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Magnetic tiles are an open-ended material for preschool learning at home: children sort shapes and colors, build flat patterns and then 3D structures, and talk through what they are making. The six sets below range from a 32-piece starter set to 100-piece sets, plus a ramp set and a travel set.
Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 26 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.
For ways to use building toys in lessons, see our learning through play guide, early learning subjects and learning activities by age.
How we chose these
- Piece count and shapes listed by the maker.
- Suggested age stated.
- Materials or construction described.
- Expandable: compatible with the maker’s other sets.
Both makers list these sets for ages 3 and up. Follow the age guidance and the safety information on the packaging.
Comparison table
| Set | Pieces | Shapes (maker) | Suggested age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAGNA-TILES Classic 32 | 32 | 14 squares, 2 large squares, 8 equilateral, 4 right and 4 isosceles triangles | 3 to 99 | Box 12 x 10 x 2 in |
| PicassoTiles Nano 40 (PN01) | 40 | Compact squares and triangles | 3+ | Magnetic storage tin doubles as a building surface |
| MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo 40 | 40 | Includes 24 squares, 6 road squares, ramps, Dasher vehicles, figures and finish-line rectangles | 3 to 99 | STEAM set for speed and motion |
| PicassoTiles PT60 | 60 | Classic pieces (breakdown not listed in text) | Not stated in text | 2D and 3D builds |
| PicassoTiles PT100 | 100 | 8 large squares, 46 small squares, 20 small, 12 medium and 14 tall triangles | 3+ | Compatible with full-size PicassoTiles sets |
| MAGNA-TILES Classic 100 | 100 | 50 squares, 4 large squares, 20 equilateral, 11 right and 15 isosceles triangles | 3 to 99 | Same materials as Classic 32 |
Shape lists are the makers’ own. “Not stated in text” means the product description does not give the detail.
1. MAGNA-TILES Classic 32 Piece Set: for a first set
The Classic 32 is MAGNA-TILES’ starter set, sized, the maker says, for little hands and magnet strength suited to young children. It covers shapes, colors, matching and basic building. MAGNA-TILES says its tiles are made from food-grade, non-toxic MABS plastic free from BPA, phthalates and latex, with a lattice design against cracking and rivets that keep the magnets secure.
- Suggested age 3 to 99 (MAGNA-TILES).
Pros: small entry point to the system; mixed shapes.
Cons: 32 pieces run out quickly for 3D builds.
Check the MAGNA-TILES Classic 32 Piece Set on Amazon
2. PicassoTiles Nano Magnetic Tiles Travel Set (40 pieces): for travel and quiet table time
PicassoTiles’ Nano set uses compact tiles that pack into a magnetic tin, and the tin doubles as a building surface for car trips or waiting rooms. PicassoTiles says the Nano tiles work with its full-size sets and other Nano sets.
- Designed for ages 3+ (PicassoTiles).
Pros: portable; tidy storage; works as a building board.
Cons: smaller tiles, so less suited to large 3D builds.
Check the PicassoTiles Nano Magnetic Tiles Travel Set (40 pieces) on Amazon
3. MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo 40 Piece Set: for experiments with ramps and motion
Downhill Duo adds ramps, road pieces and Dasher vehicles that glide along the outside of the tracks, so children can build hills and see which slope is fastest. Magnetic figures add a storytelling element.
- Suggested age 3 to 99 (MAGNA-TILES).
Pros: turns building into simple cause-and-effect experiments.
Cons: fewer basic tiles than a Classic set of the same size.
Check the MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo 40 Piece Set on Amazon
4. PicassoTiles Classic Playset (60 pieces, PT60): for a mid-size set
The PT60 is PicassoTiles’ 60-piece classic set for bright 2D and 3D structures, which PicassoTiles says encourages color and shape recognition and early STEM skills through open-ended play.
- Works with other full-size PicassoTiles sets (per PicassoTiles’ PT100 description of full-size compatibility).
Pros: more pieces than a 32-piece starter for the same kind of play.
Cons: PicassoTiles’ text does not list the shape breakdown or age for this set.
Check the PicassoTiles Classic Playset (60 pieces, PT60) on Amazon
5. PicassoTiles Classic Starter Set (100 pieces, PT100): for a classroom-size set
PicassoTiles calls the PT100 its signature starter set. Its 100 pieces span five tile types, enough to move from flat patterns to towers, houses and castles. PicassoTiles says strong magnets make the tiles easy to join and reposition.
- Designed for ages 3+ (PicassoTiles).
Pros: detailed piece breakdown; big enough for two children; expandable.
Cons: a lot of pieces to tidy without a storage bin.
Check the PicassoTiles Classic Starter Set (100 pieces, PT100) on Amazon
6. MAGNA-TILES Classic 100 Piece Set: for big builds and siblings
The Classic 100 gives children enough tiles for large animals, robots and buildings, and MAGNA-TILES says it builds shapes, colors, strategy and problem-solving skills. It uses the same MABS plastic, lattice and riveted magnets as the smaller Classic set.
- Suggested age 3 to 99 (MAGNA-TILES).
Pros: the most squares of any set here; lasts as children grow.
Cons: a large set to store.
Check the MAGNA-TILES Classic 100 Piece Set on Amazon
Which one fits you
| You want | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A first set for a 3-year-old | MAGNA-TILES Classic 32 | Small starter with mixed shapes |
| Lessons on the go | PicassoTiles Nano 40 | Tin doubles as a board |
| Science play with slopes | MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo | Ramps and vehicles |
| Two children or a small group | MAGNA-TILES Classic 100 or PicassoTiles PT100 | 100 pieces each |
Practical tips
- Start with sorting by color and shape, then flat patterns, before 3D building; see learning activities by age.
- Supervise young children and follow each maker’s safety and age guidance.
Sources
Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 26 October 2026: MAGNA-TILES Classic 32 Piece Set, PicassoTiles Nano Magnetic Tiles Travel Set (40 pieces), MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo 40 Piece Set, PicassoTiles Classic Playset (60 pieces, PT60), PicassoTiles Classic Starter Set (100 pieces, PT100), MAGNA-TILES Classic 100 Piece Set. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.
