The OffBits: The Art Of Spare Parts
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What You Need To Know: The OffBits are a set of new unique open-ended construction kits which come with real life spare parts/tools that combine to make quirky robot like characters. The OffBits are super versatile and are guaranteed to intrigue and engage ages 6-96.
The OffBits mission is to change the way we think about toys, stating that everything around us can be a toy. Their goal is to spark the imagination of all ages, encourage creativity, and turn the familiar bits and pieces we all have around us into a new generation of toys.
What Else You Need To Know: The OffBit kits include brightly-colored characters, custom-designed vehicles, extension packs, and more.
They have over 35 kits that include a variety of themes including outer space, transportation, farm animals (will share this soon), which come with a new modular cardboard folding activity that turns the box into a playground.
Each kit comes with 3 different design ideas but you can also make the characters your own. That’s the benefit of open-ended toys. There is not one right way to play.
The OffBit kits are perfect for group workshops, quiet family time at home, birthday parties and even classrooms.
The kits can also be combined with one another for even more building possibilities.
I had the pleasure of trying two of the Offbit kits for myself and am excited to share my experience with you.
First was ArtBit from the Build It Yourself Character Kits. ArtBit is described to have the wildest imagination of the crew. :)
When I first opened the box, I was highly impressed with the beautiful and neat packaging. It was clear that each kit was made with great care and attention to detail.
Once I removed all the pieces from the box, I needed to read the instructions. It was not obvious right away how the pieces would all come together.
As I followed the step by step instructions in the booklet, everything started to make sense rather quickly. It was super rewarding to watch ArtBit come together with each added piece.
Here he is coming together…
And here he is all done.
Overall, I thought creating ArtBit was straight forward, a ton of fun (even for me), and definitely something I would recommend to parents with school aged kids. I would even use this in my OT sessions as it has many developmental benefits, but more on that later.
Side Note: I actually forgot his eyes at first and had to go back and add them (see last pic with eyes).
The second kit that I tried was UnicornBit.
UnciornBit was nothing like I’ve ever seen before and was extremely excited to get started.
It is important to note that unlike ArtBit, UnicornBit is a bit more challenging and is rated 3/5 nut screws on the difficulty scale rather than 2/5 like ArtBit. You can find the difficulty scale on the box.
Once again the packaging was carefully crafted and beautiful.
There were a bit more parts and pieces here and the instructions more complex, but I was ready for the challenge.
As I reviewed the instructions and followed them step by step, UnicornBit started to come alive. I even added my own touch at the end. I figured open-ended play should be for everyone.:)
Side Note: A younger child may need some adult guidance here, which can be just as valuable as it makes an excellent bonding and teamwork experience.
Here is my UnciornBit coming along. Notice how mine looks a little different from the box. Feel free to make yours different as well.
Why I LOVED This: From creativity and self expression to problem solving and following directions while simultaneously thinking outside of the box, this toy covers it all. If that’s not enough, building these quirky characters helps kids develop fine motor skills and finger strength. It also promotes the use of both hands together, sustained attention, motor planning, and of course patience as it may require a few redos to get it just right.
Conclusion: I’m grateful to have found a toy brand as innovative and imaginative as The OffBits. I can honestly say that they understand what toys and play are meant to be. The OffBits are guaranteed to add a smile to your and your child’s face. They did to mine!
You can learn more about The OffBits and purchase their different kits on their website. Use coupon code ToyIdeas20 for 20% off until March 31, 2022. Valid for full price items only.
