Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best magnetic toys fascinate children and can keep them entertained for hours. These toys are often designed to be both educational and entertaining. They come in all shapes and sizes and are perfect toys for improving children’s creativity and fine motor skills as they use them to construct several objects.
You could also use these toys to teach children about shapes, numbers, colors, etc. Our list of the coolest magnetic toys will help you surprise your toddler and make their days more interesting. So, keep scrolling to explore the best-selling and time-tested options and pick the perfect one.
Top Picks
20 Best Magnetic Toys For Kids To Keep Them Engaged In 2024
1. Best Overall:Magformers Intelligent Magnetic Construction Set
A simple yet sophisticated magnetic toy from Magformers, this is a 30-piece intelligent construction set. It includes 18 square-shaped blocks and 12 triangle-shaped tiles in assorted rainbow colors. Suitable for ages three and up, the set is BPA-free. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out a tester’s experience in this review on YouTube.
Pros
- The blocks are made with high-quality ABS plastic.
- Easy to combine with other magnetic tiles
- Neodymium rare-earth magnets are used to provide maximum connectivity.
- Compatible with all other Magformers’ magnetic block sets and accessories.
- Easy to connect and store magnetic tiles by simply stacking them.
- Combine, roll-up and pull-up techniques can be used to build an array of peculiar structures.
Cons
- Limited shapes.
- Fewer tiles.
- Possible to create just a few structures.
"I find these tiles pretty robust and versatile for building 3D structures. The magnetic strength enhances the play experience. Though they're not compatible with other tiles, their ability to foster STEM learning through play is worth considering."
2.Best Educational:Playmags 3D Magnetic Tiles Set
Suitable for preschool games and group activities, the Playmags Super Set is one of the best tools to improve your child’s creativity. The 100-piece magnetic playset includes magnetic blocks of eight different shapes, including two windows, five windows clickins, and 13 clickin letters. From small cars to big castles, your kid can build anything with these sturdy magnetic blocks. If you need further convincing, check out this review cum testing video.
Pros
- Powerful magnets to construct sturdy structures.
- Vibrant colors of the tiles appeal to both boys and girls.
- The letters easily fit into the windows to provide learning opportunities.
- Helps develop engineering, basic geometry, and architecture skills.
- Handling and arranging small things help in learning precision and developing fine motor skills.
- Comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons
- The edges of the tiles might be a little sharp.
- The magnets might snap suddenly, grabbing the skin or fingers.
- The magnets might fall from the tiles.
- A little expensive.
"These magnetic tiles have been a great addition to my kid's toy collection. The magnets are strong, and the pieces can be mixed with other sets, so they can expand the models as much as they like. I found them pretty durable and of good quality. I'd say go for it."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 8,893 positive reviews on Amazon.
3.Best Odor-Free:Cossy Magnetic Building Tiles Set
Enhance your child’s creativity with this magnetic building set that can be used to make a variety of structures, including houses, vehicles, animals, and amusement parks. The set includes 44 small squares, four large squares, 24 small triangles, ten tall triangles, 16 medium triangles, four windows, two car bases, and two arches.
Pros
- The magnetic building tiles are easy to construct, remove, and store.
- Made with superior quality ABS plastic, which is non-toxic and odor-free.
- The edges of the tiles are smoothened out to prevent injuries.
- Helps in learning various geometrical shapes, colors, and magnetic polarities, and develops interest in architectural designs.
- Also helps in building children’s imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and motor skills.
Cons
- The tiles are a little weak on the magnetic side.
- A little expensive.
Point to consider4.Best For Pretend-Play:Playmags Magnetic Figures
The Playmags magnetic figures set is a fun and interactive toy for children, including 15 magnetic caricatures representing different community members, such as a doctor, firefighter, and police officer, to elevate their pretend-play sessions. The pieces are made of durable plastic and adhere to safety standards, making them child-friendly. Moreover, the set is a STEM-based developmental toy, making it ideal for young and growing toddlers.
Pros
- The figurines are compatible with other magnetic building toys
- The little magnet people have movable hands, legs, and heads to capture and retain the child’s interest.
- The safety-tested set is suitable for independent as well as group play.
- It helps stimulate the child’s creativity and imagination.
Cons
- The strength of the magnet may not meet expectations.
- The hands and legs may detach easily, hence may require adult supervision.
"Seeing my little one creating her imaginary world using these characters is entertaining. Their poseable limbs are a definite plus, and they complement most magnetic block sets. It has been a wonderful addition to her playtime."
