Article 6 min read · Updated 30 September 2026

Building sets for kids who find LEGO too easy

Some children want to know how things work: gears, axles, motors. These brands make kits in which the technology itself is the toy.

fischertechnik

fischertechnik was developed in 1965 as a Christmas present for customers in the fastening business and came onto the market in 1966, the year its factory in Salzstetten was built.

The blocks join with a mortise and tenon joint, which fischertechnik calls particularly stable, and more blocks can be added on all six sides. Since 2017 there are also robotics kits you program and control via tablet or app.

Meccano

Frank Hornby invented the first Meccano kit in 1898 in England. According to the brand, Meccano works with its own system of metal parts, real tools and mechanical components.

Meccano is a Spin Master brand. With a metal construction set you work with tools instead of clicking parts together, which asks for patience and precision.

Eitech

Eitech has made metal construction sets since 1977. It is a third-generation, owner-managed family business that stands for quality made in Germany.

According to Eitech, the range runs from simple kits for children from 6 to professional versions for adult hobbyists, with app control.

CaDA

CaDA is sold through the official Double E store, which sorts its sets into series such as sports cars, construction machines, off-road vehicles and buildings.

Check each CaDA set’s product information: it shows whether a set has a motor, a battery box or a remote control.

How to choose

If a child mainly wants to understand mechanics, fischertechnik or a metal kit fits. If they want to build a model that drives or steers, look at sets with a motor and remote control.

Check each set’s age, piece count and whether batteries or a charger are needed. On ToySetFox these brands are in the Technic and metal kits category and in Building sets.

Frequently asked questions

Since when does fischertechnik exist?

fischertechnik was developed in 1965 and came onto the market in 1966.

What is the difference between Meccano and Eitech?

Both make metal construction sets. Meccano goes back to Frank Hornby’s first kit in 1898 and is a Spin Master brand; Eitech has made metal construction sets in Germany since 1977.

Can fischertechnik be programmed?

Part of the range can: in 2017 fischertechnik launched a robotics kit that you program and control via tablet or app.

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ToySetFox sells and tests nothing itself. This article sums up what the manufacturers publish on their own sites. Always follow the age marking and the warnings on the box.