pushbutton toys

September 29, 2005 12:24 PM

Pushbutton toys. Our 21-month old son absolutely loves anything with buttons, dials, and switches. But he's far past being interested in computer keyboards. What can I get him beyond Fisher Price, and more along the lines of dead instrument panels and video switchboards? The stuff on eBay always seems to be in working condition and bids well up past $100 (though I would pay that for something really nice). Any sources I might be able to look at, or maybe a different item I might have overlooked? I may be leaning towards an old-school oscilloscope for supervised play.
posted by zek to shopping (18 comments total)

Have you tried asking on Craigslist? Is there a freecycle organization in your area?
posted by luneray at 12:27 PM on September 29, 2005

Check out American Science and Surplus, you can get all kinds of weird switches, knobs, and sciency bits.
posted by sohcahtoa at 12:30 PM on September 29, 2005

old cell phones (or very burly working ones)? remotes? My nephew loves that crap, plus he can carry it around with him.
posted by fishfucker at 12:39 PM on September 29, 2005

When you say "far past being interested in computer keyboards" is it because there isn't enough tactile response to keep him interested or because there is not immediately clear visual or audible response to his efforts?

Perhaps the combination of a nice, bright keyboard for kids with some software that gives an immediate visual and audible response would serve as well?
posted by Kickstart70 at 12:42 PM on September 29, 2005

Another idea would be a musical instrument like a used keyboard (electronic organ/piano) with more features than the crappy ones they usually sell for kids.
posted by Kickstart70 at 12:46 PM on September 29, 2005

When you say "far past being interested in computer keyboards" is it because there isn't enough tactile response to keep him interested or because there is not immediately clear visual or audible response to his efforts?

Good question... I think he likes there to be some sort of unique response... not necessarily electronic, but also auditory, tactile, or mechanical. I think the keyboard isn't interesting because it just clicks a little and all the keys do the same thing.
posted by zek at 12:46 PM on September 29, 2005

I second Kickstart70's suggestion for a piano type keyboard. If it's working, your son will get immediate, unique responses he can combine to make more interesting. Plus, he may develop a love of music.
posted by onhazier at 12:59 PM on September 29, 2005

my dad built me something similar from an old telephone exchange switch was going for scrap. how about visiting a junkyard and getting bits of cars etc, and wiring them up with lights?
posted by bonaldi at 1:06 PM on September 29, 2005

Speaking as someone my parents call "the goddamn button-pusher", I suggest keeping him away from things like elevators -- I got my family locked in one. As a child I pushed every button I could find, as an adult I really have to restrain myself to not push every button, and I still try probably half of them. ;)

My recommendation: just tend to his interests. Get him a computer, which offers a slew of virtual buttons and things to hack.
posted by symphonik at 1:28 PM on September 29, 2005

My childhood dentist kept an assortment of old adding machines, cash registers, and typewriters in the waiting room, and I remember these were a source of endless fascination for both me and my brother.
posted by fandango_matt at 1:56 PM on September 29, 2005

Additionally, my friend's dad had outfitted the treehouse with levers, buttons, switches, and control panels from a junked DC-8 or a 747 or some such.
posted by fandango_matt at 1:58 PM on September 29, 2005

Speak & Read / Speak & Spell / Speak & Math depending on level of precociousness.
posted by trevyn at 2:12 PM on September 29, 2005

I used to love turning the dials on my parent's record player. I remember the day I was actually allowed to put some vinyl on it. Magic. But the dials were enough for years. Maybe a secondhand turntable might be an idea (and v. cheap)? The older the better, I'd guess: I loved the clunky feel of those switches.
posted by handee at 3:10 PM on September 29, 2005

Check to see if a nearby university has a property disposition /surplus store. UM's has a continuous supply of ancient audio/film/video/medical equipment with tons of buttons, dials, and levers that would perfect for your gearhead son, all at dirt cheap to reasonable prices.
posted by sluggo at 4:15 PM on September 29, 2005

This is exactly why I went into television.

First glance at a GVG-1600 and I was in love.

(oh, and second the American Science & Surplus recommendation. Also, you could call up your local TV and radio stations, ask for the chief engineer, explain your situation, and ask if they have any old decrepit equipment that you could have. Every TV station I've ever seen has a basement full of incredibly outdated things with lots of buttons and lights.)
posted by Vidiot at 5:43 PM on September 29, 2005

Whatever you get, just make sure it's enclosed. Most electronic solder is around 60% lead, and you don't want him touching it then putting his fingers in his mouth. Also, may circuit boards have sharp component pins sticking out of the solder side.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 6:35 PM on September 29, 2005

An old IBM selectric typewriter?
posted by hortense at 9:41 PM on September 29, 2005

ZenMasterThis, I wonder where the optimum point in the balance between risk and reward is on the scale you introduce... 2 years old is pretty young for junk electronics, I agree, but I am very glad my Mom never worried about such things when I was 5-10 years old and tearing stuff apart.
posted by Chuckles at 4:32 AM on September 30, 2005