The 19 best building blocks brands
Mega Bloks, Nanoblock and K'NEX lead our ranking of 19 building blocks brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Building Blocks brands, ranked
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1
Mega Bloks
Large-brick sets for toddlers, plus licensed themed kits for older kids in the same bright palette.
Top products: Big Building Bag· First Builders
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nanoblock
Studless pieces only about 4mm wide, with each kit finishing as a single display model rather than open-ended building.
Top products: Zapdos
Website: nanoblockus.com |Brands like Nanoblock
Popularity 4.3/10
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3
K'NEX
Plastic rods and connectors that build working machines such as rides, vehicles and motorised models.
Website: knex.co.uk |Brands like K'NEX
Popularity 3.6/10
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4
LOZ
Compact mini-brick sets with themed architecture, street scenes and historic buildings, sold at a modest cost.
Top products: Mini Blocks
Website: lozshop.com |Brands like LOZ
Popularity 3.1/10
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5
Mattel
Owns Mega Construx, the bricks tied to Hot Wheels and Halo sets for older builders.
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 2.9/10
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6
Hasbro
Hasbro designs action figures and toys tied to franchises such as Star Wars and Transformers, along with smaller toys for young children. The company, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, also works in entertainment content and sells collectibles aimed at fans of its brands.
Website: hasbropulse.com |Brands like Hasbro
Popularity 2.7/10
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7
COBI
Small-brick kits for detailed military vehicles, aircraft and ships, built to look like the real thing.
Website: buildcobi.com |Brands like COBI
Popularity 2.6/10
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8
Jazwares
Jazwares, Inc. is a toy company that creates, manufactures, sells, and licenses a wide variety of toys and accessories for consumers worldwide. Video game controllers, collectible action figures and accessories, fashion, sports, children's plush items, miniature cars, and novelty toys are among the products offered by the company. Among their brands are Fortnite, Peppa Pig, CoComelon, Roblox toys and games by Hog Wild, Nerf games by Hasbro, and the World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific.
Website: jazwares.com |Brands like Jazwares
Popularity 2.1/10
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9
Plus-Plus
Flat foam-like tiles that snap together on a grid, letting kids build flat mosaics and 3D shapes.
Website: plusplususa.com |Brands like Plus-Plus
Popularity 2.0/10
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10
Sluban
Lego-style bricks sold in themed vehicle and town sets, often a cheaper option than branded kits.
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Wange
Compatible bricks in themed sets aimed at younger builders.
Website: wange.store |Brands like Wange
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
Laser Pegs
Light-up bricks that glow from built-in bulbs, with a battery pack in the base.
Popularity 1.7/10
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13
Magna-Tiles
Clear-panelled magnetic tiles that snap into flat shapes and 3D structures for open-ended play.
Website: magnatiles.com |Brands like Magna-Tiles
Popularity 1.6/10
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14
MAGFORMERS
Geometric magnetic shapes with embedded magnets, popular for early maths and shape learning.
Website: magformers.com |Brands like MAGFORMERS
Popularity 1.2/10
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15
Melissa & Doug
Wooden blocks and snap-together town sets designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
Top products: Blockables Town Snap & Play· Wooden Building Blocks Set
Website: melissaanddoug.com |Brands like Melissa & Doug
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Roy Toy
Natural-finish wooden blocks and unit sets aimed at toddlers.
Website: roytoy.com |Brands like Roy Toy
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Banbao
Themed vehicle and building sets that fit with standard studs and are sold to match children's ages.
Popularity 1.1/10
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18
Hape
Eco-friendly wooden toys from Germany, including painted blocks and ride-ons for toddlers.
Website: hape.com |Brands like Hape
Popularity 0.8/10
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19
C3 Construction
With over 35 years of experience, C3 differentiates itself from other construction groups by its extensive line of services for large-scale building operations. The company has managed to remain at the forefront of the construction market through extensive local knowledge...
