The Best Building Toys, Blocks, and Magnetic Tiles for Your Budding Engineers

These classic blocks and innovative toys inspire creativity in every age.

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Best Building Toys

Parents / Kristin Kempa

Because they unlock so many skills for kids, experts, parents, and teachers all love construction and building block toys. From improving brain development to enhancing language growth, playing with building blocks can help a child exercise a range of developmental skills. Plus, blocks are fun as a solo activity or with friends and offer an important alternative to screen time.

"By building with physical objects, children will learn spatial skills such as 'on top,' 'under,' and 'next to.' They will learn to problem solve how things fit together," says Heather Shafi, M.D., a New Jersey-based pediatrician. When it comes to choosing the right blocks—be they old-fashioned wooden cubes, Magna-Tiles, or a complex Lego set—age can be the deciding factor. You also want them to be durable so they last as long as your child wants them and can even be passed down to other kids later.

In addition to searching out the blocks and building toys we think are the most fun out there, we carefully considered age recommendations, design, material, toy safety, and value to come up with this list. A pediatrician from our Review Board also reviewed this information to ensure accuracy regarding the benefits of building toys and finding the right set for your family.

Our Favorites

Magna-Tiles Classic 32-Piece Set

Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set, The Original Magnetic Building Tiles For Creative Open-Ended Play, Educational Toys For Children Ages 3 Years +

Amazon

Why We Like It: Magna-Tiles are a classic choice that encourages STEM learning while also sparking children's imaginations to build a variety of structures fueled by creativity.

But Take Note: Some shoppers might balk at the price.

The Magna Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set ranks high on our list because these award-winning STEM blocks are fun for the entire family. Uniquely designed, these plastic flat tiles have magnets inside them so they can be used in both 2D and 3D structures. While expensive, they are long-lasting, sturdy, hold their value, and can be combined with loads of other sets. In addition to clear color tiles like in this set, there are so many others, including sets with dinosaur shapes, vehicle parts, farm animals, and more.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 32
  • Materials: Plastic, magnets

LEGO DUPLO All-in-One-Box-of-Fun Building Kit

Lego-duplo-all-in-one-box-of-fun-building-kit

Amazon

Why We Like It: Duplo bricks are easier for smaller hands to manage—plus this set comes with cute characters and fun designs on some of the blocks.

But Take Note: Parental discretion is advised as some pieces might be a bit small for the youngest approved age range to use if they're still prone to putting things in their mouths.

Lego bricks are a time-tested favorite, but if your child isn't old enough for the small Lego shapes, we recommend getting them started with this set of Duplo blocks. They'll love the bright colors and the classic Lego stackability in shapes that are better suited for their tiny hands. Plus, the included characters (and dog!) will keep their imaginations running. With 65 pieces, this set of blocks comes with a bin that makes clean-up and storage easy.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 18 months old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 65
  • Materials: Plastic

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks

Target

Why We Like It: The foam construction means that younger toddlers can get in on the building fun without the risk of sharp edges that make traditional magnet tiles dangerous for tiny tots.

But Take Note: While the foam is somewhat safer, the softer construction can also translate to less durability if you have a toddler who likes to chew on their toys.

Fun for younger kids, these super-soft foam building blocks have magnets inside of them, so it’s very easy for them to build amazing structures. Kids will appreciate the multi-sensory experience as the blocks lock together and rotate 360 degrees. Even better, the foam is waterproof, so these blocks can join your kiddo in the bathtub for an extra fun bath. These blocks are dishwasher-safe, mold-resistant, and very durable.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 17 pieces; sets vary
  • Materials: Foam

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box

Amazon PD LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 Building Toy

Amazon

Why We Like It: Lego is a fan favorite and this free play block set is perfect for allowing children to get creative.

But Take Note: Always be sure to consider your child's developmental stage before introducing the classic regular-size Lego blocks.

Welcome to the world of Lego! If your kids are Lego-curious, this creative brick box is a great starter set for beginners or younger kids. With nearly 800 bricks that all fit into the included storage box, this colorful set includes base plates, tires, windows, doors, and tons of colorful bricks of all sizes.

The joy of Lego is that it keeps kids of all ages busy for years to come. This open-ended set encourages creativity without kids needing to comply with Lego set instructions. Of course, these bricks are all compatible with other Lego sets.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 4 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 790; Sets vary
  • Materials: Plastic

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

Amazon

What We Like: The oversized blocks and rounded edges are ideal for budding builders who don't yet have the fine motor skills required for Lego.

