Are you on the hunt for tinker toys for children? If so, we understand how difficult it can be since there are different options to choose from, which is why we’ve taken care of the hard part for you.
We’ve researched and reviewed what the best tinker toys have to offer so that you don’t have to. All you need to do is have a read through the choices below and select the one that you think your child would enjoy the most.
A buyers guide section is also available at the end that provides you with even more information to help you feel great about making a final decision.
Our List of the Top Toy Constructions Sets
STEM Master Building Toys
Summary
This 176 piece STEM tinker toy building set has more balls and wheels that most other sets allowing children to tackle more projects. This set comes with 8 wheels, 42 balls, 94 connectors and 24 flat pieces. This non-toxic building set is designed to promote creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills. This set comes with a building guide featuring 42 different projects ranging from to beginner to advanced. Kids can also create their own projects using just their imagination.
Positives
- There are a lot of pieces for more building fun
- The handy storage container makes it easy to keep all the pieces together
- The guide shows how to make various projects
Negatives
- The pieces in this set are cheaply made
What age is this recommended for?
This STEM Master building set is recommended for children ages 3 to 10 years old
What makes this stand out?
This building set is popular due to the number of different pieces that come in this set, especially the number of wheels and balls that this set has compared to most other sets.
K’nex Model 35 Building Set
Summary
This K’nex Model 35 building set comes with 480 pieces and the rods and connectors can be attached to one another in different ways making for a more creative building. Models can be built so that they have actual moving parts making the models your child builds more fun to play with. There is a guide so that children can build the recommended models or they can build their models. This building set helps children develop hand/eye coordination, spatial awareness and logical thinking skills. This building set comes in a handy storage set.
Positives
- Comes with almost 500 pieces for more intricate building projects
- This set can be added to other K’nex sets for more building fun
- This set is mostly made in the USA
Negatives
- The pieces in this set are very small
What age is this recommended for?
This building set is best suited for children age 7 years and up
What makes this stand out?
The K’nex Model 35 building set comes with 480 pieces and is designed so that children can make models with movable parts.
AveryLu 500 Piece Building Set
Summary
This building set contains 500 colorful pieces that children can use to build flowers, animals, vehicles, amusement park rides and much more. This non-toxic Tinker Toy like building set has various shaped pieces including circles, stars, triangles and straight pieces. This set aids children in developing their hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills, problem solving skills, and spatial awareness. In some cases supervision may be required for younger children.
Positives
- This building kit will stimulate a young child’s imagination
- This building set is good for group play helping children to develop verbal and social skills
- A great introduction to STEM toys for children
Negatives
- This building set is cheaply made and not the best quality
What age is this recommended for?
This AveryLu building set is recommended for kids ages 3 years and up
What makes this stand out?
This building set is ideal for younger children because it is easy to build with and has so many pieces allowing for a lot of creativity.
Playlearn 800 Piece Giant Straw Builder Construction Set
Summary
This Playlearn straw builder construction set is a giant 800 piece set that allows children to build bigger models. This building set provides hours of open ended play and includes 419 straws, 322 connector pegs and 64 clips. It all comes neatly packed in a handy storage box with a handl.
This building kit will help children develop their fine motor skills, gain spatial reasoning and experiment with problem solving.
Positives
- Allows children to make larger models than most building kits
- Enough pieces that two or more children can build together
- Fun for the entire family as adults enjoy these too
Negatives
- Some of the pieces break easily
What age is this recommended for?
This building set is recommended for children ages 3 years and up
What makes this stand out?
This Playlearn construction set is ideal for anyone who wants to build larger models.
K’Nex TinkerToy Classic Building Tin
Summary
This K’nex plastic Tinkertoy building tin comes with 100 colorful pieces that easily snap together. Included in the tin is an idea sheet with 15 models your child can make or they make up their own projects using just their imagination. The storage tin is handy for keeping all of the pieces when not being used. This building set is made in the USA.
This STEM toy will help children develop their hand/eye coordination, spatial reasoning and logical thinking and problem solving while exploring their creativity.
Positives
- This is a great set for beginner builders
- Can add other K’nex TinkerToy set to this set for more building fun
- This set will spark creativity in young children
Negatives
- Limited pieces means that there are limited building options
What age is this recommended for?
This building set is recommended for children ages 3 years and up
What makes this stand out?
