For some reason, I really want one of my children to become an architect. It seems like such a cool job that combines both the “right brain,” through the artistic aspects of the job, and the “left brain,” through the mathematical and scientific aspects, to create something both functional and beautiful.
And seeing as I have no artistic or STEM skills myself, I’ll have to live vicariously through my children! That’s what good parents do, right?
Of course I’m kidding, except about how cool architecture is. And while no toy could actually teach my young children the complicated skills needed to become architects in 20 years, there are several types of building toys that can teach them to think with both sides of their brain at once. And that is a very valuable skill, indeed–whether they become architects or not.
What to Look for in Toddler Building Toys
- Easy for little hands to grasp and manipulate. Let’s do all we can to prevent tantrums from a frustrated toddler, am-I-right? They need no encouragement.
- Durable and won’t break easily. Toddlers aren’t exactly gentle with their toys. Which reminds me–you might also want to look for something that doesn’t hurt as much when it’s thrown at your head. Trust me; I speak from (too much) experience.
- Something your child can continue to enjoy as she gets older. The best toys are the kind that grow with your child. They make the cost worth it, and it’s harder to resent them for taking up precious space in your home if they’re constantly being used!
Best Toddler Construction and Building Toys
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| Plastic Building Blocks | |
Mega Bloks Read Review | |
LEGO DUPLO Spaceship Read Review | |
Battat Bristle Blocks Read Review | |
Pretex Building Bricks Read Review | |
Kids Adventure Jumbo Blocks Read Review | |
MICHLEY Plastic Builders Blocks Read Review | |
| Wood Blocks/Cardboard/Foam Blocks | |
Melissa & Doug Wooden Blocks Read Review | |
Schylling ABC Big Blocks Read Review | |
Melissa & Doug Cardboard Blocks Read Review | |
Large Foam Block Set Read Review | |
| Construction Toys | |
Brickyard Building Set Read Review | |
TINKERTOY Building Set Read Review | |
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Read Review | |
Skoolzy Peg Board Set Read Review | |
Learning Resources Gears! Read Review | |
K’NEX Build A Bunch Set Read Review | |
Skoolzy Jumbo Nuts and Bolts Read Review | |
Clip Connect Plastic Blocks Read Review | |
| Magnetic Building Toys | |
Magnetic Balls and Rods Set Read Review | |
Play Brainy Magnetic Cars Read Review | |
PicassoTiles Read Review | |
Guidecraft Grippies Builders Read Review | |
Magnetic Building Blocks Read Review | |
Goobi Juniors Construction Set Read Review |
Plastic Building Blocks for Toddlers
Plastic is a good option for young kids. These plastic building blocks for preschoolers and toddlers are safe and fun. You can be sure these blocks are good quality and will last.
1. Mega Bloks
Pros:
- Large blocks are easy for small hands to hold
- Pieces fit together for sturdier constructions
- Blocks grow with your child
Cons:
- Not as many shape possibilities
- Some connections can be loose
These are some of the best building toys for toddlers, as the pieces are large and easy for small hands to grasp. Even the youngest toddlers, who can’t yet build fabulous creations, still enjoy dumping these bright, colorful blocks out on the floor and trying to put them together.
Intended for children ages 1 to 5, these building blocks are fun for young toddlers and preschoolers alike. My 4-year-old daughter has finally reached the stage of building elaborate “cities” with these and incorporating them into her pretend play, while her 2-year-old brother simply enjoys building tall towers and then destroying them.
The set comes with 80 blocks in various shapes, including long and short rectangles, short and tall squares, and different kinds of base pieces to support tall structures. The pieces fit together easily and securely, so kids won’t be frustrated by their creations completely falling apart if they get bumped. The blocks come in a portable zipper bag with a handle, which allows for easy cleanup and storage, not to mention travel possibilities.
2. LEGO DUPLO Spaceship
Pros:
- Includes accessories and Spaceship
- Easy to put pieces together
Con:
- 23 pieces – small amount of pieces
Some children love spaceships and astronauts, so this Lego DUPLO spaceship set would be perfect for any young child that loves space. This LEGO set includes a spaceship, male and female astronauts, a ladder, a radar on a buggy with wheels. The set set measures over 3.5 inches high and 6 inches wide.
This playset can be arranged in a myriad of designs and can be connected to other DUPLO sets for extra fun creativity. The Spaceship opens up and has wheels, so children can truly imagine sitting in the spaceship flying off to space. This LEGO DUPLO set will help children with fine motor skills, open-ended playing skills, and improve the use of their imagination.