But Take Note: While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some parents have shared that the blocks don't always stay connected when building structures.

Perfectly sized for little hands, babies, toddlers, and young kids will enjoy building, stacking, and knocking down their very own Mega Blok creations. Parents love that these oversized blocks are easy to put together—making them an ideal toy for 18-month-olds who are developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The set comes with its own storage bag, which helps the clean-up process.

The oversized blocks are safe for young kids who like to put things in their mouths.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 12 months old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 80
  • Materials: Plastic

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set

Amazon

What We Like: Parents and tots alike will love the colorful twist on a classic wooden building block. Plus this is a great screen-free activity to keep little hands occupied.

But Take Note: Some find that the finish used on these blocks can make them slippery during stacking, while others shared that the paint can peel prematurely or transfer onto other surfaces.

Durable and safe, these wood blocks come in four different colors and nine shapes, so there’s plenty of variety for building, stacking, and playing. Though they are made of solid wood, the blocks are lightweight, have rounded edges, and feature a smooth painted finish that won’t splinter.

The set packs into a cardboard box with a plastic handle. While they do fit in it, the cardboard may not hold up forever, so a long-term storage alternative is helpful.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 2 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 100
  • Materials: Wood

Plus Plus 240 Piece Basic Mix

Plus-plus-240-piece-basic-mix

Amazon

What We Like: The compact design makes these a great on-the-go toy whether you're spending tons of time in the car or off on a long vacation.

But Take Note: What makes this toy novel can also make it problematic. The tiny size makes this ill-suited for younger kids, and can translate to micro building blocks strewn around your home and in between couch cushions.

One little block can open up a world of possibility. Made to create in both 2D and 3D, these interlocking blocks combine engineering and art for a whole lot of fun. Perfect for life on the go, these 240 piece sets come in a clear plastic tube for easy storage and toting along wherever you go.

Along with the blocks, the set includes an idea guide booklet to spark imagination and challenge kids to create. Plus Plus blocks combine with other sets and baseboards to make bigger and bolder builds.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 5 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 240; sets vary
  • Materials: Plastic

Magblock Magnetic Blocks

Magblock-magnetic-blocks

Amazon

Why We Like It: While these are another set of magnet tiles, we like that they feature specially shaped tiles to use in more elaborate architectural builds.

But Take Note: Some find the magnets are somewhat weak—causing structures to fall or never be built.

Kids will enjoy the process of learning while playing with these innovative plastic blocks that feature enclosed magnets. The smooth surface and rounded edges are safe for little hands, and the hard plastic makes this choice quite durable. Build anything your imagination can think of, especially since the set includes window frames, gates, doors, triangles, rectangles, and so much more.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 70
  • Materials: Plastic

PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set

PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set

Amazon

Why We Like It: Vibrant shapes and strong magnets make this an easy go-to solution to keep the kids occupied for endless play sessions.

But Take Note: Though this happens rarely, parent have noted that if the tiles break open, the magnets can fall out, so make sure to supervise younger children playing with them.

Fun and affordable, the main selling point of these blocks are they promote frustration-free building. If you’ve lived with kids who get very upset when their tower falls down, give Picasso Tiles a try!

Made with a bristle shape, the blocks are easy to connect and disconnect. Picasso Tiles stay connected when other blocks relying just on balance wouldn’t hold. With a wide range of colors and block shapes, this STEM toy will promote creative thinking, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 120
  • Materials: Plastic

HABA Wooden Building Blocks

Haba-wooden-building-blocks

Amazon

Why We Like It: Thanks to the included ideas booklet, kids can make abstract and stylized designs while boosting creativity, STEM learning, and fine motor skills.

But Take Note: As cute as this set is, a 21-piece set can be somewhat limiting, and children might tire of playing with them prematurely.

Uniquely shaped, this set from family-run Haba is just as much fun for adults as it is for kids. Part building, part tangrams, these blocks are fun for open-ended building and creative challenges. Crafted in Germany, the blocks also come with a booklet that showcases a wide range of 2D and 3D designs you can make with them.

Besides being fun, these minimalistic blocks look attractive stacked on a coffee table or desk.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 21
  • Materials: Beechwood

Maple Landmark My Best Blocks

Maple-landmark-my-best-blocks

Amazon

Why We Like It: This is a fun classic set of natural wood blocks for pretend play, building, and more with 104 pieces that are safe for kids as young as 1 year old.

