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Customer reviews of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks by U.S. Games Systems
Return to Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks product information...
Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks has been reviewed 152 times with an average rating of 4.67
Great for adult fidgets!
Posted 10/31/2008 by Angela
Rating: 
I got this toy for my husband who likes to fidget with creative toys. I had previously bought him GeoMags (he loved those), but the balls would fall on the hardwood floor leaving numerous dents, so they have been put away. I bought him a Ball of Whacks figuring it might be a good substitute. The pieces are surprisingly light, so no damage to the floor. :) He has had them a little over 3 months and still enjoys playing with them. Also, the pieces always end up together in some interesting shape or sculpture that looks tidy on the coffee table.
We still love GeoMags. I think GeoMags have more design potential – including groupings that allow a fidget to spin one piece under another. Also GeoMags have stronger magnets that make a satisfying snap when you put the pieces together. Ball of Whacks does not give the same satisfying snap when you put the pieces together and sometimes certain ‘sculpures’ fall apart because the magnetic hold is not strong enough. However, Ball of Whacks is a fun toy that looks tidy and does not dent hardwood floors or roll under furniture. Also, I can’t imagine a child swallowing the pieces as they are fairly large – I hear this can be an issue with the GeoMags.
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15 of 17 customers found this review helpful.
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Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/15/2009 by Dione E. Zale
Rating:
Great for all ages...I am 77 years old and am taking an award-winning class for seniors to improve their memory, we are playing with it in class and I am sure that will result in more orders for you.
When I first got it, my two grandsons, 8- and 13-years old and I enjoyed it together. I am a trained neuropsychologist and enjoyed watching their reactions as well as the sheer fun we had playing together.
I would be very interested in being kept up to date on any other brain-stimulating gadgets you come up with.
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5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.
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fun stand-by
Posted 1/5/2009
- RELATIVE
Rating: 
Setting: Home
The Ball of Whacks is fun and a bit addictive, and is very versatile in making shapes and patterns (if multi-colored). It's the kind of toy you leave by the couch for the compulsive fiddler. More for quiet kids or adults, as pieces could easily get dispersed.
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6 of 8 customers found this review helpful.
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Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/4/2010 by Marjorie Fujioka
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
For the child who likes thinking with imagination
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4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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This Toy Rocks!!!!
Posted 4/26/2010 by Luke Hanson
Rating:
I am really enjoying this product!!!!! It is really great for picking up and messing around with when you get stumped when writing a paper or working out a math problem. It is a lot of fun and I would recommend it to anyone
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4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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Ball of Whacks
Posted 6/29/2008 by Carly
Rating:
I am 9 and my brother is 6 and we both love playing with this. There are lots of different ways to put the ball together and take it apart. I think this makes a fun birthday gift and its great to take on the go. My teacher recommended it to me.
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5 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
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My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/2/2010
Rating:
Our 11 year old son has enjoyed this toy very much so far. It is creative and interesting. I wish there were a couple of extra pieces included in the set. He has lost one last night when the object he was making dropped from his hands and exploded in all directions. We are hoping we can find the missing piece.
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4 of 5 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 3/17/2010 by Gary F Soldow
Rating: 
It seemed like a good idea in theory; in practice, however, it's just a silly toy that works best as a paper weight.
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A paperweight? Wait a minute, we're sure we can help. We contacted our customer with our Returns & Exchanges policy. A toy loved both in theory and in action is in Mr. Soldow's future.
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4 of 5 customers found this review helpful.
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Ball of fun with "Ball of Whacks"
Posted 4/26/2010 by Carol
Rating:
High quality toy. At first I felt the price was a bit too much. But after checking all over the internet and after playing with it, I realized what a great deal it really was. Especially if you are looking for the multicolored one, it is always higher priced than the solid ones.. (It adds even more fun to make patterns using the colors, than if it was solid red or blue.) Hasnt lost its entertainment quality. It will last forever because there are many books you can get to keep it interesting. Yeah, definitly worth the price. I leave it sitting out and someone always grabs it to play.
