You have likely never met a toddler who doesn’t love blocks. They are a playroom staple for a reason.
But not every toddler loves every type of block. Some kids want to build towering skyscrapers, while others just want to chew on something squishy.
We hunted for blocks of all kinds to help you find the perfect set for your unique child. We found the best blocks for toddlers, including wooden classics, magnetic tiles, jumbo stackers, and soft foam sets.
- 80 blocks with stickers
- Compatible with all Mega Bloks sets
- Encourages hands-on exploration
- Classic, creative, and educational activity
- Includes 100 blocks
- Exceptional quality and value
- Multiple colors and sizes
- Durable cardboard construction
- Fun and educational toy
- Soft and squeezable
- BPA-free
- Includes reusable grab-and-go tote
- Includes 120 shapes and 5 boards
- Great for problem-solving
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Will last for years
- Includes 30 blocks and rolling cart
- Perfect size for little hands
- 100% non-toxic plastic
- Smooth tile edges
- Helps fine motor development
- Easy to store
- Made of high-quality, non toxic plastic
- Durable
- Colorful stained glass effect
- Variety of shapes and sizes
- 24-piece set
Why Are Blocks An Effective Toy?
Toddlers need a stimulating environment to keep them entertained, and they need toys they can use in a variety of ways. Blocks provide endless opportunities for open-ended play (1).
Toddlers want toys they can figure out on their own as they grow more independent. Their accomplishments make them proud.
When stacking their blocks, toddlers have visual confirmation of their progress. They get to explore different options and let their creativity take the lead. There is no right or wrong way to play with blocks, so every child can succeed.
The Different Types of Blocks
The market for toy blocks is massive. You can find sets made from a wide variety of materials:
- Cloth.
- Wood.
- Cardboard.
- Plastic.
- Foam.
- Magnet.
Toddlers can accomplish many objectives when using blocks. They can use them for the following purposes:
- Stacking.
- Building.
- Spelling.
The best part about blocks is that they allow your child’s imagination to shine. They can create anything they want and use them in ways that you or I may have never thought about.
What to Look For
Size
Blocks come in all sizes, from tiny Lego bricks to large box-sized cardboard blocks. Most toddlers still love to stick things in their mouths, so you must ensure the blocks are large enough to not pose a choking hazard.
Durability
If it might end up in your little one’s mouth, make sure it can withstand some chewing and saliva. Supervise your child when using cardboard blocks, as they can wear down and turn into smaller pieces over time.
You also want to make sure your blocks can withstand the tiny human wrath that awaits. Toddlers love to put their toys to the test (usually by throwing them). Durability is crucial so you don’t find yourself back at the store in a couple of days.
Materials
If your toddler has an arm like a baseball pitcher, you may wish to avoid heavy wooden blocks that could hurt people or damage floors. If your toddler likes to bite and chew on anything in sight, it is probably a good idea to avoid foam, cardboard, or magnetic blocks as these could break down or release dangerous magnets.
Some moms prefer toys made of natural materials, so wood and cardboard blocks may be more appealing than foam or plastic options.
Purpose
Some blocks are just for fun, while others have a more educational purpose. If you are hoping to get more of an educational toy, look for blocks with colors, letters, or numbers on them. Some shape blocks include a template for matching and creating images, which is great for cognitive development.
Bang for Your Buck
Block sets come with a wide range of price tags. Some brands can cost hundreds of dollars per set!
However, most of our favorites fall into the $10 to $20 price range. These sets include enough items to keep a toddler entertained for long periods while still being easy to clean up after playtime.
Product Reviews
We researched the safest, most durable, and most engaging blocks to help you build the perfect playroom.
Mega Bloks Toddler Building Blocks
Best Jumbo Building Blocks
Mega Bloks are practically the Holy Grail of toddler blocks. Toddlers, caregivers, and educators have loved these blocks for generations.
Parents rave over this product because they are colorful and perfectly sized for little hands. Mega Bloks are large, interlocking blocks that kids can use to create any structure they imagine.
A major perk of these blocks is the “clutch power.” Once you snap them together, they aren’t stuck forever. Little hands can undo them and put them back together. As a parent, you won’t constantly be asked to separate bricks that The Incredible Hulk couldn’t even pull apart.
The toys have oversized prongs for stacking. Since the product was designed with toddlers in mind, most children can master the features quickly.
Pros
- Includes 80 pieces to keep toddlers entertained.
- Compatible with all Mega Bloks sets.
- Portable bag included for easy travel and cleanup.
- Encourages hands-on exploration.
- Optional stickers for letters or numbers included.
Cons
- Some pieces don’t snap tightly, which can be frustrating for advanced builders.
