Like dollhouses and bicycles, Magna-Tiles are one of those toys that will never become obsolete. The candy-colored magnetic shapes are beloved by kids in many age groups — we’ve seen them get heavy use from 3-year-olds and 9-year-olds alike — and are recommended by multiple experts as an open-ended building toy that encourages kids to get creative while developing gross and fine motor skills (for little kids) and spatial reasoning (for bigger kids and tweens).
Yesim Kunter, a play expert and futurist, says kids who are STEM curious appreciate how easy they are to use: “They’re simple with different colors, different transparencies, and different shapes, and kids learn how things come together to make something,” Kunter explains. The only real drawback is they tend to come with a high price tag, so if you’ve been waiting for a sale, now is your moment: Amazon is selling this Stardust set, which contains an array of glittery and mirrored tiles, for just $20 (a discount of more than 30 percent). The rainbow-hued set has a kaleidoscopic vibe and comes with 15 tiles, making it a nice addition to your existing stockpile or a sparkly way to establish your collection. If you want even more variety, the company sells a glow-in-the-dark set that’s available in an also-on-sale bundle with the Stardust set.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