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3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/18/2009 by Elik Shekhter
Rating: 
This toy has only 30 pieces which is not enough to build something interesting like with Magnetix kit. There should be much more than 30 pieces. Also the 30 plastic parts are very light and keep falling off and the magnets are very weak to hold on to each other. I should've bought the magnetic bucky balls instead.
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3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 2/8/2011 by yael bloom
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 8 y/o son has had lots of fun playing with this. He made many different shapes and structures. It is almost like a new toy each time he plays with it because he can change it so many ways.
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2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
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Great!
Posted 1/1/2012 by Samantha
Rating:
Setting: Home
Really great toy for the whole family.
Downside: pieces not magnetic enough to stay together all the time. They end up all over the place! I suggest that the supplier provides a container that you can keep the pieces in.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Super cool toy
Posted 12/22/2011 by Jenise Jensen
- EDUCATOR
Rating:
Setting: Office
I bought this toy as a therapeutic device for my office. All ages and kinds of kids love it and like to play with it and create different arrangements. It is also a useful distraction device, as well as a useful tool to entice kids to participate in treatment. Love this toy!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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BEST TOY
Posted 11/28/2011 by Jennifer Bailey
Rating:
We discovered the Ball of Whacks at a therapy session. My son fell head over heels in love with it, he couldn't put it down during the whole session. I ordered it for Christmas many years ago, and today, at age 13 it is still is favorite thing to do. My 7 yr old daughter discovered it out one day, and began playing with it...So this year, for Christmas...she'll be getting her own!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Great fidget for teenagers
Posted 6/15/2011 by Meg
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 15-year-old and 13-year-old sons love these balls. We had one, but I had to buy another one so each has his own. They fiddle with them all day long -- they are a great and quiet fidget that is acceptable to teenagers. They also like to put the two balls together (one blue, one black), combining pieces in different color combinations and creations.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 3/24/2011 by Carolyn Johannes
- RELATIVE
Rating:
Setting: Home
folks in the house wait their turn to play with it or it disappears for days at a time- usually into someone's room!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/31/2010 by Desert Kay Cowart, Mrs.
- RELATIVE
Rating:
Setting: Home
I find it to be very intertaining and the booklet is quite informative. I purchased one for my husband (67) and one for my youngest son (14) in black and blue. They love them and have combined them for even more madness including writing Merry Christmas on my stainless fridge. They would probably "play" with them more often, but the toys live downstairs and we live upstairs. We live in Mexico and your shipping is also a blessing.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/21/2010
Rating:
I ordered one for my friend's 7 year old and he loves it! My 9 year old niece got a hold of it and wouldn't put it down so I ordered a second one for her. My 5 year old nephew loves playing with the one I got for my niece so now I need to buy a third!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/21/2010 by Amy Herrera
Rating:
It is a hit at my house!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/18/2010 by Kathy V.
- FRIEND
Rating:
Setting: Office
I had bought a blue one months ago and came back to buy a red one and a black one so I could explore more options for configurations. I love all of the possibilities of symmetry and how well the magnets make the pieces stay put. This is a favorite toy. It lives by the TV and gets more attention than the TV.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 2/1/2010 by Cathy OBrien
Rating:
My 6 and 10 year spent hours fiddling with this toy. My husband and I enjoy as well.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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A Unique toy!
Posted 1/27/2010 by S. Mohammed
Rating:
I got this for my six year old but my older kids play with it as well, its something very new and unique and my children have a great time trying out new shapes and designs. I really like the fact that they are magnetic and when u make it back into a ball, all th pieces are securely stuck together. A great concept!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/10/2009 by Tom Miller
Rating:
I have a 14-year old who asked for Ball of Whacks and X-ball. Unlike most things like this, he has never tired of them, and builds really unusual and creative objects, some stable, some fragile. I got him two more X-ball sets to build larger objects, and just now got three more Ball of Whacks at his request for a birthday present so he could build larger objects with these pieces. He uses both kinds together in some constructions. They aren't cheap, but it's nice to find something he doesn't tire of.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Pretty Cool!
