Favorite toy - Kapla planks

Kapla planks

I loved the time that existed before electronics became so pervasive in our lives. The time when my kids were constantly immersed in imaginary play and could build worlds and create settings for myriad stories and epic sagas. 

To solve the crisis imposed by building with Jenga blocks (which curtailed structures to 54 blocks), and to enable structures to evolve beyond the shapes that are somewhat dictated by the substantial (heavy) blocks provided in traditional wooden building sets—we invested in a set of Kapla planks. This is one of my favorite toys—right up there with the cardboard box!   

Nic attempting to outdo a structure

The beauty of these planks is that they are all the same size (ratio of 1:3:5), and the same color—simply finished pine without embellishment and with the beauty of the timber grain apparent. The planks are thin enough to build floors and roofs. The lightness of the planks enables them to be stacked to astronomical heights, yet avoid abundant noise, damaged floors, or injured children when the predestined demolition occurs. A large number of planks allow imaginations and structures to grow and evolve in tandem. Kapla planks are a brilliant toy for open-ended play and encourage creative and logical thinking and spatial awareness. 

Of course, coupling a toy requiring sustained concentration and patience with the vagaries of gravity can end in tears from time to time. 😁

Boys posing with yet another structure

The planks were designed by Tom van der Bruggen in 1987. The name Kapla is derived from "KAbouter PLAnkjes" which is Dutch for gnome planks.