25 Best Building Toys for 3-Year-Olds in 2020

1. Picasso Tiles 100 Piece Set

Why we choose it

Picasso Tiles develop mathematics, physics, space, and sensory capabilities that offer children hours of creative play. The best magnetic tiles have a magic ability to create something your child might dream of, including a house, a rocket, a boat, and much more.

What parents say?

They are very easy to use

Bought these for my 3 year old grandaughter and she loves them.They are very easy to use and can be used in any number of building projects, from basic to more adventurous.At present she spends time building tall towers and lots of sorting of the shapes and colours and it has been in use every day so far.It is also enjoyed by her father, which is a plus, encouraging them to build together. One of the best new construction kits I have seen in a long while.

Verdict

Picasso Tiles are really simple to use and can be used in a number of building ventures, from common to adventurous. It is the best magnetic building blocks option for kids of any age due to the ability to form really large and bright constructions. Tiles help early age children to develop a vivid sense of color, abstract forms and numbers, 3D objects, magnetic polarity, and architectural layout.

2. LEGO DUPLO Town Modular Playhouse

Why we choose it

The famous Lego Duplo series is designed specifically for babies from 18 months. The designer develops spatial thinking, motor skills, creativity, and imagination. There are many variations and plots for the kits, which can easily be mixed with each other.

What parents say?

Must buy!!! Great value! Impressive!

Buy it now! Omg! I am madly in love! This is an impressive set, huge. Hours on fun. Got for my 2 year old girl and my 5 year old loves it too. Diverse characters, bright and fun pieces. Absolute hit!

Key Features:

• 14” (36cm) high, 15” (39cm) wide and 3” (10cm) deep
• Combines with other LEGO DUPLO sets
• Simple instructions
• Well-known design
• Manufacturer’s warranty

Verdict

This playhouse with a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and a bedroom is packed with realistic details, such as an opening fridge and includes mom, dad, child, dog, and teddy bear figures, plus many fun accessories. It's one of the best Lego house sets for children ages 2+. It teaches little children about daily life as you share creative role-playing activities such as baking, mealtime, and bedtime rituals.

3. Wood Building Blocks Set by Lovevery

Why we choose it

Such tiles are notable for the fact that each set has its own set of tools - hammers, forceps, and wedges. Wooden cubs are connected to each other with special pegs. They develop logic, fantasy, and engineering thought!

What parents say?

Classic yet not traditional!

Love Love Lovevery! We started with the Lovevery playmat, and have graduated to several of the kits. The Block Set was our most recent purchase and we just LOVE it! The toddler started playing and building - right after we opened it. The older tween joined her, and both have spent hours together interacting (no screens!). The colors are bright, and classic. The pieces stack and fit together in a way that is different from traditional block sets. Some pieces have magnets, and the shapes are unique - good for both horizontal and vertical building.

Key Features:

• Sustainably harvested wood materials
• 70 heirloom-quality pieces in 18 colors
• 20+ fun and creative learning activities
• Science-based system

Verdict

The block set by Lovevery comes from an award-winning brand that knows how to produce the best building toys for toddlers. It unlocks STEM principles and more advanced strategy and problem-solving, including math, science, and electronics. Trains knowledge of space, motor skill development, and hand-eye coordination.

4. Kid K’NEX – Budding Builders Building Set

Why we choose it

The Budding Builders Set from Kid K'nex claims to help your child to understand the fundamental principles of building with a play kit! It encourages imagination by presenting your children with a device that lets them not only enjoy themselves but also share their ideas.

What parents say?

My grand daughter loves these!

My grand daughter's 2 1/2 and loves these. She asked for blocks for Christmas but we thought these offered more to the imagination and creative ability. She spends hours trying to make shapes from the paper included. Easy for tiny hands to assemble. Oh, the case that comes with is a perfect way to store all the pieces. If I could make suggestion, I'd like a handle on the plastic case for child to carry easier.

Key Features:

• 100 parts
• Vibrant colors
• Includes eyes, curly tails, floppy ears, big feet to construct 50 characters
• STEM toy
• Reusable storage tube
• Made in the USA

Verdict

The 50 characters are easy to create and are an excellent way to engage your child. The parts are easy to connect together. You can build animals, vehicles, trucks. All of which require creativity. It's fun to play with friends, but your kid will absolutely be able to enjoy this device alone. I definitely will dream about purchasing it in the future as a surprise gift.