Posted 11/5/2009 by allen
Rating:
The only complaint my boy had was that he only got one. This really stimulates his creativity. His favorite color is blue but he thought that if he had one of the multicolored balls then he could really make some interesting creations.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Lots of Fun!
Posted 10/18/2009 by LLee
Rating:
My 5 year old daughter played with this at a friends house. She loved it and I was amazed at how quick she was able to put it back together (the multi-colored one). I bought her one and am putting it away for Christmas. I think she will enjoy picking it up and seeing what different patterns and shapes she can make with it! I think I'll even enjoy it too!
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Awesome Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/15/2009 by CJ
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
Hours of fun for many ages. The grandkids (and their parents) stood in line to play . . . so of course, I had to order a couple more so more could play at a time! Expensive but worth it.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Great toy!
Posted 10/13/2009 by T. L. A.
Rating:
Setting: Homeschool
This is a really fascinating magnetic toy that keeps my 8 year old occupied and happy for long periods of time. It encourages his creativity and working knowledge of geometry. The book that comes with it has a lot of great ideas about other uses for the Ball of Whacks, too. Stress relief, getting your brain out of a non-productive loop, etc. My husband has enjoyed it as much as my son.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/13/2009 by Dan
Rating:
Ordered the Ball of Whacks after finding one on a co-worker's desk, and WOW - this has to be one of the single most addicting and satisfying "office toys" i've ever come across.
The pieces feel perfect and the magnets are strong enough to make the pieces join together in a very satisfying fashion.
Play with one for just a few minutes and you'll find yourself hooked.
The only downside? At $30-35 it's a little pricey.
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
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A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/28/2009
Rating:
Very neat. We bought it for our son's birthday and ended up playing with it. We will probably order another one for him. Neat design, neat concept. Only improvement would be stronger magnets or possibly a "rougher"/less slick plastic. Ball will often fly apart in many pieces when you try to remove pieces or pull/twist apart to build different designs. Would reccomend it as a gift.
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2 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/18/2008 by Laura
Rating:
Setting: Home
This is a very good thought process toy. It is fun to create shapes from your imagination! My son loves it and sometimes I even get a chance to play with it and have a lot of fun!
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2 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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Good 'Busy' Toy for Grown-up Kids
Posted 6/17/2008 by Leslie Kenny
Rating:
Setting: Home
We bought this as a Father's Day gift and were surprised at how addictive it was for all of us. There is something about feeling the shapes in your fingers, hearing them slot into place and manipulating them so that they stick in different configurations that is very compelling.
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2 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/28/2010 by Kristine Swift
Rating:
Creative
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1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
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Awesome
Posted 29 days ago by B Chris YOUNG
Rating:
Ten Year old boy very much into inventions loves this. Took it on vacation to play with in the car, too. Very creative.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/13/2012 by Stephen Compton
- EDUCATOR
Rating:
Setting: Home
Definitely brings out the sculpture artist in all of us. When I play with the Ball of Whacks, I like to think of myself as an Abstract Expressionist Artist. The possibilities really are endless. The best part is that the ball can be played with anywhere, home, car, office...you name it.
*As a side note, it's really fun to combine this product with other creative magnet toys.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/2/2012 by Carol johnson
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Homeschool
Great for keeping focus while on a less than exciting conference call!
Whack-y and fun!
Posted 3/19/2012 by S. Arroyo
Rating:
Setting: Home
This was purchased for gifted students ages 5-11. They love it. They've enjoyed making the shapes in the booklet, putting it back together, and allowing their imaginations to run wild and create new structures.
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 3/7/2012 by Diane Reckless
- EDUCATOR
Rating:
Setting: School
My students and colleagues cannot put down the Ball of Whacks. Excellent manipulative for tinkerers from 6 - 46 years old.
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 2/16/2012 by vicki schmer
Rating:
My 9-year-old LOVES this toy. It is portable so can be taken anywhere for some fun play time. It is problem solving and puzzle solving in a tactile toy.
Awesome creative toy!
