Magnetic tiles are generally made from plastic or wood and come in sets with shapes such as squares and triangles. Theyencourage shape and pattern recognition, help children explore scientific concepts like magnets and gravity, and promote creative thinking and play. They are also helpful in giving parents a few moments ofquiet playtime.
According to Lora Torres, an occupational therapist at Orlando Health's Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, magnetic tiles are key in building physical and emotional development, helping with everything fromstrength-building to confidence.“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, 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. Moreover, we spoke to 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 willinspire creativity in your child.Lastly, a pediatric psychologist on ourReview Boardreviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding magnetic toy safety, the benefits of magnetic tiles, and more.
Best Overall
Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set
The original magnetic building tiles
Comes with 100 tiles
Made from durable plastic and reinforced to prevent breakage
Other brands may be sturdier for large builds
Why We Recommend It
Magna-Tiles are the original magnetic tiles and were invented almost 30 years ago by a Japanese math teacher. One of the brand's best-selling toys, the Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set includes54 squares and 46 triangles.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, which is an important safety feature. The tiles are also made withmetallic corner rivetsto keep the magnets in place so they won’t become choking hazards.
This set was a top recommendation from many parents and staff who participated in our survey, saying their kids lovebuilding houses, castles, and moreduring imaginative andcollaborative play.If your child takes to this set, it can be a worthwhile investment that can be used from toddlerhood until the pre-teen years. The Magna-Tiles brand also has 23 options that are compatible with this set, with themes ranging frombuilding vehiclestoanimal setstoMagna-Qubix, Magna-Tiles’ 3D magnetic tiles collection. It is also compatible with other brands. Like most magnetic tiles, the Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set is for children ages 3 and up.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Food-grade plastic
- Number of Pieces:100
- Shapes:54 squares, 46 triangles
Price at time of publication: $120
Best Budget
Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles
Comes with unique pieces like castle battlements and windows
Offers good value for the number of pieces in the set
Comes with an ideas booklet
Plastic isn’t as reinforced as others
Magnets might not be as strong as those of other brands
Why We Recommend It
The Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles set offers phenomenal value at half the price of other sets of the same size. This set is priced at about $0.46 per piece, compared to around $1 per tile in other kits. It also comes with special tiles withcutouts that mimic doors, windows, and castle battlementsto create unique builds.
The set includes tiles in12 different sizes: 38 3-inch squares, two 6-inch squares, 12 3-inch window squares in three styles, 46 triangles, four rectangles, four battlement rectangles, and two four-wheel wagons. Made from non-toxic plastic, the pieces are recommended for ages three and up. While the display on the box shows pink and purple tiles, thecolors are randomized, so there’s a chance you could end up without these colors despite them being advertised.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:BPA-free plastic
- Number of Pieces:108
- Shapes:40 squares, 12 window squares, 46 triangles, 4 rectangles, 4 battlement rectangles, 2 four-wheel wagons
Price at time of publication: $50
Best Vehicles
Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack
Three transport bases with rubber wheels
Idea booklet
Various shapes and colors
Need more pieces to build bigger creations
Why We Recommend It
The Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack features 50 pieces, includingthree transport basesfor kids ages 3 and up to build trains, trucks, fire engines, and more. One of our writers received a sample from the brand, and her 3-year-old son is a huge fan of the set. While he’s building the cabin of a “semi,” she’s creating the trailers to haul his Hot Wheels cars. We love thereal rubber wheels, variety of shapes and colors, and strong magnets.
Parents and caregivers will appreciate thenon-toxic ABS plasticthat's phthalate-free and BPA-free for safe play every time. The company includes a 43-page idea booklet with different categories for creations, such as “transport” and “structures.” Connetix magnetic tiles come inpastel colors,clear styles,ball runs, andother sets.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Non-toxic ABS plastic
- Number of Pieces:50
- Shapes:1 train/truck, 2 car bases, 8 triangles, 15 door pieces, 4 squares, 2 window pieces, 18 rectangles
Price at time of publication: $75
Best for Beginners
Magformers Basic Set
Fewer pieces make it more manageable for beginners
Good for travel
Made with the strongest permanent magnets available
Not enough pieces to create elaborate builds
Tiles are smaller than those of other brands
Why We Recommend It
The Magformers Basic Set contains30.pieces: 18 squares and 12 triangles, which is a manageable size for beginners and parents who want to test magnetic tiles out. Made fromnon-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free plastic, the set is compact enough to travel with but complete enough to make builds of medium complexity, such as a ball, rocket, or house. Instructions for these three objects are included in the set.