5. First Builders Big Building Bag by Mega

Why we choose it

The basic pack to meet the concept of the building toy. Create, stack, and discover countless possibilities with 80 large, colorful building blocks designed especially for toddlers.

What parents say?

Perfect for younger and older children!

My 2 year old son and 1 year old daughter absolutely love these! They spend hours playing with these and as a family me and my husband and the kids build things together. The great things about them is that they are large so they aren't a choke hazard. My daughter will sometimes try to put these in her mouth so we are happy that we don't have to worry about that with these jumbo sized blocks. The blocks are colorful and are made of good quality plastic so you don't have to worry about small pieces or worry about them breaking and being harmful. These are highly recommended and very much worth every penny. Probably the best toy I have bought for my kids in a while.

Key Features:

• 80 classic-colored building blocks
• Storage bag for easy cleanup
• Variety of constructing options

Verdict

Creating huge buildings, crazy castles, amusing animals, or anything else they think of, your little ones can construct whatever they imagine. The large blocks, perfect for smaller hands, match and split quickly, helping your child develop fine motor skills and imagination during open-ended play hours. Once the time of play is done, the convenient storage bag is quick and easy to wash. Suitable for babies between 1 and 5 years.

6. Kidus Classic Wooden Building Block by KAJA

Why we choose it

The best wooden blocks for toddlers are more environmentally friendly and safe than toys made of other materials. The popularity of toys made of wood has been growing from year to year. During the assembly of the model, the child develops fine motor skills, imagination, and assiduity. Moreover, the toys are nice to hold, they feel natural and warm.

What parents say?

Good Quality Blocks

I bought these for my soon to be two year old daughter because she LOVES building things, and knocking them down of course. I’m sure these will be a favorite for awhile and they seem to be very good quality, I’m sure they’ll last for a long time.

Key Features:

• Family Game
• Non-toxic coatings
• 80 pieces blocks
• Hop-pocket that can hold building blocks
• US toy testing standards
• 18 month and up
• High-quality beech

Verdict

Kidus wooden building blocks combine the useful properties of wood with the functional load. We recommend it for kids 4-5 years of age, due to the fact that some small pieces of the set may be accidentally swallowed by a baby.

7. Petit Collage Animal Town Wooden Blocks

Why we choose it

Petit collage toys are designed with a modern twist on classic, well-loved kids' toys. Petit collage toys are made without plastic and any harmful components. 

What parents say?

Nice block set!

Petit collage makes really beautiful, classic toys. Even thrown all over our living room, these puzzle pieces are adorable. My one year old loves these, the pieces are a good safe size, and are high quality and smooth. No splinters or sharp edges! Nice block set!

Key Features:

• 26 solid wooden blocks
• 5 bright colors
• Natural wood finish
• 14 unique shapes
• Non-toxic
• Water-based or soy-inks

Verdict

Ideal kit for a kids’ early development. Improves hand-eye coordination, recognition of color and form, and the development of counting skills. There are 26 woodblocks in five shades. There are 14 distinct forms of designs from spots to lines. Three animals are presented in the set: a wolf, an owl, and an elephant. Illustrated by the San-Francisco designer team.

8. LEGO DUPLO All-in-One-Box-of-Fun

Why we choose it

Lego is rightfully considered the most popular block constructor. Manufacturers take into account the age and psychological characteristics of the child, developing various series of their products.

What parents say?

This set is so cool! I love the storage box

This set is so cool! I love the storage box. It's cute and holds a lot of duplo blocks so my son is able to keep all of his sets together easily. It is a great starter set. He is able to build lots of different things from the building blocks included so it keeps him busy for a good amount of time. It is one of the toys he keeps coming back to. Duplos are easy for him to take apart and put back together without help so it's great for both of us!

Key Features:

• Includes a boy LEGO DUPLO figure
• For kids 36 months - 12 years of age
• Adult supervision recommended
• Plastic material
• 2 opening window elements

Verdict

The perfect gift to get for kids from two years old. This is how a LEGO sets’ journey starts for the children and adults. Suitable for all who love building towers. Picking a picture from the brochure helps a kid to decide what building option is to choose. When a child tries to be an inventor, apart from the proposed result, he/she collects lots of side things from the details. That's where the real fantasy starts to kick in.

