Plain, ordinary wood blocks that are all the same? Sounds boring, but my 4 year old, 9 year old, and visiting adults play with these far more than the standard block sets. The key to Kapla is that these planks are precision milled (with a laser?).

All of the blocks are exactly the same height, width, and thickness and all of the sides are exactly 90 degrees from the ones next to them. These fact lets you build incredible structures that are very stable including ones that are as high as a kid can reach. Though we have not achieved the level of some of the impressive structures provided in the galleries, Kapla keeps our kids busy and has allowed their creativity to flourish. Sometimes less is more.

I hear this competitor is just as good if you run across them: Keva Planks

Something entertaining...better than tv.

You can also purchase Kapla at www.kaplatoys.com
That's the US site - Kapla is great fun for everybody
See Kapla on You Tube !

Sparks the immagination. Also have found it at my local Target shop with booster packs.