Building and block play toys are our favorites. We place block play at the top of our toy list. Blocks offer valuable play experiences that grow with your children.
We continue to build the collection each year and expand on our creations at home.
Why? Because these toys are timeless. My boys have been creating and playing with wooden blocks for years, and I foresee another handful of years of the same fun!
Excellent unit blocks can be tricky to find, and I am determined to make it easier for you. Here you will find the blocks and building toys we love and use daily.
RELATED: Toys for kids are found here!
Block Play Toys = Endless Learning
Don’t limit construction play to school. Children can do serious learning through play at home!
- Creativity
- Focus
- Imagination
- Mathematics
- Motor abilities
- Perseverance
- Problem-solving
- Science
- Self-esteem
- Self-expression
- Shape exploration
- Social-emotional growth
- Teamwork
The Best Toys for Kids
Choosing the best toy for kids can be a daunting task.
Here are the BEST toys for kids of every age and stage.
The List You Need
Wooden unit blocks can be challenging to find. Here are some of the collections we know and use in our homes.
Days with Grey participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
These blocks are the best of the best!
The blocks are all well-made and should last long enough to pass down to the next generation.
We started our collection with the standard unit blocks, then added the hollow blocks a year later. We added the hollow blocks this year to kick things up a notch!
Such a hit for all ages!
Wooden Block Set
We’ve had these blocks from Melissa and Doug for over five years and may take them to college! Okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch, but they are a top-five toy that will stay with us for many more years. This is the block play toy starter set you need.
Hollow Wooden Block Set
Take block play to the next level by adding this hollow block set. We gifted this set to the boys a few years ago as a group gift, and they love the ramps. This is a terrific toy if your child loves to build and construct.
Other Block Play Toys to Inspire Creativity
The other building toys listed here have been on repeat for years! You will also see them listed in our collection of forever toys.
Every item on this list is a favorite. We take the magnetic tiles on vacation and play with Plus Plus Big just about anywhere. They feel good in your hands and inspire creativity for new designs.
These are classic building toys that will grow with your child. You will see more intricate play over time with practice.
Related: Ten Things Children Learn From Block Play from the naeyc.
Connetix Magnetic Tiles
Ready for a super strong magnetic tile? Connetix Tiles come in 8 earthy colors and are compatible with other magnetic tiles. We’ve used this brand for over a year and are super happy with the quality.
Picasso Tiles
We began our journey with magnetic tiles using Picasso Tiles. They have worked great and are compatible to connect with most brands. Picasso Tiles have worked well for our family.
Plus-Plus BIG
This toy gets a FIVE-STAR review. We love, love, love these, and the boys still play with them daily. Their ages are five, seven, and nine. (I do not like the small size. Make sure it is Plus-Plus BIG)
Mega Bloks
You’ve seen us mention these blocks on many toy lists. We like them so much because they are timeless and inexpensive. Gift these blocks at two years, and you will have a few years of play.
Lego Classic Set
We started with this classic set of Legos around age five. This perfect set allows open-ended play for ideas and creations to come to life.
Block Play Accessories
When I watch my boys play with blocks, I notice a pattern of other toys that typically come into the scene.
Rainbow pegs, wood slices, counting bears, and Hot Wheels frequently enter to enhance the boys’ structure. Place them close to your block collection and watch your imagination come alive!
– again, we know what we like over here. – Same toys, multiple uses.
Rainbow Peg Toys
These colorful peg toys make a great addition to block play. Children use the pegs for imaginary play and include the little people in the builds. A timeless set.
Natural Wood Slices
Incorporating natural wood slices into play offer a unique way to bring earthy elements indoors. This 30-piece set can be used as a craft or left for open-ended play as a loose part.
Counting Bears
If you are new to Days with Grey, you will quickly learn how much we adore these counting bears. As a teacher, I used them often in the classroom, and my boys have used them in their independent play for years. I find them in magnetic tile build and block buildings. Great for counting, sorting, and imaginary play.
Hot Wheels
Cars are another toy I repeatedly see on the block incorporated into magnetic tile sculptures. Add this 10-pack to your stocking for a unique collection of cars.
Why We Love Block Play
Block play opens so many doors to open-ended play.
Blocks and building toys are the perfect starting place for your now and future toy needs.
The constructive play and time spent with blocks will weave into just about all other content your child will encounter in grade school. These early years are the perfect time to put play to practice!
For even more ideas, we have an entire tab dedicated to block play right here!
More Toy Lists For Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Block play is open-ended play, typically using wooden blocks. Wooden blocks used to be found in most Kindergarten classes to build creativity and teamwork. Sadly, most Kindergarten classes no longer allow time for this constructive play. It is up to us to keep block play available in our homes.
Keep blocks organized and sorted by type. Keep wooden blocks where kids can reach and use them. Think about where children can play with blocks and what they build to stay up for longer periods of time. This encourages children to revisit builds and extend ideas.
I prefer the wooden block set listed above because of the size of the blocks. The colored wooden block set is much smaller, and from my experience, leads to less play. The Melissa and Doug wooden block set is a terrific set built to last.
