1. My pick
   

   PicassoTiles 100 Piece Magnetic Tiles

   interchangeable with magnatiles, cheaper, and just as sturdy. we might have more picasso than magnatiles at this point. I grab these on drop ~$30.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

2. If they're not ready for Duplo yet

   

   Mega Bloks First Builders

   for before they're ready for duplo. towers galore! I still have our set in the basement - just not ready to part with it yet!

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

3. If they are 2 or 3

   

   Lego Duplo Brick Box

   duplo needs no introduction. this is another staple of my gift stash, especially for 2-3. the storage container is key.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

4. If they already have the Duplo box

   

   Lego Duplo Number Train

   $19.98 on sale

   price as of Oct 15, 2:23pm ET

   one of the only extensions I would buy to a classic duplo box: being able to build trains is a huge level up.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

5. If they just graduated from Duplo

   

   Lego Classic Creative Food Friends

   $6.29 was $9.99 on sale

   price as of Oct 12, 6:34am ET

   This is a stocking stuffer / on-the-go bag item. Super simple builds for the kids just graduating from Duplo.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

6. If you want the bigger box of bricks

   

   Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box

   $21.42 was $34.99 on sale

   price as of Oct 12, 6:42am ET

   another classic for a reason. I'll only buy this under $20, which happens pretty regularly.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

7. If you want a wooden set that goes beyond blocks

   

   Lovevery - The Block Set

   I prefer this over the classic wooden sets because it goes a bit beyond the blocks to include people, magnets, connectors. target under $80.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

8. If you want tiles that travel

   

   Magna-Tiles microMAGS Travel Set

   an absolute MUST in the entertainment bag if you have a magnatile kid. I target under $15

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

9. If you want a themed Magna-Tiles set

   

   Magna-Tiles Space 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

   another staple of our living room floor. this was his one constant santa request last year, and it still gets almost daily use. Target in the $35 range.

   Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

10. To bring the builds to life

    

    Green Toys Character Set

    If you already have some green toys that came with characters, I wouldn't buy these on their own. They're the go-to characters to live in magnatile and duplo builds because they fit the best size-wise.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

11. If they love space

    

    iPlay, iLearn Rocket

    highlyyyy recommend this for your builders & space lovers. target around $35.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

12. If they're new to Plus-Plus

    

    Plus Plus Puzzle By Number Activity Pad

    plus plus tubes are fun, but 3D linking in this shape can be a bit tough to start, so I like the puzzle by numbers as an entry point - building flat helps them understand how the pieces link together. another great on-the-go bag option. they don't go on sale often.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

13. If they are 4 or up

    

    Plus Plus Rainbow Mix Tube

    these plus plus tubes are awesome and a great stocking stuff. I'd recommend for 4+. A bit loose for an on-the-go toy, but if you accept that some will get lost, it's super portable and a great table toy.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

14. If they want something soft to build with

    

    Jelly Blox Creative Kit

    These are a favorite for the on-the-go entertainment bag. They are very tactile, they don’t make noise when they fall in restaurants, and they can be washed.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

15. If they like to build on windows

    

    Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set

    I prefer these as a window toy vs a bath toy. I'm still shocked at how much play they get for being so simple. also good for travel.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

16. If you want one Lego set they can rebuild three ways

    

    Lego Creator 3 in 1 Space Shuttle

    $7.99 was $9.99 on sale

    price as of Oct 12, 6:39am ET

    we're big on space things over here, so this was a big hit last christmas. Somewhat assisted build for a 3.5yo. I'd target closer to $6 and under.

    Buy it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Prices and availability are as of the time shown and change.