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

If there’s one toy that truly lets your child’s imagination soar is building blocks. Back in our day, the options were limited to wooden blocks, but now kiddos can build all sorts of structures and creations with magnetic tiles, flexible pieces, Legos of all shapes and sizes, and moving components.

Besides being a super fun activity, playing with building blocks can help your child exercise a range of developmental skills, so it’s a win-win! According to New Jersey-based pediatrician Heather Shafi, MD, “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.”

To create this list of the best blocks and building toys for kids, we carefully evaluated age recommendations, design, durability, material, toy safety, and value—but we also considered the most important feature: their fun factor. 

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Our Favorite Building Toys for Kids

The Best Magnetic Block for Kids

Magnetic blocks have an addictive quality—take it from a parent who has found herself fighting her 6-year-old for the last triangle to complete a very impressive geodesic dome. Magnetic tiles, like Magna-Tiles and PicassoTiles, encourage STEM learning while also sparking children’s imaginations and letting their creativity bloom. Building with this type of toy also provides a great opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Newer magnetic tile kits also allow kids to play with their favorite characters, like the Tile Town Bluey-inspired set, which helps fans of the show build the Heeler home.

The Best Wooden Blocks for Kids

Wooden building blocks have been a classic for generations, for good reason. Though they seem simple, they provide amazing opportunities for young learners to work on their fine motor skills and imaginative play while absorbing lessons in geometry, balance, and engineering. Wooden blocks are typically durable toys that, when cared for, will last for years. Simple stacking blocks like Melissa & Doug’s 100-Piece Wooden Building Blocks Set, Montessori-inspired geometric stacking blocks, or a kit that provides wooden components to create a functional racecar like the Tegu Daredevil Block Set are all proof that wooden blocks can be just as exciting as more intricate building toys. 

Best Lego Sets for Kids

Lego bricks are a favorite of kids, educators, and experts alike. Whether you buy a kit or a box of assorted blocks that inspire creative free play, your child will develop crucial motor skills and hand-eye coordination. There are loads of newly released character sets, like a Despicable Me 4-inspired mansion and a Peppa Pig set that doubles as a bath toy after it’s assembled. If your child isn’t old enough for small Legos, you can opt for Duplo sets, which feature bigger blocks and more straightforward builds. Mega Bloks are another great option for builders ages 1 and older.

Best STEM Building Sets for Kids

Most building block sets include some element of STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and math). Some teach kids about simple construction, balance, and shapes, while others offer a more active approach. With the Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack, for example, kids can build a moving vehicle out of blocks and wheels, allowing them to engage in every step of construction.

Your little builder can take the idea of a “tiny home” to a whole new level with a Teifoc set, a toy brick-and-mortar kit that kids assemble into an actual house. These and many other construction kits appeal to kids of all ages, with varying degrees of difficulty. When selecting one for your child, consider their age and skill level, as intricate, small pieces or fussy details can lead to frustration rather than fun.

Our Review Process

One of the best parts of our job as shopping editors and writers is that we get to learn about new toys and test them ourselves. Yes, we get paid to play. The good news for you as a reader is that we can provide honest, first-hand opinions about the toys we recommend. For this article, our families personally tested many of the options, and we also consulted with experts, such as Dr. Heather Shafi, to learn more about the benefits of building toys and what to look for in terms of safety and developmental milestones.

Factors to Consider When Buying Building Sets and Blocks

• Age-Appropriateness: In general, the smaller the block, the older the child should be. “Between 1 and 2 years old, children should gain the motor skills and dexterity to stack and sort blocks,” says Dr. Shafi. Choose blocks that can help advance their skills and aid in reaching developmental milestones. Large, lightweight blocks allow younger toddlers and babies to engage in stacking and sensory exploration safely. Older, school-aged kids would likely enjoy smaller blocks with detailed designs that encourage them to bring their imagination to life.
• Durability: Consider the age of the child. Older kids may be able to manage the toys and keep them in tip-top shape versus a toddler who might be rougher on them. Blocks should be easy to clean, since younger kids may still put some blocks in their mouths. 
• Safety: For wooden building sets, look for smooth exteriors free from sharp edges or splinters. With magnetic options, ensure the magnet is securely fixed in the structure or on the surface. Additionally, only shop from brands that use non-toxic paints and materials.
• Entertainment Value: Look for fun, age-appropriate blocks that match your child’s interests. Blocks that are too big or too small will prove frustrating. Similarly, some kids prefer free play building kits over sets that create a specific structure.

Who We Are

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current 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.

Elizabeth Kocan is a writer who has covered entertainment, home, and parenting. A mother to two boys who seem to only want to play with things that come in sets of hundreds of pieces, she has spent a third (rough estimate) of her adult life organizing and trying not to vacuum up Legos, puzzle pieces, Pokemon cards, and Magna-Tiles.