15 Best Building Toys for Boys
Updated 04 February 2021
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Boys love to build. From their earliest years when they first place block upon block, to their teens when they are constructing even more elaborate buildings and vehicles. Toys that are tactile, engaging, and fun to play with will always capture their imagination. Even if they don’t choose to become architects or builders, these toys help them develop their fine motor skills and brain capacity while having a great time.
From straws to LEGO to bristle blocks to magnets, these building toys offer a range of materials for boys of all ages to use as they either follow the instructions or - more likely - use their imaginations to create wondrous structures...and then destroy them to start again. We’ve based our recommendations on only the real reviews out there, so you can rely on these toys to bring hours of fun.
1Smart Builder Toys Straw and Connector STEM Building Straws Toy 750 Piece Interlocking Educational Construction Engineering Play Set
This is one of the best building toys for boys because it comes with different types of building materials that will allow them to build all sorts of structures and doesn't limit them to just a few options. It is designed to promote creativity and allow boys to push their imaginations to the limit. This kit includes an assortment of straws in four colors, 30 wheels, and constructors to allow them to connect the straws into various structures and vehicles. Unlike other building kits, this one does not restrain a child's building adventure into a single thing. This kit is designed to allow them to create just about anything from buildings, to boats, to land vehicles, and the straws that come in the kit are flexible, which allows for even more creative ideas to come together. Finally, this set comes in a sturdy clear plastic storage box that makes it excellent for storing when not being used or taking the set with you on the road to provide entertainment on vacation.
What we love
- Comes with 750 assorted pieces
- Capable of building different types of structures and vehicles
What We Don't Like That Much
- It doesn't include any sort of design manual to help with designs for beginners
2Bristle Blocks by Battat – The Official Bristle Blocks – 112Piece – STEM Creativity Building Toys Dexterity Fine Motricity – Bpa Free 2 Years +
Bristle Blocks are a special type of building block that uses hundreds of bristles on the block piece that allows them to be connected. This set includes a total of 112 pieces, and it includes blocks of different shapes, sizes, and colors that make building fun and exciting. This set also includes eight functional wheels, which means that they can not only build vehicles but allows them to move around realistically. This set is compatible with all other Battat Spinaroo and Stackadoo bristle block sets. Finally, due to the bristles on the blocks, they can be connected at just about any angle, which helps kids build frustration-free.
What we love
- Can build both structures and vehicles
- Good tactile stimulation for younger ones
What We Don't Like That Much
- These bristle blocks should not be exposed to hot temperatures
324 Piece Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set, Sunset
This set of building blocks are different to most other wooden block sets because the blocks are magnetized, which means that they will stick together without the worry of them falling apart. These perfect pieces range in both sizes and colors. Each block has its own magnet that will allow them to connect to other pieces with ease. Each block in the kit has a non-toxic, water-based lacquer finish that helps to make the blocks smooth. One of the best things about this particular set is that it doesn't include any small parts making it viable for younger boys that enjoy building or simply want to learn.
What we love
- Contains 24 building blocks
- Each block has a magnet that allows them all to connect to each other in a number of different ways
What We Don't Like That Much
- This building set could use some sort of storage bin to keep the pieces together
4K'NEX Thrill Rides - 3-in-1 Classic Amusement Park Building Set, Multicolor
Who doesn't like theme rides from their local amusement park? With this building set, boys can build three of the most popular rides that can be found. Each piece is made from colorful plastic that makes it easy to connect the pieces. Plus, unlike other k'nex sets, this one is motorized, which means that after they build the Ferris Wheel, it can actually move on its own. The three rides you can create are the swing ride, boom ride, and the Ferris Wheel. However, it is important to note that you might have to take one apart before having enough pieces to fully build one of the other rides in the instruction manual. Nonetheless, this kit is sure to put boys’ engineering skills to the test.
What we love
- Comes with a total of 744 durable building pieces
- Has instructions to help build three different rides
What We Don't Like That Much
- It can be difficult to build other things with this specific building kit
5Lewo Large Wooden Blocks Construction Building Toys Set Stacking Bricks Board Games 32 Pieces
The Lewo large wooden building blocks are a timeless toy that will help kids to build different motor skills. It can also help with problem-solving and coordination skills. This set contains a total of 32 large wooden building blocks that can be stacked on each other to build various building structures. All of the pieces are made from natural high-quality hardwood, and they are painted with a non-toxic finish of assorted colors. The blocks also come in different shapes and sizes to provide numerous building possibilities.
