Best Christmas Gifts for Kids Who Love Building

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s more than just fun—something that grows with your child, sparks creativity, and supports their learning journey—building toys from Connetix and Plus-Plus are excellent choices. These STEM building toys invite kids into a world of exploration, where each piece becomes part of a new adventure. Whether they’re discovering shapes, solving puzzles, or creating impressive 3D structures, these toys make every build a valuable learning experience.

Why Connetix and Plus-Plus Are Perfect for Young Builders

Connetix and Plus-Plus bring exciting and educational building experiences to children across the UK. Here’s what makes each brand unique:

• Connetix Magnetic Tiles: Connetix tiles are vibrant, magnetic building sets that let children explore endless ways to create, from simple towers to elaborate ball runs. Made with durable, non-toxic ABS plastic, Connetix tiles are sturdy enough to withstand years of play. They’re also compatible with other magnetic building brands, making it easy for families to expand their collection. These versatile tiles are a firm favourite in classrooms, where educators use them to support early skills like shape recognition, colour sorting, and collaborative play.
• Plus-Plus Building Pieces: This Danish brand offers unique, interlocking pieces that allow kids to create freely in both 2D and 3D. Each piece is made in Denmark using 100% wind energy, aligning with sustainable values. Plus-Plus pieces are BPA-free, washable, and come in two sizes: standard for ages 3+ and Plus-Plus BIG for toddlers as young as 18 months. Teachers love Plus-Plus for its flexibility, noting that it’s ideal for developing fine motor skills, patience, and problem-solving in a fun, hands-on way.

The Educational Power of STEM and MESH Toys

Both Connetix and Plus-Plus are STEM toys that nurture early skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Educators appreciate these STEM building toys for providing an interactive, hands-on approach to learning, supporting fine motor development, spatial awareness, and critical thinking skills.

Connetix was recently accredited MESH toys (Mental, Emotional, Social Health), supporting children’s ability to work collaboratively, communicate, and build resilience. By combining STEM and MESH benefits, Connetix helps children develop a well-rounded skill set that builds confidence and curiosity.

Ideas for Play with Connetix and Plus-Plus

Both Connetix magnetic building sets and Plus-Plus building toys support open-ended play and guided play, encouraging children to learn in different ways.

1. Connetix Magnetic Tiles:

• Open-ended play: Kids can create endless designs, from colourful cities to dynamic ball runs. Teachers use Connetix tiles in classrooms to support shape recognition and help kids build their own imaginative worlds.
• Guided play: Connetix sets include ideas to inspire new creations, and their ball run add-ons introduce children to simple engineering concepts. This mix of guided and open-ended play keeps kids engaged and challenges them as they grow.

2. Plus-Plus Building Sets:

• Open-ended play: The flexible, interlocking design lets kids explore freely, creating anything from mosaics to intricate 3D builds. Teachers find Plus-Plus to be ideal for STEM-based free play, helping children develop fine motor skills and creativity.
• Guided play: With themed sets that include instructions, Plus-Plus helps kids build confidence through structured projects like animals or vehicles, making it a great choice for kids who prefer a starting point.

Why Connetix and Plus-Plus Are Great Christmas Gifts

One of the best things about building toys from Connetix and Plus-Plus is that they grow with children, making them ideal Christmas gifts for kids aged 3 to 7. Here’s why they’re perfect for young builders:

1. Expandable Sets: Connetix and Plus-Plus offer add-ons to expand play possibilities over time. Kids can start with a Connetix starter pack and add ball run extensions, while Plus-Plus offers themed packs that allow kids to explore new creations.
2. Developmentally Progressive: Plus-Plus BIG pieces are safe for toddlers to explore basic stacking, while older children can use smaller pieces for more detailed designs. Connetix offers shapes and structures suitable for beginners and more advanced builders.
3. Screen-Free, Hands-On Learning: Both brands encourage hands-on exploration and problem-solving, supporting skill development through active play.

Educator Feedback on Connetix and Plus-Plus

Teachers around the world praise Connetix and Plus-Plus for their role in supporting learning and social skills:

• Connetix Magnetic Tiles: “Connetix has been a classroom favourite! We see children develop teamwork, communication, and concentration as they build together. The tiles encourage creative thinking and problem-solving,” shares one teacher.
• Plus-Plus: “Our students love Plus-Plus. The pieces are easy to handle and invite endless designs, from animals to abstract sculptures. They’re fantastic for motor skill development and cooperative play,” says another teacher.

