Mandy here! Charlie, my 9 year old, has loved building and blocks ever since he was little. I felt like this type of toy needed its own category for 2024. This guide is filled with the best building toys out there. Building and creating promotes imaginative play and problem-solving. Pro Tip: If you have been thinking about buying AirToobz, don't wait because it sold out last year.
1. AirToobz: There aren’t many things cooler than seeing something fly through the air! AirToobz is such a fun STEM toy that teaches kids how air affects objects, and how you yourself can manipulate situations to create a desired effect! Kids hold the power to send the balls through whatever maze they create with the tubes, and the grand finale of balls escaping the tubes is always a thrill! All three of my kids will play with this toy together for hours on end. It sold out last year so don't wait on this one.
2. Lincoln Logs: An American classic has indeed stood the test of time: Lincoln Logs! They just celebrated their 100th anniversary, and I would be remiss if I did not include this toy in our guide. My grandpa built a real-life Lincoln Log home for himself, and so pulling this toy out always reminds me of him. The way the wood connects together is so satisfying, and the variety of log sizes encourages open-ended creativity and design. Follow instructions on how to make 3 specific builds, or go crazy with your own ideas!
3. MakeDo Construction Tools: Making cardboard houses, cars, and spaceships just got so much easier with this tool kit. I wish I had this in 6th grade when I had to build a cardboard castle! Cutting cardboard with scissors is a nightmare, and folding cardboard in a straight line is almost impossible, so the safe-saw and fold-roller are absolute game-changers. All tools are safe for kids of all ages to use, so I don’t worry about my 9 year old cutting himself.
4. Grimm's Flower Puzzle: Children have an inherent ability to create something incredible out of whatever is in front of them, and the Circle Flower Blocks are no exception. I love the uncommon shapes of the blocks, and so do kids! They love to challenge their brains as they find ways to stack and build the blocks no matter the shape. When my 7 year old is done playing, she gets so much satisfaction from putting the blocks back in the tray in a gorgeous mandala pattern.
5. Magna-Tiles: The Original Magna-Tiles 100 piece set is a staple for every household, in my opinion. The tiles are made out of the best non-toxic materials, and their signature criss-cross lattice keeps the pieces in tip-top shape for years. They are easy to clean and can be enjoyed by so many kids at once, so it makes for a great classroom toy as well. Magna-Tiles encourages teamwork and communication skills, while also developing creativity and bilateral coordination. Not a single day goes by that we aren’t pulling the Magna-Tiles out.
6. Plip Kit: We would do anything for an open-ended toy, and the Plip Kit fits the bill. There are literally millions of ways these silicon sticks and arches can be built, allowing kids complete freedom and creativity. I will sometimes steal a couple of pieces just to put them together and pull them apart as a fidget toy. The “pop!” sound is so satisfying when you separate them!
7. Large Wooden Gem Blocks: Your standard wooden blocks just got a glow up with the Double Gem Blocks. The colorful gems are sealed into the blocks, making the block sparkle and getting rid of any choking hazard. This intro set to Hello Sugarhouse is the perfect gift for an expecting mother or toddler! Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10%
8. Classic Lego: LEGO: A toy that truly needs no introduction. LEGO has built an empire in the toy world, crafting masterpiece collectables that skirt every Christmas tree year after year. But some people may not realize that they also offer an open-ended, classic set that is both affordable and perfect for the creative architect or LEGO novice. With almost 800 pieces representing the entire rainbow, kiddos can build whatever world they desire, and dip their toes into the LEGO world.
9. Rolling Play Table: Every parent with LEGO kids knows the pain of stepping on a LEGO. Ever since I got this play table for my 9 year old, my feet have been spared. Its is large enough to build many designs atop of, but small enough to store comfortably under a bed- roughly 3 ft by 1 ½ ft. It includes plenty of storage for your building bricks, and the wheels are removable! We had no idea how much we needed something like this until we had it.
