Construction sets have been a staple of children’s play for generations. And the reason is clear: with them, a child not only plays but also learns to think, combine, create, and collaborate. Perhaps the best-known construction set is the Danish LEGO. Today there is a wide range of other sets—from wooden and magnetic to metal, and even modern track systems. Every child can find the one that fits, according to age and interests.
Construction sets aren’t just LEGO: what they truly offer kids
Construction sets are among the most comprehensive play tools. They develop fine motor skills, patience, spatial awareness, and logical reasoning. Children learn to collaborate or handle a problem on their own. They often engage their imagination and create a world that reflects their inner world and interests.
There are many types of construction sets today: construction, magnetic, wooden, electronic, marble runs... Each type develops something different and appeals to a different kind of child.
When choosing, it’s good to consider:
- the child’s age and skills
- the size and finish of the pieces
- the flexibility of building options
- interests (cars, races, nature, stories...)
- material quality and safety
There is no single universally "best" construction set. Some kids love precision and logic, others prefer open-ended creation. That’s why it’s so important to choose according to what your child is like right now.
For the youngest builders (1–3 years): large pieces, colors, basic shapes
At this age, the priorities are safety, simplicity, and plenty of visual stimulation. Ideal sets have large, easy-to-grip pieces, vibrant colors, and possibly themes with basic shapes or animals.
This includes classic plastic sets like LEGO DUPLO, as well as alternatives with larger pieces. Even at this age, children can begin to understand the basic principles of construction and combining shapes.
An interesting choice is also wooden blocks—ideally with a subtle decor or a natural finish that supports the sense of touch. For older children, simple magnetic construction sets can also be used, as they connect easily and don’t require great precision.
For preschoolers (3–6 years): creativity, stories, and building from imagination
Children at this age begin to create more complex stories and engage their imagination. Ideal are sets that let them build a "world"—a city, farm, house, race track, or heroes’ base.
Besides classic sets like SEVA, which support logical thinking and spatial orientation, magnetic systems are also popular; they easily join colorful shapes into both simple and more complex structures.
Wooden construction sets are also very popular; they teach children patience and fine motor skills. Kids can build bridges, houses, towers, and scenes from their imagination. They aren’t limited by an "instruction manual" dictating what should be made.
A fun shift from classic building is the category of marble runs—simple sets where children watch movement and can adjust the trajectory. In this way they learn causality and patience.
For school-age kids (6+): construction, logic, engineering, and big projects
Older children like to seek out a challenge. At this age they already build according to more complex plans, or they create complex projects of their own design.
They can continue with expanded versions of classic sets such as LEGO Creator, Technic or extended Seva kits. Sets like GraviTrax are also excellent, where a child can assemble their own functional track and fine-tune causes and effects.
Sets with technical elements are also suitable, such as electronic modules where LEDs light up, a sound plays, or a motor spins. These sets develop the basics of physics and the ability to follow instructions logically.
Retro staples that never age (and often come back into fashion)
Alongside modern construction sets are those we remember from childhood. For example, Merkur metal construction sets—both loved and hated—but they undoubtedly train patience and technical thinking like no other. They are ideal for more dexterous children who enjoy detail and precision.
We can also include SEVA in the "retro" category—an iconic Czech construction set that is still produced and continually expanded with new elements. Today it is appreciated not only by parents but also by children who want to try "proper" building.
Finally, wooden blocks and construction sets with letters or basic shapes are an ideal choice for parents who want play to be as natural and durable as possible. Wood never goes out of style, and children often build a bond with it that lasts.
There is no universally best construction set. But there is the best one for your child—based on what they enjoy, how they like to create, and how they interact with the world around them. Don’t be afraid to combine different types: wooden with magnetic, classic with electronic. Each of them moves a child forward in a different way.
Explore the current selection of construction sets in our e-shop and get inspired by what might catch the eye of your little builder.