Begins

In the year 1900, Joshua Lionel Cowan and Harry C. Grant founded the Lionel Corporation. In 1929 they began manufacturing toy trains in New Jersey. The trains were only meant to be a department store display. 

Cowan was a marketing genius, he convinced department stores to display the trains as part of their Christmas Tree Displays. The trains were larger than any other on the market. They painted the cars in bright colors with the intent of attracting children and their mothers. Thus a tradition was born making Lionel Trains a popular gift item for the Holiday.

The Polar Express Train: Created from the Movie

A children's book "The Polar Express" was written by Chris Van Allsburg in 1985. The book turned into a popular movie in 2004 starring Tom Hanks. The movie prompted Lionel to create the now very popular, Polar Express Train Set.

 As I said earlier, my younger brother Joey is quite a train enthusiast. Here is a video of Joey operating his trains. About 1:45 into the video, he explains what every engine is, and later you'll see him operate some of the neat accessories he has set up.

Start Your Tradition Today With Lionel

Lionel The Polar Express 20th Anniversary Electric O Gauge Bluetooth 5.0 Train Set with Remote

Lionel The Polar Express Ready-to-Play Set, Battery-Powered Berkshire-Style Model Train Set with Remote

Clue Junior

 

 Clue Junior is a spinoff of the classic Clue Board Game for adults. Clue Junior is not only fun for the kids. This classic spinoff makes a fun family night. Someone ate the last piece of cake. You will have to figure out who ate the cake? What time they did it? and, what they had to drink? 

The first one to figure all of this out is the winner. Clue Junior features all of the classic characters you would find in the classic Clue game. Miss Scarlet, Col. Mustard, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Prof. Plum, and introducing Dr. Orchid a genius biologist with a sweet tooth.

Clue Junior: Let's set up the first game

The game board is placed in the center of all of the players. Sort out the 7 white bases. Now, take the one with no label on it and the one with the crumbs on it and set them aside. With the remaining 5 white bases face down take one and place it in the center of the board. This will be the time the cake was eaten! Mix up the remaining white bases and place the character pawns on them. Don't look but the character with the crumbs ate the cake. 

Now you can place the character pawns onto the matching game board spaces. Now, you can set aside the two yellow bases without labels on them. With the remaining yellow bases face down take one and place it in the center of the board. 

That will be what the person who ate the cake had to drink! Place the furniture tokens on the remaining yellow bases and place them on their spaces on the board. To play another game you just repeat this process. It's a fun new mystery with every game you play.

 

Each player takes one of these detective sheets and a pencil. You will roll the die move around the board and discover clues. When you find the clues you mark it on your detective sheet. Keep your sheet folded so none of the other players can see your clues. Make sure you mark your sheet as you discover the clues. I've turned over the Piano twice in one game and did the same with the pool table. I guess that I'm not a very good detective.

Clue Junior: Tyler wins again

 When you think you have solved the mystery, who ate the cake, at what time, and what they had to drink. Make your accusation during your turn. Then, secretly look under the bases in the center to see if you're correct. If you are, then you win the game, if not, you're out of the game. 

The remaining players continue until someone solves the mystery. We've had some beautiful summer weather lately. We played a couple of games out on the deck last week and had so much fun.    

Clue Junior: Get one today and let the fun begin

Hasbro Clue Junior Game

More popular board games for the kids and fun family nights

Hasbro Candy Land The World of Sweets Board Game, Preschool,Hasbro Connect 4 GameHedBanz – HedBanz Jr. Family Board Game for KidsHasbro Chutes and Ladders Board Game (Amazon Exclusive)Hasbro The Game of Life Junior GameHasbro Monopoly Junior Board GameHasbro Sorry! 2013 Edition GameHungry Hungry Hippos

Melissa and Doug Brain Building Card Sets

 

Parents and grandparents, these Melissa and Doug Brain Building Card Sets are a must-add to your children's learning experience. The Smarty Pants sets are loaded with 120 brain-building cards with questions, puzzles, games, and activities. 

Tyler's current set is Grade 1. Last year Jamie had the Kindergarten set for him and just loved them. The cards are designed for the kids to play on their own or with a parent or friend. 

Melissa and Doug are well known for their educational toys and games. The Smarty Pants card sets are curriculum-based and teacher-approved.   Smarty Pants card sets are a great way for the kids to have some fun and learn at the same time. And it's a perfect idea to keep the kids' minds sharp over the summer months.

Melissa and Doug Brain Building Card Sets: Grade 1 Includes

• Knowledge-Building Quizzes
• Wacky Word Challenges
• Create-a-Story Games
• Math and Logic Puzzles
• Amazing Facts

The cards cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Using nouns and punctuation
• Adding and subtracting money
• Telling time
• Recognizing picture and number patterns
• Continents, animal life cycles, and the senses

Have you ever seen that television show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader"? Well, after going through Tyler's Smarty Pants set with him, I'm not so sure that I'm smarter than a 1st grader. 

There are some easy cards that Tyler knows the answers to immediately, and some more difficult cards where he has to think of the answer. These are not your typical flashcard sets that we all know. Typical flash cards are geared towards memorizing. Smarty Pants is different, it requires the kids to think and when we have to think, we learn.

Melissa and Doug Brain Building Card Sets: Example

Let's look at an example of one of the Word Play Cards: The Card is called "The Noun Hound". First, it explains that nouns are words for people, places, and things. The card has a picture of a dog and states, this dog only likes to eat bones with nouns on them. Help him decide which bone he would like best in each pair below. Then there are pictures of 3 pairs of dog bones with words on them:

1. Horse-Run
2. Furry-Rabbit
3. Home-Happy

Wow! I was really torn between Furry and Rabbit, but Tyler knew the right answer. Smarty Pants is a fun way to get the kids excited about learning. This is a great idea for your next road trip to keep the kids entertained in the car while they are learning and having fun at the same time. 

Jamie is a teacher and thinks these are some of the best learning tools available. She used these for Bobby and now for Tyler. 

The Melissa and Doug Smarty Pants card sets start with Preschool and go through 5th grade. The card sets are loaded with fun facts, games, and activities geared to each age group.

Melissa and Doug Brain Building Card Sets: Choose yours today

Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Preschool Card Set Educational ActivityMelissa & Doug Smarty Pants Kindergarten Card Set - 120Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants 1st Grade Card Set -Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants 2nd Grade Card Set -Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants 3rd Grade Card Set -Melissa & Doug 5075 Smarty Pants- 4th Grade Card SetMelissa & Doug Smarty Pants 5th Grade Card Set -