5.Best For Letter Learning:LeapFrog Tad’s Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
Let your kid learn the letters and their associated words in a fun way with the phonics magnetic set. The set includes an apple-shaped magnetic board, which contains a letter slot and a three-level adjuster, 26 magnetic alphabet letters, and three photo frames. Push the letter into the slot to listen to their pronunciations, words, and phonics. Check out a tester’s experience in this YouTube review video to know more about this toy.
Pros
- Can be used as fridge magnets for convenient play.
- Customizable photo frames to insert your family pictures.
- Three different levels to accommodate kids of different age groups.
- Suitable for ages two to four years.
Cons
- Replacement letters are not available from the same brand.
- Magnets might be a little weak.
"Ever since he started playing with this letter-learning toy, I've seen a significant improvement in my toddler's phonics and letter recognition skills. It's indeed an engaging and interactive learning tool. We've also added some family photos in the frames to make it extra special for him."
6. Best For Creativity:Lewo Magnetic Easel
The expert-approved wooden magnetic board from Lewo is a double-sided artboard with both white and black writing surfaces. The whiteboard is magnetic and is used to solve puzzles and write with the eraser pen. The black chalkboard is non-magnetic and is used to write or draw with chalk. Animal-themed wooden pieces with magnetic backing are also included.
Pros
- The board can be removed from the box or can be made to stand in the box.
- Kids can imitate their teachers or can pretend to be one.
- The blackboard can be erased and reused.
- The magnetic animal toys have impressive detailing.
- Contains 100 pieces of magnetic shapes that help create beautiful patterns on the magnetic drawing board.
- Helps improve creativity, imagination, and hand-eye coordination.
Cons
- The size of the board might be small.
- The magnetic pieces might be tiny, giving a hard time for kids to make shapes.
"This magnetic toy has been lovely for my daughter's quiet playtime. It encourages her creativity as she sticks the magnets on the board to create new artwork. I suggest keeping an eye on the tiny magnets to avoid losing them. Overall, it is a great product!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 2,290 fine reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Easy-To-Grasp:Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Pattern Blocks Kit
The set from a trusted brand comprises a wooden magnetic board, 120 magnetic pieces, and six dual-sided pattern cards. Ask your kid to place a pattern card on the magnetic board and fill in the slots with the magnetic pieces that are in different geometric shapes and colors. The magnetic shape sorters help the little one learn shapes, match things, and, more importantly, spend time in a creative way.
Pros
- Contains easy-to-grasp magnetic pieces.
- Comes with an easy to carry acrylic bag for storage and traveling purpose.
- Can also be used to create mosaic pictures and patterns.
- Made with good-quality material.
Cons
- The stickers on the geometric pieces might peel-off.
- Magnets might be a little weak.
- Contains small pieces, hence not recommended for play around younger kids.
"Playing with these colorful magnets has helped my children create different designs independently without any frustration. It's pretty fun and engaging. Plus, the self-contained case comes in handy to keep the pieces organized post-play."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,765 good reviews on Amazon.
Remember8. Best For Concentration:Top Bright Woodpecker Feeding Game Toy
Let your kid pretend to be a mommy bird with this interesting magnetic feeding toy. The game features a tree trunk with colorful caterpillars hidden in it and a hungry baby bird on the top. Using the mommy bird head, the insects need to be picked and fed to the baby bird. Doesn’t it sound interesting?
Pros
- Both the bird’s head and insect heads feature magnets to enable easy picking.
- Eight insects are provided in four different color shades.
- All the accessories in the kit are made with non-toxic, eco-friendly material.
- Rounded edges and smooth painted finish to provide safety to kids.
- Helps improve counting skills and color recognition while developing concentration.
- They can also improve fine motor skills, patience, and problem-solving skills.
Cons
- The worms might get stuck in the tree trunk.
- Magnets are not so effective.
9.Best For Imagination:PicassoTiles 60-Piece Magnet Building Tiles
The PicassoTiles building set is an educational and entertaining toy for kids. It includes 60 colorful tiles that can be used to create various 3D structures and patterns, encouraging children to use and elevate their imagination. The magnetic building panels easily attach to each other, ensuring hassle-free and frustration-free playtime. Moreover, the transparent design of the tiles makes the set even more attractive for children.
Pros
- It introduces the child to shapes and the basics of geometry.
- The set can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- It can promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- The tiles are suitable for independent and group play.
