Geometry in Play
IKOS takes kids’ building toys to a whole new creative level. Unlike old building blocks, IKOS is made of interlocking shapes that come together to form a sphere. Kids aren’t limited by straight lines; the fun comes from making endless shapes, starting with a sphere and anything else they can dream up. Then they can take the pieces apart and figure out new ways to reconfigure them.
Whether they’re creating 3-D works of art or inventing games—IKOS bowling, anyone?—IKOS encourages kids to invent, innovate, and create.
The 26-piece set is made in the U.S. of the same eco-friendly, #2 recyclable material as milk bottles. IKOS is named for its geometry: an icosahedron (a solid, 3-dimensional object with 20 equilateral triangles for sides) transformed into a sphere. Playing with IKOS helps kids learn problem-solving, spatial relations, and STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—skills.
This spherical building system is even more interesting given its creation. Mike Wong went back to his high school to mentor students about starting a company and turning ideas into reality. Their idea was a great one—a combination 3-D puzzle and kids' building toy that offers kids unlimited ways to be creative.
Gates
Hello everyone! I'm proud to introduce IKOS toys to The Grommet. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have!
Donna
8/28/2015 12:20 PMIs there a minimum age recommended?
Barbara
8/28/2015 12:30 PM@Donna
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 1:01 PM@Barbara @Donna. Thank you for asking, we recommend ages 6-10, but have seen younger kids able to play with it.
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 1:09 PM@ Barbara @Donna Sorry, I meant ages 6 and up
May
8/28/2015 12:27 PMIs this appropriate for A 4 yr old?
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 1:03 PM@May We think that as long as the creator, no matter what age, is able to build and construct even just two pieces, it is appropriate and will lead to a different and more spherical kind of learning. We have seen 4 year olds be able to put pieces together so I would say yes in some cases!
Lisa
8/28/2015 12:28 PMWhat age range is this recommended for developmentally?
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 1:11 PM@Lisa We have seen that kids from ages 7-12 have the best reaction when playing with IKOS. When we have a book at a farmers market or toy show, we can really see that it is easiest for this age range to grasp the concept and learn in a new way. We strive to get creators away from thinking linearly and more into a spherical realm, and we see the concentration most in ages 7-12.
Morris
8/28/2015 12:58 PMYour seeming refusal to answer suggested age range leaves me very uncertain about purchasing this product.
Mike – Grommet Team
8/28/2015 1:02 PMHi Morris, you'll see under the details that it is ideal for kids 6 and up!
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 1:13 PM@Mike @Morris Sorry for the late response, as I have said in previous comments and as Mike has said, we are suggesting ages 6 and up.
Susan
8/28/2015 1:14 PM@Mike Geez, Morris. Look at the conversation! The question about age appropriate is all they HAVE been answering. Seems clear to me....6yrs and up.
Morris
8/28/2015 4:14 PM@Susan DearGEEZSUSAN: If YOU look at the timelines you'll see that your "clarity" is an after-the-fact phenomenon.
Mike – Grommet Team
8/28/2015 4:34 PMIt's ok! Now we have all of the answers so everyone can be happy and play with IKOS!
Helen
8/28/2015 1:30 PMWhat is the suggested age range?
Helen
8/28/2015 1:31 PM@Helen sorry did not see rheother questions
Luanna
8/28/2015 1:55 PMThis looks like a great "fun gift" -even for our oldest granddaughter, who is 14. Bought one for each, even within each family. A note to Morris. I guess you didn't see the answer(s) about the appropriate age for this--given in several places. :) I even considered getting one for my husband and myself. And know our youngest grandchild will be able to handle this - who just turned 5 this month. We may just play with one before sending them off to our grands. :)
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 2:02 PM@Luanna Thank you for showing such interest! These toys are honestly amazing for all ages. Another co-founder and I are college students and they have become a dorm decor for us. Our boss is in his mid 30's, him and his friends, parents, aunts and uncles, all play with them when the kids go to bed. I am a little biased, but IKOS are very fun and can interest all ages.
larry
8/28/2015 3:02 PM@Gates Luanna, you hit the nail on the head! I have 2 grand daughters, age 5 & 7. The 5 year old will be stimulated, & won't stop still she's figured it out Th e 7 year old will get frustrated & go come the hair on her American Dolls! Is what it is. Product, concept, I luv it! Can't wait to see the 5 year old spank it. What age bracket? Figure it out, only you know?
larry
8/28/2015 3:04 PM@larry - comb
Mike – Grommet Team
8/28/2015 3:34 PMHi Larry, it is perfect for ages 6 and up! Hopefully both your granddaughters love it!
Cheryl
8/28/2015 1:58 PMAre there building ideas included to get the kids started?
Gates – Special Guest
8/28/2015 2:05 PM@Cheryl We have a flyer that includes game ideas and how to connect just two pieces. Other than that, we strive to spark creativity along with imagination and hope that kids will build and create their own, one of a kind creations. Our packaging and flyer in the packaging come with lots of pictures that give ideas of what kids can mimic. Other than that, we want people to be original and come up with their own, abstract creations.