Posted 2/7/2012 by Patricia
Rating:
This toy has endless possibilities!! My 9 year old son loves it. He is a creative fidgeter who likes to manipulate things and this is perfect. My 11 year old daughter who shys away from building toys cannot resist taking it apart and creating different things
Ball of Whacks
Posted 2/1/2012 by Jasmin Daniels
- EDUCATOR
Rating:
Setting: Office
Interesting but they like the Star Ball better
love it!
Posted 1/13/2012 by Trisha Fox
Rating:
Setting: Home
This is an awesome toy! We got it for our kids for Christmas ages 11, 8, 5 and 3. We weren't sure which ones would like this toy, but it turned out that our 5 yr old loves this the best! He enjoys breaking it and putting the ball back together. The older kids enjoy trying other things with it. Great toy!
Fascinating
Posted 12/31/2011 by Lillian Pluta
Rating:
This is a fascinating toy with a lot of possibilities. It's fun to take apart and explore all the possible configurations. It was bought for my fifteen year old son, but other members of the family and visitors are enjoying it. I'm planning on buying a second one. This also makes a good fidgit for kids with ADHD or other special needs.
Suzann'e Ball of Whacks Review
Posted 12/27/2011 by Suzanne Hill
Rating:
Setting: Home
My daughter loves this toy. She's even played with it over her iPad at times. She's enjoys building different objects with it and has started reading the booklet that came with it. One of her favorite Christmas toys! And what a bargain!!!!
magnetic brain teaser
Posted 12/25/2011 by Joyce Reed
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
My grandson figured out quickly (age 9) how to put this together, then seemed to loose interest. His older sister got a kick out of making some of the shapes in the booklet.
I suspect, once Christmas gifts are boring, my grandson will return to the gift and make additional shapes.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/21/2011 by claire carter
Rating:
I bought this for my construction minded 6 year old and he has played with it multiple times, i also used it with some of my pediatric therapy patients, some of my older boys with autism have also enjoyed it and I like the fine motor manipulation, in hand skills and perceptual skills that it helps to develop
A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/21/2011 by Rolla Bradley
- EDUCATOR
Rating:
Setting: Counseling Sector
This takes some creativity and time.
It is a blast to play with.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/19/2011 by BRENT K POHLMAN
Rating:
Great for older kids!! 16 and he loves it!
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/18/2011 by Kim Risner
- OTHER
Rating:
Setting: Home
I purchased all of my Fat Brain toys for children of families I sponsored at Christmas thru a local organization known as Angel Baskets, so I don't know the children who received them. But I was impressed w/ the quality of the packaging and the timing of delivery AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE TOYS WERE MADE IN THE USA
ball of whacks
Posted 12/13/2011 by Braggi Bamberger
Rating:
great thinking toy, it even challenge me, I figure it out by now, but it was a hard one to crack.
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/31/2011 by Mom of 4
Rating:
The Ball of Whacks is addicting to play with. My son brought it to several Christmas parties after receiving it for a gift. Many, many people picked it up to try to figure out new configurations.
Ball of Whacks
Posted 9/1/2011 by JCR
Rating:
This product has ben a great brain teaser for me and my students. The multi-color ball allows for a challenging game and the students prefer to place the pieces (whacks) in any shape besides a ball.
cool!
Posted 8/31/2011 by susan ratajik
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
this is a great toy for young and old! awesome to keep little hands busy...
A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/8/2011 by SHIVIKA GOVENDER
Rating:
Setting: Home
she was very excited nad could not wait for the toy to arrive. Plays with it constantly
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 7/26/2011
Rating:
Setting: Home
Love this product, bought it for my 11 year old son, but my 62 year dad would not put it down.
Nice, intelligent toy
Posted 6/23/2011 by Beatriz Jimenez-Sanz
Rating:
This is a toy that my son saw in the New York Library. There it was like $10 more expensive. The ball is a really creative toy, multicolor is better.
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/30/2010 by julie
Rating:
All ages like this toy, from my 8 year old to my 45 year old. Its a very simple toy with a lot of fun. We would purchase it again.