This building set is a great introduction set for children who have never had TinkerToys before.
TINKERTOY – Pink Building Set
Summary
This pink tinker toy building set comes with a range of 150 pieces, which ensures that kids have plenty to play with for hours on end. These pieces are lightweight and durable to ensure they’re easy for kids to use and last them for a while.
As they’re constructing the parts together, your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop well. Not to mention, with so many pieces available, their problem-solving skills may come into play too.
We liked how the pieces have been made with a colorful design as it makes it more exciting for kids to play with and can improve their color recognition skills. Moreover, they can build up to 15 different models, which means they’ll be busy for a while!
Pros
- Colorful pieces
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Lightweight & durable pieces
Cons
- Can be a little difficult for kids to use on their own
What age is this recommended for?
36 months – 12 years old
What makes this stand out?
The lightweight and durable pieces ensure that kids can build with this set for years to come. Moreover, the colorful design encourages them to play with it more often and develop their motor skills and coordination.
Tinker Toy Education Toy
Summary
This Tinker Toy educational set comes with a range of 100 pieces which are available in different colors. They provide kids with plenty of parts to stay busy with assembling for hours, which is great for their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The bright colorful design is also awesome for improving their color recognition skills. We liked how there are 13 ideas for models included which kids can follow. They can also choose to let their imaginative side run wild and come up with their own models.
This can be excellent for improving their creative thinking skills. Furthermore, parents have been glad to find that there’s a container included that makes storing away the pieces super easy.
Pros
- Inspires creativity
- Improves color recognition
- Develops motor skills & coordination
Cons
- Some would prefer more pieces
What age is this recommended for?
2 years old – 11 years old
What makes this stand out?
The model ideas are awesome for beginners to get used to assembling the pieces and encourages them to create their own models and use their imaginative thinking abilities.
Tinkertoy – Little Constructor’s Building Set
Summary
The Little Constructor’s Building Set comes with a total of 84 pieces which are chunky and easy for little hands to grasp onto. Furthermore, they have been designed with bright colors which make the experience more exciting for kids.
It improves their color recognition skills too. Furthermore, children are able to develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination while assembling the parts. They can make a range of different shapes which is awesome for boosting their knowledge on shapes.
There are 11 different model ideas available which keeps kids busy for hours of play. However, they can also decide to make their own models up, which is a ton of fun and great for their creative thinking skills.
Pros
- Improves color & shape recognition
- Encourages creative thinking
- Develops coordination & motor skills
Cons
- Some pieces can be difficult for younger kids to use on their own
What age is this recommended for?
36 months – 6 years old
What makes this stand out?
Kids have a blast being able to make different models and improve their color and shape recognition skills. Their creative thinking, motor skills, and coordination are also able to develop well.
K’NEX Building Set
Summary
This set comes with a range of more than 850 pieces. Therefore, you can feel confident in knowing that your child will be able to play with this set for a long time. Their motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop incredibly well.
Not to mention, their problem-solving abilities may also come into play due to how many pieces are available. We also liked how these pieces are available in a colorful design as it makes the building experience more exciting for kids.
There are 100 different models available to build too. This is excellent for keeping your child’s mind stimulates and encouraging them to think more creatively. Parents have also been liking how a tub is included for hassle-free clean up and storage.
Pros
- Encourages creativity
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- 100 models available to build
Cons
- Some find the pieces go missing easily
What age is this recommended for?
6 year olds – 12 years of age
What makes this stand out?
With over 850 pieces and 100 models available to build, kids are able to be engrossed in constructing this set for a long time. As a result, their creative thinking, motor skills, and coordination are all able to develop well.
K’NEX 70 Model Set
Summary
The 70 Model Building set features a total of 705 pieces which includes connects, rods, and more. With so many pieces available, your children will be able to challenge themselves to develop their coordination and motor skills, as well as their problem-solving abilities.
We liked how the pieces can fit together to make a wide range of different shapes as it’s great for your child’s shape recognition skills. Furthermore, there are functioning parts that can move which provides kids with a more unique approach to building and playing.
It’s an excellent way to stimulate their creative thinking processes. We also liked how they’ve included a tub to let you easily store away all of the smaller pieces and prevent them from going missing.
Pros
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Inspires creative thinking
- Unique moving parts
Cons
- Instructions could be better
What age is this recommended for?
7 – 12 year olds
What makes this stand out?