What we love
- Comes with a durable reusable storage bag that makes this set easy to store or travel with
- Wooden blocks come in various shapes, sizes, and colors
What We Don't Like That Much
- This set doesn't come with any sort of structure building ideas
6Wondertoys 170 Pieces Wood Logs Set Ages 3+, Classic Building Log Toys for Boy, Creative Construction Engineering Educational Gifts
With this wood log building set, kids can build various types of wooden style structures that are meant to look woodsy and rustic. It includes different sized logs and a few extra accessories like a sign and other details that can help to make the building structures unique and interesting. This set comes with a total of 170 wooden log cabin pieces that are all made from natural wood. This set comes with step-by-step instructions that help to guide new builders in their efforts and give more advanced builders ideas on how they can take this wood log building kit to the next level. Finally, this set comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee that will provide a replacement for any missing or broken pieces, which helps to promote confidence in purchasing the building set.
What we love
- Designed to help with various developmental skills, like fine motor skills and problem-solving skills
- Can provide hours of building scenarios
What We Don't Like That Much
- These logs are not compatible with Lincoln log sets
7Erector by Meccano, 5 in 1 Roadster Pull Back Car Building Kit, for Ages 8 and up, STEM Construction Education Toy
Building car kits can be an excellent way for kids to learn about vehicles and engineering, and this particular set will allow them to build a 5-in-1 roaster car that will drive on its own when pulled back. This kit comes with a total of 174 pieces for them to put together. This set does come with an easy-to-follow instruction manual that makes this car easy to build even for novice builders, and when it is completed, they will have a functioning Meccano car model. Unlike other models, this one is made from high-quality metal nuts, bolts, and wheels. This set is known for following STEM educational procedures by bringing together science and engineering into a single building kit.
What we love
- Car is surprisingly fast
- Comes with the tools required to put the model together
What We Don't Like That Much
- This is more of a novice builder and above design
8Mega Bloks First Builders ABC Musical Train with Big Building Blocks, Building Toys for Toddlers (50 Pieces)
The Mega Bloks ABC Musical Train was designed to help kids with their building skills but also in learning their alphabet. The train is easy to build, and they can press the smokestack to hear realistic train sounds and music. The playset includes 50 pieces and three rolling wheelbases that will allow boys to build their own train sections with the large blocks and even build some of their favorite words across the side of the train.
What we love
- Makes building easy while helping to sharpen literary skills
- Enough pieces for hours of fun even beyond just building
What We Don't Like That Much
- The front wheelbase could use some sort of string or pulling mechanism
9Cossy STEM Learning Toy Engineering Construction Building Blocks 198 Pieces Kids Educational Toy for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Year Old (198 Pcs)
The Cossy STEM learning toy engineering construction building blocks are designed to help boys learn to build different structures. This set helps them build various types of developmental and educational skills that other sets are not capable of doing. It is designed to help build a child's creative ability and will allow their imagination to run wild. Each piece in this set is made from high-quality non-toxic material, and the balls that come in this kit each have 26 connection points, which makes it easier to build various structures, regardless of the angles. Finally, this building block kit comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee that includes a 100% refund if they do not meet standards for any reason.
What we love
- Excitingly challenging
- Includes 198 pieces including connecting balls with 26 connecting points on each ball
What We Don't Like That Much
- It could include a building guide to provide some building ideas and layouts for beginners
10Magna-Tiles Freestyle Set, The Original Magnetic Building Tiles For Creative Open-Ended Play, Educational Toys For Children Ages 3 Years + (40 Pieces)
The Magna Tiles Freestyle Set is designed to provide kids with a unique building experience, and they are designed to be easier to build with than some other sets, which makes them an excellent choice for boys of all building skill levels. This set includes cool Magna-tiles that come in standard sizes and various colors, like orange, blue, purple, and green. This building set uses magnets that are designed to be easy to handle even with smaller hands, which make them suitable for boys of most ages 3-years-old and up. These building tiles are not only entertaining for boys, but they can provide an interesting family activity as well.