9. LEGO DUPLO My First Alphabet Truck

Why we choose it

The preschoolers will merge the construction of a LEGO DUPLO alphabet truck with the creative play and alphabet learning. It's the most fun children's learning tool! You can boost kid’s fine motor abilities by putting bricks on the truck's back.

What parents say?

Great set

This was a good set. He was able to put it together on his own. It really kept him occupied for quite a while. I think it is also educational. It is good that he can follow the directions and also for hand-eye coordination. 
I would highly recommend this set.

Key Features:

• 10 assorted LEGO Bricks
• Cute characters
• Easy-to-handle bricks
• For ages 18 months and up
• Contains 26 letters of the English alphabet
• Easy to combine with other Lego Duplo sets

Verdict

You can grow kids' visual-spatial awareness as you conduct creative adventures with the Lego boy, the girl, and the bear. The 26 letters provide several ways to familiarize yourself with the alphabet and to develop language skills. And as parents and caregivers take part in the fun, they share important developmental achievements with their little ones.

10. LEGO DUPLO Disney Mickey's Vacation House

Why we choose it

LEGO Duplo bricks are 8 times bigger than standard lego parts, so it's suitable even for independent play for kids who haven't had their first birthday yet. Such bars can not be swallowed. They are convenient for not yet too obedient fingers.

What parents say?

Excellent product! My grandsons favorite

A bit pricey but overall quality is very good my grandson loves to play with this set especially the Mickey/Minnie Mouse/Goofy/Pluto figures on the airplane!!!

Key Features:

• Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Goofy figures
• 57 pieces
• Mickey Mouse’s LEGO DUPLO Vacation House (9 inches (25cm) high, 7 inches (19cm) wide and 5 inches (13cm) deep)
• Toy Airplane figure (2 inches (7cm) high, 5 inches (15cm) long and 5 inches (15cm) wide)
• Easy to build

Verdict

The Duplo sets are marked "from 1.5 years", but, according to numerous reviews, even 10-month-old babies are happy to play with glossy bars. With Duplo, it's easy to come up with a lot of exciting educational games for children from a very young age.

11. LEGO DUPLO Town Fire Station

Why we choose it

The DUPLO world is interesting not only for preschoolers: older siblings, and even parents are happy to create and fantasize with the kids.

What parents say?

Good price for such a large set!

Bought this for our son's second birthday. He LOVES it, as does his older brother. Duplo is always great quality stuff, so no surprise there, but I was pleasantly surprised that the "noisy" part easily removes from fire truck, so it can get "lost" for a few days if it starts to get too annoying.

Key Features:

• Key Features:
• Kids fire station
• 76 pieces
• Includes 2 LEGO DUPLO firefighter figures, dog figure, ladder, hose, fire hydrant, ax, and a campfire
• Many ways to role-play
• Real-life scenarios

Verdict

Kids play with pleasure with Duplo fire station. The potential for child development is wide: playing with Duplo develops fine motor skills, fantasy, introduces the first ideas about physical laws, introduces a useful profession, colors, shapes, accounting, in practice allows children to learn the cause-and-effect relationship, stimulates creativity, teaches how to work with schemes.

12. Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks

Why we choose it

60 regular smooth-sanded, solid wood blocks and encouraging screen-free gameplay are included in the Melissa & Doug Standard Unit of solid-wood building blocks.

What parents say?

Great for imagnative play

Endless hours of creativity and fun. Our kids use these with their other toys: cars, trucks, trains, to create imaginative play scenarios.

Key Features:

• 60 natural-finish, smooth-sanded hardwood units
• Great gift for kids ages 3 to 8 years
• Approved by pediatricians
• Melissa and Doug are real people (and parents of six)
• Safe to use

Verdict

Include the Melissa & Doug See & Spell Learning Tool to make learning much more enjoyable during development. Melissa & Doug have produced wonderfully crafted imaginative and artistic goods, which NBC News considers "the highest standard of early childhood play" for over 30 years. Today, Melissa & Doug actively work with the American Academy of Pediatrics for the advancement of early cognitive development.

