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Low Tech Toys?

Posted by Cliff on from the but-these-things-never-go-out-of-style dept.

hypertex asks: "Remember those cardboard tubes you used to look through and see all patterns the crystals produced? I've been looking for a kaleidoscope (for my 3-yr old) and no brick and mortar retailer seems to carry them. Even finding an knowledgeable employee was difficult. Walmart, Toys R Us, Kay Bee, Discovery and Disney stores are just a few to 'just say no' or 'it's too low tech' How can something so simple fade into obscurity? What else is gone?" What are some of the toys that have such a universal appeal that they should never be removed from the shelves? What toys surprised you when they fell into obscurity and what items have shocked you by their ability to stay on the shelves?

7 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Try an "educational" toy store by noitalever · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here in the Portland, OR area, there are OPB Knowledge stores, and Hobby stores, and a couple of "educational" toy stores that have kalidescopes, microscopes, telescopes, chem labs, those foam dinosaurs that you put in water, sea monkeys, etc. Just a thought... That's where you should be shopping for your kids anyway... KB is just one cheap plastic piece of crap after another... (except the new transformers, which are surprisingly hard...)

  2. Ebay by LowellPorter · · Score: 3, Informative

    Try Ebay. You may even fine a really nice one there and not a cheap $2 cardboardone.

  3. Re:They're still available by muon1183 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Just some information. There's a chain store called The Nature Store (can be found in many malls) which also has an online presencs that carries kaleidoscopes. I was looking for them when I posted, and didn't initially find them, but they have a website at http://thenaturestore.com. Of course, they won't show up if you do a search on their site, but they do in fact cary them, because I stumbled across one through google. The one I found was at http://thenaturestore.com/kidkidtoys.htm. Hope this helps.

    --

    There's no sig like SIGSEG
  4. If you want a good old toy, my wife says... by dpilot · · Score: 3, Informative

    Try a locally-owned toy store, or toy catalogs such as Hearthsong. The Vermont Country Store catalog also has some "old" toys.

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    The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
  5. try a museum store by msouth · · Score: 4, Informative

    If there is a children's museum or hands-on science museum near try that. I know they have some kaleidoscopes at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, for example.

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    Liberty uber alles.
  6. Ultimate high-end kaleidescopes by Hell+O'World · · Score: 3, Informative

    Incredible Kaleidescope art! I've seen one in a gallery. Mind blowing.

  7. Re:Erector Sets by jayrtfm · · Score: 3, Informative
    I agree. The kit I had included a pretty powerfull AC motor. One of the projects in the manual was basically a working cattle prod.
    There's a movie on this sunday, from TV guide:

    9:00 PMWCBS Sunday, 15

    The Man Who Saved Christmas
    120 min.

    Jason Alexander stars in this 2002 TV-drama inspired by the true story of toymaker A.C. Gilbert.

    In the years before World War I, business isn't booming for Gilbert (Alexander). His father (Edward Asner) wants him to go to medical school, but his wife (Kelly Rowan) and brother (Ari Cohen) persuade him to follow his dream. When A.C.'s Erector Set toy becomes a success, he starts a company that provides a comfortable life for his family. But the Great War comes and so does the Government, asking A.C. to transform his factory into a munitions plant. Not long after, Uncle Sam requests an even greater sacrifice, which threatens Christmas for everyone.