But Take Note: Wooden blocks are hard when thrown, so monitor younger kids playing with each other.

With a variety of shapes and sizes, you can start fostering your child's creativity around building as young as 1 year old with this set of wooden blocks. The solid hardwood maple blocks are American made and sanded to a smooth finish so they're safe for even the smallest hands to play with. These well-crafted blocks will last for years and grow with your kids.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 1 year old and up
  • Number of Piecess: 104
  • Materials: Maple wood

BRIO Builder 34587 Builder Construction Set

BRio-builder-34587-builder-construction-set

Amazon

Why We Like It: The possibilities are endless with this fun construction set that reinforces STEM learning in a low-stress, creative environment.

But Take Note: While this is a good starter set, kids may eventually want more pieces to build more impressive structures.

Sometimes laying blocks on top of one another just isn't enough to satisfy the construction urge in some children. Especially the more mechanically minded kids! This set contains 136 pieces, including a variety of wooden planks and blocks as well as plastic wrenches, pliers, and other pieces to connect it all together in as many ways as a child can imagine.

The Details:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up
  • Number of Pieces: 136
  • Materials: Wood and plastic

Factors to Consider When Buying Building Sets and Blocks

Age-Appropriateness

Select blocks that are safe and age-appropriate for your child. The smaller the block, the older the child should be before they play with them. “Between 1 and 2 years old, children should gain the motor skills and dexterity to be able to stack blocks and sort them,” says pediatrician Heather Shafi, M.D. 

Talk with your doctor about milestones for your child and then choose blocks (and other toys) that can help develop or advance their skills. Playing with building blocks can teach kids cause and effect, strengthen their gross motor, dexterity, and fine motor skills, and enhance sensory play abilities. For younger toddlers and babies, large blocks that are lightweight will allow them to explore stacking, carrying, and creating. Older, school-aged kids would likely enjoy smaller blocks with detailed designs that allow them to bring their imagination to life.

Not only are blocks fun, but according to Dr. Shafi, they have long-term benefits like “building hand strength that will help them with learning to write one day.”

Durability

Select blocks that are safe and long-lasting. They should be easy to clean, since younger kids may still put some blocks in their mouths. Many plastic blocks are dishwasher-safe, and others can be wiped down with baby wipes or washed with a gentle cleanser. 

When thinking about durability, also consider the age of the child who will be playing with the blocks. Older kids may be able to manage the toys and keep them in tip-top shape versus a toddler who might be rougher with blocks.

Entertainment Value

Like the rest of their toys, blocks that are fun will get played with, which will only benefit your child. Again, age comes into play when considering the entertainment value. Younger kids may find tiny Lego-style blocks to be too difficult to use and get bored with them. On the other hand, school-aged kids may not find jumbo blocks to be really fun or entertaining.

Safety

If you're ever unsure of whether or not a toy is a safe pick, always check to see if it's listed on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall list, especially if you're inheriting or buying pre-owned blocks. Additionally, only shop from brands that list non-toxic paints or materials in the construction. For wooden building sets, you need smooth exteriors free from sharp edges and corners, or splinters. With magnetic tiles or blocks, be sure that the magnet is securely fixed either in the tile or block structure, or on surfaces.

Your Questions, Answered

What skills do kids learn from building blocks?

Blocks are wonderful ways for your children to learn about colors, shapes, counting, size, weight, and more. They are also great for developing fine motor skills, which require dexterity and hand-eye coordination, and even gross motor skills such as jumping, swinging, or kicking, with larger building block sets.

What are the benefits of building toys?

Creativity and imagination are two benefits of building blocks, but there are many more. Your child can learn simple math and geometry, as well as gain confidence and a sense of pride from their creations. Problem-solving skills are also a benefit of building toys.

What is an appropriate age for building blocks?

There are building blocks for all ages and sizes. It’s most important to look at the pieces to see if there are any potential choking hazards for younger children. For example, traditional Lego sets in the standard size include many small pieces that are not appropriate for small children. In that case, going with Duplo or Mega Blok sets with larger blocks would be appropriate. Check each set’s manufacturer’s recommended age range to see if it’s developmentally appropriate and safe for your child.

Who We Are

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. She appreciates blocks that come with an easy storage solution. While her crew loves to play with blocks, they don’t always love cleaning up blocks, so any way to make that process easier is a bonus in her book.

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Toy Buying Tips for Babies & Young Children: AAP Report Explained.

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