- The tiles feature rounded corners to ensure the child’s safety.
Cons
- The tiles may not be crack-resistant.
- The set may not come with a carrying case or storage container.
"My kids love playing with these magnetic tiles, so I can vouch for their quality and entertainment value. The magnets are strong and hold up well, even with rough play. Just keep an eye out for the occasional finger pinch, but otherwise, the compatibility with other sets and the vibrant colors have made this a good buy."
Did you know?10.Best STEAM-Based:Magna-Tiles Classic 32-Piece Set
If you want your child to enjoy an open-ended play that develops their spatial reasoning, logical thinking, and architectural and geometrical knowledge, the Magna-Tiles building set can serve the purpose perfectly. These magnetic tiles can be used to create different structures and endless designs, making them a great tool for developing creativity and imagination as well. The tiles are easy to use and durable, making them suitable for children of all ages.
Pros
- It is compatible with other Magna-Tiles sets.
- The set helps encourage teamwork when used for group play.
- The tiles enhance the child’s concept of symmetry and shape recognition.
- The set is made with food-grade plastic that is free of phthalates, latex, and BPAs.
- It allows you to create 2D as well as 3D structures.
Cons
- The strength of the magnets might be a tad bit weak.
- Adult supervision may be required for younger children.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 10,326 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
11.Best Fun:Speks Geode Magnetic Fidget Sphere
The Speks geode magnetic fidget sphere is a suitable toy for children and grownups to play with while working or studying. This set has 12 magnetic pentagon pieces that can be snapped together to form a sphere. Each part of the set has five rare earth magnets that offer oddly satisfying self-alignment of the pieces into various forms. Moreover, the aqua finish gives this fidget toy a calming look, making it suitable for any desk or toy shelf.
Pros
- Helps develop creativity
- It is easy to use
- It has a palm-friendly design
- The pieces are reversible
Cons
- Pentagon pieces might be too small for some
- Magnets may lose their strength with time
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,018 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
12.Best For Creativity:Tegu 8 Piece Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set
Tegu’s magnetic wooden block eight-piece set comes in a compact pouch for easy storage. It is a suitable starter magnetic set to boost your little one’s creativity and imagination. The pack contains four solid cubical pieces and four relatively flat rectangular tiles. Each piece in the set has vibrant sunset-inspired colors that will add a cheerful touch to your toddler’s room and are perfectly sized to fit into smaller hands.
Pros
- Helps enhance fine motor skills
- The pieces are made of natural wood
- The set is durable and long-lasting
- The materials are non-toxic
- It promotes unscripted play
- The set does not pose a choking hazard
Cons
- Pieces might be smaller than expected
- May not be waterproof
"These compact magnetic blocks have been amazing for keeping my kid entertained without screens, especially when we're traveling. They boost her creativity, are easy to store, and are great for on-the-go fun. The magnets hold up well, but the little ones might need time to get the alignment right. I'm very satisfied with my purchase."
13.Best Dual-Sided:Lewo Magnetic Fishing Game
The 36-piece game set features a wooden board, 26 magnet-eyed fishes, two fishing rods, and a magnetic doll. One side of the board has a flat surface on which you can arrange the fishes with different letters and let your kid catch them with the fishing rod. Another side has one big opening, and the other has small holes. Drop the fish through the large opening and ask your kid to catch it using the magnetic doll.
Pros
- All the pieces in the game are made with solid wood.
- The game helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Easy to store and carry.
- Can be used to teach letters and words.
Cons
- Fishes are small in size.
- Not recommended for households with younger children.
14.Best Sturdy:Pythagoras Magnets Magnetic Banker Edition
The magnetic banker edition would be a great addition to any of your magnetic building blocks set. The colorful magnetic block set has four dolls of different professions, including an engineer, doctor, mechanic, and banker. Every doll has magnetic feet to arrange them easily on any magnetic building blocks structure.
Pros
- Made with non-toxic, high-quality material that meets ASTM standards of quality.
- Hard and durable plastic is used for long life.
- Compatible with all popular magnetic block sets.
- The toys promote imagination, sharing, and STEM learning.
- Ultra-strong reinforced magnets are used so that they can stick to all sorts of magnetic toy sets.
- It can be stuck on refrigerators and chalkboards.
Cons
- It cannot be used as a standalone toy.
"These vibrant figures are a new addition to my son's toy collection. They fit nicely in his little hands, encouraging interactive and creative play. I'm also quite impressed with the quality and detailing of the pieces."
