LEGO’s for All Ages

Candy Puterbaugh

 

 

“Plays well with others” are words most parents like to see on their child’s report card. A brand new LEGO Store — Oregon’s second — in Bridgeport Village in Portland hopes to help kids of all ages play well with each other. . . and with LEGOs.

 

On a recent overcast morning, hordes of LEGO-lovers waited in front of the balloon-lined store entrance for its grand opening. Inside, walls of colorful LEGO kits and displays welcomed all ages — from tots in strollers, to teens, young parents, and seniors.

 

Play stations attracted little ones, intently bent over their colorful creations. A Pick & Build wall boasted bins of multi-colored LEGO pieces for tiny fists to grab. Parents bought birthday presents for their kids. A muscular, bearded man resembling Paul Bunyan selected a racing car kit for his grandson. Active kids stood wide-eyed, taking in the many choices.

 

Kits range from the Italian Riviera and best-seller Neuschwanstein Castle to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Star Wars, Super Heroes, and Disney. A giant “Brick or Treat” display heralded Halloween’s coming. Tiny keychains dangled from hooks.

 

LEGO has come a long way since its founding in Billund, Denmark, in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The LEGO Group is still family owned and headquartered there, with its  than 140 countries.

 

Where’d that name come from? It’s derived from two Danish words, LEg GOdt, meaning “Play Well.”  The smiling customers at this grand opening did just that.

 

LEGOs really are for kids of all ages. Adult kits for “seasoned” builders include floral bouquets, Vespa, Family Tree, LOVE, Grand Piano, and more. Each is wow-worthy, and one might be the perfect gift for those on your list who are crafty or just love keeping hands busy.

 

While the designs are light-years beyond those we or our kids had, keep in mind: stepping on a LEGO remains the funny-not funny “delight” it’s always been 🙂

 

 

Candy Puterbaugh is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, groan-inducing punster, writer, competitive runner, pet lover, and tender of gardens.