Tom Van der Bruggen, the inventor of the popular wooden construction game Kapla, passed away at the age of 80 in Nice, France, on February 14, as confirmed by his wife. After a trip to the south of France in the late 1960s, Van der Bruggen relocated to Monaco, where he eventually established the Kapla company. In recent years, he had been suffering from heart issues and diabetes, illustrating the challenges he faced in his later life.

His legacy is marked by the creation of Kapla, which started as a tool for visualizing architectural projects using 'little elf boards'. This innovation transformed from a professional tool into a beloved children's toy, sparking creativity and imaginative play worldwide. The Kapla brand has grown significantly since its inception, with stores and galleries dedicated to the toy appearing globally, including the first Kapla gallery opened by the couple in Nice.

Van der Bruggen's passing resonates not just within the toy industry, but also reflects a significant loss for those who cherish the creativity and joy that Kapla has brought into their lives. His journey from a practical architectural aid to an iconic toy serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the power of simple ideas to create lasting impact in both play and learning.