My oldest daughter could build and tinker forever. I mean, she loves to build with blocks.
But blocks get old.
And there is so much more that can be created than a basic tower with a few special and unique building toys, which is why this year we started expanding our toy library to really tap into her tactile nature.
This gift guide is a part of a larger project to bring you gift list ideas for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners of all ages, genders, and walks of life. Be sure to check out the Birthday and Christmas present ideas listed based on interest and topic in the link!
5 toys for children that love to build & tinker
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Funny bricks gear building set
We have a wonderful set and it’s like a puzzle connecting pieces and building a big gear system and tower all at the same time. My daughters squeal with glee when we turn the switch on to spin all the gears and it’s a greater sense of accomplishment when they finish a build.
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Wikki Stix
Whether you just get a small pack for a stocking stuffer or you get a giant box, Wikki Stix are such a fun and unique ways for tactile learners to build and create. In fact, use them to teach your kids to make specific shapes, form numbers, and learn their alphabet in upper and lower case.
More gifts for kids who are just starting to learn their ABC’s.
Magnatiles & Magformers
While they have become much more popular in the past few years, this is still a unique building toy. They can also be used in various ways including in the bathtub (especially if your tub is magnetic like ours), to build horizontally out from the fridge, and more.
Find great kids’ books with you son or daughter’s name!
Wooden Water & Sound Blocks
We have had a set since my oldest was not quite two and they have been fun to play with in windows and even explore on a light table.
It’s a way to go one step beyond basic building blocks and use them to teach and learn about color mixing, sounds, and more.
Get more ideas from The Natural Homeschool’s preschool light table activities list.
Goldiblox STEM building sets
Jenn has five different sets and are great especially for girls interested in STEAM. Each one has it’s own story and instructions, but with so many different pieces to the different sets, there is so much that can be built and created! We’re a big fan of these unique building toys and it’s actually also a great toy for daddy-daughter time.
Giant bag of assorted LEGO and building blocks paired with Awesome LEGO Creations Book.
You can pretty inexpensively get 1000 building blocks that also fit well with LEGO bricks for under $40. It’s a great assortment for kids and they can use them over and over. In fact, this type of building is so critical for young kids and can be even more valuable than algebra.
So once they get past the basic builds, introduce them to this literally awesome book on how to create and build with LEGO blocks you already own instead of spending tons of money on sets.
More tips for gift giving & resourceful buying guides for kids
- How to Save money on kids’ toys and gifts
- Practical gifts for newborns
- Most used toy list for kids birth to 18 months
- Learning gifts for 2 and 3-year-olds
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 5 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
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