Product Name: Cubebot Puzzle Price: $28 Who would like this?: Kids ages 12 and up, or people who want to add some fun to their desk
In a holiday market filled with figurines and ever-popular Transformers toys, parents may be looking for a less violent and more imaginative toy to put in their kid's stocking. Look no further than the Cubebot Puzzle — a cute little robot that is sure to make anyone's day, no matter what age.
Made by Areaware, this wooden sculpture comes in a small box, is folded up into a 3.5-inch cube and, with a little maneuvering, becomes a 9.5 by 13.5-inch robot companion.
What works well about Cubebot Puzzle is that the toy has a great range of movable joints and thus has a wide range of poses and motions. It is great for playtime since there are no harsh chemicals or paints used — every part of the robot is made with sanded cherry wood. The joints are held together with resilient, tear-proof elastic that is sure to hold even during the roughest play and is hidden in the joints of the robot, so it's not a choking hazard.
It is easy to pack up Cubebot and take it on the go — just fold it back into a cube and pack it away in a purse, briefcase or backpack. It even costs the same as many Transformers action figures, but without the complex, breakable pieces or the insanely complex instructions it takes to turn them back into a car.
Image: Flickr, Sebastian Sälzle
For those in an office setting, the Cubebot Puzzle makes for a great conversation starter and easy desk art. Because of its simplistic design, it looks less like a toy and more like a minimalist work of art. Its range of poses allows for a new intricate position every day which makes for a good distraction from rigorous (or tedious) work, though not too distracting. It's also great for company Secret Santas or gift exchanges since it's a non-gendered item and can be used for a number of purposes.
There are also different types of Cubebot Puzzles. There are the Cubebot micros and the small Cubebot that are available in blue, green, orange, red, pink, violet, yellow and multi-colored. You can also opt for the Cubebot Guthrie or Cubebot Julien, as well.
So whether you're buying a toy to inspire imagination and experimentation for a child, or just looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for an adult in your life, the Cubebot Puzzle is sure to delight and amaze whomever you decide to give it to this holiday season. You might even be tempted to buy one for yourself.
Image: Flickr, Markus Keuter