My kids (5 ½ and 4 ½) have always been drawn to toy kitchens, but I always thought if I got them one, it would quickly lose its novelty and just sit collecting dust. I felt that way with most imagination play structures, but then the kids started getting them as presents. First the puppet show, which is adorable and they used a lot. It made me realize that these structures are a wonderful space for letting little ones create their own little universe of possibilities.

Then the kids saw a farmer's market at a thrift store and put a presentation together to convince their Dad they were responsible enough to take care of it. Then we needed a sandwich shop to go with it, then a tomato/lemonade stand, and the list goes on.

Our play room has become the thing we swore it wouldn't - filled with all kinds of structures and toys that get used every once in a while. We tried rotating, and even tried to convince the kids to give some away. But it was tough because at the end of the day, I do love seeing how creative and joyful they are playing in these spaces.

So, when a friend of mine told me about her product idea - a modular play structure that you could turn into anything, I was intrigued. My kids literally can't play with all of the structures available to them at the same time anyways, so why not something that could transform into whatever their hearts desire on any given day... with the added bonus of teaching kids how to design and build (which can be done quick in just a couple minutes, or go on for hours if your kids want to explore, experiment, and adjust).

My kids just opened WunderNook for Christmas and in less than 2 weeks it has already been a kitchen, a fort, a lemonade stand, and a "monkey sanctuary". They are excited to turn it into a rocket ship, school bus, and the list goes on...

There are tons of configurations in the WunderNook project manual, but the morning after Christmas my 4 ½ year old son came running out his room and wanted to build a fort - and I was inspired to see his creativity expressed as he turned the handles, feet and magnet pieces that come with it, into "solar panels", "laser guns" and "deflector shields".

Coming from a background in manufacturing and supply chain, I want to mention that I'm incredibly impressed with the quality of WunderNook. It's made in the USA with sustainable materials, and it shows. The connectors are so clever and easy to use, and the natural look leaves it perfect for open-ended play and exploration. I can tell it will last, and be one of those toys I save for my grandkids to play with someday. So, while it's not cheap, it's worth it - add up all the money you spent on everything else and it's a steal.