Neat toy
Posted 12/30/2010
Rating:
I bought this toy for my 14 year old daughter. She loves Bucky balls, and this is at least a bit similar. It is a neat toy. She has played with it a bit, but I know that she will pick it up and put it down for years, as she has with other similar toys. My guess is she will also use it when we take road trips. The toy was rather expensive, in my opinion, but it is made of good quality materials and the magnets are strong. I bought a solid colored one, but my daughter told me she wished it had been the multicolored one because the different colors can play into different optical effects. I like this toy in particular because you can sit down with it either with a specific intent of what you want the outcome to be, or you can sit down with it and just mess around and see what you can get.
Guilty pleasure
Posted 12/29/2010
Rating:
I admit that I bought this one for myself. (24 yr old female) I call it my coffee table toy. It's something I can pick up and play with while watching tv or something guests can play with. It truly does promote creativity.
My son loves the Ball of Whacks!
Posted 12/27/2010
Rating:
My 5 year old son loves this toy. He is fascinated by magnets and magnetic toys and this one is great!
A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/26/2010
Rating:
Setting: Home
My eight year old loves this toy. He always played with it in a toy store we used to go to. He likes just making basic shapes with it now, but I think it is the sort of toy that will last for many, many years, as it can be much more complicated as well.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/25/2010 by John in PA
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
Grandson loved it and continues to creat shapes with it. The operative word is 'create'. It is what we had hoped for, something that stimulates creativity, is non electronic, and apparently will maintain his interest for some time going forward.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/21/2010 by Teresa Knifley
Rating:
Setting: Home
Two of these were ordered for Christmas for 2 Boys age 11 and 12. They were a hit! I hate it when I flop! The older kids where jealous and waited impatiently for a chance at it. Luckily there were 2 opened at the same time!
A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/21/2010 by Patricia Dexter
Rating:
I bought this for my 7 yr. old grandson. He is a very bright child, and loves things like this. This is a perfect toy for him. He really loves it. He had for the 5 hr. trip to my house for Christmas, and it kept him busy the entire time. He got here today, and he has thanked me 4 times since they arrived.
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/19/2010
Rating:
Setting: Home
If your older kid loves legos, they'll enjoy this toy.
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/19/2010 by Lindsey Seydel
Rating:
maybe you could try to find a safer version for more ages
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/16/2010 by Barbara P Graham
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
These are Christmas presents and haven't been played with yet.
Very successful gift
Posted 3/7/2010 by Bliss
Rating:
The gift was given to a boy turning 8. According to his mom it was an immediate favorite, not only with him but with his brother turning 5. They played with it, took it to school, etc. The mom doesn't like her kids to have lots and lots of "stuff", but she seemed pleased with this addition to the boys toy collection
Whack-y
Posted 3/1/2010 by Sarah Wolfe
Rating:
Got this for my 8 year old nephew. He loves it. It definitely fosters creativity, both in terms of visual creations, logistical placement of pieces and the physics of figuring out how they can magnetically work together. He put the pieces together in numerous ways. I encouraged him to look through the booklet that came with the toy - a great addition to further their learning and get their creative juices flowing.
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 3/1/2010 by mary ann kelly
Rating:
Setting: Home
For a gift to be given later
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 2/26/2010 by John
Rating:
My curiosity about this product was peaked based on Roger's book "A Whack on the Side of the Head." I enjoy thinking but sometimes feel brain-locked and have tried to use different tools to challenge and foster my thoughts. This product (in part because it is new) seems to aid in fostering change of perspective. I was a college athlete so using my hands while I think is very helpful. My son has also loved playing with the toy. We have had special dad/son time of exploring different shapes and such. Maybe one day he can explain to me in more detail the principle of the golden ratio!
Great mind toy!
Posted 2/17/2010 by Carlos Peres
Rating:
Very entertaining toy, family and I have spent hours playing with it!
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 2/7/2010 by pauline gennis
Rating:
I love the Roger Von Oech's Ball of Whacks. I ordered only one and I wish I ordered a second one.