15.Best Imaginative:Magformers Magnets In Motion Set
Let your creations move and spin with the Magformers Magnets in Motion Gear Set. This 61-piece magnetic building gear contains seven geometric-shaped magnetic blocks and 23 gear/gadget accessories. It also includes large rectangles, sectors, and arches to widen your kid’s imagination.
Pros
- Helps add movement to any building block.
- Includes Neodymium rare-earth magnets for great connectivity between the blocks.
- Made with high-quality ABS plastic to meet ASTM quality standards.
- Compatible with all Magformer magnetic blocks.
Cons
- Does not come with an instruction manual.
- Not a kit to begin with.
16.Best For Easy Holding:BMAG Magnetic Balls And Rods Set
The BMAG Magnet Building Stick Set features magnetic building balls and bars which are easy to hold and manage. It also includes metal balls, short and long magnetic building rods.
Recommended for kids above three years of age, the magnetic toy keeps them engaged while helping them improve their STEM skills.
Pros
- The bars are made with high-quality ABS plastic and feature natural permanent magnets.
- The magnetic bars are available in six warm and cool colors.
- Warm colors represent the north poles and the cool colors for south poles.
- Kids can learn about colors and magnetic polarities easily.
- Can be used to create 2D, 3D structures, letters in the English alphabet, numbers, etc.
- This CPC-tested set is available in two variants – 38 pieces and 46 pieces.
Cons
- More pieces are required for large structures.
"The chunky, colorful pieces are easy to grip and compatible with other magnetic objects, enhancing the play possibilities. My son enjoys making different designs and letters with these, so I am happy he's learning new things while having fun."
17.Best For Anxiety-Reducing:Scratchiez Magnetic Rings Fidget
Encourage your kid to improve their concentration and release stress with Scratchiez Magnetic Rings Fidget. These fidget rings glow in the dark and are made of magnets and ABS plastic material. The fidget toys are ideal for kids and adults as well. They come with a sleek design, and the set contains two orange, two blue, and two green rings. These rings are easy to operate, increase concentration, release stress and anxiety.
Pros
- They are lightweight.
- The rings provide smooth and consistent rotation.
- It helps to stimulate your mind.
- The fidget comes with a plastic box for convenient storage.
Cons
- It might not glow in a well-lit room.
18.Best Architectural:Pickwoo Magnetic Construction Car Set
Help your kid develop social skills, teamwork, and architectural skills with the Pickwoo DIY Magnetic Car Set. Designed to strengthen STEM skills, the magnetic toy is intended to build up your kid’s social abilities from an early age.
Pros
- The magnetic toy car can be assembled by magnetic splicing.
- Safe and convenient operation with magnetic adsorption that prevents injuries.
- The simulation design makes it more realistic.
- Helps boost confidence.
- A bonus accessory is provided to attach two cars, making them multi-functional.
- Made with high-quality, eco-friendly ABS material.
- Available in two variants – P311 excavator + tipper and P312 ladder + lifter.
Cons
- Only trucks can be made with the set.
19.Best For Interactive:Flanney Magnetic Doodle Pad
The doodle pad features a large drawing surface, which could display four different colors, four stampers, and one magnetic pen. Your kids can draw and write on the pad and erase it easily by just sliding the heart-shaped button at the bottom.
Pros
- Easy to use and carry.
- Can be placed in the lap or on a table.
- Made with good quality ABS plastic to meet child safety standards.
- No more messy walls and furniture.
- Helps in cultivating a drawing hobby in children.
- A 60-day money-back guarantee offered by the company.
Cons
- The erasing feature might not be that smooth.
"My little one enjoys doodling and drawing on this board, whether at home or on the go. The pen seems comfortable to hold, and the added stamps are fun for creative play. The board's size and quality are also worth mentioning. Overall, it's a worthwhile option."
20.Best For Multi-Player:Best Choice Products Kids Magnetic Tile Car Track
Let your toddler build a racetrack on his own with this magnetic tile car track game set. With a total of 212 pieces, the kit includes colorful racing track magnetic pieces, street signs, pathways, light-up cars, and others. The set makes a perfect car track and allows racing with other players.
Pros
- Made with non-toxic plastic.
- Helps develop problem-solving skills, motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative skills.
- More pieces can be added to build large structures.
Cons
- Some magnets might be weak.
- Some of the pieces might be fragile.
