If you’ve spent any time on Blox Builder, you probably know I’m obsessed with educational play—especially when it involves building. There’s just something about watching kids dive into a pile of blocks, pieces, or connectors and suddenly create an entire world from their imagination. But what’s even better? When that play is also secretly boosting their problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and critical thinking. Yep, the best building toys don’t just entertain—they teach.
Over the years (and across dozens of birthday parties, rainy afternoons, and homeschool units), I’ve tested out a ton of building toys. Some were duds, some were pretty cool, and a few turned out to be absolute game-changers when it came to unlocking creativity. So, I thought I’d share a list of my favorite educational building toys—the ones that consistently deliver both fun and learning.
🧱 1. LEGO Classic Sets
Let’s start with a classic. No surprise here—LEGO is still the reigning champion of building toys. But I’m not just talking about the themed sets (although we love those too). The Classic boxes filled with random bricks in all shapes, sizes, and colors are where the real creative magic happens. There are no instructions, no step-by-step goals—just pure imagination. My kids have built everything from abstract sculptures to working catapults. It’s hands-on, it’s open-ended, and it’s perfect for all ages. Bonus: it grows with them. From color sorting at age 3 to designing motorized builds with LEGO SPIKE at age 10, it’s endlessly versatile.
🔩 2. Magna-Tiles
These magnetic tiles are the unsung heroes of open-ended play. Magna-Tiles (and their more budget-friendly cousins like Picasso Tiles) make it easy for kids to explore geometry, symmetry, and 3D design—without even realizing it. I love how these tiles snap together effortlessly, which makes them accessible even for little hands. We’ve built towers, houses, animals, and even stained-glass window art on the fridge. It’s the kind of toy that sparks creativity every single time it’s brought out.
⚙️ 3. Tinkertoys & K’NEX
There’s something so satisfying about toys that move. Both Tinkertoys and K’NEX offer a unique approach to construction by encouraging kids to think in terms of rods, joints, and mechanics. I use these especially when we’re talking about simple machines in our homeschool. We’ve built seesaws, windmills, and rolling carts, all while learning about levers, gears, and motion. It’s STEM learning that doesn’t feel like schoolwork—and I’m all for that.
🧠 4. Brain Flakes
If you haven’t tried Brain Flakes, add them to your list. These little plastic discs interlock in all directions and let kids build some truly wild and intricate shapes. They’re especially great for visual and tactile learners who benefit from exploring patterns and textures. The best part? There’s no “right” way to build with them, which is exactly the kind of creative freedom I love to encourage.
🧲 5. Marble Run Sets
I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t get completely pulled into building a marble run. These sets teach planning, sequencing, cause and effect, and even a bit of physics—all while kids work to get their marbles from point A to point B without crashing. We’ve used Gravitrax and classic track-based systems like Q-BA-Maze, and both are fantastic. It’s a great toy to encourage persistence, too. Trial and error is built into the experience.
🛠️ 6. Strawbees or DIY STEM Kits
If you’ve never heard of Strawbees, they’re basically tiny connectors that work with straws to create lightweight, super-flexible structures. These are a hit for kids who like to experiment with design or make wearable contraptions (we’ve made hats, bridges, and a few chaotic roller coasters). Many STEM kits now include similar concepts—constructible robots, cardboard engineering projects, or even programmable elements—so keep an eye out for DIY options that add even more depth to the building experience.
🌍 7. Wooden Block Sets
Old-school wooden blocks deserve more love. They might seem simple, but that’s kind of the point—they challenge kids to do more with less. We have a set of unit blocks that’s been used in every kind of pretend play: from building animal enclosures to creating castles and highways. The open-ended nature of wooden blocks makes them a staple for early childhood development and creative problem-solving.
Why It All Matters
The truth is, kids learn best when they’re engaged, and there’s no better engagement tool than hands-on building. It’s not about having the most expensive toy—it’s about having the right kind of toy: one that invites exploration, rewards persistence, and gives kids the freedom to dream, build, and start over again. That’s where real creativity lives.
If you’re looking to build out your toy collection or refresh your homeschool setup, I highly recommend starting with a few of these. Rotate them in and out, combine them for themed projects, or just let the kids take the lead. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with.
And if you ever step on a LEGO brick in the process—just know it’s all in the name of learning 😉
