Do you know a child who loves to build and create? Here’s a great collection of creative gifts for kids that inspire imaginative play.
Updated October 2023
We often get requests for creative gifts for kids who love to build. Kids who like to tinker, build worlds out of blocks, get muddy, and move their bodies. If you know a kid who falls into this category, this post is for you!
Here are our favorite creative toys for kids who can’t stop building!
Creative Gifts for Kids Who Love to Build
Magnetic Tiles
We LOVE magnetic tiles. They are super versatile and fun for kids of all ages. Picasso Tiles, Magnatiles, and Playmags are all great choices. We also love this magnetic marble run from Connetix!
Magnetic Dollhouse
This magnetic dollhouse can be taken apart and put back together in a variety of ways. Paired with some magnetic tiles and little dolls, the play opportunities are endless!
Magnetic Blocks
This is another fun magnetic block set that our kids have been loving. And how cute are these pastel colors?
Wooden Blocks
Sometimes the basics are the best! This wooden block set is nice because it has pieces long enough to make bridges and tunnels.
Rainbow Blocks
We love these rainbow blocks as a fun addition to any basic building set. They’re especially fun to play with beside a sunny window!
Branch Blocks
We love the look of these natural branch blocks. They can be used to build structures, add to wooden block builds, or even create fairy houses!
Keva Planks
These Keva Planks come with challenges to turn 2-dimensional diagrams into 3-dimensional builds! They are great for open-ended play and construction, too.
Wooden Train Set
A basic wooden train set can truly provide hours of building fun for your kids! Adding some extra track pieces can really expand the play as well.
Classic LEGOS
Need we say more? Start with a basic bricks set to allow your kids to explore and build their own creations. This neon set is so fun, and we enjoy looking through The Lego Ideas Book for inspiration! For younger LEGO lovers, Duplos are a great place to start.
Plus Plus Blocks
These unique blocks are surprisingly satisfying to explore! Our kids also love these mini versions for traveling or waiting at restaurants.
Marble Run
Our marble run has gotten an incredible amount of playtime over the years. I love how it’s grown with my kids, from building together when they were little, to creating elaborate structures as they grow!
Wooden Domino Set
This domino set has been a favorite for many years. Your kids (and you!) will have hours of fun setting up elaborate domino courses.
Gravitrax
Think of Gravitrax as a leveled-up version of your classic marble run. It’s a bit of a splurge, but great for older kids who are notoriously hard to buy for. My oldest son has gotten so much playtime out of this unique building set!
Nesting City Blocks
We love these nesting city blocks for a huge variety of pretend play. They’re also great for stacking, sorting, lining up… you’ll be amazed at how versatile they can be!
Fort Building Kit
This kit comes with the perfect light-weight fabric and heavy-duty clips that make fort building a breeze (and won’t make all the blankets in your house disappear). Open-ended play at its best!
Cardboard Building Kit
The Make-do cardboard building kit is great for kids who want to build BIG and for families who have lots of extra cardboard in their recycling bins!
Real Tool Set
This tool set comes with everything your child needs to tinker around the house. And we love the sturdy carrying bag that comes in blue or orange!
Wood Crafts Kit
You can pair a Wood Crafts Kit like this one with the above carpentry tools for a fun DIY gift!
Sturdy Tool Belt
Your little builder will love a sturdy toolbelt like this one to help keep their work organized.
Measuring Tape
If you’re worried about the safety of a traditional metal measuring tape, this one is the perfect alternative.
Kid-Friendly Woodworking Kits
If your child likes a project, SparkJump has a ton of real woodworking kits for kids. How adorable is this bee hotel?!
Masking Tape
A big stack of masking tape could result in all kinds of unique structures.
Cordless Glue Gun
For older kids who love to build, a cordless glue gun will be a gift that can take their creations to the next level!
KiwiCo Kits
We love these science, engineering, arts & crafts kits to spark curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. Traditionally only available via subscription, you can now browse and buy individual kits here!
Creative DIY Kits as Gifts for Kids
You don’t have to spend lots of money to give your children creative and open-ended toys. Here are some favorite DIYs.
Feel free to use what you already have on hand for these kits. It’s less about getting the perfect item and more about giving your child the space and invitation to explore with these items.
Outside Science Kit: Give your kids the tools to explore outside! Keep it simple with a shovel, magnifying glass, and bug house and they will have a blast digging and observing.
Carpentry Kit: If you don’t want to buy a kit, you can gather some simple tools and scraps of wood and we guarantee your child will have a blast tinkering.
A “What Can You Make with This?” Kit: Create your own robot, building, spaceship, sculpture, etc. Save recycled materials of all shapes, sizes, color, and make-up and put them in a large box with duct tape and a glue gun. Let your children build as they wish, and then decorate with markers and/or paint.
We hope these suggestions help you find gifts for the building-loving kids in your life!
More Creative Gift Ideas for Kids
- The Artful Parent’s Creative Gift Guide for Kids
- Creative Gift Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers
- The Best Open-Ended Toys for Kids
- 10 Fun Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids
- The Last-Minute Stocking Stuffer Shopping Guide
- 25 BEST Kids Art Supplies and Where to Buy Them
Pin It for Later