13. BMAG Magnetic Building Blocks for Kids

Why we choose it

The magnetic constructor consists of magnetic sticks and metal balls. The sticks attract the balls, which create fancy magnetic structures. Such a construction contains various geometric shapes, and the child can remember them all during the game. Develops spatial thinking, coordination of movements, dexterity and motor skills, logic and mathematical thinking, memory, imagination, and much more.

What parents say?

Well packaged, good product

First, the magnetic building tiles set is more than I expected. The quality is great, even better than Picasso magna tiles cossy magnetic blocks, worth buying for such a low price. What's more, they have two cars, my son loves playing cars, the sealed rivets make it safer for kids to play with. Thanks

Key Features:

• 118 basic shapes, 2 cars included
• Made from food-grade material
• Beautiful colors
• Concave surface
• Easy and quick strong structures’ building
• High-quality plastic

Verdict

The magnetic kit helps kids to learn about the fundamentals of math, magnets, design, 3D structures, imagination, ingenuity, motor coordination, 3D visual thinking, cognitive abilities, colors, and shapes. Fit for children, nursery, daycare centers, preschool, and even junior grade school.

14. TOP BRIGHT Toddler Toys Race Track

Why we choose it

Toddler Toys Race Track is manufactured under the brand name "TOP BRIGHT". The top goal of the brand is “Light up children’s talent”. TOP BRIGHT concentrates on providing environment-friendly, safe and educational wooden toys.

What parents say?

An absolute HIT!

Got this for my 2 year old granddaughters birthday. She absolutely LOVES it! (VROOM VROOM!) It is simple enough for her to play with it alone, yet great for multiple players. Great quality, would have gladly paid more.

Key Features:

• 2.6 pounds weight
• Includes click clack track cars and zig-zag car track ramp
• It is easy and simple to set up
• Wooden car ramp racer is suitable for children of 18 months

Verdict

Place the car on the top road and watch the vehicle slide down to the ground floor. It's sturdy, quick to play, and offers small children unlimited pleasure. Excellent wooden car ride for toddlers.

15.Magnetic Stick N Stack 40 Piece Junior Set Magnetic Tiles Blocks

Why we choose it

The collection has a large array of magnet forms and enables little children to build a 3D framework in a wide range of lovely colors. Neodymium Rare-Earth magnets are used in the set, which provides compatibility as children play.

What parents say?

Our Favorite Toy!

I purchased this set for my grandchildren for Christmas. They loved them so much that I wound up purchasing a second 160 piece set! My grandchildren and I have spent many hours constructing castles, tunnels, trucks, circus trains, etc. with this set. The best part is they are extremely easy to put together and take apart, making clean-up a breeze. Sorting the pieces by shape to put them away adds an extra educational element to the activity without them even realizing it!

Key Features:

• 40 Piece Set
• 32 Magnetic Tiles
• 8 Stilemags
• Safety Tested According to All American Standards

Verdict

The collection is a STEM product that contributes to the imagination of the child and to creativity. It also includes a step-by-step design guide that enables the small one to create numerous structures such as a rainbow home, a rainbow frame, a tower, and more.

16. Agirlgle Wood Building Blocks Set

Why we choose it

Surprisingly, playing with the building toy, your baby can even become a little architect! Agirlgle wood blocks can help with that. It contains details and various odd shapes. Their proportions are exactly the same as in real-life buildings. A real house will beautifully decorate the room. Or you can put a toy to live inside.

What parents say?

Great set

We loved these so much that we bought a second set recently. They have held up nicely- none have broken and they still look great. 
These are a nice sized set for my toddler. They are also constructed nicely. We have fun setting them up on the window sill and watching the sunlight shine through and make colored shapes on the floor.

Key Features:

• 24 pieces
• Rainbow wooden blocks set
• Construct towers, animals, castles, towns, and more
• 2.25 pounds weight
• 18 months and up

Verdict

The blocks are fun to look through, build with, and they produce the colored reflections. They won’t make a huge structure, but they could easily be mixed with other blocks. One set has the right amount of different shapes, is easy, and can be shared with a small group.

17. Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set

Why we choose it

Tegu toys provide genius in simplicity! This stylish and original design will suit the taste of older children and even adults. For those who like laconic, but spectacular designs.

What parents say?

