What’s an appropriate age for playing with magnetic tiles?

Most magnetic tiles are recommended for children ages three and up. They promote creativity, open-ended play, and development. “They can enhance areas of development such as early academics, problem-solving, motor, and social-emotional skills,” says Macaluso.” While a child might benefit from magnetic tile play as young as two, it’s best to stick with the brand recommendations for ages three and up because plastic and magnetic pieces can become choking hazards. Macaluso says that younger children may be able to enjoy certain types of magnetic tiles with direct, hands-on parental supervision, such as the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set , which the brand recommends for ages one to 99.

How many magnetic tiles should you buy?

The number of magnetic tiles you should buy depends on your child and your budget. Beginners might want to start with a set that has 30 to 50 pieces, such as Magformers Basic Set (30 Pieces) to test whether your child likes them before you make a larger investment. If you know your child is really into the toy, sets with 100 pieces or more like Best Choice Products 265-Piece Kids Colorful Magnetic Tiles Set or Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles (108 Pieces) can be beneficial to create large builds or multiple builds at once.

Why are Magna-Tiles so popular?

Magna-Tiles are a popular brand because they are considered the original brand, created by a Japanese math teacher and imported into the United States almost 30 years ago. They have a unique diagonal lattice reinforcement pattern that seems to hold up better than other brands. There are almost 30 sets available under the Magna-Tiles brand, including the popular Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set (The Original Magnetic Building Tiles) option.

How much do magnetic tiles cost?

Magnetic tiles can be seen as an investment, costing somewhere between $30 and over $100, depending on the brand and number of tiles included in the set. Most fall in the range of $0.30 cents to $1 per tile. For example, PicassoTiles 60-Piece Set retails for $36 and has 60 pieces, and PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set retails for $60.

The 14 Best Magnetic Tiles of 2023

Magnetic tiles are generally made from plastic or wood and come in sets with shapes such as squares and triangles. They encourage shape and pattern recognition, help children explore scientific concepts like magnets and gravity, and promote creative thinking and play. They are also helpful in giving parents a few moments of quiet playtime.

According to Lora Torres, an occupational therapist at Orlando Health's Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, magnetic tiles are key in building physical and emotional development, helping with everything from strength-building to confidence. “Magnetic tiles provide children a fun way to build that does not require the strength, dexterity, and visual control that interlocking or traditional blocks require. Since the magnets ensure the tiles maintain their position when placed, young builders will feel more successful,” she says.

Deciphering which magnetic tile brand or set is right for your family could take a lot of hours of research, because there are so many brands out there. We spoke to an educator and mother, as well as an occupational therapist, to help narrow down the list of the best magnetic tiles for kids, focusing on those that are developmentally appropriate and will inspire creativity in your child.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles at Amazon

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Best for Beginners:

Magformers Basic Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Big Builds:

Best Choice Products Magnetic Tiles Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Creative:

PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set 60pcs Magnet at Amazon

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Best Compatible:

PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set at Amazon

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Best Themed:

Magformers Log Cabin 48 Pieces at Amazon

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Best Wooden:

Earthtiles Wooden Magnetic Tiles at Amazon

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Best Combo:

Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set at Amazon

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Best for Older Kids:

PicassoTiles 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Race Track at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Amazon

Pros

The original magnetic building tiles
Comes with 100 tiles
Made from durable plastic and reinforced to prevent breakage

Cons

Other brands may be sturdier for large builds
Higher cost per tile

Magna-Tiles are the original magnetic tiles and were invented almost 30 years ago by a Japanese math teacher. One of the brand's best-selling toys, the Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set includes 54 squares and 46 triangles. The tiles are made from food-grade plastic (BPA-free) and reinforced with the brand’s signature lattice lines to prevent the plastic from cracking, which is an important safety feature. The tiles are also made with metallic corner rivets to keep the magnets in place so they won’t become choking hazards.

