Construction and building block toys are one of the staples of every child’s toy box, no matter what age from 6 months to teenagers. The humble construction toy and building block has been reinvented on many occasions but the basic principles are always the same. They encourage fine and gross motor skills, creativity and imagination.
There are many studies that show how construction toys and building toys for kids help to develop independent thinking, spatial awareness, hand eye coordination and reasoning skills.
When purchasing construction toys for you kids, no matter what age group they may be intended for, there are a few things that you need to consider:-
Cost – This varies from brand to brand and can depend on whether it is an ‘in toy’. The best value are construction set toys that can be added to as the child grows and develops.
Durability – Toys that stand the perils of being played with by little people all day are the best investment. Toys that are well made out of durable materials such as plastic (as a parent I am trying to limit the amount of plastic toys that we purchase in order to be more environmentally friendly), wooden toys are fantastic and the feel of a natural material for children is exciting.
Age – Most building and construction toys have an advised age range and this needs to be considered before purchasing. Small parts in sets designed for older children will pose a danger to the young toddler and many construction sets for older children may contain batteries or magnets.
Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag
Age 12 months+
60 multi coloured durable blocks in various shapes, that spark the imagination of the youngest builder. These are one of the best building blocks for toddlers.
Children can create anything from huge castles, towering skyscrapers or crazy animals. Whatever they imagine, they can create again and again.
Children develop their fine motor skills and gross motor skills as they build and knock down their creations. These construction toys can be added to as your child grows to ensure the longevity of the toy.
Best toy of the year award winning construction toys. This is a good example of construction toys for toddlers. This toy encourages creative and imaginative play and also enhances the development of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) subjects. This is also a good example of problem solving toys for toddlers.
This set comes complete with 100 pieces which includes 1 car bases with wheels.
There are 15 different shapes including cones, which means your child’s imagination has no limits when it comes to this building toys for kids. It also comes with its own storage bin, so all those pieces can be kept safe for another day of fun and construction.
You simple add magnets on the inner edge, these are strong enough to build any structure and for it to survive the demands of the most enthusiastic toddler.
GiGi Bloks
Age 3+
These are giant building blocks made of cardboard, they do require some assembly. These are the best building blocks for kids.
This set comes with 100 flat packed blocks. They are the ultimate in open ended play, giving children scope for their imaginations to run wild. Let them build forts, dragons, castles, robots or ships.
These blocks can be painted, drawn on, put stickers on them, in fact personalise them any way you wish.
The reason that children simple love these blocks is nothing to do with the material, purpose or the open ended play opportunities. They love them because they have no boundaries and the only other place that has no boundaries is a child’s imagination. It is one of the most colourful, amazing, vibrant and spectacular places in the world!
These are a great alternative to the traditional wooden building block, allowing children’s imagination to come to life without any limitations.
This 170 piece set is the doorway to open ended play, the development of fine motor skills and problem solving skills.
Each piece is made from a superior plastic to ensure its durability in the hands of these little destructive cyclones that are our children. Pieces can be connected at any angle and are the perfect size to be easily manipulated by little hands.
The possibilities are endless!!
K’NEX 18025 imagine
Age 5+
This set comes with 522 classic and micro k’nex parts that click together, empowering children to create anything that they can imagine.
The instruction booklet included shows the user how to build 35 different unique models step by step.
This educational toy provides hours of fun while helping children to understand key principles of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) subjects. It also promotes the development of fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, spatial awareness and problem solving skills.
This set is simply the beginning of your child’s K’nex journey, the possibilities are endless.
K’NEX 18025 imagine
Age 5+
Meccano has been around for decades and has stood the test of time. This longevity itself is the best recommendation of all.
This construction set toy comes with 150 junior pieces designed to inspire young minds and creativity.
These sets also introduce elements of real engineering, it comes with real tools and instructions for 10 different projects, these help to develop early logic and hand to eye coordination.
Children can build a truck, motorcycle, speed boat, robot and helicopter or anything else that they can imagine. This Meccano bucket gives children the opportunities to bring their dreams to life with this real-world engineering set, they can create masterpieces and the most important thing is, they can have fun while doing it! This set is only the beginning!!
Lego 42073 Technic Bash.
Age 7-12 years
Lego is another amazing construction toy that has really stood the test of time. Since its first release back in 1932 lego has developed and evolved into one of the best loved construction toys ever.
This construction set comes with all the pieces and equipment for you to build a sturdy car with pull back motor that you can race, crash and turn.
The Technic sets are compatible with all lego sets so this is just the start of your Lego journey. The only limits are your imagination.
403385 Catapult making kit
Age 7-12 years
A slightly different slant on the construction toys. Kidzlab make a variety of kits where you can construct anything from a catapult to a fully working volcano.
All of their sets promote the development of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) subjects.
This set makes a fully working catapult, that can fire a ball around 5 meters. It will amaze your children and encourage their love of science, but also their creative mind to develop as well.