Toys that Build the Mind

If you're looking for Christmas ideas that build the mind rather than numbing it, look here.

The Pioneer Woman had a review on Zillo Mini Mountain and it looks super wonderful albeit pricey (ages 4-94).

Simple Mom wrote an excellent post on gift giving to children that is worth the read, esp. the comments from other readers.

We've enjoyed playing Sequence - the states and capitals version - and it's helped sharpen my geography facts.

What toys do you own that build the mind?