I have a very bright multiage class of Pre-K and Kindergartners. This group been together since infancy. ( my school is from infants to Kindergarten). They take turn putting the Ball of Whacks together. I have heard children use the words : " I discovered that.." "I am figuring out..." "it helps me concentrate." "I have been waiting for my turn to use it"
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 1/18/2010 by SR
Rating:
This is my second ball of whacks, and indeed, it's a whack of fun for all ages, from kids to parents to grandparents.
Great Design
Posted 1/7/2010 by Joseph
- OTHER
Rating:
Setting: Home
This toy requires quiet time to explore the possibilities; it was not well suited to the insanity of Christmas day. However, as the day quieted down, new designs started to emerge. I am hoping that it becomes one of her lifetime favorites.
Multi-generational toy
Posted 1/4/2010
Rating:
My nine year old, my fifteen year old and my husband enjoyed playing with this toy!
ball of whacks
Posted 1/1/2010 by tronda
Rating:
Great Fun! Can spend hours creating with this toy. Even grandma liked this one!
Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/29/2009 by Mom
Rating:
Setting: Home
Best gift of 2009 Christmas. My 12 year old son has not put it down for more than a few minutes at a time. He likes to fiddle with it. It comes with a good instruction book. To his disapointment, he sometimes finds it in his 9 year old sister's room. We may get one for her birthday. I would purchase this item again and will purchase for gifts.
Ball of Wacks
Posted 12/27/2009 by Karyn of Vermont
Rating:
We purchased 2 of these magnetic balls- while they seem a bit costly for magnets, they are well worth it. We have had just about every age range of guests, including a visually impaired person, to our home pick them up and reassemble the ball or some other contraption. We have had other magnet sets (I can't recall the brands) but this one seemed to be more suited toward older kids (and adults). The ball is smaller than I imagined but very fun and entertaining!
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/16/2009 by Theresa Lim
Rating:
Setting: Homeschool
Have not opened the toys yet but they appear to be of high quality and the price was appropriate. The survey below was a guess of how the toys will be used.
unusual present
Posted 12/10/2009
Rating:
highly unusual toy. It seems like good quality.
Excellent product that all ages can enjoy
Posted 12/9/2009 by Mike Nerenberg
Rating:
The toy is very good it has kept both of my boys (4) and (6) very occupied for hours. Both my wife and I have both tried to assemble many of the shapes in the manual. The manual could be a little clearer with some of the shapes, but all in all it is a great toy.
Whacky but great
Posted 11/23/2009
Rating:
Clever mind-bender. I bought this for an adult -- grownups need toys, too. I haven't tried it with youngsters but it seems good for a range of ages.
Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/16/2009 by Katrina
Rating:
This is challenging and fun for kids of all ages.
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/7/2009 by Amy Cieslicki
Rating:
Setting: Home
Again, Christmas gift...not sure yet!
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/6/2009 by Sharon Wilson
Rating:
My grandson has managed to make a number of creative patterns using one Ball of Whacks and this second Ball of Whacks will no doubt increase and challenge his creativity further.
Fun toy
Posted 11/17/2008 by Alissa Jones
Rating:
This is a fun toy for creative people, but it is probably more enjoyable for kids
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3 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
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Ball of Whacks
Posted 5/30/2009 by Mark M Turnbull
Rating:
The Ball of Whacks is great and used by the whole family (it's our second) but mostly by a 17-year old girl who has turned it into an art form.
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2 of 5 customers found this review helpful.
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Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 5/24/2009 by Barbara Dobbertin
Rating:
Child loved the toy!
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/13/2008 by Austin Brown
Rating:
Magnets need to be stronger. Higher N**
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Great for kids and adults
Posted 6/10/2008 by John
Rating:
I have a red one already for myself as a creativity toy, I bought the multi-color one for my young daughter who loves to make different shapes with it.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/30/2008 by ann Ceraldi
Rating:
Our entire family has enjoyed playing with this--the 19 year old college kid to the second graders. It's fun and relaxing. I did notice that at least one of the figures in the book--the "articulated" star I believe it's called--needs TWO balls of whacks to complete. Fortunately, I had ordered two. You should also!
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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A Favorite!
Posted 2/26/2008 by Nancy W.
