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Christmas

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Original poster

I want a marble run

44 replies

Freedom2016 · 19/12/2016 23:37

I don't need one, dd already has a present bought and wrapped. But i really want one. Has anyone else bought a toy pretending it's for the kids - but really, it's for them. I can afford it but it seems so ridiculous. I'm 38.

OP posts:
Manumission · 19/12/2016 23:38

I had the same thought yesterday about domino rally Smile

Thinkofanumber · 19/12/2016 23:40

I got the Galt ones for DS, but really it was because I'd always wanted one. We've had it a few years now and we both still love playing with it.

PickAChew · 19/12/2016 23:42

DS2 has the Quercetti one. Shite instructions, but it's great when you fathom it out.

WhispersOfWickedness · 19/12/2016 23:44

Do it! They are awesome (self confessed 34yo marble run fan) Xmas Smile

catkind · 19/12/2016 23:44

Yup. Actually, I asked for marble run for my own birthday one year because i was fed up of making the kids marble runs that just went round in circles with their basic kit.

ninjapants · 19/12/2016 23:53

Going to get one tomorrow 'for DS'. I have a couple of things to get for other people and it's 3 for 2 so why not? Xmas Wink

Stoviesplease · 19/12/2016 23:55

Go on!

Original poster
Freedom2016 · 19/12/2016 23:57

Nice replies - thanks a lot. So now I 'm feeling less silly and like yes, I deserve a marble run, should I get wood or plastic? Wood feels worthy, isnt quite so bright and makes a nice sound but the plastic ones look easier to put together and more stable and less likely to cause damage if kid throws a piece of it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Freedom2016 · 19/12/2016 23:58

Excited now Grin

OP posts:
ALittleMop · 20/12/2016 00:00

you want a quercetti roller coaster one
awesome
none of your worthy wooden ness

BikeRunSki · 20/12/2016 00:00

We have a wood one and a plastic one. Go plastic, it slots together and you can move it if you need to. The wooden one we have, the parts just sit on each other, so it falls apart easily, and you can;t move it

ALittleMop · 20/12/2016 00:01

google skyrail

Lessthanaballpark · 20/12/2016 00:15

Get the Marble Mania Extreme with the motorised elevator. I was so happy when someone bought it for DS and he cba to put it together.

I feel like getting one now. Grin

stillwantrachelshair · 20/12/2016 00:38

BIL's best Christmas ever was probably two years ago when my DC got a marble run. Unbeknown to me (and, IIRC, DH and PIL), BIL had always wanted one and spent the two days he was here building ever more elaborate ones. The DC scarcely got a look in. Whenever he comes over, he manages to suggest building a marble run within about five minutes of arriving & gets annoyed when the DC (who are now taller with better motor skills than they were when they first had it) want to do it themselves!

WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes · 20/12/2016 00:40

Have a look on Youtube for Jelle's Marble Runs, his are amazing.

Bloodybridget · 20/12/2016 06:18

Best toy ever! Ours is plastic, think it came from a charity shop, ToysRUs sells similar.

youokayhun · 20/12/2016 06:27

Ninja where's 3 for 2 at the minute?!

BouleBaker · 20/12/2016 06:28

We have a couple of the Galt sets and they are amazing. I also have a friend who has one marble run for the kids and one for her

dylsmimi · 20/12/2016 06:31

We have a marble run too. Get a plastic one and an extension kit - I love the whirlpool bits best!
Dc for Christmas have the new /retro Nintendo - it's clearly a gift for dh and I doubt they will get a look in!

MelchettsTinslyMoustache · 20/12/2016 07:13

Pay absolutely no heed to alittlemop and save your mental health and close family relationships into the bargain.
A Skyrail marble run which I bought for me DS, once caused the biggest Christmas family argument I've ever experienced. Eventually DH, DDad, DS and DM went out "for a walk" and left me at home alone with it. I still have flashbacks about it now

Abrahamkin · 20/12/2016 09:30

Can I ask at what age you would recommend getting a marble run 'for your kids'? My DS is 2yo and I keep being told that he is too young for one (or suggestions of crappy basic ones). So at what ages do you think I can reasonable suggest a marble run for me him?

catkind · 20/12/2016 13:37

Abrahamkin, 2-3 is fine I think as long as you understand you'll be doing almost all the building, child will be popping marbles in the top. And as long as you're prepared to watch like a hawk to ensure they don't eat marbles. (Yes, all of them, even my ultra sensible never puts anything in mouth 3 yr old had a go at this once.) I'd go for a fairly solid plastic one for younger children so they don't knock it over/break it and get frustrated all the time. Lots of visiting toddlers latch onto ours. It has hypnotic value. Put marble in, watch it go down, pick up and put in again.

It's one of those things - if you wait till later, child will be able to discover it new and do it all themselves. If you get it now they'll get some enjoyment now, but it won't be as new and exciting when they're ready to do it all independently later. (But it's nearly as good if it just gets shoved to the back of the shelf for a year or so, luckily for second babies!)

wifework · 20/12/2016 13:39

I got one off my sister last year (age 39)

oldsilver · 20/12/2016 13:44

Every year I buy a "family" toy, wrapped up from F/C. It is something I've always wanted, yup marble run few years ago. Last year family Triv and this year Simon, an original style one. There have been other things along this vein in the past. thank goodness I never wanted a Mr Frosty

DS has not believed for years now, but it's a good excuse and I'm sticking to it.

oldsilver · 20/12/2016 13:46

DP gave me a spirograph one year - unfortunately (or fortunately!) I was too busy giving birth to DS to fully take advantage of it ...at the time.

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