Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

Randy Compton, CEO
Think-a-lot Toys Inc.

(Grandkids Gift Guide)
When I first played with Think-ets at the 2008 Toy Fair in NYC, what initially interested me was the game's tiny size and simplicity - a travel pouch that easily fits in a pocket, filled with 15 intriguing little objects gathered from around the world. However, after playing it for awhile with my kid-testers, I soon realized that although the game is small, and it's materials simple, the brain-exercising activities they promote are endless.

Think-ets includes a small pamphlet describing 10 games, including "What's Missing," where 5 or more trinkets are laid out, one player looks away while the other takes a trinket away. The player who looked away needs to guess which object is missing. In another game called "What's Your Story," imagination rules. The first player chooses from a few trinkets and begins a story highlighting that item. Then the next player chooses another trinket and continues the story using that item as the next subject, and so on. The inventors encourage kids and their families to devise new games and email them along to the company.

The trinkets in Think-ets are purposely timeless (a tiny copper goblet, satin flower, wooden alphabet block, donut, gold band, etc.) making it a thoughtful game that transcends generations - perfect for playing with your grandchild. You can choose from one of 3 games, each with a different-colored pouch containing different trinkets - or buy all 3! The manufacturer recommends ages 8 and up (and of course, advises you to keep the game away from children under 3), but Think-ets are also fun for younger children, whose memory skills are constantly being developed and whose imaginations run wild. The game's size makes it wonderful for restaurants and vacation travel - or for fun, thoughtful time at home with your grandchildren. Enjoy!

(Storyteller.net)
Sometimes along comes a product that makes me think, "It's about time!" The Think-ets storytelling game is one of those products.

Using a concept from an old storytelling game, the folks at Think-ets have created a package that delights kids and adults alike. When I showed the sample to my eight-year old child, she squealed with delight, grabbed it out of my hand and went off to play with her cousin and older sister. After more than an hour, she returned it to me and let me know that there "are more games than you think" in the package. As I write this review, I see the bag has vanished off my desk again.

If you are a parent or child-care giver, the portable, self-contained pouch of trinkets can be used for those moments when you need a fun game with your child but cannot commit the time to a board game. This is also a game you want to have in pocket, purse or bag for those long waits in the doctor's office or waiting for a table at your local restaurant. Look out, tho', because you are going to catch the attention of other waiting children. And you can bet their parents are going to ask you, "Where'd you get that?

(The only warning we can give about the product is that the parts are very small and present a choking hazard. This game is clearly not designed for the little ones who still put everything in their mouths. Use wisdom and caution when playing this game with young children and supervise carefully any child to whom you give the game. The package suggests a minimum age of 8 years old and we agree. If you have very small children in your home, this product is not for you. Yet.)

For those of you who are working storytellers, several copies of this little game should be in your supply bag. It's a great crowd breaker and a way to ease folks into the concepts of storytelling in a non threatening and inclusive manner. You will recognize the concepts of the game right away and be glad that the work of gathering all these diverse and fun little parts has been done for you.

You will also want to get several of these games for that elusive "stocking stuffer" or simple gift toy for upcoming holidays. I am also pleased by the manufacturer's employment of the members of self-help social service agencies to assemble their products.