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanoblock | nanoblockus.com | /nanoblockUSA | schyllingtoys | @schylling | SchyllingToy |
| K'NEX | knex.co.uk | /KNEX | knex | @KNEX | knexteam |
| LOZ | lozshop.com | /LOZ-Shop-713972357568 | loz_shop/ | @shop_loz | – |
| Mattel | shop.mattel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Hasbro | hasbropulse.com | /hasbropulse | hasbropulse | – | – |
| COBI | buildcobi.com | /buildCOBI | – | – | – |
| Jazwares | jazwares.com | – | – | – | – |
| Plus-Plus | plusplususa.com | /plusplususa | plusplususa | @plusplususa | – |
Building Blocks Buying Guide
Building blocks are a classic toy that have been around for generations. They provide endless creative possibilities and can help develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning. With so many different types of building blocks available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right set for your child or for a gift. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know before making your purchase.
Age Range
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing building blocks is the age range they are designed for. Most building blocks will have a recommended age range listed on the packaging. It is important to follow these recommendations as they are based on safety concerns and developmental appropriateness.
Younger children should stick to larger building blocks that are easier to grasp and manipulate. This helps to prevent choking hazards and frustration. For older children, smaller building blocks that require more dexterity and concentration can be a better fit.
Material
Building blocks come in a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and foam. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden Blocks
Wooden blocks are a classic choice for building blocks. They are durable and have a natural feel that many parents prefer. Wooden blocks are also often painted with non-toxic paints, making them safe for children. They can also come in a range of sizes and shapes.
However, wooden blocks can be heavier and harder than other materials, making them more difficult for younger children to manipulate. They can also be more expensive than other types of blocks.
Plastic Blocks
Plastic blocks are lightweight and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for parents. They are also often more affordable than wooden blocks. Plastic blocks can come in a range of bright colors and sometimes have different shapes and textures.
However, plastic blocks can sometimes be less durable than wooden blocks and may not last as long. They can also have a less natural feel that some parents may not prefer.
Foam Blocks
Foam blocks are soft and lightweight, making them a good choice for young children. They are also often larger in size, making them easier to manipulate. Foam blocks can come in a range of colors and often have different textures.
However, foam blocks may not be as durable as wooden or plastic blocks and can dent or deform with use. They can also be more difficult to clean and may need to be replaced more often.
Size and Quantity
Building blocks are available in a variety of sizes and quantities. The right size and quantity for your child will depend on their age, skill level, and interests.
Small Sets
Small sets of building blocks typically contain around 25-50 blocks. These sets are a good choice for younger children who are just starting to explore building and creating. They are also a good choice for parents who want to try out building blocks without committing to a larger set.
Medium Sets
Medium sets of building blocks typically contain around 100-200 blocks. These sets are a good choice for older children who have already developed some building skills and want more variety in their creations. They are also a good choice for parents who want a larger set but don't want to spend too much money.
Large Sets
Large sets of building blocks typically contain 500 or more blocks. These sets are a good choice for children who are serious about building and creating. They can also be a good choice for parents who have multiple children or want a set that will last for a long time.
Specialty Blocks
In addition to traditional building blocks, there are a variety of specialty blocks available. These blocks can add extra interest and creativity to building projects.
Interlocking Blocks
Interlocking blocks are designed to fit together in specific ways, allowing for more complex structures. These blocks can be a good choice for older children who want to explore building in a more advanced way.
Magnetic Blocks
Magnetic blocks stick together easily, allowing for more unusual structural shapes. They can be a good choice for children who are interested in engineering and design.
Glow-In-The-Dark Blocks
Glow-in-the-dark blocks add a fun element to building projects. They are often made of plastic and have a unique texture that can be interesting to play with in the dark.
Brand Reputation
Finally, it's important to consider the reputation of the brand you are purchasing from. A reputable brand will provide high-quality, safe, and developmentally appropriate building blocks. It's always a good idea to read reviews and do some research before making a purchase.
Lego
Lego is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the building block industry. They offer a wide range of building sets for all ages and skill levels. Lego blocks are durable, safe, and easy to snap together. However, they can be more expensive than other brands.
Mega Bloks
Mega Bloks offers a wide variety of building sets for all ages. They are often more affordable than Lego sets but still provide high-quality blocks that are durable and safe. Mega Bloks also offers specialized sets for children interested in certain themes, such as animals or vehicles.
Magformers
Magformers are magnetic building blocks that offer a unique way to build structures. They are more expensive than traditional building blocks but offer a new level of creativity and play. Magformers can be a good choice for children who are interested in engineering or design.
By considering the age range, material, size and quantity, specialty blocks, and brand reputation of building blocks, you can make an informed decision that will provide your child with a fun and educational toy that will inspire creativity and learning for years to come.