Rating:
Setting: Home
My husband found the Ball of Whacks, and bought one to give to my daughter's friend. The toy was such a hit that my daughter decided to use her precious savings to buy one for herself. She loves it, and it seems to be an endless source of entertainment. I like that it develops spatial reasoning and gives her a chance to think about symmetry. The multi-color version seems by far the most interesting it has pieces in red, blue, and yellow, providing lots of opportunities for pattern-making. The magnetic pieces are sturdy and stick together with a very satisfying solidity.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 1/18/2008 by Joanne
Rating:
Setting: Home
The Ball of Whacks is a very interesting toy. It is very hard to put down. Great for any age or ability. It's one of the few toys that is still played with daily.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Lara Wolfe
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 12 year old son loves it. Every time I turn around I see it in his hands. I haven't had a chance to try it out. I'm going to wait until he's asleep tonight! Don't tell him!
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Great Toy For Kids And Parents
Posted 12/27/2007 by Rachel Honoway
Rating:
This is a really cool toy. I bought one each for two 5 year olds and a 6 year old. The boys like taking them apart and building lop-sided objects by just sticking peices together. My son keeps having me "come look what I made". My husband and I have found ourselves playing with it as well, trying to master the shapes found in the book.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/25/2007 by Alison MacWilliams
Rating:
Addictive. My 11 year old nephew loves it. The rest of the family kept swiping it to fidget with. If you don't like your creation, drop it. Explodes very satisfyingly! Much to the delight of even smaller members of the family.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/16/2007 by Meredith Morrow
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 4 year old can't leave it alone. I am amazed at the things she can make out of it. Just by using her imagination. It's great for hand/eye coordination.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/5/2007 by Sophie J. Keefer
Rating:
Great toy that I first saw at the MoMA in NY but they only had red or blue. Multicolor is more interesting.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/15/2007 by Patricia Shapiro
Rating:
My college son loves the Ball of whacks. He has been using it for stress relief. He is constantly creating new shapes, trying to imitate some of the organic chemistry bonds and compounds that he is studying. I don't know, he is way beyond me. I am thinking of getting a second ball so that he can create big, better shapes.
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Coolest Thing Ever!
Posted 8/20/2007 by Stacie Wood
Rating:
Setting: Home
This is way cool! I bought it for my son who has ADHD and finding things like this that focus his energy and nurture his creative side are really calming to him. It is so fun that I want one too!
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Therapy Hit
Posted 8/1/2007
Rating:
I am a Clinical Psychologist and bought the Ball of Whacks to include in the toy options for children with whom I work. I was surprised to find that this toy became the favorite choice of the children in very quick order. Each child plays with the toy in a different manner, some to express feelings and ideas, others to create shapes, others to hide and find pieces. Furthermore, I often leave created shapes intact and adults become intrigued by the changes they see in configuration. By the way, I sometimes play with the Ball of Whacks myself, when I have a free hour!
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1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
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Ball of Whacks review
Posted 1/4/2011 by Sheila Weber
Rating:
Fun toy. This kids are enjoying making up new patterns.
BALL OF WHACKS
Posted 1/3/2011
Rating:
great for imagination and creativity
Ball of Whacks
Posted 3/16/2010 by Sandra Drury
Rating:
My 12 year old son can't put this toy down. It is an excellent way to foster creativity and an all around great way to occupy inquisitive hands!
Very nice!
Posted 3/12/2010 by Robyn Price
Rating:
Setting: Homeschool
These were great. My five year old likes it, and I think will grow to appreciate it more as time goes on. The magnets don't chip and are a good strength.
annoyingly fascinating
Posted 3/11/2010
- OTHER
Rating:
Setting: Home
This is a very clever and quite beautiful little thing. The magnets aren't strong enough to resist much hand pressure so complex pointy structures can fall apart - but that just means you get to play some more and recreate and explore. Hard to put down. And it looks so intriguing just sitting there - so then you play some more... Perhaps a little pricey, but a really neat little thing.
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/10/2007 by Erika Arens
Rating:
Love the toy. Very fascinating to play with. I bought it for my son. My husband and I opened it up to fiddle around with it ourselves before wrapping it up for him! I am only dissapointed that it is multi colored. I prefer the solid red and thought that is what I had ordered. I think the different colors detract from the geometric shapes a little.
