The Best $1.50 I’ve Ever Spent

Some time ago we came across these little model train kits made by Creatology at Michaels. Callum was fascinated so we bought two of the cars in the set for him. I mean, they were $1.50. I could part with $3.00 if it meant he was agreeable for the rest of the shopping trip.
Best. Toy. Ever.

Of course, when I mention it to any of my Mommy friends they all say “oh yeah, those are great” and I’m standing there wondering why the hell NO ONE TOLD ME. There is usually an added comment about how my kids are too young, which is advice I often famously ignore and man, am I glad I did. I completely disagree that my kids are too young for these model kits. Assuming you get a shmock on your kid, and let go of any preconceived idea you have about how the train should be painted, it is a pile of fun for a toddler. Callum will decide which pieces he’s painting, which Claire is painting, and then spend a solid hour sitting at the kitchen table getting it done. An hour! The things this Mama can do in an hour!
In the interest of full disclosure I should probably mention that yes, there IS paint on my ceiling. I’m ok with it. Did you read the part where I mentioned the hour of free time I got? WORTH THE PAINT ON THE CEILING.

I can’t find ANY information about this company on-line so one can only assume that these are being made via child labour in Vietnam somewhere because I honestly can’t figure out how they can sell these kits for $1.50. When or if I ever find that out I’m going to be one sad Mama because I have come across no other toy or activity thus far that has been so thoroughly enjoyed by my son as this train has been. From the painting to the gluing to the playing with, he loves it.
The kit comes with all the wood to put together the train car, the paint, the glue, instructions, and a paintbrush. The glue is super glue and this train is taking a beating without falling apart.
The train itself links together to all the cars you can buy, and it even fits into the wooden Thomas-the-Train tracks, too (or Imaginarium if you by the knock-off track like we do).

I mean, it’s been a win-win-win. So, I’m telling you about it, because no one told me about it and it’s kinda awesome and a great, cheap, kid gift. Go forth and stuff a stocking.