Magnetic building explained: tiles, Geomag and safety
Magnetic building sets click together without a plan. This is how the main kinds differ and what to look out for with magnets at home.
How magnetic building works
In a magnetic building set the magnets sit inside the pieces. Parts snap together at their edges or ends, so a child builds walls, towers and shapes without pressing bricks together or following instructions.
Because the pieces pull each other into place, magnetic building suits younger children who find small bricks fiddly, and it keeps older children busy with larger structures, patterns and simple geometry.
Magnetic tiles: Magna-Tiles and Connetix
Magna-Tiles and Connetix make flat squares, triangles and other shapes that connect by magnets. Connetix is an Australian-designed brand; both name ages 3 and up for their tiles.
Sets differ in the number of tiles and the shapes in the box: squares and triangles for the basics, and other parts in themed sets. Connetix says its tiles connect with most leading tile brands, but that such connections may feel weaker because its magnets are stronger.
Geomag
Geomag is made by Geomagworld SA, a Swiss company that produces at its factory in Canton Ticino. Its ranges include Magicube, Classic, Mechanics and Pro-L.
Geomag gives each range its own age: Magicube 1 to 5, Classic 3 to 99, Mechanics 7+ and Pro-L 8+. As with every magnet toy, check the box.
Magnets and safety
Strong magnets are harmful when swallowed: two magnets, or a magnet and a metal part, can attract each other inside the body. That is why the EU toy safety rules set strict limits for magnets in toys, and why the magnets in these sets are sealed inside the pieces.
Check the pieces now and then. A cracked tile or a stick with a loose magnet belongs in the bin, not back in the box. Keep sets for older children away from toddlers.
How to choose
For younger children, a set with basic shapes is an easy start; bigger sets with more shapes allow larger builds. Pick the range whose age fits the child.
Compare the number of pieces and the shapes in the box, not only the price. On ToySetFox the magnetic sets are together in one category, with prices per set.
Frequently asked questions
From what age is magnetic building suitable?
That depends on the set. Connetix and Magna-Tiles name ages 3 and up; Geomag’s Magicube range is for ages 1 to 5. Follow the age marking on the box.
Do Magna-Tiles and Connetix fit together?
Connetix says its tiles are compatible with most leading magnetic tile brands, but because its magnets are stronger, connections with other brands may not feel as strong.
What do I do with a broken magnetic tile?
Throw it away. A cracked tile or a loose magnet can be swallowed, and swallowed magnets are dangerous. If a new set has damaged pieces, contact the shop or the manufacturer.
Browse on
ToySetFox sells and tests nothing itself. This guide sums up what the manufacturers publish. Always follow the age marking and the warnings on the box.
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