- Block set does not include a base plate.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks
Best Wooden Blocks
Wooden blocks never go out of style. These blocks are still around because they offer a classic, tactile experience that plastic just can’t match.
Wooden blocks are light enough for your little one to move around but durable enough to handle being knocked down when built into a high tower.
They don’t rely on prongs to snap into place. This forces your toddler to learn about balance and gravity, giving them more control over their structures and enhancing creativity.
Pros
- Comes in four colors and nine shapes.
- Classic creative and educational activity.
- Includes 100 blocks.
- Exceptional quality and value.
Cons
- Doesn’t include a storage container.
- Some of the pieces are on the smaller side and could potentially be a choking hazard for young babies.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks
Best Stacking Blocks
These blocks are a must-have for toddlers who love to build tall towers and knock them down. I can say firsthand that my son has spent hours upon hours playing with this set.
The blocks serve two functions: stacking and nesting. Toddlers love the freedom to switch between building a giant tower and tucking them all away into one small box.
The sides of the blocks feature letters, colors, shapes, and animals, adding immense educational value. As the blocks nest and stack in alphabetical order, you can use them to teach your little ones their ABCs.
Repetition is key with toys like these, and little ones get a thrill out of stacking these high and crashing them down.
Pros
- Teaches colors, sizes, and animals.
- Durable cardboard construction makes them lightweight.
- Great for hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.
- Nesting design saves storage space.
Cons
- Since they are made of cardboard, they may get damaged if they get wet or chewed on.
- The imagery can peel if curious kids pick at the corners.
Our Ratings
Infantino Squeeze and Stack Block Set
Best Blocks for Young Babies
Little hands and minds need to be kept busy, but finding age-appropriate blocks for babies and younger toddlers can be challenging. Hard wood or plastic can hurt if a baby falls on them.
These blocks are a great option because they are super colorful, soft, and squishy. They can be squeezed or chewed on with no problems, making them perfect for teething babies.
Your little one can start exploring these blocks at a young age and eventually use them for learning their numbers and letters.
If you are looking for the best blocks to grow with your toddler, these are a solid choice. They transition from teethers to stacking blocks seamlessly. Plus, they double as safe toys for bathtime.
Pros
- Safe for babies 6 months and older.
- Soft and squeezable material prevents injury.
- Fun colors, numbers, and animal shapes.
- Includes reusable grab-and-go tote.
Cons
- Rubber blocks may have a strong plastic smell upon arrival.
- The soft edges make them slightly awkward to stack high.
- Blocks only include numbers up to eight.
Our Ratings
ECR4Kids Softzone Toddler Blocks
Best Foam Blocks
Toddlers love these foam blocks because they are massive but lightweight. The size makes little ones feel empowered because they can finally move large objects around the room, and they are fun and easy to stack.
They are not as challenging as some other block sets since they only come in one size and shape, but this makes for simpler play for babies and younger toddlers. You can use the vibrant blocks to teach colors and matching for some educational value.
The foam blocks are covered with reinforced leather to combat slobber and bites. Their size prevents choking, making these a baby-safe option for gross motor play.
Pros
- Easy to clean by wiping down.
- Twelve large blocks included.
- Soft foam prevents injury during rough play.
- Constructed for durability in daycares or homes.
Cons
- With heavy usage, the blocks may split at the seams.
- This is a fairly expensive set compared to plastic blocks.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks
Best Pattern Blocks
Toddlers are mesmerized by colors and shapes. This set of blocks will not only teach geometry, but it will encourage your child to put shapes in a specific order to create an image.
The included wooden boards have pictures that replicate the order in which your little one should place the blocks. It is virtually a block puzzle that lays the foundation for math skills.
You might be surprised by how fast little ones can pick up on these boards. Those who don’t like to follow directions can simply use the geometric shapes to make their own mosaics on the floor.
This block set is great for quiet play at home. If you are looking for a beneficial way to entertain your toddler without noise, these block puzzles are a great solution.
Pros
- Includes 120 shapes and five boards.
- Great for problem-solving and spatial awareness.
- Improves hand-eye coordination.
- Includes a wooden storage box.
Cons
- Some pieces may be too small for children who still mouth objects.
- The storage box doesn’t have a proper lid, so spills are common.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Blocks
Best Alphabet Blocks
When you envision ABC blocks, these are probably what you have in mind. These primary-colored wooden blocks are a nursery staple loved for generations.
Your little one will love how easy it is to pick up and move these blocks. No matter which way they decide to situate them, the colorful letters or pictures are printed on all sides.
These blocks grow with your child. You can implement them before your toddler understands letters for stacking practice, and keep them around once your child starts spelling simple words.
The durability of these wooden blocks ensures they will last from toddlerhood to kindergarten if your child still shows interest.
