Kapla Plank Block System | Toy Review
Unleash the boundless world of creativity with Kapla planks, the ingenious wooden construction blocks that captivate minds of all ages. In this review, we delve into the captivating universe of Kapla and explore why these precision-cut pine wood planks have become a favorite among children, educators, and hobbyists worldwide. Discover the joy of building and the limitless possibilities of open-ended play as we uncover the unique features and benefits that make Kapla a cherished and timeless addition to every playroom and classroom. Let’s embark on a journey of imagination and engineering excellence with Kapla planks!
Who is Kapla?
Kapla is a unique brand specializing in wooden construction planks for creative play and educational purposes. Dutchman Tom van der Bruggen founded the company in the 1980s to inspire children and adults to explore their creativity and build imaginative structures. The name “Kapla” is derived from the Dutch word “Kabouter Plankjes,” which translates to “gnome planks,” reflecting the whimsical and playful nature of the toy.
Kapla planks are precision-cut, identical wooden blocks made from high-quality, sustainable pine wood sourced from renewable forests. The smooth and uniform design of the planks allows for endless possibilities in building, encouraging children to experiment, problem-solve, and develop their spatial skills. These versatile planks can be stacked, balanced, and interlocked without needing glue or connectors, enabling children to construct stable and intricate creations.
With no prescribed rules or limitations, Kapla fosters open-ended play, empowering children to build their structures, from simple towers to complex architectural marvels. As a beloved educational tool and a source of endless entertainment, Kapla has earned its reputation as a timeless and enriching toy for children and a captivating experience for the young at heart.
The Baby Penguin’s Toy Review consists of 5 standardized criteria categories:
Sustainability, Playability, Durability, Longevity, and Versatility.
1. Sustainability:
A. Product:
- Made of untreated pine wood from sustainable forests in the South of France.
Rating: 5
B. Packaging:
- Cardboard recyclable box with rope handle.
- The packaging is to be used for the storage of blocks.
- Larger quantities come in a sustainable wooden box.
Rating: 5
C. Origin/Company:
- KAPLA comprises 100% natural and untreated pine wood grown in sustainable forests.
- No chemicals are used in production.
- KAPLA has been an ecological and sustainable company since 1987. To learn more about Kapla and its history of sustainability, click HERE.
Rating: 5
2. Playability:
A. Open-ended:
- Simple to complex structures can be built, from artistic sculptures to engineered bridges, buildings, and ramps.
- Ultimate open-ended toy as you can create almost anything you can imagine to build.
Rating: 5
B. Active Parent engagement:
- Promotes quiet time activity, concentration, fine motor skills, and a steady hand.
- Learning opportunity to learn engineering and solid structure design.
- Fun for the entire family promotes building competitions.
Rating: 5
C. Playtime:
- Kids will engage for long periods of time-dependent on their design.
- Learning opportunities for math skills such as estimation and sizing.
- Promotes fine motor skills, concentration, and persistence.
Rating: 5
3. Durability:
A. Craftmanship:
- Smooth, precision-crafted with beautiful fresh-smelling sustainable pine from France.
- They have no rough edges or splinters.
- The planks make a beautiful sound when stacked.
Rating: 5
B. Quality:
- Durable pine wood planks will last for generations.
- They offer separate colored sets that come in beautiful colors that are stained and not painted.
Rating: 5
C. Price/Value:
- Good price value for sustainable wooden toys made in Europe.
Rating: 5
4. Longevity:
A. Landfill or Heirloom:
- Heirloom quality 100% as future generations will be playing with these!
Rating: 5
B. Lifespan of Toy (Age Range):
- These are rated for ages 2+.
- Children ages 2 to 99 will love these.
Rating:5
C. Multi-age Families:
- Suitable for multi-aged families as there are no choking hazards.
- These blocks are fun and challenging for everyone. One of the best family toys, period!
- Older children and teens will also love these even if they are “too old” for toys.
Rating:5
5. Versatility:
A. Combinable with other toys:
- My kids combine these with cars, figurines, and balls to make towns, structures, roads, and the ball runs.
Rating:5
B. Creativity Function:
- What toy is so creative that a toddler will play with as well as a teenager?
- The creative function of this toy is endless, challenging, and entertaining.
- KAPLA can be anything. Check out some pictures of Kapla towers and bridges. The Eiffel tower is amazing!
- Promotes STEM and engineering.
Rating:5
C. Storage:
- It comes in its sustainable storage and is easy to clean up for kids of all ages.
Rating:5
10 Benefits of the Kapla Plank Block System:
- Creativity and Imagination: Kapla planks encourage children to unleash their creativity and imagination by allowing them to build anything they can envision.
- STEM Learning: While playing with Kapla planks, children develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, honing their problem-solving and spatial reasoning abilities.
- Fine Motor Skills: Handling Kapla planks and building structures helps improve fine motor skills, as children precisely manipulate the wooden blocks.
- Open-Ended Play: With no fixed instructions, Kapla planks offer open-ended play, allowing children to explore endless possibilities and experiment with various designs.
- Focus and Concentration: Children who create balanced and stable structures enhance their focus and attention to detail.
- Sensory Stimulation: The tactile experience of touching and arranging the smooth wooden planks provides sensory stimulation, promoting sensory development.
- Social Interaction: Kapla planks promote social interaction as children collaborate, share ideas, and work together to build elaborate structures.
- Environmental Friendliness: Made from sustainable pine wood, Kapla planks are eco-friendly, promoting an appreciation for nature and responsible resource use.
- Long-Lasting Play: Kapla planks are durable and can withstand years of play, ensuring long-lasting entertainment and value for families.
- Stress Relief: Building with Kapla planks can be therapeutic, offering stress relief and relaxation for children and adults.
Final Review for KAPLA Plank Block System:
Overall, I recommend The KAPLA plank block system for every family. It is one of the highest-rated toys for all ages. It is sustainable and made in Europe. Every family should own a box or two. This is a beautiful open-ended engaging STEM toy that promotes simple engineering. Beautiful stained-colored planks in muted colors are an excellent addition to further creative design. KAPLA is one of my top picks for older children as well. This is one of those perfect family toys that will be used for generations to come.
Visit all of our KAPLA sets in our Toy Shop HERE.
Final Baby Penguin Meter: 5 out of 5!
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