Product provided for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always. 

It can tough to choose “good” toys for your kids. I’m talking about the ones that will get played with again and again and again. Sometimes you are SURE you have hit the nail on the head, only to find your selection quickly at the bottom of the toy chest, languishing (I’m looking at YOU, Elsa doll…). I even find myself surprised from time to time with the toys that become the biggest hits. Perhaps a gift was received that I didn’t choose and wouldn’t have chosen for the girls, and yet they go nuts over it.

Well, today I’ve got a toy that I suspected would be well-loved at my house, but that has even surpassed the degree of popularity I thought it would have. Let me introduce you to THE HOTTEST TOY in our home right now (and for the past few weeks!).

This is the Design & Drill Brightworks from Educational Insights (ARV $39.99). I think of it as the perfect marriage between the Lite Brite our generation grew up using and a drill set. It comes with a drill gun that kids can easily change the setting on (forward or reverse) as well as the drill head. My youngest, who is just about to turn 3, is positively smitten with this set. She will sit for 15 minutes at a time working very hard on creating a design that she likes with the various color screws.

The set actually comes with a booklet that shows different pattern examples that kids can try out, but so far my girls prefer to do their own thing The fact that it lights up just adds another element of fun.

I love this toy because it helps develop hand-eye coordination and it encourages creativity, as well as increases a child’s comfort level with using tools.

A Few Recommendations

I do have a few thoughts on how the product can be improved for the future. My primary suggestion is simply to include batteries, as both the drill board and the drill require batteries (of different sizes) before the toy can be used. I’d rather pay a few more dollars and have it ready to go than to have to make a special trip to the store.

I’d also like to see the set come with a bag of some sort for the screws. I think a little drawstring bag will do the trick. I am having to use a plastic bag that seals, and that’s a little bit tricky for my youngest to get into and to use for putting the screws away.

Despite the areas where improvements could be made, I would still very strongly recommend this toy based on the amount of play time it seems to get. My girls reach for it every single day without fail, and I’m impressed by how long it captures their attention. Great job, Educational Insights!

I’d love to hear what the hottest toy is in your house right now! Leave me a comment to let me know!