Lego's 50th Anniversary is a Reminder of the Classic Toy's Place in Our Family's History

We have a long history with Lego blocks, going back nearly to the birth of Legos. By the way, just in case you are wondering, they were created fifty years ago. Their 50th birthday is in January of 2008.

I know this because (gulp) I am actually older than Lego blocks. This isn't something I realized until today and I'm not exactly embracing that notion but it hasn't stopped me from loving Legos. I have an odd mix of nostalgia and other feelings associated with Legos. There is a little pain in there, too (ever stepped on a stray Lego block as you navigate down a dark hallway to the bathroom?).

As the mother of several boys, I have never been too far away from Legos. Why? Because children who love Legos tend to cherish them with nearly the same passion as they do their favorite blankets and faded Teddy Bears. It isn't the kind of love that tends to disappear over time, although I admit I've been guilty of trying to pass on some of their old Legos to new homes (unsuccessfully, once my sons caught wind of the idea).

So we still have boxes of Lego blocks and sets, many still in their original cases, a point my guys noted is important. I am often reminded of this fact when I hear them say, "This Lego Millennium Falcon is still in its original case!" in the reverential tone of a guy who has just gotten a date with the girl of his dreams.

According to the site, Lego.com at cache.lego.com/2057/anniversary.htm , Lego comes from two Danish words which mean "play well." Based on our experience, they certainly knew their target audience, children, and made sure that kids would love Legos. Our kids certainly did!

I'd rank them as among the top toys of all time, if not the top toy. Why? Because even though many Legos come in sets, including Star Wars as well as Knights, castles and other themes, they can also be taken apart and used to make new creations. I'm not alone in my opinon about Legos as they are ranked among the most trusted toys of all time. In an age when recalls of children's toys are pretty common, those vintage Legos are looking better and better.

There is a lot to like about Legos. They stimulate the imagination. I can remember walking in the door, day after day, and seeing some new creation my sons had created from Legos, either alone or with their friends. Some were based on reality, such as houses or various cars. Others were their own ideas, ones I'd never seen anywhere else, some odd creature or person or other piece.

At the same time the often complex sets, such as Star Wars Yoda figure, can take quite a long time to assemble. I can remember my oldest son sitting down and puzzling over the directions to various sets, sometime taking a break, sometimes frustrated....but then he'd come back, read the directions again...and figure it out (I knew this because of the whoops of joy I'd hear coming from his room). He learned to read directions carefully, be patient, take his time and go step-by -step through the process of making a toy. Compare that to what happens when a kid turns on a television show. I'd say Legos are better - much better!
If you want any more convincing, try checking out the soaring prices on Ebay for old or out of stock vintage Lego sets. Not a bad investment, if you had the foresight to buy extra sets and keep them in their original cases, unopened. I did not. I did keep the original boxes, however. My sons told me to. I'm glad I listened.

Not all our memories of Legos were pleasant ones, of course. Deep loves often come with some rough edges. There was the day one son had just finished putting the last piece on a very intricate castle set when his brother, just learning to walk, fell over and.....knocked the whole thing down. It was not a happy moment and it doesn't take much to remember the sounds of those piercing, angry shrieks as well as the racing heart I experienced as I barely prevented the older son from pummeling his toddling baby brother.

Mostly, though, we have happy recollections of Legos. According to a totally unscientific poll (but one which all three sons concur), these are their favorite Star Wars Toys:

1. Star Wars At-At Walker - Because our kids love all things Star Wars, they have a fondness for this one. It is a vehicle that also looks like a creature. My kids thought I was nervy to call it "cute" (yes, I had a fondness for the thing, still do) but that didn't stop them from being crazy about the toy. What's not to like? Its head turns, it opens and can hold various Star War figures inside and it moves. Very cool! It holds a place of honor in our home and I pat its square head with affection - and nostalgia- now and then.

2. Star Wars Yoda - The particular one we have may no longer be available online or off. It is a giant sculptured bust of Yoda, his arms clasped in front. It took forever for my kids to make this one and that adds to the appeal. They haven't tried to take it apart and put it back together (yet).

3. Lego Castle Sets
Once built, these provided hours of play for my kids. They'd spend long, wintry days inside, imagining they were back in medieval times, engaging in jousts or using a catapault against enemies. The Lego company made some very cool (and workable) catapaults.

If your kids haven't had the pleasure of playing with Lego blocks yet, I suggest you drop by the Lego.com site or your local toy store and check out what is available. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to play with those blocks, too. When it comes to Legos, the target age range can extend all the way to adulthood.