Young children will love all of the different pieces and colors in this set, which includes flags, rods, end caps, and spools. Instructional ideas for 30 models, but children also can use their own creativity. Excellent set for experienced builders who want more pieces.

Cons

Higher price than some other TINKERTOY sets, although it has lots of pieces.

Best Bang for the Buck

TINKERTOY

Essentials Value Set, 100 Pieces

Great introductory set with a good variety of pieces and instructions for a dozen models.

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Bottom Line

Great introductory set with a good variety of pieces and instructions for a dozen models.

Pros

Made for ages 3 and up, meaning even young children can have success with this toy. With 100 pieces, it's just the right size for a starter set because of the variety of pieces in the box, including spools, rods, and flags. Offers simple instructions to help you create 13 models.

Cons

May not offer enough pieces for those who are experienced with the toy.

TINKERTOY

Classic Building Tin

Great for individuals who crave the throwback feel of when Tinkertoy sets came in tube-shaped containers.

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Bottom Line

Great for individuals who crave the throwback feel of when Tinkertoy sets came in tube-shaped containers.

Pros

This set has 100 parts molded in bright colors to spark the imagination. Unlike the classic toys, these pieces snap together so your creations won’t fall apart easily. Included are 15 building ideas to get you started.

Cons

While the packaging is nostalgic, buyers should note that the toys inside have been upgraded to plastic.

TINKERTOY

On The Go Building Set

If you want a smaller set that is not so overwhelming, this offering includes 65 pieces.

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Bottom Line

If you want a smaller set that is not so overwhelming, this offering includes 65 pieces.

Pros

While this set comes with building ideas for a train, race car, helicopter, and more, it also includes a fun winking eye that can be added to any model or used to build animals and people. The pieces are responsibly made at a zero-waste manufacturing facility.

Cons

Since this is a smaller set, it is best for satisfying the needs of only one child.

TINKERTOY

Little Constructor's Building Set

Not too large and not too small, this set can be used to create a variety of buildings and common household items.

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Bottom Line

Not too large and not too small, this set can be used to create a variety of buildings and common household items.

Pros

The ideas included in this colorful kit will help your child build a swing set, a table with chairs, and even an outdoor grill. But the fun doesn’t stop there; the set has enough pieces to build larger items, such as a spinning windmill.

Cons

A few users have noted that the toys stay together too well. As such, kids may require adult assistance when disassembling.

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First Reviewed

December 23, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated December 2021

Lots of childhood toys from days of yore are making a comeback, and perhaps the most old-school one is the Tinkertoy set. These simple building blocks have been around since 1914, and are now part of the popular STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) toy craze. So, not only are they fun, but they help with important learning and development that can prepare your child for school and real-life skills that can put them ahead of their peers. Tinkertoy sets used to be made of natural polished wood but now are also available in more durable, colorful plastic. You can buy sets of all the basic building pieces or sets tailored to specific building projects like aircraft or animals. Small sets cost about $25, while deluxe sets with more pieces cost up to $100.

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