Abstract: An inexpensive air valve-connector can enable the construction of inflatable structures having multiple inflatable components. In particular, an inflatable component can be connected to an inflated structure and inflate without deflating the structure. Specifically, positive air pressure generated by an air blower, i.e. a fan, is used to inflate a structure composed of one or more blocks that self-inflate upon connection to inflated blocks. The air valve-connector can be embodied in a low-cost building block toy. The air valve-connector can also be used to create other inflatable structures, such as decorations and signage. The air valve-connector comprises two light-weight connectors that can exist on opposite sides of the same block. The valve includes a compressible material, such as foam, that is actuated to open the valve. When two blocks are connected via the air valve, air is transferred from a first block to a second block.