Toys still in use after a week: what to look for in building sets, games, and small gifts
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
Why some gifts are a hit and others aren't: age ratings, replay value, the number of players, and the batteries nobody has at home. With concrete examples from our assortment.
Almost everyone knows the feeling: a gift that's a big hit on the day itself but ends up at the bottom of a bin three weeks later. Sometimes that's due to the toy itself, but more often it's due to a detail overlooked when buying—dead batteries, a part that immediately gets lost, or a set that's done after one build. As the days get shorter and more indoor play happens, it's a good time to consider what to look for before adding something to your cart.
First, check the age label, even if the gift isn't for a toddler
Toys sold in the EU have a CE mark and often an age indication. This indication isn't just about whether something is "too easy" or "too difficult": toys unsuitable for children under 3 years old must carry a warning, usually because they contain small parts. The NVWA explains the requirements on nvwa.nl. For you as a buyer, the practical translation is simple: if there are younger children in the house, consider whether loose blocks and minifigures will end up on the floor.
On the packaging of building sets, this age is usually prominently displayed. With the LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Market 30390 (€ 9.95) and the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 30443 Spiderman Bridge Battle (€ 9.95), you can see it on the bag itself. Take that indication seriously, even for a gift for an older sibling: small parts will be scattered throughout the room after an afternoon of play.
Building sets: how many times can you rebuild it?
The question that determines whether a building set will be used again is not how big it is, but how many times you can rebuild it. Small sets that are finished in twenty minutes are often played with more frequently than a large set that you build once and then display on a shelf.
A completely different type is the metal construction set with screws and nuts. The Würth Construction V01 Metal Construction Set (188-piece, € 19.95) and the Würth Construction V04 Metal Construction Set (217-piece, € 19.95) require more patience and fine motor skills than interlocking bricks. That's an advantage if you're looking for someone who enjoys tinkering, and a disadvantage if the gift is intended for a child who wants to see quick results. There are usually only a few of these sets in stock, so don't wait too long.
Games: the number of players is more important than the number of rules
With games, things usually go wrong at one point: there are too few or too many players for what's available at home. A four-player game played by two people will remain unused. So first, consider the household or group composition, and only then the theme.
A collection set like the 99-in-1 with dice, a checkerboard, and a score pad has a second advantage: if one game isn't a hit, the box won't sit idle afterward.
Batteries: the most common reason something stops working
Battery-operated toys are often tried out on the day itself and then never again, simply because the batteries are dead and no one happens to have the right size at home. Therefore, before ordering, check if batteries are included and what type they are, and immediately add a set of them.
If you want such small gifts in bulk, calculate the cost per item and include the packaging. A set of six bouncy balls is one item but six gifts; a sticker box with three rolls can be split. This often saves more than a discount.
Three questions before you order
How often can this be repeated? One build or endless repetition – that difference determines its lifespan more than its price.
What else is needed to make it work? Batteries, a second player, space, or just a table.
Where will you store it later? Anything with loose parts needs a box or bag, otherwise, the set will be incomplete after two weeks.
That third question is most often skipped and causes the most loss. A building set without a dedicated storage place is usually half a building set within a month.
Explore further yourself
If you want to browse before choosing: building sets and interlocking bricks can be found under LEGO and Building & Construction, and loose batteries can be found under Batteries & Chargers. If you're unsure whether a set is suitable for a certain age, or if you want to know how many pieces of an item are in stock for a class or club? Send your question to info@verpakkingdeals.nl — then we'll take a look before you order.
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