The Original Rollercoaster by Anatex
This Parents' Choice Classic Award Winner is that colossal maze of wood, beads,  and  wire often  seen at the doctor's office.  Beautifully crafted with a 12-by-15-inch solid wood  base, thick  sturdy wire, and wood beads, this winding wonder keeps little hands and minds  busy for  hours. The structure consists of five intertwined wires, securely attached at the wood  base,  adorned with free sliding beads of varied color, shape, size, and pattern. One  wire  reaches 21 inches at its peak, another makes a complete 360 degree loop. As  the child slides  beads across the tangle of wires, fine motor coordination and critical thinking  skills  are  developed, as well as an understanding of both spatial relations and depth  perception. The Original Rollercoaster washes easily with a damp sponge and squares up neatly in a corner for  storage.--Kathryn Gustafson