What we love
- All the tiles in this set are made from food-grade ABS, BPA-free plastic material
- Includes 40 total pieces
What We Don't Like That Much
- Only 12 of the tiles pieces are freestyle
11LEGO Classic Creative Fun 11005 Building Kit, New 2020 (900 Pieces)
When looking for a classic building set, this is one of the best building toys for boys, and it is manufactured by LEGO, one of the world's leading building toy companies. This kit comes with hundreds of assorted LEGO blocks of different sizes and colors. Unlike some other LEGO kits, this one includes extra pieces like windows, doors, eyes, wheels, and hinges to help to construct things that are not possible in many other sets. The blocks come in several vibrant colors that will allow for beautiful creations, and with this construction kit, kids can enjoy a brick separator that is designed to help with building and rebuilding, making the process easier, overall. Finally, this set is large enough to allow a child's imagination to soar in any direction that they want it to go in.
What we love
- Has a total of 900 pieces that provides hundreds of hours of building opportunities
- The wide variety of blocks makes building a good challenge
What We Don't Like That Much
- These blocks are classic LEGO size, which means they could be a choking hazard for smaller boys
12STEM Master Building Toys for Kids Ages 4-8 - STEM Toys Kit w/ 176 Durable Pieces, Full-Color Design Guide, Reusable Toy Storage Box - Educational Gifts for Girls & Boys
This construction building is designed to help boys with four key learning concepts, like logical thinking and problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration, imagination & creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. This building set is made from high-quality material and it even comes with a sturdy storage box that helps to keep the pieces together when they are not being used. This set comes with a total of 176 pieces, including connectors, balls, and wheels, which help to provide more building possibilities with this single kit, compared to other construction building kits. Every piece in the set is made from non-toxic material, and they can easily be washed with water to help keep them germ-free and safe for use.
What we love
- Pieces are easy to wash and keep free of germs
- Comes with a large storage container to keep all of the pieces together
What We Don't Like That Much
- It has infinite things that kids can build, but it doesn't provide much direction
13Tinkertoy On The Go Building Set - 65 Parts - Ages 3 & Up - Creative Preschool Toy, Multicolor
The Tinkertoy building set is designed to provide kids with an excellent building experience, and it contains a total of 65 pieces that are made from a lightweight and durable material that makes them safe for kids of most ages. The pieces come in various vibrant colors to make the structures more entertaining. This set comes with an instruction manual for creating seven different models, like a bee, helicopter, and racecar, and these figures can be built and re-built, depending on the user's preferences. All of the parts of this kit are designed to be durable and washable, which makes building and cleanup a breeze.
What we love
- Has instructions for building 7 different models
- Comes with special accessories to add to the experience
What We Don't Like That Much
- This set is not compatible with all other K’nex building sets
14NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Glowing Marble Run – 80 Piece Construction Set with 15 Glow in the Dark Glass Marbles & Mesh Storage Bag, Educational STEM Toy, an AMAZON EXCLUSIVE Science Kit
This National Geographic glowing marble run will provide kids various opportunities to create their own creative marble run. The set contains a total of 80 construction pieces that feature different designs. The set also comes with glow-in-the-dark glass marbles, which means you can turn off the lights and see as the marble goes through the course. There are several ways that you can construct the pieces to create different types of runways for the marbles to go through. Finally, this set also comes with a durable mesh storage bag that makes it easy to store when not using it or when you want to travel.
What we love
- Comes with 15 glass marbles
- Marbles glow in the dark in six different colors
What We Don't Like That Much
- It does come with an instruction manual, but it doesn't cover a lot of construction builds
15AOKESI Building Block Robot Kits for Kids, Remote & APP Control Robot Snap Together Engineering Kits STEM Building Toys Best Gift for 6, 7, 8 and 9+Year Old Boys and Girls
For boys that enjoy building robots, this is a simplistic robot kit that will allow them to learn how to build and engineer their very own block robot. After building this robot, they can control the robot via an app or a remote control that comes with this kit. The robot is capable of moving in all directions and it can even complete a 360-degree rotating stunt after it has been built properly. The robot consists of 351 pieces, and it comes with easy-to-follow instructions that make it easy for beginner engineers to follow. This robot has a USB charging design, which means that it comes equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery.
What we love
- Allows kids to build a real working robot model
- Has 351 pieces, which makes it a long project
What We Don't Like That Much
- Depending on the age of the boy, this robot might require some adult assistance to build properly