10. Beblox: Beblox has perfected their 500 piece building set to maximize imagination and make that imagination a reality. The puzzle-like pieces come in 8 different colors, and a booklet with step-by-step instructions is included for kiddos who want to build something they can see! I love how many different builds it includes, so they don’t have to rely on their own creativity if they don’t want to. We’ve played with these as a whole family, setting a timer and seeing who can build the coolest thing in a short amount of time!
11. Rainbow Lucite Cubes: These rainbow lucite cubes are essential to your play room. They come in the best storage tray that doubles as a building base! This is by far one my favorite toys as a mom, because they are not only beautiful but so fun to stack! My toddler, when she was crawling, thought it was the best thing ever to knock down the towers I built and clack the cubes together. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
12. Squaregles: The Squaregles magnetic tiles are unique in that they combine art and engineering. The set includes some paper-back tiles that can be colored to be whatever your kids imagine! My 7-year old loves to take charge of the artistic vision, while the 9-year old engineers the track, and my toddler gets to watch as the cars zip down! The magnets are strong, easily capable of withstanding the cars and heads rolling down the chutes and slides.
13. Tubelox: Tubelox is a dream gift for kids who are ready to make their big ideas a reality. They can graduate from stacking blocks and sticking magnets together, to building life-size functional structures! My 9 and 7-year olds have worked together with the help of the instruction manual to build a car, a fort, and a walker for their toddler sister, and I know more designs are on the docket! It is a toy meant to bring people together, and it sure has done that in our family.
14. Wooden Slats: Wooden slats are an unexpected, but happy addition to any block set! They are so colorful and thin, perfectly designed for colorful roads or bridges, towers, or even a chain reaction display. With all the chain reaction videos you see on social media, my 9 year old was enamoured with the idea and couldn’t wait to try it himself. Luckily we had these on hand, and it worked perfectly!Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
15. Trestle Tracks: The Trestle Tracks have been one of my 7 year old’s favorite building toys because of its unique design. She gets sucked into the satisfying way they roll slowly, and can just watch it over and over for ages. This set is so easy to manipulate, whether you are following instructions or designing your own run. And there is something so comforting about the feel of the stainless steel balls!
16. Classic Duplo: People often associate LEGO with older kids, but toddlers can experience the wonderful world of LEGO themselves with the Classic Duplo set. It includes an array of colorful pieces carefully sized for small hands. They can build familiar objects like cars, trees, and houses, helping stimulate their minds and make both physical and mental connections. I have so much fun helping my toddler build from this set, teaching her about the world around her.
17. Acrylic and Wooden Blocks: We found a beautiful way to teach our littles different shapes and colors with the Acrylic Green Elephant sensory wooden blocks. This 24 piece set comes with six different shapes that can be stacked in endless ways, teaching basic geometry and balancing skills. The colorful acrylic centers add color and dimension to the blocks, making them exponentially more fun to play with!
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
18. MagnetBlox: Everyone knows that blocks are so much more fun when they are magnetic! These large, upholstered MagnetBlox are designed for small hands ready to build. The magnets are powerful, making for sturdy designs that can withstand the power and clumsiness of toddlers. They can be stacked into towers to knock down, comfy seats, or even racetracks for cars. There are both cubes and triangular pieces, so the options are limitless.
19. Bristle Blocks: There are so many options out there for all ages when it comes to STEM toys, and this one is by far one of my favorites for littles. The bristles make for extremely easy building. All your child has to know is how to smush things together, and you can help with the rest! Older kids can get just as much out of it- my 7 and 9-year olds find relaxation in the simplicity in the construction. I will say that there are a few chokables in the set, so be aware of that when introducing toddlers to it.
20. Picasso Magnetic Tiles: Magnetic tiles have quickly shot to the “classic toy” category due to their versatility, sensory stimulation, and, of course, how fun they are to knock over. Toddlers and older kiddos alike get so much out of magnet tiles, that you will soon have a collection filling your closets. The Picasso Tiles 100 piece set is a great affordable toy for introducing geometry and architecture to your kids, and you will most definitely get a kick out of them as well! This should be a staple at every home!
