When Jake opened his new Sesame Street Building Set by K’nex, I was both excited and apprehensive. Any toy that has parts to put together usually ends up in pieces strategically placed on the floor where my foot just happens to step.

Sesame Street has always played a large part in our home. I watched it growing up and I love seeing all the same characters with my 3 year old when he watches. His bedroom is an Elmo wonderland and we have a battery operated Christmas Cookie Monster singing carols all year round.

I sat on the floor with Jake and put the pieces in front of him, telling him he can make his very own Oscar the Grouch. Complete with his worm Slimey, stickers and an activity sheet, Jake took a look at everything in front of him and asked for help.

I’m not the type to jump right in and offer assistance. I showed Jake the picture on the activity sheet and told him to try to fit everything together as best he could. A few minutes later, he had assembled a complete Oscar, the only “error” being one leg sticking out from the top of his head (Jake tells me that Oscar doesn’t need a leg so he’s using it as a hammer instead).

Since everything can be stored together in the cute character packaging it came in, we haven’t had any lost parts. He’s had it over a week and hasn’t tired of playing with it. Once built, Oscar accompanies him on his bike, in his back pack and even to bed.

The Oscar the Grouch set is one of four in the 14-15 piece sets. Also available for $10.99 is Elmo and his goldfish Dorothy, Ernie with his Rubber Duckie and Cookie Monster (with a cookie, of course!). There are larger sets ranging from $14.99 to $31.99 available as well.

You can check out the sets for yourself on the Sesame Street/K’NEX site. These building sets are perfect for children ages 2-5 years old and with 11 items to choose from, these building sets are a great gift for birthdays or the fast approaching holidays.