Expensive - worth it

The wood is excellent quality and very nice and smooth. Magnets are strong enough but not too strong. I actually like that the magnets are not on every single side because it teaches the kids to use their brains and trouble-shoot. I do wish they were a little more affordable so we could get a large set, but understand why. The quality is definitely there. Thank you for providing a fun-toxic free toy!!

Key Features:

• 2 cubes
• 4 short planks
• 4 long planks
• 2 short columns
• 2 parallelograms
• 1.05 pounds weight
• The magnetic blocks stick to the metal parts
• for a 17-month-old

Verdict

The 14-piece kit invites all the characters to be created. Five unique types 'click' into a mouse, a flying squirrel, or maybe a time machine, or a talking dog.

18. Grimm's Wooden City & Town Waldorf Building Blocks Set

Why we choose it

Located in Germany's countryside and steeped in Tradition, Grimm's Game & Holz Design has created high-quality creative wood toys since 1978, a long history of handcrafted toy design. Such lovely and exclusive toys are influenced by the principles of Waldorf education and built for children, as well as adults of all ages. The rainbow, bright colors provoke your creativity and imagination.

What parents say?

My kids love them

Those are very cute little blocks that go well with peg people. My kids love them. Originally, I bought them as first blocks for my 11 month old twins, but my other kids also use them in their play. Very beautiful colors. We love Grimm's.

Key Features:

• 3.7 pounds
• 12 months and up
• Hand-crafted in Germany
• Set of blocks shaped like houses with hand-painted doors and windows
• Includes a wood tray for storage and display

Verdict

The Waldorf building toys are distinguished by the fact that they do not contain fastening elements - it is an absolute fantasy and search for balance. Different types of wood develop tactile sensitivity, fine motor skills, and the process of creating structures - a sense of balance and imagination.

19. Kids First Robot Engineer Kit

Why we choose it

We all sometimes need to assemble a real robot! The robot is equipped with a remote control so that the child can not only feel like the creator but also the master of this technical miracle. Kids can learn firsthand about simple machines and gear trains.

What parents say?

Sparks the inner engineer!

I am a huge fan of surrounding the kids and even myself with toys which will spark the inner child in me and spark the creativity of my little one! This aircraft kit does both! As soon as my little one opened it, he saw the booklet and started building free hand and was able to build the aircraft in the picture I attached without looking at the instruction booklet. Such is the power of this kit. A little later, I followed the booklet along with my son and built some more models which made us both happy in the end.

Key Features:

• 53 building pieces
• Ten models
• Ages 3 and up
• The robots have moving parts, wheels, and gears
• STEM toy
• Durable case
• 14.7 x 9.4 x 6.3 inches

Verdict

Combined with the illustrated storybook, this 53-piece robotic kits for kids provides an engaging way to teach children, in pre-school years, the basic engineering principles. Start to build the framework for solid abilities and comprehension of STEM. This package promotes the development of strong motivation abilities, science and mathematics, visual and cognitive capabilities, and the creation of reasoning and ideas.

20. Magees Magnetic Building Blocks 100 Set

Why we choose it

Magees is perhaps the most famous brand of magnetic building sets, which guarantees quality and safety. From triangles and squares, the child can come up with both simple and complex unusual designs. Try to create a house, rocket, spaceship, purse, flower, and much more. 

What parents say?

Wish we bought these instead of the magna tiles!

After reading other reviews and the Q & As I gave it a shot. Well in all honesty they are actually better than his set of magna tiles. The magnets on this set are a lot stronger! The plastic is the same quality of not better. We are super happy we bought this set and wish we had bought it originally seeing as though it’s more than half the price!!

Key Features:

• STEM toy
• Major colors - Red Blue Green Yellow & Purple
• BPA free
• 100 details
• 40 x Squares
• 16 x Windows
• 14 x triangles
• Designed In The USA

Verdict

Magees blocks’ fasteners are securely hidden inside large parts, and it is unrealistic to get them both for a child and a very strong adult. Elements of the set are made of strong plastic in vibrant colors. Connecting them in chains and the first volume houses, your kid gets acquainted with geometrical figures, with paints from around the world, actively trains thinking and fantasy, mastering spatial concepts in practice.

