Let me start by saying that magnetic tiles are the most popular toy that we use in our home.
If there’s one toy I’d recommend for children and teens, it would be this. There is no comparison!
They’re not discarded and have been in our play space every day since my first baby was 18 months old. Because they are so versatile as toys they are loved by all and played with by all three of my daughters daily in different manners (4yo, 2.5yo and 15mo as of the writing time of this article). From building play to imaginative play, homeschooling activities, as well as fine motor skills for children.
Our collection comprises 100 Magnatiles and 150-piece Playmags (that includes cars) and a set of Connetix Pastel 120 tiles.
The three brands are all compatible and are a good match in the construction of.
Comparison of brands (features)
In terms of size of the magnet while connetix and playmags tiles are similar magnatiles are definitely smaller.
When it comes to magnet quality and strength, Playmags and Connetix are definitely the strongest and the most robust of the three.
The main distinction among Playmags and Connetix is the aesthetics, and whether you like the transparent look or lined appearance.
One of the main concerns with Connetix tiles’ clarity is that, since there are no bracing around the edges or in the middle is it weaker possibly?
There isn’t a need it’s due to its unique, beveled shape, which increases their strength.
My Honest Opinion on Playmags and Connetix
I personally prefer indoors when it’s somewhat dark or in a shaded area I am in love with the look that the transparent Connetix because of the sheer amount of light it lets through.
When we’re looking at shadow and light outdoors or next to a window that has sunlight, I am awestruck by the shadows with lines that Playmags create . When coupled with Connetix they produce such fascinating compositions that lead to fascinating conversations and observations with my daughters.
Playmags includes Click-Ins and the alphabet of 26 letters (13 double-sided pieces) that you can click into. But my daughters don’t utilize them frequently as I believed they would when I first bought it, choosing to play with the triangles, squares, and gates.
It could be due to their age, but when they try spelling their name or words using these letters they are frustrated as there’s just one of each letter. Sometimes even that fails because there are two sides.
Although I like having them in my house as an opportunity to learn about literacy in a real way in the instances that it occurs however, in the same way I’m also wondering whether I’d prefer more toys that my children actually use.
After you’ve got an idea of the commonalities and differences between the various brands available I’d like to take the time to address some of the concerns I’ve had in relation to magnetic tiles. This will assist you in making an informed purchase decision .
What is the minimum age before my baby is allowed to be able to play?
My 15-year-old is capable of building structures with pieces. However, since around 8 months, she’s been playing their magnetic qualities. They’ve been pulling two pieces apart, then connecting them again, repeating the process.
Magnetic tiles are the most popular building material in our home at the moment with a pre-schooler and two toddlers due to how simple it is to build and construct with.
It comes together and falls apart quickly unlike Lego or duplo which requires greater precision and fine motor abilities.
They are more likely to stay solid opposed to wooden blocks for instance, where even the tiniest move or block that’s improperly placed could cause a whole structure to collapse.
It’s also not only a toy for construction. My daughters make use of it to play with lighting, shadow, and colour…
Encouragement of more participation (we only have around sixty) Do we need to encourage more?
According to me, I think that in order to maximize the value of the pieces, if you have enough money for it, to set at least 100 pieces (even even if you only have one child). More pieces equals greater flexibility, more possibilities for creativity.
I don’t offer these toys for sale, therefore it isn’t beneficial to me in any way to ask for more. this is just my opinion.
Is it safe for two years old? Do the magnets fall off quickly?
My first baby was exposed to magnets at the age of 18 months. my 3rd and 2nd born had access to these as they were crawling at 6 months old and we’ve not had any incidents of magnets breaking off.
However, I can only refer to specific brands like Magnetic tiles Playmags as well as Connetix because these are the brands we have.
Can a child of 2 years old be able build using it on its own?
Yes, definitely. However, with any open-ended toy available it takes time to acquire the necessary skills and familiarity with the toys and to be able to envision the endless possibilities and possibilities. It’s not difficult to create simple structures , but after some practice and time, they can create elaborate structures. Like I always say that play, especially open-ended play , is an acquired skill.
What is the age you would recommend for them? 2yo girl?
If you have only one child at present I’d say anything that is 18 months and up is great. It’s possible that they won’t be creating complex structures when they start however they are able to discover how magnetic qualities are reflected in tiles and can enjoy color sorting. That’s what my baby loved when I introduced the tiles to her around the age of 18 months.
My subsequent children, they were able to use these as early as they were able to crawl. They learned how they functioned at a early age, and my third-born at 15 months is able to put on and take out single pieces of existing structures, without destroying the whole structure.