In the middle of receiving what seemed like an endless supply of plastic toys (many, we should note are on our award list), arrived a package that seemed like a throw back to a different era. The Original Egg Game consists of a circular board (you can buy a small, medium or large board) that is made of particle board material and a stone egg.  For this holiday season, we received a Five board set in a big canvas storage bag. A great set for a group setting is $100. Or you can start with a single and grow from there.  Now, we have to tell you that if you have trouble spinning a top (like some of us at the toyportfolio, you may have trouble getting started).  You have to be able to spin the egg--and if you watch the video from the company they do provide a number of suggestions that proved to be most helpful!).  Specifically we found the two handed start method most useful.  In any case, once you get the egg going, how long can you keep it going--alone or with a partner holding the board.  This really becomes a group activity that invites group problem solving, trial and error...and along the way, there's a great deal of laughter.  You can purchase a  small board with one egg for $10 or the medium board (shown in the picture) is $20 and comes with two eggs.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens, Teens, Adult. Award Year: 2012.