K’Nex Toys

K’Nex toys are much like Legos or Tinkertoys or other building toys that were developed based on an idea by American Joel Glickman. These toys are put together with a system of interlocking plastic rods and connectors. These can be pieced together to build all kinds of things, from machines to architectural structures.

K’Nex’s target market is a little older, though, as they are designed for those aged 5 to 12 years old. Glickman’s idea was based on a plastic straw. He wondered how he could connect it with other straws. That was the basis for the plastic rods and connectors that make up K’Nex toys. Other parts like pulleys, wheels, and more were introduced later to allow young builders some flexibility in the items that they put together.

The first of the toys were on the market in 1993 and surprisingly, none of the world’s largest toy makers had any interest in the company’s products. K'nex Toys Have History The company decided to produce and market its K’Nex toys on its own, a move that paid big dividends.

K’Nex is now associated with some licensed brands and turns out all sorts of big name toys. In 2008 the company paired with the popular children’s television show Sesame Street to put together a line of building sets. The move was a success as was the idea to partner with Mario Kart Wii to make karts and race tracks. Both were great ideas and very popular sellers among children’s toys. The company continues to partner with licensed products from Angry Birds to Mario and Mario Kart.