I was just flipping through the newest catalog from One Step Ahead (have you picked up on the fact that I’m infatuated with this company?) and in between drooling over all the imaginary play gear and Christmas themed toys, I spotted this terribly cool Doodle-Track Car that will chase behind any black line you or your child draws. “Kids can create a straight road, curvy track, or even a big circle…and then watch as this very smart car follows hot on the trail. Its secret: it’s got an optical sensor that “reads” black ink or crayon.” I love that this is a unique product, inexpensive (only $15) and doesn’t come with a billion pieces. It might be just the ticket to get your reluctant learner to start drawing and it will have them playing creatively and actively instead of just pressing some buttons.

My husband says that when he was applying to colleges back in 2003 (shut up, I know we’re young) that one of the schools he applied to was working on a project like this and that he’d love to build something like it himself someday. Maybe I should buy two so he can take one apart to learn from?