Buying guide for Best Magformer sets
Magnets appeal to children of all ages in a way few other toys do. Their natural attracting and repelling properties create endless fun for kids and adults alike. These magnetic forces make them especially useful in building toys … and the magnetic building sets made by Magformer are some of the best.
Magformers are geometrically shaped building toys made with cylindrical neodymium magnets. These rare earth magnets are specially shaped so they always attract, making them ideal for building. This feature, combined with the Magformers’ open shape, makes them exceptionally easy to manipulate — a perk for younger children in particular.
But Magformers aren’t just for preschoolers. Older kids can use them to reinforce STEM lessons and apply concepts of engineering, physics, and geometry in a memorable, hands-on way. Even adults can get caught up in the fun of Magformers.
With dozens of options available, it can be hard to know which Magformer set would get the most use in your home. Keep reading to learn more and check out our recommendations for the best Magformer sets on the market.
Age
Though kids of all ages love to play with Magformers, not all sets are ideal for every age.
Preschoolers
Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy basic sets, which usually feature 14 to 30 square and triangular pieces. The simple shapes make it easy for younger children to build successfully, while the limited number of pieces prevents them from getting overwhelmed. Basic sets include a variety of colors to stimulate your child’s eyes and creativity.
Elementary-aged children
In the 6- to 10-year-old age range, children can let their imaginations run wild with building sets of 50 to 100 pieces. More complex shapes like hexagons and pentagons join the basic square and triangular pieces in these kits, allowing more sophisticated creations. Some sets include wheels or other moving play elements.
Older kids
Children ages 11 and up, as well as older elementary students, can take their play to a whole new level with sets that include light-up LEDs, motors, gears, and wheels. These sets can be used to make rolling vehicles, walking dinosaurs, and other innovations that reinforce STEM concepts. These sets often have fewer tiles but are compatible with most other Magformer tile sets.
Features
Themes
Most Magformer sets are designed for free play, but some let your child build trucks, dinosaurs, Ferris wheels, rockets, and more. Other themed sets include construction vehicles with action figures, castles with princess figures, and even rustic log cabins. If you have a child who’s particularly goal-oriented, they may appreciate a project with a specific goal.
Colors
One reason kids find Magformers irresistible is their vibrant colors. Some packs come in primary colors; others feature pastel palettes. Sets can be used to reinforce early childhood concepts like color, and some children take their favorite hues very seriously. A set that prominently features a favorite color may catch a reluctant child’s eye and draw them into play.
Shapes
The most basic Magformers sets include only squares and triangles, which sets younger children up for success in building simple creations. Larger sets include a variety of triangle styles as well as pentagons and hexagons that allow kids to create more complex connections. Some specialized kits have unusual shapes not included in standard sets. All Magformers sets and shapes should fit together, but they may not work with magnetic tile toys from other brands.
High-tech components
One reason Magformers are beloved is their ability to grow with your child. More advanced Magformers sets include moving gears, wheels, walking robots, and illuminated LED components. These kits are a great way to keep older kids engaged and learning. It also promotes family bonding by promoting play with younger family members.
Accessories
Toy carpet: Magformers lend themselves to floor play, but sitting on hard surfaces can be uncomfortable. A toy carpet is the perfect backdrop for STEM play and learning. Colorful patterns set the mood for free play while protecting your tiles, floors, and joints from damage.
"Rare earth magnets like neodymium were created in the 1970s and 1980s. They’re often used for industrial purposes, thanks to their strength. "
STAFF
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Magformer prices
Magformers are an investment, so you’ll want to make sure you find a set your family will love.
Inexpensive
You can find small, budget-friendly Magformers sets for under $20. Sets in this price range only contain about 14 pieces and are designed for young children.
Mid-range
Magformers sets with 30 or more pieces usually cost $25 to $35, depending upon the tile colors. Most sets in this price range include only squares and triangles. They’re best for families with one child or for those who are giving Magformers a trial run before making a bigger investment.
Expensive
Magformers sets that include technology components typically run $40 to $60, while deluxe sets with 100 pieces or more are likely to cost $90 to $120. High-tech sets should include gears, lights, or other moving pieces to make them worth the money. Deluxe sets should include a wide variety of shapes and colors, unique pieces not available in lower-end products, and possibly even some tech elements.
Tips
- If you buy a set with moving pieces, make sure you have the batteries needed to power your creations.
- A basic Magformer set easily fits in a diaper bag or purse for quiet fun on the go.
- Cracked tiles should be removed from play immediately, since rare earth magnets can be dangerous to humans or pets if swallowed. If you wish, contact Magformers, LLC about their warranty policy before disposing of any damaged pieces.
FAQ
Q. Are Magformers sturdy enough for young children?
A. Magformers are made from durable ABS plastic, which is tough enough to be used for power tool casings, auto body parts, and packing crates. These BPA-free shapes are ultrasonically welded together to house the super-strong neodymium magnets. They’re created with young kids in mind, so they’ll stand up to use and abuse … but they’re not indestructible. Swallowing magnets can cause intestinal damage requiring emergency surgery, so Magformers aren’t recommended for toddlers, who may still explore toys with their mouths. Magformers are recommended for kids ages three and up, and it’s wise to supervise play.
Q. How are Magformers different from Magna-Tiles?
A. The biggest difference is shape: Magformers feature open geometric shapes while MagnaTiles are flat, solid tiles. Magformers are a natural choice for making dimensional creations, while Magna-Tiles work best for floor-based structures.
Most Magformers are slightly smaller than Magna-Tiles; this gives them an edge for younger children. All Magformers use rare earth magnets, while Magna-Tiles use both neodymium and ceramic magnets.
Be aware that both brands are pricey, and they do not connect well to one another. So, once you make a selection, you may want to stick with one or the other.
Q. How do you clean Magformers?
A. Magformers shouldn’t be immersed in water because they have seams where water could seep in and grow mold. The manufacturer recommends wiping them with a dry towel. If your set needs heavy-duty cleaning, or if a child has been sick recently, consider cleaning them with disinfecting wipes.
Q. How many pieces do I need for multiple children?
A. Most customers say that, even in the younger years, you’ll want at least 30 tiles per child. As kids hit grade school, you may want to increase that number to a minimum of 45 tiles per kid. This should help prevent squabbles and ensure everyone has what they need to complete their creation.