3. Battat Bristle Blocks
Pros:
- Very secure connection
- Bristles allow for easy interlocking in any direction
- Blocks grow with your child
Cons:
- Not compatible with old Bristle Block versions
- Can be difficult to fit pieces back in box
These building toys come in several sets of varying sizes, but the 85-piece set is a great choice because it comes with tons of differently shaped blocks as well as eight wheels, four people figures, and a dog. Perfect for imaginative pretend play! The set also includes a nice carrying case for storage, with a handle for easy traveling.
The Bristle Blocks are particularly unique in both look and feel. They are made of a soft, rubbery material with spikey (but soft) bristles on the top that interlock no matter which way you align them. All you have to do is squeeze them together! This makes it so easy for toddlers who are still learning motor skills to connect them without help. The blocks make a very secure connection and won’t come apart easily, which means fewer frustration tantrums.
This set of blocks is compatible with the Spinaroo Bristle Block set, which includes silly faces and spinning bases for even more building fun.
4. Pretex Building Bricks
Pros:
- Compatible with most building block brands
- Storage box with carrying handle
Cons:
- Looser connection than other brands
- Not actually “large”
This set of 150 classic building bricks includes 75 squares and 75 rectangles in bright colors—red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. They are compatible with most brands of building blocks in the same size, but they cost less. Made with strong, non-toxic materials, these bricks are great for beginning builders. For added convenience, the box they come in has a handle for easy transport.
5. Kids Adventure Jumbo Blocks
Pros:
- Large, lightweight blocks
- Durable, safe materials
Cons:
- Blocks can be hard to take apart
- Hard blocks–be careful if kids like to throw
The Kids Adventure Jumbo Blocks are like giant Legos. Your toddler will have fun making large creations and towers with these huge children’s building blocks.
These lightweight bricks are easy for toddlers to pick up, move around, and stack. Sometimes the bricks are hard to take apart, so your child might need help separating them.
You will find the material is good quality, hard plastic. However, that means if your child likes to throw things, you will want to be careful with potential brick throwing.
6. MICHLEY Plastic Builders Blocks
Pros:
- Affordable
- Strong and sturdy, suitable for repeated use
Cons:
- Provide your own storage compartment since one isn’t included
- The small size is nice for little hands but it is a potential choking hazard
This multi-color 100 piece set allows children to interlock blocks into countless shapes. They can either imitate a design or enjoy the freedom to make their own complex construction. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to join the fun! It really is a wonderful way for parents to connect with their kids.
Wood Blocks, Cardboard, and Foam Building Blocks for Toddlers
Wood or cardboard blocks are fun for stacking and are durable. Kids love them and so do parents!
7. Melissa & Doug Wooden Blocks 
Pros:
- 4 colors
- 9 shapes
- 100 blocks
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a storage container
- Small pieces
This is a classic painted wooden building block set. It is great for building towers, castles, or whatever else your child likes to create. With 100 blocks in 4 colors and 9 shapes, this set will keep your child entertained. It provides great exercise in hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks set does not come with a storage container. I prefer using a plastic storage bin for toys like this to keep them organized and easy to store.
Be aware that the pieces in this set are relatively small. They could even be a choking hazard if your child puts the pieces in his mouth.
8. Schylling ABC Big Blocks
Pros:
- Perfect size for little hands
- Teaches alphabet and fine motor skills
- Wood storage box
Cons:
- Paint on blocks can be inconsistent
- Contains only letters (no numbers, shapes, or animals)
This is the iconic wood alphabet block set that has been enjoyed by kids for generations. The blocks are 1 3/4″ square and stack well.
Each side of the block contains a letter, either raised, embossed, and painted or stamped onto the block. With 48 blocks in the set, your toddler can begin learning the alphabet as well as learning to recognize his or her name.
The simplicity of this toy is fantastic. It is a great wooden toy for toddlers as well as older children.
9. Melissa & Doug Cardboard Blocks
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Jumbo blocks get your child moving
- Allows for pretend play with child as an actor
Cons:
- Require fold-together assembly
- Take up a lot of space
This option is quite different from the others on this list in that the blocks are life-size. The set comes with 40 blocks in three different sizes. The largest blocks, which measure 12″ x 6″ x 3″, can actually hold up to 150 pounds of weight! However, they’re essentially like fake bricks, so there isn’t a variety of shapes to build with.
Still, your child will have a blast building a tower that is taller than she is! Plus there’s the great fun of knocking the constructions over with your whole body when you’re done. In fact, the entire act of playing with these blocks is, in a way, exercise.
