Geomag Magicube Dinosaurs, 7 Magnetic Cubes for Creative Play, Kids Ages 3+, Educational Construction Toys Set
We independently evaluate (/parents-product-review-guidelines-5271118) all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Expert-approved picks to boost young builders' skills and imagination from Magna-Tiles, Picasso, Connetix, Playmags, and more. In This Article Parents / Alli Waataja If there’s one toy we wish we had growing up, it’s magnetic tiles. Sure, playing with wooden blocks was fun, but the three-dimensional builds kids can create with tiles that stick together are just amazing. Kiddos as young as 3 (and younger with some sets) can build a sphere just using squares and triangles, or create an amazing multilevel race track complete with ramps and vehicles. The best magnetic tiles don’t just promote creative thinking and independent play , they’re also great learning tools. According to occupational therapist Lora Torres , magnetic tiles “provide children a fun way to build that does not require the strength, dexterity, and visual control that interlocking or traditional blocks require. Since the magnets ensure the tiles maintain their position when placed, young builders will feel more successful,” she says. To select the best magnetic tiles for kids, we surveyed 774 parents and 101 staff about their children's favorite toys, including which magnetic tile sets they play with and how kids use them. We also spoke with an educator and mother, as well as an occupational therapist, to help narrow down the list of the best magnetic tiles for kids, focusing on those that are developmentally appropriate and inspire creativity. Most magnetic tiles are recommended for children ages 3 and up. While a child might benefit from magnetic tile play as young as 2, it’s always best to stick with the brand's age recommendations because plastic and magnetic pieces can become choking hazards. (Be sure to inspect magnetic tiles regularly to catch any potential safety hazards or concerns.) According to preschool teacher Sally Macaluso , younger children may be able to enjoy certain types of magnetic tiles with direct, hands-on parental supervision, such as the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set, which the brand says is suitable for ages 1 to 99. When used safely, magnetic tiles can promote creativity, open-ended play, and development. “They can enhance areas of development such as early academics, problem-solving, motor, and social-emotional skills,” she adds. The Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set includes 54 squares and 46 triangles and is the most popular set in the market. The tiles are made from food-grade plastic (BPA-free) and reinforced with the brand’s signature lattice lines to prevent the plastic from cracking, an important safety feature. The tiles are also made with metallic corner rivets to keep the magnets in place so they won’t become choking hazards. This set is durable enough to last from toddlerhood through the pre-teen years, as we were able to confirm in our own households. Plus, it's versatile because it's compatible with competitor brands and other Magna-Tiles sets. The Details: This 108-piece set also comes with special tiles with cutouts that mimic doors, windows, and castle battlements to create unique builds. Young creatives can choose from plastic tiles in 12 different sizes. The kit also includes an inspiration booklet to tap into engineering and creativity skills. The Details: One of our writers received a test sample of the Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack and both she and her 3-year-old son became big fans. Their favorite features are the three transport bases and wheels. Her son used them to build the cabin of a “semi,” while our writer stayed busy creating the trailers to haul his Hot Wheels cars. Parents and caregivers will also appreciate the non-toxic ABS plastic that's phthalate-free and BPA-free for safe play. The Details: This is a smaller set, with only 30 pieces, but Magformers stand out because they feature cylindrical 1/3-inch neodymium magnets—the strongest type of permanent magnet—that offer better stability so that creations don’t fall apart mid-build. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free plastic, the set is compact enough for travel but also complete enough to make builds of medium complexity, such as a ball, rocket, or house—all of which have blueprints conveniently outlined in the instruction manual. The Details: The Magna-Tiles Dino World XL is a dream toy for dino-loving kids and budding paleontologists. The oversized tiles are ideal for younger kids still honing their dexterity and allow for building larger structures. The Details If you’re not ready to purchase traditional magnetic tiles yet, Geomag MagiCubes are a smart alternative. Instead of tiles of various sizes, these magnetic cubes are all the same square size, ideal for small hands and still-developing engineering skills. The cubes feature smooth edges to prevent injuries. The blocks are also 100% waterproof, making them easy to clean and incredibly durable. The Details: This 60-piece PicassoTiles set is great for beginners as well as advanced architects. The colorful tiles invite kids to build flowers, castles, animals, or any other ideas they can dream up. The set is one of the more affordable magnetic tile choices and is compatible with other PicassoTiles sets and similar-style magnetic tiles from other brands. The Details: PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set is a versatile option because it works well with other brands—including the most popular type of magnetic tiles—and comes with a variety of tiles in square, rectangle, and triangle shapes. The set also features bonus magnetic click-in windows and letters, which allow for more creative building. The Details: The Magformers Log Cabin 48-Piece Set is an imaginative themed addition to any existing magnetic tile collection, with log cabin tiles, windows, doors, grass, and click-on trees. The set is ideal for beginners since some children may find the specific building guidelines easier to grasp before branching out into more complex or creative builds. The Details: Made from sustainably sourced Honduran hardwoods and finished with a water-based lacquer, Tegu’s Magnetic Wooden Block Set comes with 42 pieces in an aesthetically pleasing