My two-year-old daughter was just given one of these and a nice big tub of Duplos.Without a base, all she could do was build long chains of a single block type (and she'd get frustrated when the tower wouldn't hold together perfectly).I had tried to get her to see how to link things in other ways, but she just didn't see it.Enter the baseplate.Aha!She suddenly figured out what to do with the blocks, and builds little walls and houses and beds and things.Much more fun.It's also much more fun for Mom and Dad to play along with her when we can get more creative.
Now, here's the kicker.She had had a set of Maxi Mega Blocks for ages, but hadn't used them much (because of the tower-building problem).It turns out that Maxi Mega Blocks will also fit on this baseplate!You can't build Duplos on top of them, but that's not a big problem here.The Duplo baseplate rejuvenated the Maxi Mega Blocks as a cool toy for a toddler who likes to build.
If you're thinking about buying something for a kid who is too young for Duplos, try Maxi Mega Blocks and a Duplo baseplate (the Primo sets are nowhere near as good as MMB for actual building).
The only bummer is that the baseplate we have is rather thin and flexible, and I'm worried about her stepping on it and breaking it (hence the 3 stars for durability).It hasn't broken yet, but I've taken a fair bit of care to make sure of that.But don't let this deter you!
This is a good accessory to go along with your child's duplos.However...
1. After I ordered it off Amazon I realized you can get it for LESSon Lego's website or at a Lego store, if you have one...and no shipping that way, either.I feel like a dolt.I don't know why I didn't think to look I tried Toys R Us, Target, and WalMart for Duplos, and found nothing good.So I ordered some stuff on line and just ASSUMED Amazon's prices were good, becuase they usually are.
2. Consider a LEGO baseplate instead of LEGO DUPLO.You can use Duplo blocks on a Lego base but not Lego blocks on a Duplo base.Legos and Duplos can go together but their coupling is dependant upon the Duplos' pegs being hollow.The pegs on the Duplo base are solid so you can't use Legos on it.One problem, though, Duplos don't cling QUITE as tightly to the Lego base...but they do work.)
You should maybe also know that this is kind of a bendy peice of plastic, not hard and solid and thick like the smaller Duplo bases that come with some sets (the ones that are 5X5 or soIt works fine, but I was surprised to learn this, I was expecting it to be more solid.
Great item, great fun, but don't buy it here!!!
updating my original review to say several years and 3 more kids and my kids really seem to ignore this thing...and it's also taken a permanent bend to it so it doesn't lay flat.The smaller sturdier base plates get way more use you can get a 3 pack of yellow, red, green.I think if this were solid it MIGHT get more play but it's really bendy and the bricks just pop off too easily.
Buy LEGO Duplo Green Building Plate (15" X 15") Now
Legos are great. Lego Duplos are great. They are a good size for little clumsy toddler fingers to grab hold of and snap together. They are great for eye hand coordination, pre math skills, small motor skills and more.
One of the things I like about Lego products is that you can buy more of the same thing and it makes for a whole new lot of fun. This base plate makes it easy to build buildings and tall structures. IT gives the structures a great base that is very sturdy.
Unless you want to buy a special table, these base plates are very good. I bought a few and we can build up and out more than ever.
I look for toys that are sturdy and fun and easy to use. I look for toys that have more than a button to push. IF they are somewhat educational or help the child explore the world then that is so much the better. Legos fit into this list perfectly. The base plates only help to increase the fun of playing with the legos/duplos.
Enjoy.
Read Best Reviews of LEGO Duplo Green Building Plate (15" X 15") Here
It has been the best to buy.This keeps the duplo in place and less cleaning.My 2 year old loves it.I had a toddler table and used velcro to attach it, instead of buying the table.
Great.
Want LEGO Duplo Green Building Plate (15" X 15") Discount?
Never, in the history of humankind, has plastic reached such a high bucks per squarefoot ratio. OK, the educational value is great. But come on lego people, how much R&D did it take in Denmark to develop such a breath taking product? what about manufacturing? Do they put gold in that plastic? Does it save what you build over it in a hidden flash memory? What is the hourly wage of the 1 or 2 Chinese workers who make this piece of plastic for the whole planet? 15"X 15" does not equal 15$ nor 5*.
Update after 2 weeks of use:
This product is not made in china but in Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungaria according to the packaging, which again isimpressive for a piece of plastic. To be fair to the product, yes, as soon as my son got it, the magic operated and he stopped building boring towers to explore the three dimensions and it's fascinating to watch. Parents should not let their child miss this major part in the lego experience, but Lego Corp. should not make us pay with the movie theater popcorn kind of pricing....
Save 15% Off
I purchased this desk for my scrapbooking/crafts. after a couple months of using it, and getting paint and what ot on it, some of the black paint on the desk has started to peel off. if you are looking for something easy and simple and affordable get this. its pretty good quality, especially for the price. great for you crafters out there!
