Question about wooden blocks versus Lincoln Logs

When I was a kid in the 70s, my grandparents gave me a choice between a big set of plain wooden blocks or a bucket of Lincoln Logs. I picked the blocks because they felt more open ended. But now I wonder if Lincoln Logs taught more about structure and following plans. Did anyone else face this kind of choice and do you think you picked the better option?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly9682mo ago

My 2nd grade teacher had both in her classroom and I always grabbed the Lincoln Logs because you could build actual roofs and windows. I get why people like open-ended blocks but following those little notches to make a cabin felt like actual construction, not just stacking. Building from plans taught me patience and precision in a way plain blocks never did.

the_jake2mo ago

Idk man, I picked Lincoln Logs once and spent three hours building a cabin that collapsed because my little brother sneezed on it. Guess that taught me patience and precision too, mostly patience in not chucking a log at his head.

joseph5291mo ago

Building with those notches really does feel different. @kelly968 nailed it - there's something satisfying about following those little grooves and seeing a real roof come together. I spent hours as a kid making cabins with windows and doors, and when it finally stood up it felt like I actually built something. Blocks are great for free play but Lincoln Logs teach you that real structures need real planning. One wrong notch and your whole wall wobbles, which is probably why your brother's sneeze took it down.