Construction and building block toys are classic toys that help kids develop a variety of abilities. Playing with building blocks can help a kid practice fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. In addition, building blocks can be a great way for children to express their creativity by constructing all kinds of objects, including bridges, towers, houses, and castles.
It’s important to seek age-appropriate construction toys for our little ones since as parents, we want to make sure that they are safe as they play. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best building and construction toys for kids. These toys are dependable, made from high-quality materials, and sure to interest children of all ages. So check out our selections and give your child the gift of creativity today.
Our Top Picks
- Best For Toddlers: Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo
- Best Large Blocks: Mega Bloks Big Building Bag
- Best Foam Blocks: Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks
- Best Magnetic Building Toy: Playmags 100-Piece Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Set
- Best Wooden Blocks: Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set
- Best Mini Puzzle Blocks: PLUS PLUS – Construction Building Toy
- Best Straw Building Toy: RAINBOW TOYFROG Straw Building Toy
- Best With Variety: BRIO Builder 34587 – Builder Construction Set
- Best For Older Kids: VIAHART Brain Flakes 500 Piece Interlocking Disc Set
- Best LEGO Building Toy: LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Building And Construction Block Toys For Kids Picks
Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo – Best For Toddlers
- Easy to stack
- Great texture- like velvet
- Easy for small hands to grip
- They float in water
- Not recommended for kids that like to throw objects since the larger balls have some weight behind them
This set of six colorful pieces is designed to balance, stack, and spin in a never-ending cycle of fun. Each piece has a different weight, adding to the challenge and excitement for your toddler.
These toys are perfect for improving hand-eye coordination, as your child tries to figure out how to stack and balance them in various ways. And best of all, you don’t have to worry about any harmful materials – they are made with non-toxic, safe materials for your child to play with.
Your child will love how these toys feel in their hands, and the unique shapes will encourage them to investigate and explore.
Mega Bloks Big Building Bag – Best Large Blocks
- Big blocks that are perfect for 2-year-olds
- The resealable bag makes them easy to store and keep track of
- Great for getting your little one to learn to build
- These blocks hold together very well
- They don’t stack very high
Not only are these large blocks colorful and fun, but they’re also completely safe for your little one. You can breathe easy knowing that they’re made without harmful chemicals like BPA and PVC.
These blocks are perfect for little hands to explore and create with. The bright primary colors will stimulate your child’s creativity and encourage them to build and design their own creations. And when playtime is over, just zip up the eco-friendly bag and store them away until next time.
Suitable for children aged one and up, these building blocks are an excellent way to introduce your child to the world of construction and spark their imagination!
Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks – Best Foam Blocks
- Easy build and break down due to being foam
- They float in the tub
- You can build all kinds of structures, cars, and boats
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- A bit expensive
These foam blocks are designed to last and grow with your child, and they offer endless possibilities for fun and learning. Younger kids will love the bright colors, fun sounds, and easy-to-assemble construction system that promotes tactile learning and shape recognition. Older kids will be captivated by the unlimited construction possibilities made possible by the blocks’ 360-degree rotation and mix-and-match nature.
What’s even better is that these foam blocks are perfect for bath time! They float and stick to most surfaces, including the typical metal liner found in most bathtubs. This means bath time becomes a time for learning and fun that both parents and children can look forward to. And when it’s time to clean up, simply toss them in the dishwasher’s top rack for easy disinfection and cleaning.
Playmags 100-Piece Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Set – Best Magnetic Building Toy
- Strong magnets
- Large pieces, easy for a child to hold
- Well-built and good quality
- Brightly colored
- Objects you build are quite fragile
With the built-in magnets on the edges of each tile, kids can easily create both 2D and 3D buildings that will astound them. From a demolition derby course to a fairy-filled countryside, a giant rocket ship, and even an animal hospital with multiple rooms, the possibilities are endless. Kids will be amazed by what they can create with these tiles, and their creativity will soar to new heights.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set – Best Wooden Blocks
- Bright colors
- Good quality
- Varied pieces
- Smooth shapes
- Sturdy enough for building but small enough to where it’s a bit painful when you step on them
With 100 sturdy wooden blocks in various shapes and sizes, including rectangles, cubes, cylinders, half circles, arches, and triangles, the possibilities for building are endless.
The bright red, blue, yellow, and green paint adds a fun pop of color to each block and makes them easy to distinguish from one another. Not only will your child have a blast building towers, castles, towns, and other structures, but they’ll also be developing their fine motor skills and learning about physics.
Younger children will love stacking and arranging the blocks while older children can let their imaginations run wild as they create elaborate structures. And, because the blocks are made of lightweight solid wood and have smooth, rounded edges, they’re safe for even the youngest builders to play with.
PLUS PLUS – Construction Building Toy – Best Mini Puzzle Blocks
- They are very versatile and easy to store
- The possibilities are endless with these little blocks
- Great building toy for working on fine motor skills
- Great for keeping kids busy at restaurants
- Cannot make cubes
These little wonders are so simple, yet so versatile – each brick connects effortlessly to the next one, allowing your child to create flat mosaics or complex 3D structures with ease.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Plus-Plus sets are fully compatible with each other, meaning your child can mix and match different sets to create even more imaginative designs. The best part? These bricks are so portable that your child can take them anywhere and construct whatever they like, whenever they like.