"This magnetic track set has charmed my kids. Its vibrant colors and designs spark their imagination and keep them engrossed for hours. Once assembly is done, they get excited seeing the light-up cars move quickly on the designed roadways. It has been a delightful purchase!"
Benefits of Magnetic Toys
Magnetic construction toys and other interesting game sets are a fun way to introduce your kids to a new learning opportunity. Listed below are a few benefits of including them in their playtime.
- Helps kids understand magnetic polarities and principles.
- Constructing 2D and 3D structures improves their visualization.
- Helps in learning shapes, colors, objects, etc., in a fun way.
- Improves their motor skills.
- Helps in improving concentration.
- Sorting and stacking objects can help develop organization skills.
- The most popular and sought-after STEM skills can be learned with the help of the magnetic toys.
- Keeps them busy in an educational way.
Safety Tips To Follow While Playing With Magnetic Toys
Most of the magnetic toys have multiple pieces in different shapes and sizes. Hence, it’s imperative to keep an eye on, as well as follow some precautions, while your kid is playing with a magnetic game set.
- Make sure your kid falls in the recommended age group of the toy. To be on a safer side, buy the magnetic toys only when your children are fully aware of how to use them.
- If you have smaller babies at home, don’t bring the sets that contain tiny pieces to home, even when you’re buying them for your older children.
- Strictly tell your kids not to chew or swallow any of the pieces and explain to them the associated dangers.
- Don’t buy the games that contain tiny magnet balls and cubes.
- Look out for sharp edges and harsh surfaces and try to discard them.
- If any of the pieces accidentally break, ask your kid to inform you immediately. Clean the area using a vacuum cleaner so that even the minute pieces are picked up.
How To Choose The Right Magnetic Toy For Your Kid?
While most of us go by the reviews and ratings of magnetic toys and games, it’s also important to look for some other factors when buying them for children.
- Age of your child/children: Even though the recommended age of most magnetic toys is three years and above, it’s important for the parents to decide whether a particular toy is suitable for their children. Since not all children are similar, you need to choose the toy based on your kid’s understanding capability.
- Material used: The toy and every piece in it must be made of high-quality material that meets children’s safety standards and be durable enough to withstand the test of time and rough play. Look for the details on the product to find what it’s made of.
- Safety standards: Sharp edges, loose or firm magnets, harsh surfaces, weak magnets, etc., are some of the things that could cause potential injury while playing. Hence, make sure the toys are safe and secure.
- Preference: By this age, your child might have preferences or inclinations towards particular toys. Hence, choosing a toy set that matches their taste is what makes them more excited.
- Level of difficulty: Even after choosing an age-appropriate game, depending on your kid’s problem-solving ability, the level of difficulty of the game varies. Buying an exotic game set, which your kid finds difficult to play with, is a mere waste of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What toys contain magnets?
Magnets are present in the games that include building structures, picture puzzles, learning games, and so forth. By looking at the product description, you would know whether or not the toy contains magnets.
2. Do magnets damage the brain?
The magnets used in the kid’s toys are not too strong to have any adverse effect. They are not likely to have any effect on the brain as well. In any case, check the quality and the reputation of the manufacturer to make sure the toys are safe for your child.
3. Are magnets bad for the heart?
While some magnets might interfere with heart implanted devices such as pacemakers, they do not usually cause any harm.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose encourages her readers to buy the finest toys and gifts for children by providing them with detailed information about the products. In this article, Priti has compiled a list of the best magnetic toys that will help children develop their creativity and motor skills. She has researched several online reviews to provide accurate information about all the products. Also, she suggests some safety tips related to magnetic toys and a buying guide to help you make the right purchase.
Magnets are a source of fascination for everyone, from children to adults. Not only are they engaging and entertaining but also help kids grasp physics concepts, enhance social and motor skills, and keep them occupied in a meaningful way. So you may bring home the best magnetic toys for your little ones and help them have a fun time playing with them. Before choosing your favorite toy from the options above, consider your child’s age group, the safety features of the toy, and its level of difficulty, so they can have a great playtime.
Infographics: What Are The Different Variants Of Magnetic Toys?
Magnetic toys are not only fun and exciting but educational too. They arouse the child’s curiosity and imagination. Check out the following infographic to learn more about the different varieties of magnetic toys available to help you pick the most suitable type for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Recommended Articles
- Best Magnetic Blocks
- Best Writing Boards For Kids
- Best Educational Toys For 8-Year-Olds
- Best STEM Toys For 4-Year-Olds
