The Ghost of Christmas Presents Past

Currently, it's a little tough to walk in my living room. My youngest has taken it over with a Rube Goldberg-type contraption that spans the room. It's made from old train sets, blocks, a marble-drop game, rolls of pennies, dental floss, books, DVD cases and more. If I notice anything missing, I go straight to the living room to look for it.

But I don't mind because I love to see her building. The older kids get, the less they want to get down on the floor and play like they did when they were younger. So I want to encourage every minute of it. It feels like we're squeezing just a little bit more fun from those great gifts from years gone by.

Construction toys, as well as train sets and dollhouses, inspire the down-on-the-floor, hands-on play, which can keep kids happy for hours. They ignite creativity because kids can take what's in their mind's eye and actually build it. That's why they top my list of good toys for kids.

Another reason, though, is they last. Some of the items in my daughter's chain reaction (only partially pictured) were bought long ago when my oldest, now 16, was still a little builder.

We've warned my daughter that when the Christmas tree comes, the set-up must go. But until then it's a nice reminder that all those Christmas presents from years past live on in ways we may not ever envision.

More Toys for WAHMs' Kids:

• Good Train Sets for Kids
• Gifts for Kids of All Ages
• Building Toys
• Fashion Design Games and Toys
• Audio Books for Kids
• Costumes for Kids
• Games for One Player
• Brain Teaser Games
• Books Every Kid Can Read

_{Laureen Miles Brunelli}