We had intended this set for ages 10 and up and thought it too complicated for younger kids, until we let some preschoolers at it during a visit to a school event. "Awesome" just barely describes the youngsters' creativity. A geometry lab for home and classroom, Combinatorix contains 512 wood tiles (and yes, you really need that many for some of the projects). Squares, equilateral triangles, hexagons, and isosceles right triangles have 1" unit sides, are 1/4" thick for easy handling, in four colors. Includes three large vinyl game grids and 3 workbooks for competitive, solo and cooperative activities. Sturdy wood chest, 26x14x3", is finished like fine furniture by a master craftsman. Protective velvet cover included. For 1 to 27 players, ages 6 to adult.
$325 (plus $15 oversize shipping surcharge)

A gracefully proportioned subset of Combinatorix, this group of squares, equilateral triangles, hexagons, and isosceles right triangles has its own 40-page booklet of explorations, designs and games. Approximately 55 wood tiles have 1" unit sides, are 1/4" thick for easy handling, and mix the four colors shown in all-different assortments within the 11" rounded triangular tray. Display stand included. For 1 to 3 players, ages 6 to adult.$49

This set of two shapes in four colors is the next best thing to a kaleidoscope. The 36-degree rhombus and the 72-degree rhombus are just what it takes to fill up a decagon. Vary the patterns as you like from utterly chaotic to exquisitely symmetrical. Color combinations may vary. Recommended for ages 6 to adult. $42

A plaything of visual beauty and creative delights. The 24 diamond-shaped tiles (sample shown at right) and 6 triangular tiles carry 6 dominant rainbow colors. They join so that colors meet only their own shades or their neighbors in the spectrum. Wonderful patterns emerge. There are interesting shapes to build outside the 8½" tray, as well. All acrylic, hand-inlaid tiles. For 1 or 2 players, ages 5 to adult. $65

This is our No. 1 game. The 12 lasercut, hand-polished maple blocks, 13/16" unit cube size, are all the different shapes 5 cubes can make when joined in a flat plane ("solid pentominoes"). Illustrated booklet of 80 pages has the most comprehensive collection of activities for the set ever published, much original material including 2-D and 3-D puzzles and 5 competitive games. The pieces feel very good to the touch. They could become a lifetime avocation. For 1 to 4 players, for as young as shows interest and for the most skilled adult. $85

Researched by antiquities scholar Peter Aleff, these two authentic ancient games are the ancestors of all modern boardgames: "Labyrinth" from Minoan Crete, "Goose" from the Renaissance. Both are a race to the center. Goose is purely chance, while Labyrinth allows for backgammon-like strategies. The two-sided, 24" octagonal framed wood gameboard is handcrafted, with brass corner brackets and a brass-finish carry handle. The superb quality carries through to 16 handpainted wood pawns, lively wood dice and a velvet cover. Suitable for 2 to 8 players, all ages that can count dice pips for "Goose," age 10 to adult for "Labyrinth." $195 (plus $10 oversize shipping surcharge)

"Goose" and "Labyrinth" as a 24" canvas banner rolls up for storage or can adorn a wall. With 24 glass stones (4 each of 6 jewel-like colors), wood dice, and book, in fabric drawstring tube. For 2 to 6 players. $68