Inspired Gifts for Children

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Lego is cool, but this

is more unusual with terra cotta bricks children eight and up can mix and make themselves. Each kit comes with mortar mix, mini wheelbarrow, doors and windows that open and shut, architectural diagrams as well as complete instructions. Choose the 520-brick one-story house in reddish-tan terra cotta brick, or the 449-brick two-story house in white. $39.95.

Billed as the perfect family puzzle, this

would be one good way to spend the winter Ned Flanders-style. Measures 20X27 inches. $15.99.

For the child nine and up, this

teaches how to cut, piece and finish a patchwork quilt. Fabrics will vary. But the price is right at $19.95.

Building a model is a lesson in planning, pacing, and staying calm. This

from ZebraHall.com is appropriate for kids ten and up. $20. A model of the Santa Maria is also available.

You can cut out the historic ships in this

to make waterproof vessels that will withstand the waves of any bathtub. For kids ten and up. $18.95.

Kids love to make stuff out of glossy rocks: jewelry, mosaics, charms. A rock tumbler that polishes everything from common rocks to semi-precious gems is an expensive gift, but your kid will have new purpose in life! Plus, you'll be the only one in your neighborhood with a rock tumbler! We found two nice models for the hobbyist, at two prices. Both, apparently, are best for basement use, since they do make a grating noise when in use.

sells its model for $89.99 and carries all the right accessories.

carries a heartier model with bigger motor that costs $139. Grit and stones are sold in nice large quantites.

Boomerang audio tapes

Brainy

bring a saavy sensibility to this clever children's audio magazine. Time travel through history, wander the world with Boomerang's kid reporters, or take an elevator ride you won't forget with Dave Schmave the Elevator Man who loves nothing more than to share his wisdom with his captive passengers. For ages six to twelve, four and a half hours of happy listening for $27.95.

This

will actually fly but you might want to settle for hanging your hard work from the ceiling. $34.95

For $15.95, you get

for approximately three dozen stretchy bracelets. Hearthsong.com claims to have gathered the beads from all over the world.

I loved

and used it often as a teen. Flaxart carries the best variety of stamps we've seen. Styles include the Star of David, Celtic cross, sun, moon, even the Beliefnet.com swirl! Stamps are 10.00 each, sealing wax is 12.95.

This gorgeous

embossed on the cover with the tree of life is featured in a spiritual gift catalog for grown-ups. But we felt this would be an appreciated, attractive gift for any teenaged girl who loves to write. Measuring nine by six inches, the leather binding covers blank notebooks easily available at art supply houses. $59.95.