Pros
- Classic aesthetic looks great in playrooms.
- Includes 30 blocks and a rolling cart.
- Includes numbers, letters, and pictures.
- Perfect size for developing fine motor skills.
Cons
- The blocks are smaller than they appear online (about 1 inch).
- The smaller size can make them challenging for young toddlers to stack high.
- The blocks don’t always display a logical arrangement of letters and pictures.
Our Ratings
DreambuilderToy Magnetic STEM Blocks
Best STEM Construction Blocks
Toddlers absorb their surroundings like a sponge, and educational toys can help them do that.
These magnetic blocks are complex, helping to promote science, technology, engineering, and math skills. But to your child, they are just a fun way to click shapes together.
The vibrant colors and open-frame designs are captivating. There are so many options for putting these blocks together that your little one will learn how to make 3D structures from 2D shapes.
Why settle for mediocre blocks when you can buy STEM blocks that promote higher levels of learning?
Pros
- Made from non-toxic plastic.
- Smooth tile edges ensure no sharp points.
- Helps fine motor development and magnetic understanding.
- Encourages shape and color recognition.
Cons
- Magnets can be a severe health risk if the plastic breaks and they are swallowed.
- Does not come with a storage box.
- Younger children find them harder to connect than solid blocks.
Our Ratings
Intock Magnetic Blocks
Best Magnetic Blocks
Magnetic building blocks can provide hours of fun because each piece offers a unique challenge. Unlike standard blocks, these can defy gravity to a certain extent.
Your toddler will have the opportunity to problem-solve with magnetic blocks. They quickly learn that these flat tiles can become houses, rockets, or cubes.
If your child is up for a greater challenge than traditional wooden blocks offer, these are a great choice. They are compatible with other major brands of magnetic tiles, making them a budget-friendly expansion option.
Pros
- Made of high-quality, non-toxic plastic.
- Durable design should last for years.
- Comes with a handy storage box.
Cons
- Small magnets inside are a safety hazard if a block breaks (supervision required).
- Magnet strength may be weaker than premium name brands.
Our Ratings
Agirlgle Wooden and Translucent Blocks
Best Translucent Building Blocks
Your child’s playtime experience gets an upgrade with this unique “stained glass” wooden block set.
Toddlers love that they can build an object and still be able to see through it. These blocks are fantastic for use near windows or on light tables to explore color mixing and light.
The assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes provides a stimulating environment conducive to learning. They are designed with toddlers in mind, offering a sensory twist on the classic wooden block.
Use this set as a fun way to introduce shapes and critical thinking skills as early as possible.
Pros
- Blocks include an assortment of vibrant acrylic centers.
- The variety of shapes allows for creative building.
- Includes 24 pieces.
Cons
- The plastic inserts can become scratched with rough play.
- The wooden edges can be a little sharp or rough and may require inspection.
Our Ratings
FAQs
At What Age Should a Child Start Playing With Building Blocks?
Once they have outgrown the “everything-in-my-mouth” phase, usually around 6 to 12 months. However, you should always ensure the blocks are age-appropriate in size to prevent choking.
What Age Are Sensory Blocks For?
Sensory blocks can be introduced as early as six months. They will continue to be fascinating for toddlers and even preschoolers. They are the gift that keeps on giving, offering new ways to play as your child grows.
What Are Montessori Blocks?
Montessori blocks are based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. They are designed to stimulate independent learning, coordination, and spatial awareness. They usually feature natural materials like wood and lack distracting bells or whistles.
Are Lego Blocks Good for Toddlers?
Standard Legos are too small, but Duplo (the larger version) is perfect for toddlers. They are easier for little hands to manipulate, and they reduce the risk of becoming a choking hazard.
What Are the Best Non-Toxic Building Blocks for Toddlers?
Look for blocks made from natural materials like wood or bamboo and dyed with non-toxic, water-based paints. Brands like HABA, PlanToys, and Uncle Goose offer excellent eco-friendly options.
How Do You Clean Toddler Blocks?
For plastic blocks like Mega Bloks, you can usually wash them in warm soapy water or put them in a mesh bag on the top rack of the dishwasher. Wooden blocks should be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap, but never submerged in water as they can swell and warp.
The Bottom Line
The best blocks we found for toddlers are the Mega Bloks. These blocks were intricately designed with toddlers in mind, and every aspect of the product proves that.
The blocks are not only bright and colorful, but they are also easy to stack and undo because of their large size. They are safe from choking hazards because the pieces are too big to fit entirely in a mouth.
The opportunities are endless for your little one with these blocks because the set is compatible with all other Mega Bloks sets. This is a toy your littles will go back to over and over again.