Cylindrical 1/3-inch neodymium magnets—thestrongest type of permanent magnet—allow for a stronger magnetic force, so your child’s creations are more sturdy. The set comes in rainbow colors, which are helpful in encouraging your child to sort by shape and color. The tiles arehollow in the middleand have more of an outlined shape than a solid piece of plastic, which can be good for younger kiddos who are just getting the hang of gripping magnetic tiles.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:BPA- and phthalate-free plastic
- Number of Pieces:30.
- Shapes:18 squares, 12 triangles
Price at time of publication: $54
Best Wooden
Earthtiles Wooden Magnetic Tiles 100-Piece Set
Made from long-lasting, sustainable birch wood
Non-toxic finish
Company plants a tree for every toy purchased
Not compatible with other brands
Why We Recommend It
白桦木材制成,Earthtiles木磁铁ic Tiles Set by Big Future Toyscontains 100 pieces, including various types of triangles, squares, and base plates. It's a large set, so there's plenty of creations to build and imagine.
They are moreaesthetically pleasingto some parents than plastic thanks to theirsustainably sourced woodwith a non-toxic finish that's phthalate-free. The brand Big Future Toys plants a tree for every toy sold and wants its wooden magnetic tile sets to be family heirlooms.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Birch wood
- Number of Pieces:100
- Shapes:Various types of triangles, squares, and two base plates
Price at time of publication: $175
Best Oversized
MAGNA-TILES Dino World XL 50-Piece Magnetic Construction Set
16 XL tiles
Six dino figurines
一些瓷砖s have prints
Only 2 small triangles
Why We Recommend It
The Magna-Tiles Dino World XL is a dream toy for kids with itsoversized pieces and six moveable dinosaur figurines.This Magna-Tiles set is another favorite among parents and staff we surveyed because it shows kids how magnets work and creates a fun extinct world for lots of pretend play. In addition to the dinosaur figurines, the magnetic tile set includes16 XL tiles of various shapes, eight small squares, two small triangles, two extended tree bases, and 16 tree leaves.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Plastic
Number of Pieces:50 - Shapes:16 XL tiles of various shapes, 8 small squares, 2 small triangles, 2 extended tree bases, and 16 tree leaves
Price at time of publication: $130
Best Cubes
马Geomag瑞士制造giCube 24-Piece Magnetic Stacking Cubes Building Set
Waterproof
Cubes are same size
Smooth edges
Only four colors
Why We Recommend It
If you’re not ready to purchase magnetic tiles yet, the Geomag MagiCube Magnetic Cubes are a great compromise. Instead of tiles of various sizes, thesemagnetic cubesare all the same size and just right for small hands. Parents in our survey say their kiddos love to stack the blocks and knock them down. Regardless of how children play, the cubes featuresmooth edgesto prevent injuries while playing. Moreover, the blocks are100% waterproof, so they’re easy to clean.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:1-5 years
- Materials:Recycled plastic
- Number of Pieces:24
- Shapes:Cube
Price at time of publication: $50
Best for Big Builds
最佳选择连续cts 265-Piece Kids Colorful Magnetic Tiles Set
Set includes 265 pieces
Includes unique shapes, such as windows and doors
Large variety of colors
Some pieces are not magnetic
The magnets are smaller than those of competitors
Why We Recommend It
Offering great value at about $0.28 per piece, the Best Choice Products 265-Piece Kids Colorful Magnetic Tiles Set comes with almost20 different shapes in a variety of colors.There are evenfour play peopleincluded for additional imaginative scenarios. The amount of tiles allows for large vertical and horizontal 2D and 3D builds.