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1 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
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Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 6/28/2009 by Linda Kuhns
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
An entire evening of fun for two very bright boys aged 7 and 9.
Great Gift For Guys, Adults, Creatives, Kids
Posted 1/25/2008 by arita wong
Rating:
Everyone was intrigued by it, and many played with it immediately, making some of the designs in the book. The boys age 10-12 keep playing with it at home, but mom says it was hard to do some designs because of the negative magnetic force. Better to have 2 sets to play with. I like the snap action when a piece clicks into place. I left it on a table, everyone reaches for it.
Roger Von Oech's Ball Of Whacks
Posted 12/30/2007 by Jeanine Dickman
Rating:
Much fun! I bought it for my fidgety husband and he is enjoying it very much.
Addictive!
Posted 12/27/2007 by Robbin Thornton
Rating:
Setting: Home
I purchased a Ball of Whacks for each of my two children (ages 9 and 10). Even with everything else that they received, this one has been pulled out more often than anything. Interestingly, when it was set down, it was usually picked up by one of the adults.
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Donald Jaeger
Rating:
The product was well made. A little pricey. Durable. I was not disappointed in its quality.
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Julie Matternas
Rating:
I bought the Ball of Whacks for my 10-year old son, who likes it, and my 6-year old daughter keeps trying to take it and play with it. I love that the ball is easily re-assembled, so it's not intimidating to try to create new things for fear of not being able to put it back together.
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Lark
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 7 and 9 year old have been pulling apart, dropping and reconfiguring since they received the Ball of Whacks! The adults in the family have been seen playing with it and reading the Creativity course.
Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/16/2007 by Patricia Winkler
- TEACHER
Rating:
Setting: Lab
We couldn't keep our hands off of it. Great product!
Creative Tool
Posted 12/10/2007 by John Robinson III
Rating:
This item induces unrestrictive thinking. It's just fun to putz around with.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/3/2007
Rating:
Great toy.
Whacky fun
Posted 11/19/2007 by A. Casselman
Rating:
The ball of whacks is a lot of fun. My 9 year old plays with it in the car on long trips. It is easy to use and keeps him entertained.
Multi Color Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/19/2007 by James B Whitehead
Rating:
Great conversation piece and invites creativity. Who knows how it will end up on your desk next!
My Students Speak
Posted 10/9/2007 by Dorothy Bukantz
Rating:
One of my students says-"I like the ball because you can make a lot of stuff with it. It's cool and it has magnets. You can find a lot of stuff, like a star. " Their only complaint is that you only have red. They want to mix colors. Some of them even like it better than Burst, up until now the favorite toy.
Awesome Toy
Posted 9/9/2007 by Natalie Hamilton
Rating:
My son, age 11, plays with it non-stop. On the rare occasion he puts it down, it is immediately picked up by my 6 or 8 year old. I am amazed at all of the different designs you can create. This is a great toy to keep your child busy on long trips or time when they have to wait for long periods.
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/23/2007 by Sarah
Rating:
I bought this for my husband to take to work. He says that no one seems to be able to come into his office and not pick it up.
Great Balls of Whack
Posted 6/18/2007 by Parker Kuldau
Rating:
Cool, awesome, neat, terrific, a blast to play with! I have been a big fan of Geomags and have more Geomag pieces than I should probably admit to. Now I have a toy that competes with Geomag for creativity and fun. I just need to decide if I'm going to purchase just one more set or several so that I'll have more pieces to create with! I'm definitely a 'Fat Brainer'.
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/8/2007 by Scott F. Zarrow
Rating:
Not very much fun. Maybe it's just me.
Can't tell you anything yet!
Posted 11/12/2008 by Victoria W. Clark
Rating:
Sorry, folks--The things I ordered are for Christmas/birthday presents and haven't been tested yet... But I'll try and let you know after the holidays. Everything looks good, anyway--and I'm happy to have found your site.
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2 of 15 customers found this review helpful.
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