This creative toy is a wonderful tool for imaginative and collaborative play, such as building houses, castles, and more. If your child takes to this set, it can be a worthwhile investment that can be used from toddlerhood until the pre-teen years. The Magna-Tiles brand also has 23 options that are compatible with this set, with themes ranging from building vehicles to animal sets to Magna-Qubix, Magna-Tiles’ 3D magnetic tiles collection. It is also compatible with other brands. Like most magnetic tiles, the Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set is for children ages three and up.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Food-grade plastic | Number of Pieces: 100 | Shapes: 54 squares, 46 triangles}

Amazon

Pros

Comes with unique pieces like castle battlements and windows
Offers good value for the number of pieces in the set
Comes with an ideas booklet

Cons

Plastic isn’t as reinforced as others
Magnets might not be as strong as those of other brands

The Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles set offers phenomenal value at half the price of other sets of the same size. This set is priced at about $0.46 per piece, compared to around $1 per tile in other kits. It also comes with special tiles with cutouts that mimic doors, windows, and castle battlements to create unique builds.

The set includes tiles in 12 different sizes: 38 3-inch squares, two 6-inch squares, 12 3-inch window squares in three styles, 46 triangles, four rectangles, four battlement rectangles, and two four-wheel wagons. Made from non-toxic plastic, the pieces are recommended for ages three and up. While the display on the box shows pink and purple tiles, the colors are randomized, so there’s a chance you could end up without these colors despite them being advertised.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: BPA-free plastic | Number of Pieces: 108 | Shapes: 40 squares, 12 window squares, 46 triangles, 4 rectangles, 4 battlement rectangles, 2 four-wheel wagons}

Amazon

Pros

Fewer pieces make it more manageable for beginners
Good for travel
Made with the strongest permanent magnets available

Cons

Not enough pieces to create elaborate builds
Tiles are smaller than those of other brands

The Magformers Basic Set contains 30 pieces: 18 squares and 12 triangles, which is a manageable size for beginners and parents who want to test magnetic tiles out. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free plastic, the set is compact enough to travel with but complete enough to make builds of medium complexity, such as a ball, rocket, or house. Instructions for these three objects are included in the set.

Cylindrical 1/3-inch neodymium magnets—the strongest type of permanent magnet—allow for a stronger magnetic force, so your child’s creations are more sturdy. The set comes in rainbow colors, which are helpful in encouraging your child to sort by shape and color. The tiles are hollow in the middle and have more of an outlined shape than a solid piece of plastic, which can be good for younger kiddos who are just getting the hang of gripping magnetic tiles.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: BPA- and phthalate-free plastic | Number of Pieces: 30 | Shapes: 18 squares, 12 triangles}

Amazon

Pros

Set includes 265 pieces
Includes unique shapes, such as windows and doors
Large variety of colors

Cons

68 pieces are not magnetic
The magnets are smaller than those of competitors

Offering great value at about $0.28 per piece, the Best Choice Products 265-Piece Kids Colorful Magnetic Tiles Set comes with almost 20 different shapes in a variety of colors. There are even four play people included for additional imaginative scenarios. The amount of tiles allows for large vertical and horizontal 2D and 3D builds.

Thirty-eight tiles are clear and not magnetic, which may be disappointing to some children. Additionally, 30 decorative window pieces are not magnetic. The set also includes 45 cut-out squares; 48 solid-colored squares; six window pane squares; 57 triangles; six battlement rectangles; 20 rectangles; four large squares; two large rectangles; four play people; and four wagons. When full, the box weighs 13 pounds, something to keep in mind if you’ll be transporting the set.

Price at time of publication: $75

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 265 | Shapes: 141 squares, 57 triangles, 28 rectangles, 4 wagons, 4 play people}

Amazon

Pros

Highly transparent, which is good for 2D window builds
Compatible with similarly shaped and sized sets from other brands
Compatible with other PicassoTiles sets

Cons

Might not be as durable as other brands

This 60-piece PicassoTiles set falls between the brand’s 100-piece set and 32-piece set, which is a nice collection of tiles to satisfy both beginners and advanced architects. It offers the ability to build flowers, castles, animals, and any other ideas a child can dream up. The set offers good value, at around $0.50 per piece, and can inspire creativity through its many shapes.