一些瓷砖s are clear and not magnetic, which may be disappointing to some children. Additionally, 30 decorative window pieces are not magnetic. The set also includes 45 cut-out squares; 48 solid-colored squares; six window pane squares; 57 triangles; six battlement rectangles; 20 rectangles; four large squares; two large rectangles; four play people; and four wagons. When full, thebox weighs 13 pounds, something to keep in mind if you’ll be transporting the set.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Plastic
- Number of Pieces:265
- Shapes:141 squares, 57 triangles, 28 rectangles, 4 wagons, 4 play people
Price at time of publication: $80
Best Creative
PicassoTiles 61 Piece Set 60pcs Magnet
Highly transparent, which is good for 2D window builds
Compatible with similarly shaped and sized sets from other brands
Compatible with other PicassoTiles sets
Might not be as durable as other brands
Why We Recommend It
This60-piece PicassoTiles setfalls between the brand’s100-piece setand32-piece set, which is a nice collection of tiles to satisfy both beginners and advanced architects. It offers the ability tobuild flowers, castles, animals, and any other ideasa child can dream up. The set offers good value, at around $0.50 per piece, and can inspire creativity through its many shapes.
It comes with four large squares, 24 small squares, and 32 triangles in a variety of colors. It is compatible with other PicassoTiles sets and similar-style magnetic tiles from other brands. PicassoTiles also makesadd-on sets, such aswindowsandcars,click-ins, andfigurines, to enhance this set.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Plastic
- Number of Pieces:60
- Shapes:28 squares, 32 triangles
Price at time of publication: $26
Best Compatible
PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set
Can be used with other brands
Cost-effective for the number of tiles
Made with exclusive Supermag magnets
Limited letter snap-ins
Not all pieces are magnetic
Why We Recommend It
PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set is a good option for beginners thanks to its relative affordability for the number of tiles. It alsoworks well with other brands, albeit the builds might not be as structurally sound as when building with tiles all from the same brand. It comes with avariety of tilesin square, rectangle, and triangle shapes. It also features click-ins, which are pieces that can snap into PlayMag cut-out tiles and come in two styles—windows and letters.There are only 13 letters included in the set, which might frustrate children who want to spell words that require more letters. The tiles are visually appealing in a variety of bold colors.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Plastic
- Number of Pieces:100
- Shapes:28 squares, 12 rectangles, 30 triangles, 20 click-ins
Price at time of publication: $60
Best Themed
Magformers Log Cabin 48 Pieces
Features strongest magnets available
STEM-authenticated by STEM.org
Comes with a step-by-step guide for making a log cabin, treehouse, and farm
Limited amount of plain magnetic tiles
Why We Recommend It
的Magformers木屋48-Piece集是一个伟大的themed addition to any existing magnetic tile collection. It’s also agood one for beginners, as it may be easier for some children to start imagining by playing with a specific set and building guidelines before branching out into more complex or creative builds.
Magformers tiles are made withneodymium rare-earth magnets, the strongest magnets available on the market. Its magnets audibly click into place to allow users to know that the pieces are joined properly.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:BPA-free ABS plastic
- Number of Pieces:48
- Shapes:8 triangles, 20 squares, 4 walls, 1 tree, 11 brick accessories, 2 grass tiles, 2 windows
Price at time of publication: $60
Best Combo
Tegu 42-Piece Magnetic Wooden Block Set
Made from sustainably sourced hardwoods
Design keeps magnets safely embedded
Suitable for children 12 months and older
Not compatible with other brands
Why We Recommend It
Made from non-toxic, sustainably sourced Honduran wood and finished with awater-based lacquer,泰的磁木块有42 pieces in an aesthetically pleasing natural color. The magnets are embedded in thewooden blocksto prevent them from falling out and becoming a choking hazard to small children, which is why Tegu’s Magnetic Wooden Block Set could be appropriate for children under the age of three. (The brand recommends it for children ages one to 99.) It includesnine unique shapes, such as trapezoids and wheels to make vehicles.
