Spirograph
I am determined to offer my 12-year-old grandson Tobias a gift that will entice him away from his electronic game devices. Thinking back to when I was his age one of the first things that comes to mind is Spirograph. I enjoyed hours of creating amazing designs, and 40 years later I create my own Mandela art inspired by my early designs.
Explore the products that spirograph offers for those on your gift list who need a break from all their electronic gadgets!
Early Days
The original invention that would evolve into today’s Spirograph was an invention by Bruno Abakanowicz. The mathematician devised the drawing apparatus sometime between 1881 and 1900 to be used as a tool to calculate the area delimited by curves.
It was 1908 when the Sears catalog first introduced the tool as a drawing toy based on gears that resulted in artful patterns. The Marvelous Wondergraph was popular enough to be featured as an article in a 1913 edition of Boys Mechanic magazine.
A true classic, the Spirograph came into play in 1965. It was created by Denys Fisher, a mechanical engineer. Combining the principles of art and mathematics, Denys set off to create a drafting tool and ended up creating a piece of art, enjoyed by generations of aspiring artists.
Back in the Day - A Commercial from Kenner
Spirograph Evolution
Spirograph was reintroduced to today’s young artists in 2013 by Kahootz Toys. The gears and wheels remain as the foundation of modern sets with an adjustment for safety – the pins have been replaced with putty to hold the art paper in place.
Spirograph, as well, has evolved and I have discovered the Deluxe Set, a terrific set to get Tobias started. I have also found a smaller set for myself that I surely will be enjoying.
In 1967 the Spirograph was awarded toy of the year. The classic that never gets old has won numerous recent awards and accolades including 2014 Toy of the Year finalist in two categories, ASTRA 2013 Best Toy, and a Top 10 position in Entertainment Weekly! There certainly is room for classic fun in the age of electronic devices!
Amazon offers a nice selection of Spirograph products. These are on my gift list!
Spirograph Deluxe
I am starting with the most complete set for Tobias. The Deluxe Set comes with everything you need to begin creating designs. Featuring more than forty-five pieces including nineteen precision wheels, two precision rings, precision rack, spiro-putty, three retractable ball point pens in green, blue, and red inks, guide book, twenty sheets of design paper all in a handy carry-along storage case complete with a work surface.
This set will surely result in unlimited designs to be enjoyed through hours of creative fun.
Recommended for everyone ages eight years and older.
Spirograph Coloring Book & Crayons
This is the Spirograph that selected for myself because I find it quite relaxing to take time out during a busy day to sit down and color these Spirograph designs.
Each set includes:
24-page coloring book with pre-printed outlines of fun Spirograph designs
Colorful crayons offer plenty of room for creativity
Includes 8″ x 8″ coloring book, 8 colorful crayons and built-in, hinged storage tray
Suitable for children ages 4 and over
Explore More Online
Spirograph at Facebook
Give the page a like and participate in the online community.
Kahootz Toys
Learn more about Spirograph and additional the award winning products for kids of all ages at the official Kahootz website.
Resources Consulted
Resources courtesy of Kahootz LLC with additional information supplied by Wikipedia.
Spirograph photo by Leo za1
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