It comes with four large squares, 24 small squares, and 32 triangles in a variety of colors. It is compatible with other PicassoTiles sets and similar-style magnetic tiles from other brands. PicassoTiles also makes add-on sets, such as windows and cars, click-ins, and figurines, to enhance this set.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 60 | Shapes: 28 squares, 32 triangles}

Amazon

Pros

Can be used with other brands
Cost-effective for the number of tiles
Made with exclusive Supermag magnets

Cons

Limited letter snap-ins
Not all pieces are magnetic

PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set is a good option for beginners thanks to its relative affordability for the number of tiles. It also works well with other brands, albeit the builds might not be as structurally sound as when building with tiles all from the same brand. It comes with a variety of tiles in square, rectangle, and triangle shapes. It also features click-ins, which are pieces that can snap into PlayMag cut-out tiles and come in two styles—windows and letters. There are only 13 letters included in the set, which might frustrate children who want to spell words that require more letters. The tiles are visually appealing in a variety of bold colors.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 100 | Shapes: 28 squares, 12 rectangles, 30 triangles, 20 click-ins}

Amazon

Pros

Features strongest magnets available
STEM-authenticated by STEM.org
Comes with a step-by-step guide for making a log cabin, treehouse, and farm

Cons

Limited amount of plain magnetic tiles

The Magformers Log Cabin 48-Piece Set is a great themed addition to any existing magnetic tile collection. It’s also a good one for beginners, as it may be easier for some children to start imagining by playing with a specific set and building guidelines before branching out into more complex or creative builds.

Magformers tiles are made with neodymium rare-earth magnets, the strongest magnets available on the market. Its magnets audibly click into place to allow users to know that the pieces are joined properly.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: BPA-free ABS plastic | Number of Pieces: 48 | Shapes: 8 triangles, 20 squares, 4 walls, 1 tree, 11 brick accessories, 2 grass tiles, 2 windows}

Amazon

Pros

Made from long-lasting, sustainable birch wood
Non-toxic finish
Company plants a tree for every toy purchased

Cons

Not compatible with other brands
Relatively small set limits builds

Made from birch wood, the Earthtiles Wooden Magnetic Tiles Set by Big Future Toys contains 32 pieces: 20 squares and 12 triangles. It’s a small yet manageable set that’s good for children who are beginning to explore magnetic tiles.

They are more aesthetically pleasing to some parents than colored plastic and can be better suited for children who are easily overwhelmed by too many colors. They are made from sustainably sourced wood and have a non-toxic finish that is phthalate-free. The brand Big Future Toys plants a tree for every toy sold and wants its wooden magnetic tile sets to be family heirlooms.

Price at time of publication: $59

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Birch wood | Number of Pieces: 32 | Shapes: 20 squares and 12 triangles}

Amazon

Pros

Made from sustainably sourced hardwoods
Design keeps magnets safely embedded
Suitable for children 12 months and older

Cons

Not compatible with other brands

Made from non-toxic, sustainably sourced Honduran wood and finished with a water-based lacquer, Tegu’s Magnetic Wooden Block Set comes with 42 pieces in an aesthetically pleasing natural color. The magnets are embedded in the wooden blocks to prevent them from falling out and becoming a choking hazard to small children, which is why Tegu’s Magnetic Wooden Block Set could be appropriate for children under the age of three. (The brand recommends it for children ages one to 99.) It includes nine unique shapes, such as trapezoids and wheels to make vehicles.

Tegu Wooden Blocks are made in Honduras, and the small business brand supports the local economy in Tegucigalpa, the country’s capital.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 12 months+ | Materials: Non-toxic, sustainably sourced wood | Number of Pieces: 42 | Shapes: 6 cubes, 18 planks, 8 columns, 4 wheels, 4 trapezoids, 2 parallelograms}

Amazon

Pros

Endless configurations
Good for advanced problem solving
Pieces click into place

Cons

Not compatible with other brands
Not fully compatible with other non-marble run PicassoTiles
Small marble pieces could be a choking hazard

The PicassoTiles Marble Run 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Race Track is a fun addition to any magnetic tile collection. There are nine different shapes included, such as slopes and funnels, to create a large marble track run build. This set allows children to use logic and problem-solving to figure out just where the marbles will go and is a great option for siblings or friends to play together.

