Where to Find Gifts for 5 Yo Future Civil Engineer

I too have a son who loves signs/lights. Bruder toy company makes large realistic contruction vehicles and several of their extras include road signs, several types of gravel etc. They will send you a catalog. Also, pick up a free playmobil catalog at the nearest toy store. Playmobil extras or "add ons" include flashing hazard
roads signs, numerous types of fencing, lots of worker-men with tiny hand held yield/stop signs and road repair kits.

Forgot to add--google"civil engineers tape" it's a roll of tape (like to size of duct tape) that has a road printed on it. He could design his own roadway on the carpet or a large piece of cardboard.

Take a look at Lakeshore Learning at http://www.lakeshorelearning.com. They have a lot of different things. Also check out Growing Tree Toys at http://www.growingtreetoys.com.

I would look into getting him some legos. They have set for anything you can think of and he can design his own.

Tinker toys are great (get lots of pieces), maybe kinex but that might be too old for him.

Do a search for marble run or marble ramp toy. Those look really fun - I hope Santa brings one for my son this year!

A box of spaghetti and some glue - I had an assignment in college where I had to build a bridge out of uncooked spaghetti and glue. I had to look at different bridge types and build little trusses. It was really fun even though I was 20ish. He could build one with help and use it with his toy trains and cars.

My boys love Legos. At 5 years old they enjoyed the large size Legos better because they are easier to handle. We had a Lego Fire Station/Hospital that they loved because you could set it up in many different ways. We also have a street carpet that they used a lot. They added houses from their Thomas railroad set or made out of Legos that eventually it looked like a real cool city.

I agree with the legos. My engineer hubby loved them as a kid, and can't wait to buy our son some (he's going to be waiting awhile, he's only six months!).

Lincoln Logs, LEGO Bricks & More- Ultimate Building Set, K'Nex, Zoob Movers for robotics...

And here's a list from the internet:
http://giftedkids.about.com/od/booksandtoys/tp/top_constr...

I'm a civil engineer! I liked Lincoln Logs, Legos, Tinker Toys, and plain old blocks. Puzzles are always good, too. Any kind of kit with instructions to follow (including the intricate Lego sets). Rubik's cubes.

Stoplights are always going to need some kind of wiring, whether internal or external. They wouldn't work without electricity! He's old enough for a beginner electrical kit.

Good luck! And watch out for the legos- they HURT when you step on them!

Lego never get old. My son is now 23 and looks forward to visits with his nephews so he can play with legos. My grandkids have bins of them to make their creations.

if you have a spencers check there

Tinker toys!!

Erector sets

wooden blocks with various sizes, especially including triangles, arches, cylinders, etc

Dominos - to make a chain-reaction run

Mousetrap