The Original Rollercoaster by Anatex at Toy Blaster

This Parents' Choice Classic Award Winner is that colossal maze of wood, beads, and wire often seen at the doctor's office. Beautifully crafted with a 12-by-15-inch solid wood base, thick sturdy wire, and wood beads, this winding wonder keeps little hands and minds busy for hours. The structure consists of five intertwined wires, securely attached at the wood base, adorned with free sliding beads of varied color, shape, size, and pattern. One wire reaches 21 inches at its peak, another makes a complete 360 degree loop. As the child slides beads across the tangle of wires, fine motor coordination and critical thinking skills are developed, as well as an understanding of both spatial relations and depth perception. The Original Rollercoaster washes easily with a damp sponge and squares up neatly in a corner for storage. --Kathryn Gustafson