This particular set comes with 240 pieces and an idea booklet to get your child started on their construction journey. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals because these bricks are made from premium plastic that is free of phthalates and BPA.
RAINBOW TOYFROG Straw Building Toy – Best Straw Building Toy
- Perfect for imaginative play
- Great for 7-year-olds
- Unique building toy
- Guaranteed hours of fun
- Not the sturdiest when super high
Your little ones will love exploring colors and shapes as they create their very own 3D structures with 300 vibrant Straws and Connectors. And you’ll love that this construction kit helps improve their hand-eye coordination, counting skills, critical thinking, and general creativity.
Our Straw Constructor is made of non-toxic, BPA-free materials, so you can feel confident that your child is playing with safe and healthy toys. And when playtime is over, cleaning up is a breeze! Simply wipe it down with warm, soapy water or use a baby wipe. Plus, it’s all conveniently packaged in a sturdy box with a washable bag inside for storage and easy cleaning.
BRIO Builder 34587 – Builder Construction Set – Best With Variety
- There’s a 2-page color brochure showing a couple of finished design ideas
- The tools are of good quality and serve their purpose
- The wood is smooth
- Great for creativity
- Not the cheapest
This comprehensive kit includes everything young builders need to construct anything their hearts desire. With a whopping 135 pieces, including hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, wooden and plastic parts, wheels, pivots, and bolts, the possibilities are endless.
Through play, kids can challenge themselves both physically and mentally with the BRIO Builder Construction Set. They can sharpen their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills by constructing new toys, while simultaneously exercising their creativity, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning.
VIAHART Brain Flakes 500 Piece Interlocking Disc Set – Best For Older Kids
- Great, saturated colors
- Pieces stay together even after multiple uses
- Lots of pieces for a great price
- No sharp edges
- To put them away in their jar, you have to take them all apart or they won’t fit
The Brain Flakes brand is bringing you a jar filled with over 500 of their innovative discs that are perfect for building and creating. This set encourages spatial thinking and boosts creativity while providing hours of entertainment for your child.
Not only are they fun to play with, but they’re also durable enough to withstand the most enthusiastic playtime. And with a 90-day manufacturer warranty, you can be sure that they’re built to last. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing that Brain Flakes are made of non-toxic materials that are free of harmful substances like phthalates, PVC, parabens, lead, and BPA.
LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box – Best LEGO Building Toy
- Unlimited creativity
- It comes with follow-along instructions to create figures to play with
- Perfect for lego lovers
- Has a little bit of everything
- The tub is much bigger than it needs to be
LEGO sets have been around for quite some time. And for good reason, their quality and play value is unmatchable. This set features 33 different colored bricks, 8 types of windows and doors, 2 green baseplates, 6 toy tires, and wheel rims, this vintage-inspired set offers hours of imaginative play for kids. Plus, the packaging doubles as a storage container for easy clean-up.
As your child builds figures, castles, and other structures with these vibrant bricks, they’ll enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills. This versatile set is also compatible with all LEGO building sets, so the possibilities are endless!
How To Choose Building And Construction Block Toys?
- Age: Most building block toys are designed for children ages 3 and up. However, there are some brands that offer building blocks specifically for younger children. Make sure you give the age-appropriate toy to your child (1).
- Durability: When choosing building toys for your child, it is important to make sure that they are sturdy and will not break easily. You should check your building toys regularly to ensure that none of them are broken or have any sharp edges.
- Skill level: Some building block toys are more advanced than others. If your child is just starting out, look for a toy that is simple and easy to use. As your child gets older and more skilled, you can look for more complex building block toys.
- Interests: Does your child like animals or cars? Many building block toy sets come with themes, so choose a set that your child will be interested in.
- Price: Building block toys can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so you know how much you are willing to spend.
At What Age Should A Child Start Playing With Building Blocks?
Most children will be able to start playing with building blocks from around 18 months old. This can vary depending on the child’s coordination and fine motor skills. If a child is struggling to use building blocks, parents can encourage them by helping to break the blocks down into smaller pieces.
What Skills Do Kids Learn From Building Blocks?
Building blocks provide an excellent opportunity for children to develop a variety of skills. These skills include hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, creative thinking, and fine motor skills. In addition, working with blocks helps children to develop language and brain development (2).
What Are The Benefits Of Building Toys?
- Develops fine motor skills: Building toys require children to use their fingers and hands to manipulate small pieces, improving their dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Enhances creativity: Building toys allow children to explore their imagination and creativity by constructing unique structures and designs (3).
- Promotes problem-solving: Building toys encourage children to think critically and solve problems as they work to create their designs.
- Fosters spatial awareness: Building toys help children understand spatial relationships as they manipulate pieces to fit together and create their designs.
- Builds teamwork and social skills: Building toys can be played with alone or in groups, encouraging children to work together, share ideas, and communicate effectively (4).
What Is A Traditional Building Toy?
A traditional building toy is a toy that helps children develop spatial awareness and fine motor skills. These toys usually involve stacking, fitting, or connecting pieces together in order to create a structure. Traditional building toys can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and even cardboard.
