Have you ever met a toddler who doesn’t love blocks?
But not every toddler loves every type of block.
We’ve hunted for blocks of all kinds to help you find the perfect set for your unique child. We’ve found the best blocks for toddlers, including wooden blocks, magnetic blocks, jumbo blocks, foam blocks, and many others.
In this article, we’ll review each of our favorite toddler blocks and explain what makes them stand out. We’ll include the pros and the cons so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect set for your toddler.
- 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
- Easy to clean
- 12 large blocks included
- Constructed for durability
- 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
The Best Blocks for Toddlers of 2024
Here are our favorite blocks for babies and toddlers.
Mega Bloks Toddler Building Blocks
Best Jumbo Building Blocks
Mega Bloks are the Holy Grail of toddler blocks. Toddlers, caregivers, and educators have loved these blocks for generations.
Parents rave over this product — and rightfully so. The blocks are not only colorful, but they are easy for little hands to use.
Mega Bloks are large, interlocking blocks that kids can use to create any structure they imagine.
A major perk of these blocks is that 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 undo blocks The Incredible Hulk couldn’t even manage to separate.
The toys have oversized prongs for stacking. Since the product was designed with toddlers in mind, most toddlers can master the features.
Pros
- Includes 80 pieces, which are plenty of blocks to keep toddlers entertained.
- Compatible with all Mega Bloks sets.
- Portable bag included for easy on-the-go travel.
- Encourages hands-on exploration.
- Optional stickers for letters or numbers.
Cons
- Some pieces don’t snap well together, which can be frustrating for toddlers.
- Block set does not include a base.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks
Best Wooden Blocks
Wooden blocks never go out of style. These blocks are still around because they have a lot to offer.
Wooden blocks are light enough for your little one to move around but durable enough to be knocked down when built into the highest tower for demolition.
They don’t rely on prongs to snap into place, so your toddler has more control over their building structures, which enhances 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 storage container.
- Some of the pieces are on the smaller side and could potentially be a choking hazard.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks
Best Stacking Blocks
These blocks are a must-have for toddlers. I can say firsthand that my son has spent hours upon hours playing with this set. He loves them so much that I purchased a backup just in case one set breaks.
The blocks can be used in two different ways, stacking or nesting. Toddlers will love the freedom to interchange between the two.
The sides of the blocks are filled with letters, colors, shapes, and animals, adding educational value. As the blocks nest and stack in alphabetical order, you can use them to teach your little ones their letters.
Repetition is key with toys like these, and little ones will get a thrill out of stacking these and tearing them down.
Pros
- Multiple colors and sizes.
- Durable cardboard construction.
- Educational.
- Great for hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.
Cons
- As they are made of cardboard, they may be damaged by rough play or if they get wet.
- The stickers peel easily, so curious kids may rip the outer layer off.
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.
These blocks are a great option because they are super colorful and squishy and can be squeezed or chewed on with no problems.
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 will be a great choice. They can start out as cool teethers and transition into fun stacking blocks.
A cool perk of these blocks is that they are also safe toys for bathtime. Blocks always seem to be more fun once they enter that bathwater.
Pros
- For babies 6 months and older.
- Soft and squeezable.
- Fun colors, numbers, and animal shapes.
- Includes reusable grab-and-go tote.
Cons
- Rubber blocks may have a strong smell upon arrival.
- The blocks can be awkward to stack.
- Blocks only include numbers to eight.
Our Ratings
ECR4Kids Softzone Toddler Blocks
Best Foam Blocks
Toddlers love these foam blocks because they are large but lightweight. The size makes little ones feel empowered because they can finally move large objects, and they are fun and easy to stack. And they are just the right size for a toddler to sit on as they play.
They are not as challenging as some other block sets as they only come in one size and shape, but this makes for simpler play for babies and younger toddlers. And 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, and their size prevents choking, making these a baby-safe option.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Twelve large blocks included.
- Foam inside makes them soft for playing.
- Constructed for durability.
Cons
- With heavy usage, the blocks may split at the seams.
- Fairly expensive set.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks
Best Pattern Blocks
Toddlers are mesmerized by colors and shapes. This set of blocks will not only touch on colors and shapes, but it will encourage your child to put them in a specific order.
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.
You probably never thought your toddler would already be completing puzzles with more than 10 pieces, but you will be surprised by how fast little ones can pick up on these boards.
Those who don’t like to follow directions or prefer to use their own creativity can use the blocks to make any creation they wish.
This block set is great for quiet play at home or away. If you are looking for a fun and beneficial way to entertain your toddler, these block puzzles make a great solution.
Pros
- Includes 120 shapes and five boards.
- Great for problem solving.
- Improves hand-eye coordination.
- Includes storage box.
Cons
- Some pieces may be too small for younger children.