It will get your child up off the floor to bend, stretch, twist, and more as she builds life-size constructions that are perfect for pretend play scenes. It’s a great way to keep your child active during the cold winter months (or during the too-hot-to-go-outside summer months)!
10. Large Foam Block Set
Pros:
- Soft and safe for little ones
- Many ways to play
Con:
- A bit expensive
Come playtime, your little one will be drawn to these big, soft, brightly colored cubes. They can be played with in so many ways—by building them up, knocking them down, crawling over them like an obstacle course, or even matching colors. And no matter how your kids play with these blocks, they can’t get hurt. Each block is a 5.5″ cube, and the set comes with 12 of them in the colors of the rainbow.
If—okay, let’s be honest, when—the blocks get grimy or grubby, they are easily wiped clean with some soap and water or your favorite non-bleach cleaner. And, if you’re interested, the company also makes a Patchwork Toddler Play Mat (sold separately) that can be paired with these blocks for added learning fun.
Construction Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Construction toys are excellent STEM toys for young kids. They encourage creativity and promote curiosity as kids learn how things work.
11. Brickyard Engineering Building Set
Pros:
- Great value!
- No-hassle satisfaction guarantee
- Will grow with your child
Cons:
- Doesn’t have all the pieces or instructions needed to make the pictured creations
- Young children will need an adult’s help
If you want your child to learn as they play, this is the toy you’ve been looking for! The open ended play promotes logical thinking and creativity, truly an excellent introduction to STEM education. You’ll be amazed at the many creations they come up with: cars, animals, and robots are among the possibilities! It includes more pieces than similar sets so up to 6 people can play at a time.
This brightly colored set is certified BPA-free so you don’t need to worry about exposing your child to any harmful chemicals. It is easy to wash and cleanup since it comes with a storage box.
The 163-piece set comes with kid-friendly wrenches and screwdrivers as well as a guide outlining 42 suggested designs. This toy will grow with your child, since they can make more advanced, complex designs as they get older.
12. TINKERTOY Building Set
Pros:
- Pieces snap together and don’t fall apart
- Sturdy storage box
- 200 plastic pieces
Cons:
- Painful if pieces are stepped on
- Can be hard for toddlers to take pieces apart
This toy takes me back to my childhood. The wood Tinkertoys of the past are gone, though. These Tinkertoys are plastic, which in my opinion is much better. You won’t get wood splinters from playing with these. Also, the plastic is completely safe. As far as construction toys for boys or girls go, this is a great one.
I like that this set comes with 200 pieces, which is a good amount for toddlers (especially if they are sharing). The set comes with instructions of how to make 30 different creations, but of course creative play is always fun, too.
Your toddler will have no problem putting these Tinkertoy pieces together. However, sometimes the pieces are hard to take apart once they are put together. That can be a bit frustrating for little hands.
13. Fat Brain Toys Squigz
Pros:
- Pieces are easy to put together and take apart
- 8 different shaped pieces
- Pieces suction together so can be used on flat surfaces, including windows
Cons:
- Small pieces can pose a choking hazard
- Storage container is poor quality
This starter set of Squigz is fun for kids of any age, but be aware it can be a choking hazard! Kids have so much fun sticking these plastic suctioning pieces together to form an endless variety of creations.
Squigz are fun to stick on a table top, window, or any other flat surface. We even enjoy putting them on a mirror to see the creation reflected. They are even usable in the bathtub!
This 24 piece set is fun to begin with, but your kids will likely eventually want more pieces to play with. Squigz are great at helping improve fine motor skills as well as planning. They also make an entertaining travel toy.
14. Skoolzy Peg Board Set
Pros:
- Great for hand/eye coordination
- Large pegs are perfect for small hands
- Money back guarantee
Cons:
- Can only build vertically
- Foam board not as durable as other materials
The Skoolzy Peg Board Set is a bit different from the other building sets on this list. This toy focuses on building vertically, but the square board makes it possible to create steps or other 3D creations. Toddlers will learn good fine motor skills as they place each peg into the board or on top of another peg.
This set comes with 30 pegs in 6 different colors. In addition to building, toddlers can practice sorting, counting, and color recognition. A drawstring bag makes it easy to store all the pieces.
15. Learning Resources Gears!
Pros:
- Teaches problem solving skills
- 150 pieces
- Improves fine motor skills
Con:
- Pieces can be hard to separate if pushed too tightly together
What child isn’t fascinated by moving gears? This toy is fantastic for kids as well as adults. Children will build creations with gears they crank to make the parts move.
