This time last year, we posted a roundup of "good looking toys" -- the results leaned towards wood, basic geometry, and clean lines. Mentioned in the comments was Dado Cubes, a modern building block set for exploring "architectural principles of proportion, balance, structure, composition, and color."

Dado Cubes are available all over the web (we found them here for $26.95) and at many stores in person. In Chicago, we note their popularity in museum shops: here at the Art Institute of Chicago ($32); here at the MCA ($27.50); Made from heavy gauge plastic.
Are these already a building favorite for your child? Tell us what you think...
I bought these for my son when he was two. He's now three and has never really gotten into them, except as a "parking garage" or "tunnel" for his cars, which is totally fine in and of itself. But he's not so much into the building of things yet. They are quite attractive though. :)
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