Tegu Wooden Blocks aremade in Honduras, and the small business brand supports the local economy in Tegucigalpa, the country’s capital.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:12 months+
- Materials:Non-toxic, sustainably sourced wood
- Number of Pieces:42
- Shapes:6 cubes, 18 planks, 8 columns, 4 wheels, 4 trapezoids, 2 parallelograms
Price at time of publication: $140
Best for Older Kids
PicassoTiles Marble Run 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Race Track
Endless configurations
Good for advanced problem solving
Pieces click into place
Not compatible with other brands
Not fully compatible with other non-marble run PicassoTiles
Why We Recommend It
The PicassoTiles Marble Run 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Race Track is a fun addition to any magnetic tile collection. There are nine different shapes included, such as slopes and funnels, tocreate a large marble track run build.This set allows children touse logic and problem-solvingto figure out just where the marbles will go and is a great option for siblings or friends to play together.
Made from BPA-free and lead-free plastic and steel, this is a good choice for advanced or older magnetic tile users looking for something different. Thesteel marblescould be deemed a choking hazard if there are young children in the house, and should be stored properly.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:BPA-free and lead-free plastic and steel
- Number of Pieces:100
- Shapes:16 quarter round turns, 34 magnetic square track tiles, 34 slides, 3 spinning funnel trays, 3 slopes, 4 triangles, 5 steel-weighted marbles, 1 square
Price at time of publication: $40
Best Educational
Playmags Magnetic Tile Building Set 36 Pieces
Can help with letter recognition and spelling
Cut-out windows are good for small hands
Only 18 letter click-ins and 18 regular window tiles
Could require purchasing multiple sets to create words
Why We Recommend It
With only36pieces—18 of which are letter click-ins—the Playmags Magnetic Tile Building Set is a small but mighty set for any child looking to improve letter recognition or spelling—in addition to the STEAM learning opportunities magnetic tiles in general provide. The set includeswindow tilesthat can be easier for younger toddlers to grab. As a child ages, the set can grow with them to incorporate the alphabet click-ins.
Some parents see the Playmags Magnetic Tile Building Set as amanageable optionthat’s a relatively low investment. They can use it to test-drive magnetic tiles before purchasing a larger and more expensive set. Other parents see it as an add-on to Playmags sets to create larger builds with another educational element.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Plastic
- Number of Pieces:36
- Shapes:18 clear colorful tiles, 18 alphabet click-ins
Price at time of publication: $25
Best Animal-Themed
Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals 25 Piece Set
Compliments other magnetic tile sets with five animals
Has unique scenery magnetic tiles
Limited builds using the set exclusively
Only one of each decorative panel
Why We Recommend It
The Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals Set is made up of 25 pieces including apenguin, seal, whale, polar bear, and baby polar bear.它有八个小方块,八triangles, and four quarter circles to make artic-inspired scenes.Printed tilesfeaturing motifs such as snowflakes, icicles, and ocean water are also included.
Made fromBPA- and phthalate-free plastic, the pieces are a nice cohesive and contained set that can be played with alone or with other Magna-Tiles sets, and even other brands, since the animal figurines aren’t dependent on the magnetic tiles. If a child is into animals and wants to begin exploring playing with magnetic tiles, this could be a good option.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:BPA-free ABS plastic
- Number of Pieces:25
- Shapes:8 squares, 8 triangles, 4 quarter circles, 5 animals
Price at time of publication: $40
Best Large-Size
PicassoTiles 28-Piece Large Stabilizer Building Block Base
Stabilizers help support large builds
Can be used as a base with other magnetic tiles
Ideal for more efficient builds
Might need another set to create better builds
Set box weighs 12 lbs
Why We Recommend It
For avid magnetic tile architects, shortcuts like the PicassoTiles28-PieceLarge Stabilizer Building Block Base can make a nice addition to a collection. Compatible with PicassoTiles and other brands, these arepre-fused tilesthat allow for quicker, bigger builds.
