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
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:
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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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? 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. 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. 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.