natural color and provides an option for natural-minded families. The magnets are embedded in the wooden blocks to avoid becoming a choking hazard to small children—which is why the set is safe for ages 1 to 99. The Details: The PicassoTiles Marble Run 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Race Track makes an interactive addition to any magnetic tile collection, with nine different shapes to create a large marble track run build. The Details: With only 36 pieces—18 of which are non-magnetic letter click-ins—the Playmags Magnetic Tile Building Kit is a small but mighty set for kids working on letter recognition or spelling skills. In addition to the educational boost, the set invites traditional STEAM learning opportunities associated with magnetic tiles and larger open designs ideal for all ages. The Details: The Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals Set is a themed solution ideal for younger kids or first-time magnetic tile users. It features 25 polar pieces including a penguin, seal, whale, polar bear, and baby polar bear. Printed tiles featuring motifs such as snowflakes, icicles, animal footprints, and ocean water add to the aesthetic. The Details: For avid magnetic tile architects, shortcuts like the PicassoTiles 28-piece Large Stabilizer Building Block Base can make a helpful collection addition. The pre-fused tiles are extra-large and allow for quicker, bigger builds. For users who want to make large-scale builds, the larger tiles can also create foundations and bases for sky-high creations. The Details: This Magna-Tiles Glow in the Dark set adds a bright novelty to playtime. The tiles are chargeable in direct sunlight or with the included LED keychain flashlight, exposing a child to scientific concepts as well as cause-and-effect. Kids can even use the LED light to "write" secret glowing messages on the tiles. The Details: These Blockaroo foam blocks put a new spin on playing and building with magnetic capabilities because they're an entirely different design. Instead of flat tiles, these foam blocks come in full 3D shapes that can move 360 degrees, allowing for virtually endless creative construction. Plus, the set includes a wide variety of shapes, colors, and add-on pieces with audible click-together magnetic power. The foam blocks float in water, taking the building fun into bathtime. And what's most impressive about these blocks? They're 100% dishwasher-safe, making cleaning and sanitizing a breeze. If your child outgrows these blocks, you can also send them back to the company, which will donate them to a child in need. The Details: Included accessories elevate this magnetic tiles set with diverse play options that allow for everything from hands-on creating to racing to navigating through tunnels and turns. One set includes Oggs characters, comics, paperboard, race tracks, and cars for multiple play scenarios. We especially love the included 10 paperboard panels that let kids color and create their own custom tiles. With two cars in the set, kids can even "race" each other after constructing a racetrack. The Details: We used expert feedback to analyze dozens of magnetic tiles and surveyed 875 parents and staff to uncover which magnetic tile sets their children play with and why they love (or don't love) them. Along with tapping real-life parents and children, we spoke with developmental experts to guide our research: Lora Torres, occupational therapist at Orlando Health's Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families; and Sally Macaluso, a preschool teacher, educational blogger, and toddler mother. After narrowing down our recommendations, we chose to highlight those that were most relevant to: Along with tapping real-life parents and children, we spoke with developmental experts to guide our research: Dorian Smith-Garcia is a health and parenting writer at Parents , where she reviews and tests products and provides insider tips on can’t-miss deals. Her 6-year-old daughter is a huge fan of magnetic tiles and prefers the rainbow options since she likes her builds to be color gradients following the colors of the rainbow. Additional reporting by Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN and Lauren Finney Harden. 28 Feb, 2024 In today’s fast-paced world, finding activities that bridge the generation gap can be a challenge. However, Geomag sets offer a unique solution, providing a platform for creativity, learning, and connection that transcends age barriers. From grandparents to grandchildren, Geomag sets have something to offer everyone, making them the perfect tool for bringing generations together. Join us as we explore the timeless appeal of Geomag and discover how these magnetic building sets foster connections across all ages. Play is a universal language that knows no age limits. Whether you are five or fifty-five, the joy of creating something with your own hands is a feeling that resonates with people of all generations. Geomag sets harness this universal desire for creativity and exploration, offering a wide range of building options that cater to different skill levels and interests. From simple structures to complex designs, there is a Geomag set for everyone, making it easy for family members of all ages to come together and bond over a shared activity. Beyond the joy of play, Geomag sets also provide valuable learning opportunities for individuals of all ages . For younger children, Magicube and Geomag sets help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination as they manipulate the building blocks and magnetic rods and spheres to build structures. Meanwhile, older children and adults can delve into more complex concepts such as geometry, engineering, and magnetism, turning each building session into a fun and educational experience. With Geomag brands , learning becomes a collaborative adventure, with family members of different ages sharing knowledge and insights as they explore the world of magnetic creations together. One of the most magical aspects of Geomag sets is their ability to foster connections between generations. Whether it’s grandparents bonding with grandchildren or parents reconnecting with their inner child, Geomag sets provide a common ground for family members to come together and share quality time. Building with Geomag sparks conversations, laughter, and moments of joy as family