Made from BPA-free and lead-free plastic and steel, this is a good choice for advanced or older magnetic tile users looking for something different. The steel marbles could be deemed a choking hazard if there are young children in the house and should be stored properly.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: BPA-free and lead-free plastic and steel | Number of Pieces: 100 | Shapes: 16 quarter round turns, 34 magnetic square track tiles, 34 slides, 3 spinning funnel trays, 3 slopes, 4 triangles, 5 steel-weighted marbles, 1 square}

Amazon

Pros

Can help with letter recognition and spelling
Cut-out windows are good for small hands

Cons

Only 18 letter click-ins and 18 regular window tiles
Could require purchasing multiple sets to create words

With only 36 pieces—18 of which are letter click-ins—the Playmags Magnetic Tile Building Set is a small but mighty set for any child looking to improve letter recognition or spelling—in addition to the STEAM learning opportunities magnetic tiles in general provide. The set includes window tiles that can be easier for younger toddlers to grab. As a child ages, the set can grow with them to incorporate the alphabet click-ins.

Some parents see the Playmags Magnetic Tile Building Set as a manageable option that’s a relatively low investment. They can use it to test-drive magnetic tiles before purchasing a larger and more expensive set. Other parents see it as an add-on to Playmags sets to create larger builds with another educational element.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 36 | Shapes: 18 clear colorful tiles, 18 alphabet click-ins}

Amazon

Pros

Compliments other magnetic tile sets with five animals
Has unique scenery magnetic tiles

Cons

Limited builds using the set exclusively
Only one of each decorative panel

The Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals Set is made up of 25 pieces including a penguin, seal, whale, polar bear, and baby polar bear. It comes with eight small squares, eight triangles, and four quarter circles to make artic-inspired scenes. Printed tiles featuring motifs such as snowflakes, icicles, and ocean water are also included.

Made from BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, the pieces are a nice cohesive and contained set that can be played with alone or with other Magna-Tiles sets, and even other brands, since the animal figurines aren’t dependent on the magnetic tiles. If a child is into animals and wants to begin exploring playing with magnetic tiles, this could be a good option.

Price at time of publication: $38

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: BPA-free ABS plastic | Number of Pieces: 25 | Shapes: 8 squares, 8 triangles, 4 quarter circles, 5 animals}

Amazon

Pros

Stabilizers help support large builds
Can be used as a base with other magnetic tiles
Ideal for more efficient builds

Cons

Might need another set to create better builds
Set box weighs 12 lbs

For avid magnetic tile architects, shortcuts like the PicassoTiles 28-Piece Large Stabilizer Building Block Base can make a nice addition to a collection. Compatible with PicassoTiles and other brands, these are pre-fused tiles that allow for quicker, bigger builds.

They’re most advantageous when used with existing sets, so PicassoTiles 28-Piece Large Stabilizer Building Block Base might not be the best first investment for a beginner. For users who want to make large-scale builds, however, they’re an essential part of a collection.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 28 | Shapes: 28 rectangles}

Amazon

Pros

Unique glow-in-the-dark effect
Compatible with other brands
Can be charged in direct sunlight or with included LED light

Cons

Limited set with only 16 pieces
Glow might not last long enough

Magna-Tiles Glow in the Dark adds another element of fun and novelty to building with magnetic tiles. The tiles are chargeable in direct sunlight or with an LED flashlight, exposing a child to scientific concepts. There are 16 pieces: four squares and 12 triangles.

The set is limited as a stand-alone toy for older children or kids who are familiar with building, but it could be a wonderful addition to an avid magnetic tile architect’s toolbox. It might also be good for younger kiddos who are just starting out and need a smaller number of tiles.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Recommended Age: 3+ | Materials: ABS plastic | Number of Pieces: 16 | Shapes: 4 squares, 12 triangles}

How We Selected the Best Magnetic Tiles

In our search for the best magnetic tiles, we spoke with Lora Torres, occupational therapist at Orlando Health's Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, and with Sally Macaluso, who is a preschool teacher, educational blogger, and toddler mother. Both professionals have years of experience working with toddlers and school-aged kids and have observed children at play. We used their feedback to analyze dozens of magnetic tiles. After selecting our recommendations, we chose to highlight those that were most relevant to STEAM learning, hand-eye coordination, gross and fine motor skills, and problem-solving.