We liked how there are moving parts available as it adds another element to the construction process that encourages kids to think with more imagination.
K’NEX Imagine Building Set
Summary
This K’next Imagine Building Set features a range of 522 plastic pieces which can click together to allow kids to easily connect and separate them. Their motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop well with this set.
Furthermore, their problem-solving abilities may come into play due to the number of pieces available. We also liked how they included a booklet that includes 35 different models along with step-by-step instructions.
So, kids can have a blast building with this set for hours. It’s awesome for stimulating their creative thinking skills. There is also a tub available that makes storing away all of the parts convenient.
Pros
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Encourages creative thinking
- Storage tub included
Cons
- Pieces are smaller than some were expecting
What age is this recommended for?
7 – 12 years old
What makes this stand out?
The 35 models in the booklet and 522 pieces available ensure that kids are able to have fun building with this set for a long time. Their imaginative thinking, motor skills, and coordination are able to develop well.
KID K’NEX – Build A Bunch Set
Summary
This Build a Bunch Set comes with 66 pieces that are jumbo size and have been made with a soft material. Therefore, they may be better options for younger kids to use as they’re able to hold the pieces and construct them easier.
While building with this set, your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop well. We also liked how the pieces have a colorful design as it’s more exciting for children to play with. It’s effective for improving their color recognition skills too.
There are 30 model ideas included in the booklet which kids can build. Alternatively, they can decide to use the models as inspiration to come up with their own creations. This is an awesome way to encourage children to think more creatively.
Pros
- Inspires creative thinking
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Improves color recognition skills
Cons
- Some would prefer more pieces
What age is this recommended for?
5 year olds and over
What makes this stand out?
The larger size of the pieces make it easier for children to assemble and develop their coordination and motor skills. With the bright colors and model ideas available, they’re also able to be super creative.
K’Nex Zoo Friends Construction Toy
Summary
This K’Next Zoo Friends Construction Toy features a range of 30 building ideas. Therefore, you can be sure that your kids will be engaged with constructing these models for hours on end. It’s a great way to develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Moreover, their problem-solving skills can come in handy if they ever get stuck on building the models. We liked how they’ve used colorful pieces too. This makes it more exciting for kids and improves their color recognition skills.
The fun model ideas and colorful design encourages children to use their imaginative side while playing as well. Therefore, you can expect their creative thinking skills to flourish.
Pros
- Inspires imaginative thinking
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Improves color recognition
Cons
- Some would prefer more eye pieces to make multiple toys
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old and over
What makes this stand out?
This is a fun and colorful set that helps children learn how to think more creatively. Their motor skills and coordination are also able to benefit greatly with this set.
Kid K’NEX – Budding Builders Building Set
Summary
The Budding Builder Building Set features a total of 100 pieces that are giant in size compared to some of the other sets. They’re also available in bright colors. As a result, they’re easier for little hands to grasp and play with, which makes it easier for kids to develop their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Children are also able to improve their color recognition abilities due to the colorful design. In addition to this, there is a range of 50 different ideas for models. Kids can either choose to build them or use them as inspiration to make their own models.
Either way, their creative thinking skills are stimulated greatly. In addition to this, a tub is included which makes storing all of the pieces away hassle-free. This also makes it easier to bring the set along with you while traveling.
Pros
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Improves color recognition
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Directions could be improved
What age is this recommended for?
3 year olds and up
What makes this stand out?
The 50 model ideas are great for inspiring kids to come up with their own models and be super creative. Their motor skills and coordination are able to develop well during the construction process too.
KID K’NEX – Oodles of Pals Building Set
Summary
This Oodles of Pals Building Set comes with a total of 115 pieces which are flexible and larger in size. Therefore, children are able to connect them together with ease which is great for developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
We liked how these pieces have a fantastic colorful design too. It’s effective for improving your child’s color recognition skills and making the set more exciting to play with. There are also some awesome unique pieces, such as spinning wheels, that make the set stand out.
In addition to this, it comes with 60 ideas of different models. Kids can use these ideas and follow the instructions, or choose to use them as inspiration to come up with their own models. Their creative thinking skills are stimulated greatly as a result.
Pros
- Encourages imaginative thinking
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Improves color recognition
Cons
- Smaller pieces can go missing easily
What age is this recommended for?
3 years of age and up
What makes this stand out?
