A construction set is a standardized piece assortment allowing for the construction of various different models. Construction sets are most often marketed as toys. A popular longtime construction set toy brand is Lincoln Logs.
Kiddicraft and Lego building blocks in different colors.
Lego bricks are a construction set example.
Interlocking Disks enable the construction of high-symmetry models such as that of C 60 Fullerene.
1970s No. 2 Meccano set
A toy or plaything is an object that is used primarily to provide entertainment. Simple examples include toy blocks, board games, and dolls. Toys are often designed for use by children, although many are designed specifically for adults and pets. Toys can provide utilitarian benefits, including physical exercise, cultural awareness, or academic education. Additionally, utilitarian objects, especially those which are no longer needed for their original purpose, can be used as toys. Examples include children building a fort with empty cereal boxes and tissue paper spools, or a toddler playing with a broken TV remote control. The term "toy" can also be used to refer to utilitarian objects purchased for enjoyment rather than need, or for expensive necessities for which a large fraction of the cost represents its ability to provide enjoyment to the owner, such as luxury cars, high-end motorcycles, gaming computers, and flagship smartphones.
19th century illustration of a child playing with a toy horse and cart
Little horse on wheels, Ancient Greek children's toy. From a tomb dating 950–900 BCE, Kerameikos Archaeological Museum, Athens
A boy with a hoop. Hoops have long been a popular toy across a variety of cultures.
Frank Hornby's 1901 patent number GB190100587A for what later became known as Meccano
