In this article, we are going to talk about the top STEM toys by Magna-Tiles. These colorful interlocking pieces can be used to create 3D structures. They have been around for more than two decades and have been used in classrooms all over the world.
In this review, we’ll have a look at the top STEM sets by Magna-Tiles, which include:
- Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set
- Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set
- Magna-Tiles Deluxe Set
- Magna-Tiles House Set
- Magna-Tiles Glow In The Dark Set
- Magna-Tiles Stardust Set
- Magna-Tiles ICE Set
- Magna-Tiles Freestyle Set
Magna-Tiles were created specifically with girls and boys in mind so that they could be creative without having to use tools such as glue or scissors. The possibilities are endless because there is no limit on how many tiles you can stack up, so kids can build freely and their imaginations will run wild.
So let’s jump into the details of each of the sets listed above:
Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set
Pieces: 32
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
This 32-piece set by Magna-Tiles is the original set that started it all. This set contains 5 different shapes and 7 brilliant colors, clear and solid. The pieces are interlocking, which makes them easy to transport because assembling is so simple.
Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set
Pieces: 100
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
If your kid is ready to take their building skills to the next level, then this set is a good choice. It comes with 54 squares (50 small, 4 large) and 3 types of triangles (15 isosceles, 20 equilaterals, 11 right). Of course, the more pieces, the more fun there is because kids can build whatever their imagination allows.
Magna-Tiles Deluxe Set
Pieces: 48
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
Then we have this deluxe set by Magna-Tiles. The main difference versus the two kits described above is that this 48-piece set includes an archway and different types of pieces for building, like two little rings or a built-in door. The most exciting part? There are 4 wheels that can be built up as cars or trailers.
Moreover, it is compatible with the standard sets so your kid can mix and match to create whatever structure they like.
Magna-Tiles House Set
Pieces: 28 + reusable silicone stickers
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
If your kid likes building and decorating houses, then this set is a must. The pieces can be arranged in different ways to let kids build their dream house. The colorful bricks with magnets are perfect for little hands so they can play and learn at the same time.
This is one of the few Magna-Tiles kits that comes with 21 reusable stickers to decorate the house. Your kid will love using them because they stick on smooth surfaces, and you’ll appreciate it because there will be no residue left behind.
Magna-Tiles Glow In The Dark Set
Pieces: 16 glow-in-the-dark pieces and LED lights
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
This set from Magna-Tiles has a unique feature as its pieces glow in the dark, allowing your kids to build structures and see how they look under standard lighting or when the lights are turned off.
Supercharge your Magna-Tiles for glowing fun. Leave the pieces from this set under direct sunlight or supercharge them with the included LED light to activate a glow that lasts longer and is brighter. Once you’ve activated their long-lasting and bright glow, it’s time to create stencils of animals, shapes, letters or numbers on any side before removing them, so they’ll leave an outline behind in dark rooms.
The pieces are translucent so your kids can mix them with other sets, making it a perfect expansion set for young ones already into Magna-Tiles.
Magna-Tiles Stardust Set
Pieces: 15 pieces that include mirrors and glitter
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
This set is perfect for your little girl as it comes with glittery shapes that will complement her sense of aesthetics. Moreover, the pieces can be arranged in many ways to build different structures, like a castle with turrets or a moon rocket.
This set is also compatible with the standard sets so that it can be mixed and matched with other Magna-Tiles products.
Magna-Tiles ICE Set
Pieces: 16
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
Time for another themed Magna-Tiles set. The ICE set features colorless tiles, which can be perfect for building frozen ponds, icy mountains or ice rinks.
The main difference between this and other sets is that these pieces are colorless. Therefore, your kid will need to do some extra work or plan ahead so the final result will be something that is truly beautiful.
The kit comes with 16 pieces of various shapes and sizes, including triangles of different dimensions (equilateral, isosceles and right) and small squares.
Like the other expansion sets, these pieces are compatible with the standard ones, so your kid can build whatever they like using them in combination with others from different sets for a creative experience.
Magna-Tiles Freestyle Set
Pieces: 40 pieces
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
This magnetic building set will keep kids entertained and challenged for hours. Pieces are in colorless ICE colors with dual-toned “x” pieces that vary from blue, purple, green to orange translucent shades.
Not only do these new magnetic shapes allow children to build perpendicular off the center (instead of just up against it), they can also add magnets to learn about numbers, letters or add other fridge magnet words too.
The versatility of this toy is great because it’s not only a puzzle but also an open-ended construction kit.
Magna Tiles Metropolis Set
Pieces: 110 Pieces
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up
This is one of the top-rated Magna-Tiles kits on Amazon. Building colorful structures has never been more fun with the Magna-Tiles Metropolis 110 Piece Set.
The set includes a variety of shapes and colors, perfect for any imaginative project. With its translucent material that won’t fog up when wet or humid conditions arise, this toy is guaranteed to keep you satisfied while it inspires your creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Magna-Tiles
What are the main benefits of playing with Magna-Tiles?
Magna-Tiles can help enhance children’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Magna-Tiles are STEM-approved, so they are the perfect toy for your little one to start learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
How easy/difficult is it for kids to build their own creations with Magna-Tiles?
It’s relatively easy because they only need to align the pieces by color and/or number in order to form a solid structure.
Magna-Tiles are suitable for children of various ages, from toddlers to teens. They can be used in classrooms, homes and other settings where kids will benefit from the positive effects of these toys.
Who invented Magna-Tiles?
These magnetic blocks were invented by the Japanese math teacher who was looking for an interactive way to help kids with their multiplication tables. He brought these fantastic toys to the US here in 1997, which is when they hit it big as one of America’s most trusted educational tools.
Are Magna-Tiles made with safe materials?
Yes. All Magna-Tiles are made in the United States and China from high-quality plastic with a non-toxic coating. Pieces do not contain any phthalates, BPA, PVC or toxic materials.
The durable Magna-Tiles pieces are made to last while ensuring that each and every piece is safe from the sharp edges of scissors or dents. Magnets keep creations in place for future use on other projects.
What’s the difference between Magna-Tiles and Picasso Tiles?
Both are tile-based magnet building block sets that can be used to form creative designs with magnetic pieces, but each offers its own benefits. Some users report that Magna-Tiles offer more flexibility because the tiles snap together firmly and allow you to move them around in many different ways. Picasso Tiles tiles do not have as strong of a bond and won’t stick together as well.
Over to You
Magna-Tiles is a great brand of STEM toys for any child that’s on the gifted and talented track. They have an incredible selection of kits, so you’re bound to find something perfect for your loved ones. If you want to share some gift ideas with friends or family members who may be looking for great gifts, don’t forget to show them our guide.