- The set doesn’t have a proper lid, making them hard to store.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Blocks
Best Alphabet Blocks
When you envision ABC blocks, these are probably what you have in mind. The primary color wooden blocks that aren’t too big or too small are an excellent toy for toddlers, which is why they’ve been 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 are printed on all sides.
These blocks are great because they can grow with your child. You can implement them before your toddler really understands letters, and you can keep them around once your child can start spelling.
The durability of these wooden blocks ensures they will last from toddlerhood to kindergarten if your child still shows interest.
Pros
- Classic set that will last for years to come.
- Includes 30 blocks and a rolling cart.
- Includes numbers and letters.
- Perfect size for little hands.
Cons
- The blocks are smaller than they appear online.
- The smaller size can make them challenging for toddlers to stack.
- The blocks don’t display a logical arrangement of letters and pictures (E.g., The X block displays a cat).
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 blocks are complex, but they help promote science, technology, engineering, and math. But to your child, it is just a fun way to stay entertained.
The vibrant colors and intriguing designs are captivating and will keep your child mesmerized. There are so many options for putting these blocks together that your little one will learn how to take control and make decisions.
Why settle for mediocre blocks when you can buy STEM blocks that promote higher levels of learning?
Pros
- 100% non-toxic plastic.
- Smooth tile edges to ensure no sharp points.
- Helps fine motor development.
- Encourages shape and color recognition.
Cons
- The magnets can be a severe health risk for young children if they come out of the blocks.
- Does not come with a storage box.
- Younger children find them harder to connect.
Our Ratings
Intock Magnetic Blocks
Best Magnetic Blocks
Magnetic building blocks can provide hours of fun because each piece offers a unique challenge.
Your toddler will have the opportunity to try to problem-solve with the magnetic blocks because each block has a specific way you must turn it to connect to another block.
If your child is up for a greater challenge than traditional blocks offer, these are a great choice.
Pros
- Made of high-quality, non-toxic plastic.
- Durable design should last for years.
- Comes with a handy storage box.
Cons
- The pieces are small and contain magnets that could be a hazard if a block breaks, so adult supervision is required.
- The sets aren’t always compatible with each other if you purchase multiple sets.
Our Ratings
Agirlgle Wooden and Translucent Blocks
Best Translucent Building Blocks
Your child’s playtime experience will be enhanced with this unique “stained glass” wooden block set.
Toddlers love that they can build an object and still be able to see through it. And these blocks are great for use both indoors and outdoors.
The assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes allows your child a stimulating environment conducive to learning when engaging with these blocks, and they are designed with toddlers in mind.
Use this set as a fun way to introduce shapes and critical thinking skills as early as possible.
Pros
- Blocks include an assortment of many colors.
- The variety of shapes makes for all kinds of building creativity.
- Includes 24 pieces.
Cons
- The plastic inserts can become scratched or damaged.
- The wooden edges can be a little sharp or rough and may require some sanding.
Our Ratings
Why Are Blocks An Effective Toy?
Toddlers need a stimulating environment to keep them entertained. They need toys they can use in a variety of ways — and blocks provide so many 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 a big one. They come in a wide variety of different 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.
How to Choose the Best Blocks
Size
Blocks come in all sizes, from the tiniest Lego blocks to large box-sized cardboard blocks. Most toddlers still love to stick things in their mouths, so make sure you only purchase blocks that won’t 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, creating a potential choking hazard.
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. 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 pitcher, you may wish to avoid wooden blocks or other hard items that could hurt people or damage surfaces. If your toddler likes to bite and chew on anything in sight, it’s probably a good idea to avoid foam, cardboard, or magnetic blocks as these could break down and become choking hazards — or worse in the case of 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 or shape blocks that include a template for matching and creating images.
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.
FAQs
At What Age Should a Child Start Playing With Building Blocks?
Once they’ve outgrown the “everything-in-my-mouth” phase, usually around 6-12 months. But always ensure the blocks are age-appropriate in size.
What Age Are Sensory Blocks For?
Sensory blocks can be introduced as early as six months, but they’ll continue to be fascinating for toddlers and even preschoolers. They’re the gift that keeps on giving, like a never-ending game of peek-a-boo.
What Are Montessori Blocks?
Montessori blocks are based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. They’re designed to stimulate independent learning, coordination, and spatial awareness. Plus, they look classy on any playroom shelf!
Are Lego Blocks Good for Toddlers?
Duplo, the larger counterpart of Lego, is perfect for toddlers. They’re easier for little hands to manipulate, and they reduce the risk of becoming the dreaded foot landmine for adults walking by.
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 and PlanToys have some great eco-friendly options.
The Bottom Line
The best blocks we’ve found for toddlers are 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 also safe from choking hazards because the pieces are not small enough to enter the 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.
