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Building toys (not LEGO): ideas for Christmas 2026

Construction toys from other makers: magnetic tiles, model kits, marble runs and wooden blocks.

By Sam · Updated 4 November 2026

Our picks

Our top pick
Researched
£45 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In stock
Runner-up
Researched
£64.99 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In stock
Also good
Researched
£33.69 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In stock

All 11 compared

£45 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our verdict
Our verdictResearched

For a creative type who is into building.

Good
    Worth knowing

      Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they don't have the shelf space or patience for a long build.

      £64.99 at Amazon
      as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
      Our verdict
      Our verdictResearched

      A good gift for a child who likes building.

      Good
        Worth knowing

          Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if the child is under the age on the box.

          £33.69 at Amazon
          as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
          Our verdict
          Our verdictResearched

          A good first building set for a child who likes making things.

          Good
            Worth knowing

              Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they want a motorised set: it's built by hand.

              £55.95 at Amazon
              as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
              Our verdict
              Our verdictResearched

              A good present for a child or adult who likes building.

              Good
                Worth knowing

                  Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they need a very simple toy, as the setup takes patience.

                  £19.99 at Amazon
                  as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                  Our verdict
                  Our verdictResearched

                  An easy first model for a child who loves planes and doesn't have the patience for glue.

                  Good
                    Worth knowing

                      Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they want a detailed display model: this is a simple model that clips together.

                      £29.99 at Amazon
                      as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                      Our verdict
                      Our verdictResearched

                      A good present for a puzzler who likes London landmarks.

                      Good
                        Worth knowing

                          Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they prefer flat jigsaw puzzles.

                          £11.98 at Amazon
                          as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                          Our verdict
                          Our verdictResearched

                          A well-known aircraft and an easy first model for a teenager or adult who likes planes.

                          Good
                            Worth knowing

                              Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they dislike small detail work: the parts are small and the painting needs a steady hand.

                              £33.99 at Amazon
                              as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                              Our verdict
                              Our verdictResearched

                              A creative present for a child who loves building.

                              Good
                                Worth knowing

                                  Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if the child is under seven: it has small parts.

                                  £12 at Amazon
                                  as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                                  Our verdict
                                  Our verdictResearched

                                  A neat project for a teenager.

                                  Good
                                    Worth knowing

                                      Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they dislike fiddly work: it's small and demanding.

                                      £28.50 at Amazon
                                      as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                                      Our verdict
                                      Our verdictResearched

                                      A gentle introduction to model-making for a child or adult interested in the Battle of Britain.

                                      Good
                                        Worth knowing

                                          Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they want a quick project: it needs gluing, painting and drying time.

                                          £26.63 at Amazon
                                          as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                                          Out of stockCheck price →
                                          Our verdict
                                          Our verdictResearched

                                          A good puzzle for a toddler.

                                          Good
                                            Worth knowing

                                              Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if the child is older.

                                              ⓘ Some links are affiliate links: a purchase may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our recommendations. Prices shown may have changed since they were checked.

                                              Before you buy
                                              Magnetic building toys are not for children who still put things in their mouths: check the age on the box.
                                              How we choose

                                              We unbox and build what we can at home, hand it to someone the age it's sold for, and check prices and stock at UK shops through the day. Every pick is labelled: Tested at home when we've had it in our hands (bought, or sent free by the brand, and the review says which), Researched when we haven't. Commissions never change a pick or its place on the list. Read our full methodology →

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