I just came across these LaQ snapping pieces today http://buylaqtoys.com/ and bought a small set for DS5. He was quite taken with them, and has already built a bunch of boxes and odd shapes. I'm wishing I'd bought a few hundred of them as I'd like to play with them too. Is anyone familiar with these and gotten long term use out of them?

I'm leaning towards the Mindstorm for a next big present for DH and DS, based on all your thoughts...I wish a birthday were coming up soon.

That brings to mind a related question. When you see an educational toy that you think child would really enjoy and learn from, do you wait for an occasion to buy it? Do you limit how often you purchase "toys"?