This set comes with 150 pieces, including gears, cranks, axles, bases, and connector pieces. The plastic tub is sturdy and great for storing all the pieces. Also included is an activity guide to show you some of the possible creations you can make with the Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Building Set.
16. K’NEX Build A Bunch Set
Pros:
- Parts guarantee replacement (you lose a piece, they replace it)
- Chunkier pieces than regular K’NEX
- Poster with instructions for 30 creations
Cons:
- Smaller pieces pose choking hazard for very young children
- Only enough pieces to make one of the 30 included creations at a time
Did you know that K’NEX has building sets for toddlers and preschoolers? The KID K’NEX – Build A Bunch Set comes with 66 pieces which are bigger and fatter than regular K’NEX pieces. This makes building easier for younger children (and keeps them from getting frustrated).
It’s nice that this set comes with instructions on how to make 30 different creations. However, since there are only 66 pieces in the set, you can only make one of these creations at a time without running out of pieces.
K’NEX has excellent customer service. They will even replace any lost pieces!
17. Skoolzy Jumbo Nuts and Bolts
Pros:
- Comes with a drawstring storage bag
- Helps develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills
Cons:
- Few pieces in this set – only 6 complete nut and bolt sets
- Since the storage bag is small it takes strategic maneuvering to get everything to fit in, making it difficult for children to put away the toys independently
Occupational therapists, parents, and kids all agree that this Montessori construction toy is a winner! While kids find it addicting to screw and unscrew the nuts and bolts, therapists often use this toy to teach fine motor skills. And parents love the affordable price, satisfaction guarantee, and introducing their toddlers to STEM principles.
Best of all, you can rest assured that these nuts and bolts are safe to play with. Since the pieces are large, over 2 inches long, they are not considered a choking hazard. Also, they are made of certified non-toxic and BPA-free durable plastic. Hence, they can be conveniently washed as needed.
18. Clip Connect Plastic Blocks
Pros:
- 100 pieces
- Bright colors
- Durable material
Cons:
- Recommended for children 4+, not as fun for young children
- Sometimes difficult to connect and disconnect
The clip connect plastic blocks click together into many beautiful, interesting creations. The pieces are easy to snap together and will help any child with their fine motor skills, spatial awareness, hand eye coordination, and STEM skills. These toys are also great for sensory development in case children need extra practice with these skills.
The clip connect plastic blocks are safe; they are made of non-toxic, BPA-free polyethylene. These toys are recommended for children 4 and up.
Children will also be able to practice their colors and numbers with these fun, brightly colored toys. The Clip Connect box also comes with an instruction guide on how to make different constructions. Make sure to always supervise young children who play with the clip connect plastic blocks as they are meant for older children, not babies or toddlers.
Magnetic Building Toys and Sets for Toddlers and Preschoolers
A good magnetic toy is fun for kids (and even adults) of all ages. These toys have good magnets and are fun for making different buildings and creations.
19. Magnetic Balls and Rods Set
Pros:
- 46 pieces
- Bright colors
- Large pieces, easy to use
- Made of high-quality ABS plastic
Cons:
- Sometimes fall apart
- Not the easiest to assemble
This magnet toy set comes with 12 metal balls, 12 long bars, and 12 short bars, plenty of pieces to make medium sized constructions. All the parts are larger than 3 cm, so there is little chance of choking for babies and toddlers. Safety is key with this magnet set, so all the pieces have soft, round edges.
The colorful balls and sticks are easy to connect and disconnect. Children will spend hours building 3D models of buildings, letters, shapes, and more. This toy will improve children’s fine motor skills, imagination, and STEM knowledge. The balls also bounce up when they hit the ground, so you can play fun ball games too.
A unique feature of these magnets are how the colors operate. The warm colors, red, orange, and yellow connect with the cold colors, green, blue, and purple. You can’t fit cold colors together or warm colors together. This helps children learn how to match magnets together very easily.
20. Play Brainy Magnetic Cars
Pros:
- Montessori toy
- Challenges children’s minds
- Comes with a storage container so nothing will go missing
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- The pieces are a little difficult to snap together – some children may need help from their parents
- Some parts are not suitable for children under 2 years old
Just released earlier this year, these magnetic toy cars are a fantastic, innovative learning set. Not only will it keep your toddler entertained for hours, but it will also help them develop critical skills like hand-eye coordination. I love the fact that it was created by parents and approved by kids!