The unique spinning wheel pieces, colorful design, and larger size make this set incredibly exciting for kids. It helps to develop their motor skills and coordination while encouraging them to be more creative.
TINKER TOY On The Go Building Set
Summary
This Tinker Toys on The Go set comes with a total of 65 pieces which includes a range of fun models to build including a train, race car, helicopter and much more! Therefore, kids are provided with plenty of options to have fun with constructing for a while.
Their motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop well during the construction process. We also liked how they’ve included directions on how to build 7 different models.
Kids can choose to follow these directions or use them as inspiration to make their own models. This is an excellent way to enhance your child’s creative thinking skills. The pieces have also been designed with bright colors which make them more exciting and improve your child’s color recognition skills.
Pros
- Improves color recognition
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Encourages creative thinking
Cons
- Some connector pieces are looser than some expected
What age is this recommended for?
36 months – 12 years old
What makes this stand out?
This is a fantastic colorful set that inspires kids to be imaginative while developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
World’s Smallest Building Toys Set
Summary
The World’s Smallest Building Toys Set functions like the rest of the sets in this review, except that it’s considerably smaller in size. It is a special set because it includes a Lincoln logs set as well as a Tinker Toys set. As a result, it provides kids with a unique challenge and can make for a good traveling toy.
There is a total of 49 Lincoln Log pieces and 66 tinker toy pieces. Therefore, kids are provided with plenty of parts to be entertained with for hours on end. While building the models, their motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop well.
Furthermore, we liked how this set encourages children to use their imaginative thinking side. Their problem-solving abilities also come into play while they try to figure out how to construct the miniature sets.
Pros
- Enhances creative thinking
- Unique mini design
- Develops coordination & motor skills
Cons
- Some find pieces are missing upon delivery
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old and over
What makes this stand out?
The miniature size of this set is exciting for kids and challenges them to use their creative thinking processes, as well as their coordination and motor skills.
TINKERTOY Model Super Building Set
Summary
This set features a range of 200 plastic parts that include flags, spools, rods, washers, and more. They are all available in bright colors which is awesome for your child’s color recognition skills.
The wide range of pieces and 30 model ideas that are available ensure that kids are able to play with this set for hours on end. They can choose to follow these idea or make their own models, which is great for their creative thinking abilities.
Not to mention, constructing the various parts together is excellent for your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We liked how a box has also been provided which you can use to easily store all the parts away. This also makes it easy to take the set with you while traveling.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Encourages creativity
Cons
- Putting pieces together & taking them apart can be difficult at times
What age is this recommended for?
36 months – 10 year olds
What makes this stand out?
Kids have been having a blast with this set due to how many pieces are available and the bright colors. It’s fantastic for improving their motor skills, coordination, and creative thinking.
Ideal Fiddlestix Classic Wood Connector Set
Summary
This Ideal Fiddlestix classic wooden toy comes with 144 rod and connector pieces, which provides kids with plenty to be engaged with for a while. Assembling the different pieces together is excellent for your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The tinker toys wood pieces are also of a high-quality to ensure that they last your child for years of play. Not to mention, they have a colorful design that makes the experience more exciting and improves your child’s color recognition skills.
There are instructions available which kids can follow to build a wide range of different structures. This opens up their mind to different possibilities and inspires them to be more creative.
Pros
- Inspires creativity
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Improves color recognition skills
Cons
- Paint wears off quicker than some were anticipating
What age is this recommended for?
4 – 8 years of age
What makes this stand out?
The rods and connectors in this set are easy for kids to connect and play with creatively for hours. Their motor skills and coordination are able to develop well with this set too.
IQ BUILDER STEM Learning Construction Set
Summary
The IQ Building STEM Learning Construction Set features a wide range of pieces that allow kids to be entertained for hours on end. While putting together these pieces, children are provided with a great opportunity to develop their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
The brighter colors available also make the set more exciting and help kids to improve their color recognition skills. This set is also effective at providing kids with lessons on science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
As a result, it’s an effective way to help your child learn more, while also having fun. They’re able to educate themselves about geometry and physics too, all while having a blast with a hands-on learning experience.
Pros
- Effective hands-on learning experience
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Improves color recognition
Cons
- Pictures of models in the booklet could be larger
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old and over
What makes this stand out?
This set is excellent for teaching kids about engineering, science, mathematics, and technology in a fun way. Their coordination and motor skills are able to improve as well.