What to Look for in Magnetic Tiles

Age Appropriateness

Magnetic tiles encourage STEAM learning from toddlerhood through elementary school. Almost all magnetic tile brands are recommended for ages three and up due to the choking hazard that could be present if the magnets snaps off or the plastic breaks. Tegu’s Magnetic Wooden Block Set is a good option for those who are looking for a suitable magnetic tile toy for a child as young as 12 months.

“It is important to note that families should follow the age recommendations on the product due to choking hazards and medical concerns with ingesting magnets,” says Torres. “Any chipped or broken tiles should be discarded immediately.”

Quality and Durability

The quality and durability of magnetic tiles are important factors in making your decision. Plastics and magnets come in variable strengths, which play into the way your child builds and how they end up feeling about the toy in general. You’ll want a set made from durable plastic that can withstand being repeatedly knocked over, and magnets that will support both 2D and 3D builds. All of our picks meet these standards.

“Sturdiness is important, especially if the tiles will be used frequently by more than one child,” says Torres. She also offers up another pointer: Sets with a variety of shapes (i.e., cut-out tiles and solid tiles) might give the set more longevity. “The outlined shapes may be easier for smaller hands to manipulate for building,” she says. With safety in mind, Sally Macaluso recommends that parents check the edges to make sure they are rounded and that the plastic is secure, to avoid small fingers being pinched.

Compatibility

While magnetic tiles are most compatible with sets from the same brand, many are made with the ability to work with other brands. For example, Magna-Tiles, PlayMags, and PicassoTiles all work together, although you will likely get the best results and sturdiest builds by using tiles of the same brand. Each brand’s magnets and plastic are of varying strengths, which might be frustrating for a child who is trying to build, especially when working on 3D objects, so keep that in mind when mixing sets.

Macaluso personally recommends Magna-Tiles and PlayMags, because they work well together. “I use these at home with my toddler as well as in my classroom with my preschool students,” she says.

Colors and Shapes

Colors and shapes are up to a parent and child’s preferences. Some sets come with only certain colors to achieve specific results, such as animals or character builds. Colorful sets allow for more opportunities to engage in math and science concepts beyond geometry and counting. “Children can practice counting, color and shape recognition, patterning, symmetry, basic engineering, and spatial relationships during play,” says Macaluso. “They are a wonderful way to introduce STEM learning in early childhood.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s an appropriate age for playing with magnetic tiles?

Most magnetic tiles are recommended for children ages three and up. They promote creativity, open-ended play, and development. “They can enhance areas of development such as early academics, problem-solving, motor, and social-emotional skills,” says Macaluso.” While a child might benefit from magnetic tile play as young as two, it’s best to stick with the brand recommendations for ages three and up because plastic and magnetic pieces can become choking hazards. Macaluso says that younger children may be able to enjoy certain types of magnetic tiles with direct, hands-on parental supervision, such as the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set, which the brand recommends for ages one to 99.
How many magnetic tiles should you buy?

The number of magnetic tiles you should buy depends on your child and your budget. Beginners might want to start with a set that has 30 to 50 pieces, such as Magformers Basic Set (30 Pieces) to test whether your child likes them before you make a larger investment. If you know your child is really into the toy, sets with 100 pieces or more like Best Choice Products 265-Piece Kids Colorful Magnetic Tiles Set or Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles (108 Pieces) can be beneficial to create large builds or multiple builds at once.
Why are Magna-Tiles so popular?

Magna-Tiles are a popular brand because they are considered the original brand, created by a Japanese math teacher and imported into the United States almost 30 years ago. They have a unique diagonal lattice reinforcement pattern that seems to hold up better than other brands. There are almost 30 sets available under the Magna-Tiles brand, including the popular Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set (The Original Magnetic Building Tiles) option.
How much do magnetic tiles cost?

Magnetic tiles can be seen as an investment, costing somewhere between $30 and over $100, depending on the brand and number of tiles included in the set. Most fall in the range of $0.30 cents to $1 per tile. For example, PicassoTiles 60-Piece Set retails for $36 and has 60 pieces, and PlayMags 100-Piece Magnetic Tile Building Set retails for $60.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Lauren Finney Harden is a writer and former magazine editor-in-chief whose work has appeared in publications such as Insider, Instyle, and Shape. She has also written content and supplied content strategy for some of the biggest names in the parenting and family space. She is the mother of a toddler and has shopped for magnetic tile brands herself.

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