Just like a kid, I have my preferences about what kids’ toys and games I like to play. Obviously I chose what my kids play with, but some of their stuff I don’t enjoy playing but tolerate, some are so-so and then there are those that I actually enjoy doing. TRIO Building System is one of those toys that I actually *really* enjoy playing. Luckily, Toddler Boy likes them, too!
Easy to build, so many ways! Easy-click bricks, sticks, and panels, plus a play figure, make building a “snap” for kids. They can build suggested designs, or build things all their own! Includes 100 pieces in a convenient storage tub. Great for take along play—the storage bin lid doubles as a building base! All pieces in the TRIO™ Building System work together. Collect them all and build a world of fun!
TRIO Basic Building System
The TRIO Basic Building Set with Storage comes with 100 pieces of bricks, sticks and panels in a storage bin. The bin doubles as a building surface for easy play at home or to take to a friend’s house. The “bricks” are (let’s face it) similar to legos in that they stack and connect and come in varying lengths. The bricks make a clicking sound to let you know they’re properly connected. The “sticks” are straight or curved and fit into any side of the bricks. And, the “panels” are, well, panels that are perfect for building a wall.
Designed to grow with your child, the Basic TRIO System is recommended for kids ages 3 – 5, the City System is for kids 4 – 7, and the Castle Building Projects are for 5 – 9 year olds.
Our Experience
The first time we played with the TRIO Toddler Boy played with a couple friends around his age. There were actually a decent number of pieces for them all to share, and the younger two had a similar experience and found the bricks a bit difficult to click together. So, it’s fortunate that I enjoy these because I had to really help Toddler Boy quite a bit – it really took some effort to get to connect. I have already noticed that it’s easier for them to connect so I think once we continue to use and “break them in” it’ll get easier for Toddler Boy to click them by himself.
My favorite feature of the TRIO building system is that it’s built around making things. Obviously you can use your imagination and build whatever you like (you should see the “houses” Toddler Boy has created), but the instructions and guidance in how to make various vehicles and robots is really cool. 
The system we have came with a book of 15 ideas including the pieces you need and a photo of the project. And, once you outgrow the Basic System, you can purchase separate building sets like the TRIO Airport
To Buy or Not to Buy
To Buy… TRIO Building Set with Storage is a great affordable gift, recommended for kids 3 and older. I think Toddler Boy will continue to enjoy these for a long time, and as his interest grows I like that we can add on building sets to reignite his interest in them. Of course, the storage container is a HUGE plus for me and Toddler Boy likes that the top doubles as a base for his “houses”.
Or Not to Buy… My only complaint is that the pieces are initially too difficult for a 3 year old to do without frustration. Like I said, that problem has already started to improve and I hope it will continue to get better.
Shop! If you’re shopping for the first set of TRIO, at $30 I definitely think the TRIO Building Set with Storage
tinygiraffeshop
December 20, 2009We all get bored of legos from time to time, so these would be a fun alternative! thanks!
karen M
December 21, 2009These are such fun set for the little ones, I know ours will sit for hours reading the instruction book and making different projects, great way to get the kids reading and creating at the same time.