members collaborate on projects, problem-solve together, and celebrate each other’s achievements. With Geomag , the focus shifts from screens and gadgets to hands-on, face-to-face interaction, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. What makes Geomag sets truly special is their versatility and adaptability to different age groups and interests. Whether you’re a preschooler exploring the basics of magnetism or a retiree embarking on a complex construction project, there’s a Geomag set that is perfectly suited to your needs. With a wide range of sets available, spanning from beginner to expert levels, Geomag sets offer something for everyone, ensuring that individuals of all ages can join in on the fun and experience the magic of magnetic creations firsthand. Geomag sets are more than just toys—they are tools for building connections and fostering relationships across generations. By providing a platform for creativity, learning, and bonding, Geomag sets bring family members together in a shared pursuit of fun and discovery. Whether you are young or young at heart, Geomag sets offer endless opportunities for connection and collaboration, making them an invaluable addition to any family’s playtime repertoire. So, why not gather your loved ones, break out the Geomag sets, and embark on a journey of building, learning, and connecting? The possibilities are endless, and the memories you create will last a lifetime. 25 Mar, 2024 Amidst the vibrant landscape of play and learning stands Geomagworld , a beacon of sustainability and innovation in the magnetic toy realm. Celebrating over a decade of steadfast commitment since its inception , Geomagworld’s magnetic construction toys are not only a testament to the potential of STEM education but also a ground-breaking landmark in conscious manufacturing . Geomagworld’s devotion to the healthy development of children echoes in its products and operations. The magnetic construction sets, ranging from Magicube to Pro-L, are designed to foster creativity, logical thinking, and motor skills in the growing minds of the youth. Each age-appropriate brand showcases a variety of benefits, keeping in stride with the advancing curiosity and learning needs of children as they grow. In tandem with their edu-play philosophy, they have garnered accolades in educational circles and among parents for the invaluable growth they inspire in young builders. More than mere toys, Geomag’s magnetic sets serve as bridges between imagination and tangible creation, kindling a lifelong passion for discovery and innovation in those they touch. Investing in a greener Earth for the children it serves, Geomagworld’s sustainability practises demonstrate its eco-vision. Adhering to a robust set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company has woven a framework where its mission and operations are intricately entwined with SDGs like Quality Education, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. From utilizing renewable energy sources to innovating with 100% recycled plastic in product design, Geomagworld’s environmental initiatives are not just a strategic move but a moral imperative. Their efforts go beyond the factory floor and production lines, extending to the water bodies they cherish through to the Seabin project that combatted marine pollution. The sustainability narrative isn’t complete without a deep commitment to its primary stakeholders – the people. Geomagworld offers a comprehensive support system for its employees, suppliers, and the broader community. This includes initiatives for inclusive education projects, a code of ethics, and wellness programs that symbolize their dedication to human capital. Their emphasis on gender equality and fostering a diverse work environment mirrors their vision of a harmonious ecosystem, one that is equally magnetic in its drawing power for talent and individual growth. Geomagworld’s foray into sustainability is more than just a corporate responsibility; it’s a legacy in the making. The steadfast commitment to SDGs and its multiplier effect in education, the environment, and the economy positions Geomag as a pioneer in its field – one that others in the industry are sure to gravitate towards. In an era where the sustainability commitment is rapidly becoming a non-negotiable element of business, Geomagworld stands as a beacon, showing that a magnetic play set could hold the potential to build a sustainable future, one child at a time. As the world gears up to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, the timing couldn’t be more fitting to spotlight Geomagworld’s green initiative and its alignment with Earth’s preservation. This day, dedicated to appreciating our planet and promoting environmental stewardship, echoes Geomagworld’s year-round commitment to a sustainable future. Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency and collective action required to safeguard our planet for generations to come. It’s this synergy between global awareness and localized action, much like Geomagworld’s sustainability efforts, that propels us towards a healthier, more sustainable Earth. Geomagworld not only reaffirms its dedication to environmental stewardship but also stands as a shining example of how businesses can contribute to this global cause, inspiring actions that extend well beyond a single day. The impact of the toy industry on the environment often goes unnoticed. Geomag , however, is acutely aware and takes proactive measures to minimize their carbon footprint. Their use of recycled plastics, dedicated to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy, is a testament to their commitment to the environment. Sustainability is not just an aspect of Geomag’s products; it pervades their entire organizational structure. With a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment and Greenhouse Gas Emissions study, Geomag is at the forefront of illustrating that environmental consciousness can be integrated into every facet of business operations. In line with their broader ethos, Geomag is also dedicated to social responsibility. The company actively fosters an environment that encourages gender equality, both in their products and their corporate culture. By creating toys that are not gender-specific and promoting an inclusive work environment, Geomag is a catalyst for positive societal change.