magnetizing - Magna Tiles set

 These are by far one of the best, most versatile (age and creativity) toy I have EVER purchased.  In the day and age of purging plastic, I will NEVER get rid of these.  Our original set of Magna Tiles was purchased as a gift for my then 3, and 1 1/2 year old kids from their "new" (now 6) baby sister.  We have since added another set to enable bigger structures and more kids playing at a time.

Magna-Tiles have internal magnets that connect the shapes together.  They can stack, make 3-d shapes and so much more.  Similar to the previously blogged Kapla blocks, my kids have built buildings, aircraft carriers, ships, animal houses and more.  They are so durable that we have not broken a single piece in the 6 years we've owned and played with them (including crumbling towers).

When you set out to purchase your Magna-Tiles, you should just jump right into the 100 piece set.  It is much more cost effective and easier to build with and share than the 30 and 45 piece sets.    Our original set was purchased online from  Kaplan Toys (http://www.kaplanco.com/store/trans/productDetailForm.asp?CatID=3%7CMB1075%7C0&PID=47927) where we paid $110 and are still listed as such.  Our second set was from Edufuntoys (http://www.edufuntoys.com/2300.html) for $99.  I believe they are  now $120.

These are great for preschool age on up.  I now have a 9+ year old who still plays with them down to a 4 year old.  They were great to have around when we had a baby because they aren't too small, are easy to handle and clean and also easy to clean up.  The pictures shown are by the kids of their structures.  We don't let them keep their creations up forever, so they take pictures and then destroy them.  It's not just a normal clean-up, it's like Godzilla coming to town!