21. HOMOFY Kids Magnet TilesToys 60Pcs

Why we choose it

All Homofy goods have been approved by CPSIA, which follows American child health specifications.

What parents say?

Great, and comparable to Picasso

Great activity/time consumer. My daughter LOVES these magnets and spends hours playing with them, and building “castles.” We also purchased Picasso magnets, which are practically the same. The Picasso magnets have slightly stronger magnets, and by slightly, I mean like 5% stronger than these magnets.

Key Features:

• Circular arc angle design
• High transparency
• ABS plastics
• 4.3 pounds
• For kids from 36 months to 15 years
• STEM preschool educational games
• Round edge design without sharpness
• Light can be projected with color patterns

Verdict

You can build houses, rockets, towers, cars, robots, animals and everything you can think of. These tiles are compatible with the much more costly Magna tiles and actually seem like they have slightly stronger magnets.

22. SmartMax Start XL (42 pcs) STEM Magnetic Discovery Building Set

Why we choose it

SmartMax produces outstanding STEM toys. Kids not only learn fundamental arithmetic and mechanics, but they can develop technical abilities for tasks, such as the building of rolling ramps and creating ball run sets. Award-winning magnetic discovery set.

What parents say?

Worth every penny

My Grandkids, ages 3-8, love this set. It's one of the few things that they all play with together. They actually use their imagination and get creative while playing. They are a bit expensive but they last forever and it's worth it to see them playing with something that is not electronic.

Key Features:

• Designed for ages 3+
• 42 colorful, oversized pieces
• Magnets can carry up to 60x their own weight
• Bars and balls
• 22.4 x 2.4 x 13.9 inches

Verdict

Oversize SmartMax magnetic pieces provide a great playing opportunity for kids of all ages as well as for their parents. There are lots of options to develop both imagination and arithmetic skills. A classic fun building set for cozy family evenings.

23. Joqutoys Wood House Logs Construction Building Set

Why we choose it

Joqutoys toys develop the mind, encourage discovery, and foster the natural curiosity that leads to a learning experience. Classic wooden tool for early education.

What parents say?

Great old-school gift

I gave this to my nephew (trying to find things others wouldn't give) I think my brother-in-law was more excited about a blast from the past, but my nephew loved it as well! Off brand, not an excessive amount of pieces which was great for the age range I wanted and was not as expensive with an off brand!

Key Features:

• 90 pieces traditional wooden house
• Classic feel
• Wooden design
• Eco-friendly gift
• Easy to build

Verdict

When the wood is integrated and the kids’ construction device functions, it can improve coordination with the hands-eye, problem-solving challenges, environment perception, and creativity, develop movement abilities, and cognitive skills for children.

24. Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set

Why we choose it

The simple wooden basic block set to encourage your baby for the first building inventions. 

What parents say?

Took electronics away from kids...

Took electronics away from kids and left this on the table. Never saw all 4 of my kids do something together all at once until this. Amazing

Key Features:

• Simple to use
• Lightweight
• Various shapes
• Many color options

Verdict

This set is one of the simplest and cheapest items among the best wooden blocks for toddlers. It is the perfect present for a baby who has never tried building toys before. It is affordable enough and easy to use. We highly recommend not leaving the baby alone with the details. There is a possibility of swallowing one of the blocks due to its size. 

25. Kidtastic Dinosaur Toys - STEM Learning Original (106 pieces)

Why we choose it

Our list would not be complete without a dinosaur in it! With Kidtastic toys, your baby can create Alamosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops and learn more about these creatures.

What parents say?

It is so fun watching her figure out how they come apart

My niece loves these dinosaurs! It is so fun watching her figure out how they come apart. She is really good at taking them apart, but does need some help putting them back together. She is starting to figure it out on her own and it is so fun watching her problem solve! The directions do help and she loves when I help her put them together. We have a great time with these. Great toy for fine motor skills, and problem solving! What can be better than learning while you play? I would recommend these dinosaurs!

Key Features:

• STEM toys
• No batteries
• 9 x 5.6 x 7 inches
• BPA- Free
• Phthalates Free
• Set of 3 interactive learning toys

Verdict

This is a fun set! Your kids will develop strong motor coordination, problem-solving, and memory skills while taking apart and creating custom-made dinosaurs. One of the best presents for adventurous babies and their picky parents.