21. Flower Builder: When I took my 7 year old to the botanical gardens, she lost herself in the fairytale of all the gorgeous flowers and butterflies. She immediately asked if we could create something like that in our own home, and I am so glad I found the Flower Builder. We had a blast creating our own little garden, learning about all different kinds of flowers and pretending to care for them with the watering can and shovel. It is a great preparatory toy for future gardeners. The best part is that it is reusable for endless garden creations.
22. Grimm's Sorting Tree and Rings: The Sorting Helper Tree (sold separately from the rings), is a colorful and sturdy way to store and sort your wooden building rings, teaching your little color recognition and fine motor skills. That isn’t all it is good for, though! It can be used to hold accessories like bracelets, scarves and hats, playsilks or hair ties.
23. RIWI Foam Blocks: Kids go crazy for big builds, and I mean BIG! The RIWI foam XXL building blocks are a favorite of my older kids and their friends. The blocks are all rectangular, and incredibly light. The kids will spend hours building, knocking down, and rebuilding walls, forts, and obstacle courses. The options are truly endless, especially because they are machine washable and can be used outside.
24. Gravitrax: My 9 year old has been in STEM heaven ever since we discovered the Gravitrax marble run! It is meant for older kids who are ready for more complex and interesting designs, like my son! He and my husband go crazy trying to build the coolest track, and they always come running to show me what they created. It comes with loop-d-loops, direction changers, and other obstacles that add such a fun dynamic to the run.
25. Stepped Pyramid: Let your little’s imagination go big and beyond with the Stepped Pyramid stained wood blocks! All 100 pieces come in a convenient tray for storage, and each block varies in length. They are larger than your standard cubes, making for bigger and better builds! The wood is stained with non-toxic colors that are vibrant and beautiful!
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
26. Castle: Your little princess needs a castle, and Green Elephant has the cutest castle block set out there. The 62 stained wooden set comes with arches, stairs and columns, giving a timeless and majestic feel. My kids love to incorporate these pieces into their block sets, creating a castle fit for her dolls big and small.
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
27. Brain Flakes: Brain Flakes have a way about them that keeps you coming back for more. The way the flakes clip together itches that sensory part of your brain that is just so satisfying. The colors are striking and bright, and the pieces are perfect for small hands to work with. I plan on introducing Brain Flakes to my toddler when she is 3, and all three of my kids will be able to build together.
28. Drill Construction: Little builders want to feel like big builders, and introducing them to kid-friendly power tools makes their engineering dreams come true! The electric drill and screwdriver and functional but safe, and the base makes drilling simple and exciting. My 9 year old loved playing with this when he was 5 & 6, building all kinds of 3D creations.
29. 3-House Bundle: The 3-House Bundle is HelloSugarhoues’s bestseller, coming with three houses varying in shape and size. It is a beautiful decoration for a nursery or playroom, but is just as functional as it is aestheticlaly pleasing! My 7 year old still plays with her houses and the gems are some of her most prized possessions! She loves the way the light travels through the gems, making a spectacular shadow behind each house. You have to see it yourself to understand. Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10%
30. Grimms Ammonite Puzzle: The Ammonite building set is great for all ages, starting with babies who are exploring colors and feeling different shapes and surfaces. The wave-like shape of each block is unique and interesting, even for kids as they get older and wish to stack them! When put together in the wooden frame, they make a beautiful spiral for proudly displaying around the house.
31. Clixo: Building and design is such an integral piece of childhood, so finding unique building sets has become somewhat of a hobby of mine. I love the Clixo magets because unlike many magnetic building sets, the pieces are all flexible and incredibly versatile. They are also the perfect travel toy because the entire set weighs less than one pound and stack up super easily.
