Comments on: pushbutton toys

Question: pushbutton toys

zek — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:24:52 -0800

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.

By: luneray

luneray — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:27:20 -0800

Have you tried asking on Craigslist? Is there a freecycle organization in your area?

By: sohcahtoa

sohcahtoa — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:30:02 -0800

Check out American Science and Surplus, you can get all kinds of weird switches, knobs, and sciency bits.

By: fishfucker

fishfucker — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:39:40 -0800

old cell phones (or very burly working ones)? remotes? My nephew loves that crap, plus he can carry it around with him.

By: Kickstart70

Kickstart70 — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:42:31 -0800

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?

By: Kickstart70

Kickstart70 — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:46:19 -0800

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.

By: zek

zek — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:46:36 -0800

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.

By: onhazier

onhazier — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:59:13 -0800

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.

By: bonaldi

bonaldi — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:06:21 -0800

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?

By: symphonik

symphonik — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:28:01 -0800

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.

By: fandango_matt

fandango_matt — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:56:07 -0800

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.

By: fandango_matt

fandango_matt — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:58:41 -0800

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.

By: trevyn

trevyn — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 14:12:15 -0800

Speak & Read / Speak & Spell / Speak & Math depending on level of precociousness.

By: handee

handee — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 15:10:34 -0800

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.

By: sluggo

sluggo — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 16:15:37 -0800

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.

By: Vidiot

Vidiot — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 17:43:06 -0800

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.)

By: ZenMasterThis

ZenMasterThis — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 18:35:35 -0800

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.

By: hortense

hortense — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 21:41:47 -0800

An old IBM selectric typewriter?

By: Chuckles

Chuckles — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 04:32:42 -0800

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.