We desperately wanted to write about these blocks last month, but they were -- not surprisingly, given how cool they are -- out of stock during the holiday shopping season. But now they're back in stock and ready to fill the niche for early educational toys for the scientifically insane.

From A (for Appendages) to Z (for Zombies), each set of five blocks features original pen-and-ink drawings that have been laser engraved onto solid American maple wood. These block don't contain any dyes or harmful finishes and all edges are rounded and smooth, so you can get your budding mad scientist started as early as possible. But don't blame us when you catch your little one creating new life forms during naptime.

$39.95 at Xylocopa