Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Magnetic Pattern Blocks Set - Educational Toy With 120 Magnets and Carrying Case, Multi-color, 1 EA

We originally just got one set, but then with both my older boys got interested we had to get a second set as their pictures got more and more elaborate. I know they sell these without magnets but we really prefer these. It makes matching the pictures on the magnetized board easier and we can use them on other surfaces easier. We have a baby so we didn't want them to be able to get into this, and our toy cabinet is metal so we just have the boys make their creations vertically and out of reach of the baby, that way they can leave out their pictures for display or to work on later and we don't have to worry. This comes with fun patters but once they've been done few times my kids transitions pretty easily into just making their own pictures and patters.

Wow what a nicely constructed toy. My 3 year old grandson is thoroughly enjoying using the colorful pieces to make his own picture or follow the prescribed patterns .

Fantastic "family gift" for our children this year. Our oldest child, 9y, enjoys creating her own designs with this; our 4y meticulously places each tile in its proper place; our 3y is improving fine motor skills with this and reinforcing numbers, colors, and shapes; and our 18mo enjoys tossing the multiple small pieces all around the room :) The vinyl carrying case is fairly sturdy, and the board design is great-- a slot at the top to place the design card in, and the tiles stick magnetically (so when baby brother comes and bumps your elbow, your tiles stay in place!). A fantastic road-trip item for our littles, but also great for quiet times at home.

Pattern blocks are great school readiness toys for teaching spacial logic, shapes, coordination, concentration, etc. These are a nice set over-all. I wanted magnetic pieces for my boys since magnets help them keep track of the pieces. We sort them out on cookie sheets prior to working the patterns so they can see and find the pieces easily. It also keeps them from getting spread all over the table or floor. I was also looking for magnets since this will help hold the pieces in place a little more while the children work since small children tend to wiggle around and accidentally disturb their projects at this age.My boys are 3 and 4 years old. There are patterns in this set that are just right for my easily distracted 3 year old, some that are a challenge to my much more focused 4 year old, and a couple that both of them will either grow into later or need assistance with now. The pieces fit nicely onto the patterns. All of the designs are very eye catching and engaging. I did notice a few things that I would change about the quality of this set if I could.The board is made of a soft wood. I'm not sure what kind of wood it is, just that it has too much give for my comfort. The magnets are made of something similar to plywood. This is not good since they chip and peel. We have had the set for about 1 1/2 months and I have already had to repair some pieces with wood glue. This is in spite of the fact that my children are monitored as they use this product and have not been overly rough with it. The color on top is not paint. It is a sticker, which can peel off. I prefer paint. The pattern sheets that come with it are moderately heavy and glossy, so fairly durable; it would be nice if they were a little tougher to withstand pre-school and toddler clumsiness since this is a school readiness toy after all.I wish that the strength of the magnets themselves was a tiny bit stronger so that they wouldn't slip around so easily on the board. I suppose it is good that they aren't extra strong since the size of the magnets would otherwise make them a health hazard if swallowed. However, my little guys get frustrated with the toy when the whole pattern shifts wrong with a little hasty touch. This will eventually teach coordination and concentration, I suppose. But for the age level it targets, it would help if the magnetic strength were a little more merciful on their chubby, clumsy hands.My biggest beef is the case the toy came in. I am very disappointed with the case. It is not sewn together, just heat sealed/pressed. It started falling apart within minutes of use even though I was the one carefully removing and replacing the objects and not the children. I usually love the quality of Melissa and Doug products. I really expected better. I may be able to repair the case and strengthen it for the children, but I'm not sure.

This is a great gift for little kids 3+. Mine loves playing with these when they are near the refrigerator, which can be a problem. Especially when we try to get them to eat and all they want to do is play with these. I can see the mental development of my kids as they build different pictures and scenes with these magnetic blocks. I do like the patterns they included in the set. At first, my kids did not know what to do, so the patterns help them start out. Now they are bored with the patterns and have made their own stuff. This set is worth the money - this coming from a cheapskate.

Well loved

I looked at a lot of different options for this style of toy. This one is pretty unbeatable. It is well made, comes in a self-contained case to keep all the parts together, and I love the magnetic board and shape cards. My 3 year old really enjoys it, and it will grow with her. Great toy for a great price. Highly recommend.

Great gift for my soon to be 3 year old daughter and 2.5 year old nephew. It is variable in difficulty depending if the child puts the magnet shapes over the printed designs, or looks at the design and then tries to copy it on the blank board or in creating their own designs. It comes in a great pouch, making it portable and less likely to lose the pieces. The magnets stick just right so they are easy enough for little hands to grab and move, but don’t fall off the board.