UGEARS founders Denys and Gennady share a fascination with the inner workings of machines and both are enamored with gears and levers. They realized we rarely get to see these parts in action anymore. To remedy that, they created model kits with movable parts that are engaging from start to finish.

The duo and their Kiev, Ukraine-based team want to encourage folks to be more hands-on, so they strive to make the model-building process as fun as playing with the finished product.

What begins as flat pieces of laser-cut plywood transforms into a model motorcycle, train, treasure box and more designs that all have parts that move in some way—like pistons, wheels, and, yes, gears. There are no tools or glue needed here and there are models suited to different ability levels. You can paint or finish your model once it's built.

Denys made models as a child and wanted to recapture the joy of creating with your hands—which he thought, much like with gears, was something many of us have fallen out of touch with. And we can attest, it’s hard to keep your hands off a UGEARS model.