They’re most advantageous when used with existing sets, so PicassoTiles 28-Piece Large Stabilizer Building Block Base might not be the best first investment for a beginner. For users who want to make large-scale builds, however, they’re anessential part of a collection.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:Plastic
- Number of Pieces:28
- Shapes:28 rectangles
Price at time of publication: $60
Best Glow in the Dark
Magna-Tiles Glow in the Dark Set
Unique glow-in-the-dark effect
Compatible with other brands
Can be charged in direct sunlight or with included LED light
Limited set with only 16 pieces
Glow might not last long enough
Why We Recommend It
Magna-Tiles Glow in the Dark adds another element of fun and novelty to building with magnetic tiles. The tiles arechargeable in direct sunlight or with an LED flashlight, exposing a child to scientific concepts. There are 16 pieces: four squares and 12 triangles.
The set is limited as astand-alone toyfor older children or kids who are familiar with building, but it could be a wonderful addition to an avid magnetic tile architect’s toolbox. It might also be good for younger kiddos who are just starting out and need a smaller number of tiles.
Key Specs:
- Recommended Age:3 +
- Materials:ABS plastic
- Number of Pieces:16
- Shapes:4 squares, 12 triangles
Price at time of publication: $30
How We Selected the Best Magnetic Tiles
In our search for the best magnetic tiles, we spoke withLora Torres, occupational therapist at Orlando Health's Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, and withSally Macaluso, who is a preschool teacher, educational blogger, and toddler mother. Both professionals have years of experience working with toddlers and school-aged kids and have observed children at play. We used their feedback to analyze dozens of magnetic tiles and surveyed 875 parents and staff to learn about which magnetic tile sets their children play with and why they love (or don't love) them. After selecting our recommendations, we chose to highlight those that were most relevant to STEAM learning, hand-eye coordination,gross and fine motor skills,解决问题。
What to Look for in Magnetic Tiles
- Age-Appropriateness:Magnetic tiles encourage STEAM learning from toddlerhood through elementary school. Almost all magnetic tile brands are recommended for ages three and up due to the choking hazard that could be present if the magnets snap off or the plastic breaks.Tegu’s Magnetic Wooden Block Setis a good option for those who are looking for a suitable magnetic tile toy for a child as young as 12 months. Families should follow the manufacturer's age recommendations due to potential choking hazards and medical concerns if a child ingests a magnet, Torres says. Moreover, discard any chipped or broken tiles immediately, she adds.
- Quality and Durability:Plastics and magnets come in variable strengths, which play into how your child builds and how they feel about the toy in general. You’ll want a set made from durable plastic or wood that can withstand being repeatedly knocked over and magnets supporting both 2D and 3D builds. All of our picks meet these standards. Torres offers up this pointer: Sets with a variety of shapes (i.e., cut-out tiles and solid tiles) might give the set more longevity. Moreover, outlined shapes may be easier for small hands to manipulate for building, she explains. With safety in mind, Macaluso recommends that parents check the edges to make sure they are rounded and that the plastic is secure to avoid small fingers being pinched.
- Compatibility:While magnetic tiles are most compatible with sets from the same brand, many are made with the ability to work with other brands. For example,Magna-Tiles,PlayMags, andPicassoTilesall work together, although you will likely get the best results and sturdiest builds by using tiles of the same brand. Each brand’s magnets and plastic are of varying strengths, which might be frustrating for a child who is trying to build, especially when working on 3D objects, so keep that in mind when mixing sets. Macaluso personally recommends Magna-Tiles and PlayMags, because they work well together, and she uses them at home with her own child and in her preschool classroom.
- Colors and Shapes:Some sets come with only certain colors to achieve specific results, such as animals or character builds. Colorful sets allow for more opportunities to engage in math and science concepts beyond geometry and counting. “Children can practice counting, color and shape recognition, patterning, symmetry, basic engineering, and spatial relationships during play,” says Macaluso. “They are a wonderful way to introduce STEM learning in early childhood.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Lauren Finney Hardenis a writer and former magazine editor-in-chief whose work has appeared in publications such as Insider, Instyle, and Shape. She has also written content and supplied content strategy for some of the biggest names in the parenting and family space. She is the mother of a toddler and has shopped for magnetic tile brands herself.