Toys and Games

Saturday we had our grandson’s fourth birthday. Of course, we had the cake, the ice cream, the candles, and the gifts. And since he’s a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, pretty much all of the gifts were things having to do with that toy series. He has track, cars, engines…you name it, he’s probably got it right now.
They’ve been doing toy series for many, many years. The big ones I can recall are Barbie and Tonka trucks. You might say that Tinkertoys and Erector sets were series as well since you could buy more pieces for the sets or put sets together. Later on when our boys were small, it was Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
As a kid, I remember Lincoln Logs and something called American Bricks. Both were sets one could build structures with. Lincoln Logs are with us today in some form or another, but I believe the American Bricks became Legos. I don’t know that these were toy series, but the idea is the same as Tinkertoys.
Since I’m in the reminiscing mood, I’ll remember board games…Monopoly, Sorry, and others. Many of those games are still with us in some version or another; others have disappeared. There are a slew of newer games, many of which have the participants answer questions or demonstrate some skill. Some I don’t mind; others I could never play and never miss it.
Games have been part of cultures the world over and in all times and eras. We enjoy being with each other and engaging in diversions to the mundane and routine of life. Some take games more seriously than others, but if taken in context and good spirit, games can be a source of fellowship and community.
I don’t know if you like cards, board games, games of strategy and skill, or games that are more on the mindless side. My bet is that you like something, though, and would miss it if it wasn’t available. Try something new down the road. New games can be fun and who knows? You might just find the next game you just can’t live without.