What to buy for 5yr old ds who tells me "I dont have enough things to take apart!"

[parachutes]

Help. My ds likes to dismantle things, like radios, with a screwdriver!
He announced the other day that he doesn't have enough things to take apart so we thought we'd buy him some construction-type sets for Christmas (in the vain hope that we can keep our electrical goods in working order)?can anyone recommend any? Would be v grateful. Thanks

[Sarimillie]

My cousin was given an old, non-functioning sewing machine at this age; one of the very mechanical ones. Loved it! He also had mecchano (sp?), but I'm not sure what age he got that at.

[parachutes]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I was thinking of asking from some broken goods on freecycle and letting him loose on those...just not sure if I should be doing that really!
I'll look into the meccano (sp?) range?someone else did mention that but I'd forgotten, thanks.

[jimbotri]

The science museum shop has a lot of cool kits to build, from electronics , robots and construction. I think John Lewis also did a science range last year as I remeber getting my nephew a kit from there to build.

[debbiedoughnut42]

Five is quite a tricky age because naturally its the age of discovery. Any type of construction kits are great especially if they can be played with after. Timberkits are wooden kits that can be put together and then played with and are animated. Recommended age is 9+ however it would be a good thing to do together. Most science based and construction kits apart from Lego are generally for older children but if you think its something your child would be interested in give them a go. You can get anything from build your own screwdriver to making a robot.

[ja9]

a hit with ds aged 4

[parachutes]

Hi, thanks for both the messages. I had completely forgotten about the science museum! The Timberkits are brilliant, he will love those. Thanks again.

[arfur]

Try the cambridge electronics sets,cars and boats is ace, my kids got one last year and have played with it loads so bought my friends ds the cars and boats one - he adores it! Amazon sell them - sorry cant do links am computer dunce!

[ChasingSquirrels]

would 2nd the cambridge electronix kits - google brainbox electronics.
I got ds one last year for £5 from the local cheap bookshop, have since brought several as presents.

[ceciliaaherne]

Does he like Lego. You can get Lego City things that they build up. Then he can take them apart and start all over again.

[gigglewitch]

came to say 1) lego and 2) Geomags.
both are fab.

[gigglewitch]

Geomag here

[gigglewitch]

we have got stuff from science museum - at boots for ds1 who is similarly minded to yours. Also has been doing this since he was about 5yo, now 8 next month. Has recently built a solar powered radio. the solar power stuff is really good for him because as you say, they just take the things apart and build something else...

[milge]

We have got this for just turned 6yo ds who is similarly destructive/creative

[parachutes]

Hi, hadn't checked in for a few days and had missed all the replies?thanks very much!
I love the Berg Moov! He would love it.
Thanks re Geomag as have also added those to christmas list

[Flier]

maplin do some interesting inventor kits ie how to make your own radio etc

[3littlefrogs]

My cousin had meccano (sp?)from the age of
about 5. He went on to have a very successful career as a chief engineer in the merchant navy. I used to love to go to their house as a child - it was so much more interesting than ours.

[missingtheaction]

If i was his mummy i would look for proper take-apart coloured plastic toys to play nicely with

If I was his granny I'd get him a really good toolkit and some electrical leftovers from freecycle.

[parachutes]

missingtheaction: I like the way you think

[parachutes]

also-the thing with ds is that he's not really interested in taking apart toys...it really does have to be something that I don't want him to break iyswim
Perhaps I should just buy him a large fridge for christmas, and a socket set????

[foxinsocks]

I used to love doing stuff like this too

things he will probably love...

wind up torch

set of screwdrivers or spanners...like his own mini tool kit

it's lovely having an enquiring mind. I would second the science museum toys. They have an online shop too.

Also, if anything breaks, just let him keep it and dismantle it. Just watch the electrical stuff!

[foxinsocks]

ps my all time fave gift was a wind up radio!

[parachutes]

I'm exactly the same. I still have electrical goods hidden (from dh) in the back of the wardrobe (which I've broken attempting to fix).

It is becoming more and more apparent that all his bad habits are mine! (I don't mind tho really)

[Fillyjonk]

3rding cambridge electronics sets, ds had one last year aged 4 and it was doable

my brother was taking apart toasters and so on at this age...

[Fillyjonk]

oh also, what about a book ABOUT electronics, with circuit diagrams etc? ds has an usborne one and its just a case of visiting maplin and asking them to give us the necessary stuff.

[foxinsocks]

oh parachutes, how lovely to meet a like mind. I too have stacks of broken stuff stored away to fix. I love it. I've just finished mending the dishwasher!