This afternoon, Benjamin told me he was bored with all of his toys. He asked if we could play with the Snap Circuits Jr. set I had given to him as a gift for his last birthday. Snap Circuits is an electronics kit with over 100 different projects. This toy has always been a favorite of Lisa’s son Josh and we had been saving it as an activity to do with Daddy. But…Daddy is in the city during the week this summer so I (reluctantly) agreed.

We had so much fun. Benjamin needed my help to understand how to follow the instructions (he is 6.5 and the toy is recommended as a kids’ gift for 8 and up…but I wholeheartedly recommend it as an activity for a grown-up to do with a 6 or 7 year old child). Once we both figured out how it all works – you follow very clear diagrams to snap different parts together onto a plastic board - we quickly got through the first few projects including turning on a light, powering a fan and playing a some music. He was so proud of his work that his face “lit up,” just like the bulb in the first project! I suspect we’ll do more tomorrow including #18, a Laser Gun

The projects get harder as you go through the book and by the end, kids will have made a doorbell, a burglar alarm, a radio and much more. Kids can even make up their own projects. When Benjamin read this, he told me he wants to create a robot – now that is definitely a project for Daddy!

My 8 year old son Josh is a true soccer fan. Thanks to my English husband, Josh has grown up watching soccer from his birth. On our annual trips to London, going to watch his favorite team, Tottenham Hotspurs, is always the highlight.

In honor of the World Cup, we have added Tabletop Soccer to GIFT HERO’s offerings. Josh has tested it out with his friends and gives it his seal of approval. Given the fine motor coordination involved, we recommend it for ages 6 and up. It also makes a great adult present – at 19″ by 16″, it’s perfectly sized for an office.