Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys

By Justina Huddleston
June 2015

^{With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero}Blocks are a fundamental toy that all kids should own, and luckily for them, there's tons of options to choose from! We asked retailers about their best-selling construction toy sets to help narrow the field down. Check out the Top-10 construction toys below. *No manufacturer paid to be included in this list. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.

Q-BA-MAZE BIG BOX by Q-BA-MAZE INC.

Q-BA-MAZE BIG BOX by Q-BA-MAZE INC. This set includes 100 pieces of various colors to make creative construction projects and marble runs. Launch date: July 1, 2009.
— Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that Q-Ba-Maze is one of her best-selling construction toys.
— Dean Smith, owner of Jazam Toys in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store. ( Watch Video) 2/16/2009 (MSRP: $75)

Light Stax by LIGHT STAX

Light Stax by LIGHT STAX Light Stax is a new award winning toy startup that launched in 2014 in Europe and the USA. Light Stax are beautifully illuminated construction blocks that use LED technology, but are still 100% compatible with existing traditional building blocks. Using our patented system, each Stax will magically light up as it is connected to a power base or any lit Stax. No special connectors or wires are needed. Just stack them and they light up!
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store. 5/28/2015

85 Piece Bristle Blocks by TOYSMITH

85 Piece Bristle Blocks by TOYSMITH This 85-piece set contains 72 easy-to-handle building blocks in a variety of brightly colored, interlocking geometric shapes, 8 wheels to construct buildings and vehicles with and 5 figurines. A convenient handled carrying case stores all the blocks neatly away when not in use.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiostiy Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.
5/25/2012 (Age: 3 and Up)

LEGO Movie Unikitty in Cloud Cuckoo Land by LEGO

Revel with Unikitty in Cloud Cuckoo Land, the happiest, most positive and creative place in the universe! Join Emmet, Wyldstyle and all the master builders in this multi-colored playful paradise where the sun is always shining and a cute snail glides between the bright flowers. But beware! Unbeknown to Emmet, there’s a tracking device on his leg and Lord Business’ Executron has trailed him to the palace and is ready to handcuff him. Shoot flowers from the flower catapult to fend him off and help Emmet and Wyldstyle make a getaway! Includes 3 minifigures and accessories: Emmet, Wyldstyle and Executron, and 2 figures: Unikitty and a snail.
— Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that "By far, LEGO Movie product is No. 1" in their store.
— In a May 2014 survey, four out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO was their best-selling construction toy brand.
— In a May 2014 survey, four out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Lego was their best-selling line of licensed toys. 3/31/2014

LEGO City Starter Set by LEGO

LEGO City Starter Set by LEGO Build your own adventures with the LEGO® City Starter Set featuring 5 minifigures, an ambulance, police motorcycle, fire truck and accessories.
— In a May 2015 survey, four of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO was their best-selling line of construction toys.

Where to buy:
NORTH EAST
NORTH WEST 12/4/2013 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 5 and Up)

SmartMax Build & Light by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

SmartMax Build & Light by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC Includes two LED-lit bars for building houses, towers, and other structures that light up and blink. The accompanying instruction guides help model construction ideas so children can learn how to create designs of varying shapes and heights.
— Lisa Shinn, manager and buyer for Dancing Bear Toys in Frederick, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.

Where to buy:
NORTH EAST 5/30/2013 (MSRP: $99.99)

Builderific by WOW TOYS

Builderific by WOW TOYS 118 piece Builderific with 4-pc toolset including power drill. Durable plastic.
— Gregory Faith, owner of Inside Out Hobbies in Nashua, N.H., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store. 5/28/2015

12 in 1 National Geographic Animals by Laser Pegs Ventures, LLC

Take the ultimate safari adventure with this fully loaded 12 in 1 National Geographic Animals kit from Laser Pegs! Animal enthusiasts everywhere will love building models of their favorite wildlife friends like the Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Rhino, and many more. Pump up your playtime by lighting up your creations to extend your safari well into the night!
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Laser Pegs is one of their store's top-2 best-selling toy lines. 7/31/2014 (MSRP: $39.99)

National Geographic Space by Laser Pegs Ventures, LLC

Voyage to a distant galaxy or colonize a new world with this awesome 24 in 1 National Geographic Space kit from Laser Pegs! You are the astronaut as you build out of this world models like the Mars Voyager, Hover Vehicle, Alien Stunt Fighter, Star Cruiser, and many more. When space gets too dark light up your creations to keep exploring to the edge of the universe and beyond!
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.

8/8/2014 (MSRP: $49.99)

Magna-Tiles Deluxe (DX) by VALTECH CO.

Magna-Tiles Deluxe (DX) by VALTECH CO. This 48-piece set includes solid colored pieces, along with pieces with holes, curved pieces, a magnetic door and a wheeled piece. Magna-Tiles DX contains 12 small squares, four large squares, six isosceles triangles, 10 right triangles, 11 equilateral triangles, a wheeled piece, and arch and three special shapes. An idea guide is included.
— In late summer 2010, five percent of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly Magna-Tiles are an overall best-selling product.
— In late Spring 2011, 25% of retailers mentioned Magna-Tiles as a best-selling construction toy.
— As of 05/12/2011, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Col., told TDmonthly that Magnatiles were their overall best-selling toy. 9/22/2010 (MSRP: $64.50)