You can choose between a 42 piece set or a 90 piece set but either way you’ll get a useful storage container to ensure that no pieces go missing. It also includes an instruction manual full of building ideas!
21. PicassoTiles
Pros:
- Fun for kids of all ages
- 60 pieces
- Made of safe materials
- 5 different shapes, 5 different colors
Cons:
- Some pieces need more magnets inside to make attraction stronger
- Tall creations tend to fall over easily
These are fun magnetic blocks for toddlers. All kids seem to love magnets. Something about the magnetic attraction is fascinating and exciting. The Picasso Tiles allow you to put the magnetic shapes together in different ways to build an endless number of creations.
The five different shapes and five different colors make this toy even more fun. The varying shapes mean there are a lot more options in building than with building toys that have only one or two different shapes.
You can be confident that Picasso Tiles are made from safe materials. The only drawback I see with this toy is that the magnets could be stronger. If you make too tall of a creation, it will fall over.
22. Magnetic Building Blocks
Pros:
- Fun shapes and colors
- 133 pieces
- Less expensive than similar toys
Cons:
- Can be difficult for young children to pull pieces apart
- Only 63 pieces are magnets. The rest are accessories
These Magnetic Building Blocks would be a great gift anyone toddler to adult. These magnetic blocks seem to be soothing for the hands and mind. They provide hours of fine motor skills and critical thinking (disguised as fun).
You can be confident that the magnets in these blocks are strong enough to hold together but not strong enough to pinch or hurt small fingers. The 63 pieces allow for making a few structures at once. A variety of colors and shapes allow for endless possibilities in building.
These blocks are less expensive than other similar magnetic blocks like MagnaTiles, but they can be used with other sets. Preschoolers love this toy!
23. Goobi Juniors Construction Set
Pros:
- Winner of Creative Play of the Year Award
- Jumbo pieces
- Money back guarantee
- No choke hazard
Cons:
- Magnets don’t keep tall structures together very well
- Only 20 pieces
The Goobi Juniors 20 Piece Construction set is the winner of Creative Play of the Year Award. It is great for very young kids and for older kids as well.
Jumbo size pieces make it easy for little hands to manipulate, and you won’t have to worry about your child choking on the pieces. Rods measure 6.7″ and the hollow iron balls measure 2.4″ in diameter, which means finished creations will be quite large.
Vibrant colors and safe materials make this toy even more desirable. Goobi Juniors also comes in a 20 piece set, but we find that the 40 piece set allows more options in building.
Why Buy Building Blocks for Your Toddler or Preschooler?
In addition to being just a fun toy to play with, build and play toys can actually help teach your toddler a number of very valuable skills. It stimulates the “right brain” by requiring your child to use her imagination and creative skills to build something from nothing. Then, after the construction is complete, it can be used for imaginative play with small dolls or action figures.
Creative building toys also stimulate the “left brain” as your child uses logic through trial and error. If a tall tower she built keeps falling, your child will try new ways to build it until she figures out what works and what doesn’t. She will also gain a greater sense of spatial awareness, which studies have found to help children do better in math and science as they grow older. For toddlers, building connects toys with learning.
We can’t forget the important motor skills children gain from learning to stack, connect, and break down building toys as well. Then there are the more social and emotional benefits, such as confidence from bringing their ideas to life, learning to work both alone and with others to complete a task, and finally patience and perseverance. Because let’s face it; their constructions will fall down and frustrate them sometimes!
FAQs
Are LEGO sets good for toddlers?
As a top-notch manufacturer of children’s toys, LEGO produces excellent options for toddlers. Their Duplo sets consist of larger pieces which can’t be swallowed and simple, easy-to-follow instructions making them appropriate for toddlers. Children this age enjoy all the imaginative play options that come with LEGO products.
What are important things to look for in a toddler construction set?
There are several features to look for when selecting a toddler construction set. First, make sure the pieces are easy for little ones to grasp and manipulate. Next, you’ll want to get toys which are sturdy and won’t break easily. Finally, consider toys which your toddler will enjoy as they grow older.
How do building toys help with creativity?
Building toys provide opportunities for children to bring life to their dreams. After imagining what they want to create, children can use building sets to construct what they pictured. The market is full of toys which offer such open-ended play; take a look at our list of the best construction toys for toddlers to find the perfect one for your child.
Other Toddler Play and STEM Resources
- PBS Kids Education Resources
- Sand Toys for Toddlers
- Swim Aids for Toddlers
- US Department of Education Early Learning Resources
- Science Kits For Kids
- JUMPSTART Parent Resources