Top Picks for Christmas Toys: Connetix and Plus-Plus

 

Here’s a closer look at some favourite Connetix magnetic tiles and Plus-Plus building sets—ideal Christmas gifts for your young builder, with play ideas, benefits, and what makes each one special.

Plus-Plus BIG Metal Suitcase

 

• What it is: This bright metal suitcase houses 70 large Plus-Plus pieces, designed for small hands. With its sturdy handle, this set is perfect for on-the-go creativity, whether at home, on holiday, or in restaurants.
• Ideas for play: Kids can start with basic 2D shapes and explore 3D building, creating animals, cars, or imaginative sculptures—all in a portable format that’s ideal for travel.
• Benefits of play: With a focus on fine motor skills and creative thinking, this suitcase is a fantastic STEM toy for toddlers. Each piece is dishwasher-safe, making it easy to keep clean and ready for the next adventure.
• Why we love it: This eco-friendly suitcase is made in Denmark with 100% wind energy, travel-friendly format and suitable for children aged 1+.

 

Plus-Plus Learn to Build Dinosaurs

 

• What it is: A 400-piece set with instructions to build a T-Rex, Triceratops, and more. Designed for children aged 5+, this dinosaur-themed set is a hit with budding builders and young palaeontologists.
• Ideas for play: Kids can follow instructions to bring dinosaurs to life, learning how to piece together models step-by-step. It’s ideal for guided play while still leaving room for creativity.
• Benefits of play: This set introduces STEM skills in a fun way, building spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and patience as children explore shapes and proportions.
• Why we love it: Perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts, this set is made sustainably in Denmark, showing that STEM learning can be both exciting and eco-friendly.

Plus-Plus Tube Fairy Mix (100 Pieces)

 

• What it is: A portable tube with 100 glittery Plus-Plus pieces, including instructions to build a fairy. This compact set fits easily in a bag for on-the-go play.
• Ideas for play: Children can start by building a fairy and continue exploring, creating anything from magical creatures or sparkling mosaics.
• Benefits of play: This tube supports both guided-play and open-ended play, encouraging imaginative creations, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
• Why we love it: The reusable tube is compact, colourful, and made with 100% wind energy, making it a magical gift for eco-conscious families. It is the perfect small budget gifts for school friends, or stocking fillers.

Plus-Plus Pastel Suitcase

• What it is: A pastel-themed suitcase filled with 600 pieces, including a base plate for creative exploration. This set combines portability with endless play possibilities.
• Ideas for play: Build animals, people, and 3D structures, or create pastel-toned patterns on the base plate, allowing kids to enjoy both structured and free-form play.
• Benefits of play: Kids build focus, patience, and creativity with every new design, and the dishwasher-safe pieces make it easy to clean up and start fresh.
• Why we love it: Crafted sustainably in Denmark, this pastel suitcase is a fun, responsible choice for STEM toys for 5-year-olds and up, making it a thoughtful gift that parents can feel good about.

Connetix Rainbow Creative Pack (102 Pieces)

 

• What it is: A vibrant magnetic tile set with a variety of shapes, including windows and door frames, that inspire creative builds in rainbow colours.
• Ideas for play: Children can create everything from castles to imaginative play scenes, using the included idea booklet as a starting point, or using their imagination.
• Benefits of play: This pack supports STEAM learning, encouraging spatial awareness, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
• Why we love it: Durable, safe, and versatile, this set grows with children, making it perfect for STEM learning and open-ended fun. It is for us the perfect Christmas Toy.

Connetix Rainbow Ball Run (92 Pieces)

 

• What it is: An engaging magnetic ball run with colourful tubes and connecting pieces that let kids explore gravity, motion, and engineering concepts.
• Ideas for play: Build custom ball runs, experiment with different paths, and challenge friends to create the fastest track, making it ideal for both solo and group play.
• Benefits of play: This set combines STEM and MESH benefits, promoting hands-on problem-solving and teamwork as kids collaborate and test their ideas.
• Why we love it: The Connetix Rainbow Ball Run brings classic STEM building toys into the colourful, magnetic world of Connetix. It is made to last and grow with children and then be passed on.

Building toys from Connetix and Plus-Plus offer children the freedom to explore, learn, and grow with every play session. This Christmas, give the gift of creativity and learning with these high-quality, sustainable toys from Eeny Meeny. They’re perfect for families who value mindful play and quality craftsmanship, sure to bring joy for years to come.