Lakeshore Learning just released a new spin on a classic toy. I’m willing to bet you’ve played with magnetic tiles, especially as a child, and I’m also willing to bet that it was one of your favorite toys. Well, you can now pass that love onto your kiddos, with Lakeshore’s Magnetic Wonder Tiles – Vehicle Builder Set.
The set includes 15 squares, 11 small rectangles, 4 equilateral triangles, 2 isosceles triangles, 4 L-shaped pieces, 6 window pieces, 4 cab doors, and 4 vehicle chassis. Every piece is magnetic, so you can make virtually anything you want—on wheels! The pieces come in bright colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple—but are still translucent so if you wanted to place a passenger or delivery inside your car or truck, you’ll still be able to see them.
This toy is great for toddlers: it’s colorful, it’s durable, and will improve fine motor skills, plus the open-ended play encourages creativity, too. You won’t have to worry about tantrums, either, because each plastic piece has magnets embedded on every side, meaning each piece will stick to another no matter how you place it.
I had the chance to play with the Magnetic Wonder Tiles with my nieces and nephew, ages 2, 5, and 7, and they all loved playing with it. A word from their lovely mother: “The Magnetic Tiles are great! The youngest loves that they have several pieces with wheels for the base so he can build trucks or a car. The older two keep building houses and love that some of the tiles can look like a window. The magnets adhere well and are easy to manipulate, while still holding form. We love this type of STEM play encouraging creativity!”
Because Lakeshore Learning is an education-minded company, it also comes with an insert explaining all the different skills your child will develop, and how to encourage the development of these skills. The pamphlet includes suggestions on how to introduce the toy to your child, how to talk about it with your child, and how to build on their learning.
Lakeshore Learning was founded in 1954 by Ethelyn Kaplan, who achieved her dream of opening up a toy store. Educators soon got wind of her store, and began calling for her supplies, which is how Ethelyn got involved with creating toys that serve not only children, but teachers. Now, two generations later, Lakeshore holds those values close, striving to meet the needs of educators, schools, and districts nationwide. Lakeshore has products that inspire children from early childhood all the way through high school. It’s clear not only through their history and their mission but the products that they produce that Lakeshore cares first and foremost about children.
Rachele Harmuth: Overcoming Obstacles with MESH Helps
Andy Keimach: Toy Safety Every Day of the Year
NOMINATIONS FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR THE 2024 TOY & GAME INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE OPEN!
Eco-Lasting Play: How Toy Companies are Putting Sustainability into Practice
Book Review: It's Not All Fun & Games by Mark Flitman
Game Review: Apples to Apples
Kim Vandenbroucke Talks Her Inventing Career on Hidden Role Podcast
Game Review: Sorry!
Sky Castle Toys Announces the Launch of Sticki Rolls- The Ultimate Wearable, Sharable Sticker Experience!
Seven Town's Eleanor Black: Why You Should Always Try the Tea Cozy On
Randy Klimpert Shares his Ukulele Collection
Steve Casino Peanut Art
Everyone's Talking about POP!
Princess Etch - a Multi-Talented Etch A Sketch Artist
Joseph Herscher of Joseph' s Machines.
Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
Matt Leacock created Pandemic... the game!
Scott Brown and Tim Swindle... are Launching a New Sport!
Daryl Andrews says... "GO TO CONVENTIONS!"
POPDuo: Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President & COO, and Kedar Narayan, Young Inventor Challenge AMB
POPDuo: Will Shortz and Josh Wardle
POP Duo: Elan Lee, Co-Founder, Exploding Kittens.and Jeff Probst, Host and Exec Producer, Survivor
POP Duo: David Fuhrer, MNG Director, Blue Sq Innovations & Shawn Green, past Dodgers & Mets MLB Star
POP Duo: Bob Fuhrer, Founder, Nextoy and Tom Fazio, Golf Course Designer