Educational Construction Engineering Building Blocks
Summary
This Educational Construction Engineering Building Blocks set allows up to 4 people to play with it at the same time. So, it can be an excellent opportunity for kids to improve their social skills and learn how to work in groups.
There is a wide range of pieces available which keep children engaged for hours of play. While they’re constructing the pieces, their motor skills and hand-eye coordination are able to develop well.
We also liked how they’ve included 42 designs of various models that kids can make. They can also use these ideas as inspiration to come up with their own models, which is fantastic for their creative thinking skills.
Pros
- Improves social skills & teamwork abilities
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Encourages creative thinking
Cons
- Smaller than some were expecting
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old and over
What makes this stand out?
We liked how multiple people can play with this set at the same time as it improves your child’s social skills and teamwork abilities. Their motor skills and coordination are also improved while constructing the models.
Buyers Guide to the Best Kids Tinker Toy Sets
So, now that you know more about what some of the top tinker toy sets have to offer, you can start to narrow down your search to finding the one that you think would be best for your child.
If you’re still not feeling 100% certain on which set to choose, don’t worry. We’ve created this buyers guide section to provide you with additional information that will have you feeling great about making a final decision!
Educational Benefits
While reading through the review above, you will have noticed that there are a number of fantastic benefits that kids can experience when playing with these tinker toys. The section below takes you through what some of those main benefits are.
Creative Thinking
One of the most notable benefits that children are able to experience with tinker toys is a incredible improvement in their creative thinking skills. This is a result of a combination of factors.
For one, these sets often include bright colors which are exciting, as well as the fact that they come with booklets including different model ideas. Kids can then choose to follow the instructions and build them, or be inspired to come up with their own models.
Their creative thinking skills are able to flourish when it comes to these sets.
Motor Skills & Coordination
When it comes to playing with these sets, children have to connect them in certain ways to build their models. As a result, their motor skills and hand-eye coordination are provided with a fantastic opportunity to develop.
These developments are important for children to work on from an early age to ensure they’re able to use the skills effectively later on in life. Using these sets as a way to improve is fun and highly effective.
Social Skills
Depending on the set that you choose, your child may be provided with a fantastic opportunity to improve their social skills. This is especially the case with the larger sets that included more pieces.
Kids can have a blast playing together in small groups and constructing things. It can also be an excellent way for children to learn how to work in teams together.
Age Ranges
The different sets in this review are best for various age ranges. That’s why we’ve made sure to include age recommendations for each option. So, be sure to take note of the age range to help you decide which one would be best for your child.
With many of these sets, children will be able to continue playing with them for years. This is because the pieces available allow them to create more complex structures to challenge themselves the older they get.
Popular Similar Brands
Aside from K’Nex, you will have seen that there are a few other brands that make tinker toys in this review. If you were interested to learn more about these companies, take a quick look below.
The tinker toys by K’Nex are a classic option that parents and kids can both play with together. Therefore, it can make for some fantastic bonding time and improve your child’s social skills, as well as their teamwork abilities.
They’ve been making toys for more than 100 years, which means you can feel confident in knowing that you can trust them to make high-quality sets that kids absolutely adore.
Brickyard Building Blocks
Brickyard Building Blocks is a fantastic company that manufactures some high-quality toy sets that kids have been loving.
Their tinker toy range is no exception. They approach making their toys with the aim of encouraging children to have fun while learning something new. That’s why their sets often include various shapes and colors.
They stimulate your child’s color and shape recognition skills and are more excited to continue playing and learning more.
Hasbro
Most of the choices in this review are newer options, however, there are some great vintage tinker toys available too. The Hasbro Tinker toy Classic Jumbo Set is a great example. It comes with over 100 pieces that are made with real wood.
This set is recommended for kids aged 3-7 years. Parents have been loving how they can feel some nostalgia and introduce their kids to the kinds of toys that they used to play with while growing up.
These kinds of sets can make for some great bonding time between you and your kids.
Final Thoughts on the Best Tinker Toys Connector Sets
So, that brings our review on the best tinker toys to a conclusion. Be sure to read through all of the main features, pros, cons, age recommendations, and what makes each set stand out.
Those are the details that will give you the best idea of which set is best for your child. The buyers guide section also includes some additional information that you may find useful.
Hopefully, everything you need to go ahead and pick a tinker toy set for your child can be found, right here!