32. Tegu Magnetic Blocks: Magnets and wood don’t typically go together, which is what makes this block set so special! Get the high-quality feel from the wood, and the sensory enjoyment from the magnets. It is a completely open-ended toy, and the various shapes of the blocks encourage limitless creativity! They come in multiple color options and are fun for all ages.
33. Loose Parts: At first glance, a parent may wonder what the benefit is to a toy named “loose parts”. But what you quickly come to find out is how versatile these small parts can be, and that they are one of the best sensory toys out there! Kids’ imaginations are not to be understated. I have seen this toy used in a dozen different ways since getting it, and my children do not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The storage tray comes with a lid, helping contain the pieces and prevent losing them!
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
34. Pyramid Blocks: Fisher-Price’s version of the colorful wooden block set is an affordable option for those who are excited to test out this style of toy but don’t want to invest too much into it. The blocks come in three different sizes, adding variety and potential to your toddler’s stacks! The play board helps keep the blocks all in one place, and is a great storage unit once play time is over.
35. Wooden Blocks: Hello Sugarhouse is a brand that we have supported from the early days of Toy Testing Sisters, and three years later we are still collecting their products. They are some of the highest quality blocks you can find on the market, and the complete set makes an incredible heirloom gift. They make fun toys and are beautiful to display, with the beautiful removable crystal blocks that give a look reminiscent of stained glass windows!
Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10%
36. Grimms Mandala Sun Puzzle: I love little more than when toys can double as art. My 7 year old is obsessed with collecting different mandala puzzles, and this one is extra special to her because of jewel centers of the pieces! The stained wood is bright and beautiful, bringing an air of majesty to your play room or bedroom. My daughter likes to use this particular set as the ballroom floor of her play castles for her dolls!
37. Wooden Rainbow: If you do not have a wooden rainbow in your toy room, click this link as fast as you have ever clicked and get one! This open-ended toy has limitless potential. The colors are bright and the way the pieces fit together is mesmerizing. They are great for practicing balancing and stacking skills, a pretty toy room centerpiece, and can become anything your kid imagines! They come up with way better ideas than I do.
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10%
38. Marble Run: Marble runs are all great, but what about one you can build yourself? There’s no fear of growing bored with the toy, since your child can create a new and exciting run as often as they want. It teaches an elementary understanding of physics for your kids, even if they don’t realize it! I love how much unconscious learning can come from working with your hands, improving spatial intelligence and problem solving.
39. Acrylic Blocks: Blocks come in all shapes, sizes and colors these days, but some of the best we have seen are the Rainbow Blocks set. The colors are crystal clear, highly pigmented, and the corners are rounded for comfort and safety. This simple set is ideal for adding color to the blocks you already have, or for those dipping their toes into the world of Hello Sugarhouse. Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10%
40. Balancing Stones: Balance is a huge contributor to child development, engaging the brain and muscles to work in tandem. This is why we encourage small children to start stacking as soon as possible… but stacking blocks aren’t just for babies. Big kids have a more exciting challenge available to them in Stacking Stones! Every stone is a unique size and shape, like real rocks, with flat surfaces to aid in stacking. We have used these stones as a family activity, seeing who can stack the stones without being the one to knock the stack over!
41. Castle Set: My toddler is obsessed with her Fisher-Price wooden pink castle block set. The pastel colors are so age appropriate and fun, bringing her fairy tales to life. She just started enjoying smaller dolls, and this set is the perfect size for them. The variety of shapes in the set is so developmentally exciting and I love to teach her the names of each of them!
42. MegaBloks: The standard, go-to toddler building set has long been the MegaBloks set, and there is a reason for it! The shape and design of the blocks are catered specifically to little hands, and the bright colors are enticing to their growing minds. My toddler loves her MegaBloks set and comes back to it day after day to build sturdy, lightweight towers and castles. You have your choice between a standard rainbow or pastel set, but at its price point you might as well get one of each!