There are tons of building toys out there, from LEGO to Tegu, to the classic wooden block. But one of my favorites (and my kid’s). Magna-Plates. These large, colorful construction toys come in a variety of sizes and shapes and snap together or onto other surfaces with the help of powerful magnets. They can be combined to create simple shapes like cubes and pyramids, or arranged to create garage door magnetic art. Additionally, there are themed packs that can add windows, stairs, or even functional faucets to playsets.
These are open-ended construction toys that do not have specific instructions for making a specific scene or item. They are safe for a three year old and fun for older kids too. Honestly, as a nearly 40-year-old man, I enjoy finding new and interesting ways to create more complex structures with my son. We built castles, spaceships, racing cars and even a ferry terminal complete with a movable boarding ramp.
At $120 for a set of 100, Magna-Tiles certainly aren’t cheap, but they’re sure to be the kind of toy that will keep your child entertained for years to come while helping them learn valuable problem-solving skills. — Terrence O’Brien, Former Managing Editor
