Our 10 Favorite Building Blocks for Kids
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Building blocks provide many opportunities for creative play, problem-solving, and the development of fine motor skills. Generally, the best blocks are the simplest. Check out our top picks for the best building blocks for kids.
More: 14 Classic Toys That Still Rock
Our Top Picks
- Best Wooden Blocks: Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks at Amazon
- Best Alphabet Blocks: Melissa & Doug Wooden ABC/123 Blocks at Amazon
- Best Lego Set: LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box Building Kit (790 Pieces) at Amazon
- Best Duplo Legos: LEGO DUPLO Classic Deluxe Brick Box Starter Set (85 Pieces) at Amazon
- A Good Alternative to Duplo Blocks: Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag (80 Pieces) at Amazon
- Best Magnetic Blocks: PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set at Amazon
- Best Baby Blocks: Mini Tudou Baby Blocks 12PCS at Amazon
- Best Jumbo Block Set: Melissa & Doug Jumbo Cardboard Blocks - 40 Pieces at Amazon
- Most Enchanting Block Set: Cheetoys Fairytale Kingdom Color Wooden Building Blocks Castle at Amazon
- Most Creative Block Set: PicassoTiles 120pcs 3D Building Blocks at Amazon
What to Consider When Purchasing Building Blocks
- Are they simple?
The best toys let the child take the lead, and not the other way around.
- Are they durable?
A good block set will get plenty of love through childhood so you want it to last.
- Do they stack easily?
Some types of blocks fit together with magnets or links, while others need to be stacked and balanced. A good quality set will make this easy enough for little hands.
How We Chose Our Favorites
We reached out to real parents and real kids to learn which block sets are the most universally loved. Here are our top 10 choices:
Best Wooden Blocks
This basic set of wooden blocks is a must! It's the simplest toy out there, without any bright colors or extra fuss. This allows kids to use their imaginations and promotes learning. Each block is cut precisely to size so they stack evenly.
"These blocks are very well made and the kids do such creative things with them. They are worth every penny."
Best Alphabet Blocks
These colored building blocks feature the letters of the alphabet and numbers. Each block is an identical cube that babies will love to explore and begin learning how to stack, as they work on basic fine motor skills. Along the way, they will begin to develop letter and number recognition! As children grow, the blocks can also be used to spell out basic words.
"The size is perfect for a little child to handle in their hand. The pictures were cute, the colors were bright the letters are perfectly cut."
Best Lego Set
Legos are another classic. The original building bricks come in different shapes and colors and kids love playing with them well past the preschool years. This set is the perfect intro set, with just enough variety in pieces included. Legos are designed to fit together well so that your child can spend hours imagining and building amazing structures.
"My 5-year-old grandson is really into Legos so I bought this for him for Christmas along with the Legos Idea Book and he has spent so many hours sitting at his table creating new Lego things. The large classic brick box has a lot of pieces to it and can be used in many, many different ways."
Best Duplo Legos
Duplos are designed to give toddlers a chance to play with and enjoy legos. These building bricks are larger so a little child with less-developed fine motor skills can play with them without frustration. Plus parents do not have to worry about the choking hazard. They are just like the "big kid version" so playing with these blocks helps develop the small muscles that are needed for legos when your child is older. The pieces are a bit more simple, with just a few block types in different colors.
"If ever there was an awesome toddler toy that provides hours of fun, it’s a box of Duplos. This is great, toddler friendly and really good for children to learn to share and build motor skills."
A Good Alternative to Duplo Blocks
Mega Bloks are even simpler and easier to manipulate than Duplos. A child of one can begin to build with them. These blocks are all the same basic shape with different lengths.
"These blocks are great! I bought them for my 14-month-old daughter for Christmas. I have also purchased these same blocks for my other 2 children when they were the same age (now 12 and 7). They don't break easily and are easy for her to grip because of the size."
Best Magnetic Blocks
Magnetic blocks are a favorite among children of all ages. They allow for more creativity because the blocks can be set at an angle making it possible to build three-dimensional creations. This set has a few different shapes. They are cut evenly and they fit together strongly.
"My son is 2.5 years old and loves this toy. It is the best investment."
Best Baby Blocks
This block set is perfect for little babies because the blocks are squishy and can be used as teethers. Babies love to put things in their mouth so what could be better than a set of blocks designed for just that?
"I think these blocks are cool because she can do different things with them at different ages. Right now she likes to knock over the towers I build with the blocks, and now that she's teething she really enjoys chewing on the raised part of the blocks. I like that when she gets older she'll be able to play at linking them, finding the blocks with the matching pictures."
Best Jumbo Block Set
Some blocks are small but some blocks are super-big! Jumbo blocks are awesome because kids can build larger structures to play in themselves. This set of different-colored cardboard blocks is ideal for kids of all ages. All blocks are the same basic shape so this toy allows kids to use and develop their creativity.
"Our four year old loves them. He builds castles, chairs, and trains. He sits and stands on them. A few show some wear, but they have mostly held up well. I love them and have thought about ordering a second set for him."
Most Enchanting Block Set
Some kids just can't get enough princesses and castles and unicorns and rainbows. This block set is for those children! Since it's not quite as simple as your basic set of wooden blocks, this toy is best for children who are a little older. Toddlers should really have simpler toys, but in early elementary this set can be ideal. The pieces stack well but it does take some dexterity to build with these.
"We love these blocks! My daughter is very into imaginative play and loves setting up castles and kingdoms for her dolls. These are sturdy, well made, lovely colors, they stack well and come in a handy carrying case."
Most Creative Block Set
This toy is unique because you fit the pieces together with little bristles that line each block. That means they attach well and the possibilities for creativity are endless.
"I originally purchased this set for my kindergarten classroom. We begin each day of school with 15 minutes of fine motor play, and these Bristle Blocks are always a favorite! I purchased a second set for my little boy at home, and he loves them just as much! I have done extensive research on fine motor weakness, which may be a result of too much screen time and not enough fine motor play opportunities. This product is a fun and engaging way to make fine motor play part of every day!"
