Transforming toys that aren't violent "transformers" brand

[abigail_b]

My 4.5 year old son recently aquired a "transformer"...it changes from a little matchbox sized car to a robot. It is not carrying any weapons, but it is part of the whole violent/ agressive transformers brand. He really loves it. Are there any alternatives to traditional transformers that aren't so violent?

Thanks!

[stik]

I don't know a direct answer to your question, but I do know that within the next few months, Hasbro will be marketing a line of Transformers packaged with comic books that promote sharing and team work.  In the (I imagine, unlikely) event that makes you feel better about them.

What about a completely open-ended toy, like legos?  We have a ball that changes color when you throw it, and a Hoberman sphere that also makes some pretty impressive changes.  And we have a bunch of automoblox, that can be taken apart and recombined in all kinds of different ways.  

[abigail_b]

Thanks for the reply! We do have some duplos (no legos since we have an 18 month old), as well as several automoblox. My son is in a waldorf preschool and we do a lot of waldorf at home...the majority of our toys are open ended...wooden etc. He is just SO into this transforming aspect right now that I thought it would be nice to get him one more for his Easter basket.

Thanks again!

[reezley]

We have a simple little wooden blue robot toy that can change positions with a satisfying kind of movement...  I think I've seen them in bins near the checkout at toy/learning/arty stores.  I did a quick search just now to see what it is and right away found this instead- http://www.aplusrstore.com/product.php?id=594  which actually transforms into more positions and into a cube.   Thought I'd share that link even though I can't personally recommend it since I don't have it!