Kaleidograph

Hours of design fun for kids of all ages. These sets of die-cut cards by Kaleidograph can be mixed and matched to form designs and patterns that mimic the geometry of flowers and crystals in nature.

Some of the card designs date back to the 17th century and yet the final results of card combinations always seem thoroughly modern. The card sets also follow the tradition of education and design toys envisioned by Friedrich Froebel in the 1800s when he defined the original idea of Kindergarten. This educational system, with its design toys, went on to influence modern designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminster Fuller, Piet Mondrian, and even design education at the Bauhaus.

Best of all, you can used them as a toy, display favorite designs as artwork, or even use them as stencils for larger design project.

Available at Amazon.com and other retailers. Pictured above are the Flora and Crystal card sets.

Progress Chic | Brainy Blocks

What do you get when you combine old school building blocks with modern technology? That's right, Sifteo Cubes of course. What makes these cutting edge cubes so special is that they actually communicate and interact with each other. With lots of games available and the ability to create your own, Sifteo cubes are without doubt a sneak peak of play time in the next century.

Fab Facets | Bohemian Blocks

These fashionable wood shards are sure to spark the imagination of both the young and the young at heart. Fort Standard's White Blocks are made from salvaged wood pieces and finished with non-toxic paint so are safe for all who play and/or design with them.

Tegu Toy Blocks

Wood blocks seem to be a craze these days. Tegu wood blocks have the added bonus of being magnetized so kids of all ages can snap together little sculptures ranging from animals and buildings to cars and robots. Best of all, they are made from sustainable Honduran hardwoods so they are future friendly for both people and planet.

Progress Chic - David Week's Ursa Minor

Wooden toys have entertained children around the world for centuries. Designer David Weeks has elevated the wooden toy to a work of art with his sweet and sustainable contribution, Ursa Minor, available at areaware.com, $85. Mama bear, Ursa Major, also available, $125.

Progress Chic: Zen SuperWagon

Toy wagons have been a part of kid culture in modern history for centuries and were even found ancient Greek and Aztec cultures. Kaiku Design has re-imagined the toy wagon and created the Zen SuperWagon. With modern lines, ergonomic elements, uber functionality, and sustainable materials, its sure to be a new classic. Via 2modern.

Progress Chic: Mod Matroshkas

An old-world tradition takes a new direction with these high-design Russian Nesting Dolls from CB2.

Progress Chic: Strategic Style

Up for a modern chess match? This chess set from MoMA offers contemporary lines that reflect the importance of each piece and offer instructions on how each piece is played.

Progress Chic - Pattern Recognition

Consider them wood blocks for big boys and girls. With Motif Cubes, put the pieces together, and a pattern emerges...over and over again.