Giant foam building blocks are oversized, soft blocks that provide hours of fun and learning for children. With their lightweight design and vivid colors, these imaginative toys inspire creativity, sensory play, and motor skill development. This beginner’s guide will explore everything you need to know about giant foam blocks.
What Are Giant Foam Building Blocks?
Giant foam building blocks, also called oversized soft blocks or large foam blocks, are chunky, lightweight blocks made of soft, non-toxic foam. Measuring anywhere from 4 inches to over 3 feet long, these building toys are much bigger than classic wooden blocks.
The oversized and soft nature of the blocks allows kids to easily grip, stack, and assemble elaborate structures. The blocks interlock in various ways, functioning like modular blocks or puzzle pieces. Their vibrant colors and variety of shapes appeal to children’s senses and imaginations.
Benefits of Giant Foam Blocks
Giant foam blocks offer a wide range of developmental, cognitive, and social/emotional benefits for kids:
Developmental Benefits
- Builds gross motor skills – Lifting, carrying, and manipulating the large blocks develop strength and coordination.
- Enhances fine motor skills – Precision required to interlock the blocks improves dexterity.
- Improves hand-eye coordination – Visually assessing and adjusting block positioning utilizes hand-eye coordination.
- Develops spatial awareness – Visualizing and creating structures in 3D builds spatial skills.
- Foster’s problem-solving abilities – Figuring out how to assemble shapes and balance blocks involves logical thinking.
- Encourages creativity – Open-ended play provides infinite possibilities for creative experimentation.
Cognitive Benefits
- Stimulates imagination – Building and roleplaying with the blocks ignites imaginative storytelling.
- Promotes innovation – Unique block shapes and textures inspire kids to build new things.
- Facilitates STEM/STEAM learning – Architecture, physics, geometry, and engineering concepts can be explored.
- Aligns with Montessori and Waldorf education models – Child-led, sensory learning with open-ended materials.
Social/Emotional Benefits
- Fosters collaborative play – Building together helps develop communication, cooperation, and sharing.
- Provides opportunities for self-expression – Kids can build anything that expresses their interests and ideas.
- Boosts self-confidence – Successfully creating unique structures gives a great sense of accomplishment.
Key Features of Giant Foam Blocks
Giant foam building blocks have some unique features that set them apart from regular blocks:
Materials
- Made of lightweight, durable foam – Easy for small hands to manipulate and safe if toppled over.
- Have a soft, pillowy texture – More comfortable and less noisy than wooden blocks.
- Often have large dimensions – Blocks range from 4-inch cubes to over 3-foot arcs.
Safety
- Non-toxic materials are safe for kids to handle and chew.
- Eco-friendly manufacturing and materials – Avoid plastics and use renewable resources.
- The recyclable foam makes disposal easy and sustainable.
- Non-slip surfaces prevent sliding and increase structural stability.
Design
- Colorful dyes and patterns appeal to kids’ senses.
- Interlocking edges allow complex structures to be assembled.
- Puzzle-like attachments create a play that develops spatial skills.
- Modular components promote creativity and imaginative play.
- Highly versatile – Can build everything from towers to forts to rainbows.
- Often customizable with writable surfaces to personalize.
Choosing the Best Giant Foam Blocks
When selecting giant foam blocks, here are some factors to consider:
- Age range – Blocks sized for toddlers vs. older kids.
- Size and weight – Smaller for portability or larger for dramatic structures.
- Quantity – Number of blocks needed for types of building.
- Price – Quality and value for cost.
- Brand reputation – Experience manufacturing safe children’s products.
- Customer reviews – Satisfaction reported by other parents.
Some top-rated giant foam block options include:
| Product | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Edushape Giant Building Blocks (48 pc) | $44.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Playtime Giant Foam Blocks (20 pc) | $36.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐1⁄2 |
| KidKraft Oversized Foam Block Set (30 pc) | $27.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Using Giant Foam Blocks
Giant foam blocks can be used in endless ways to build, play, and learn:
Indoor Play
Build towers, tunnels, meandering paths, and more to reimagine indoor spaces. Make a cozy fort or form a landscape with rivers and valleys.
Outdoor Play
Take structures outside to the backyard or playground. Build an enchanted castle or windy road. Combine with outdoor toys like playhouses or play kitchens.
Creative Play
Inspire unstructured, imaginative play. Stack blocks like bricks or form the shapes of creatures and objects. Let kids’ creativity guide building.
Sensory Play
The vibrant colors, patterns, and textures of the blocks engage kids’ senses. Sort blocks by color or touch the comforting, pillowy foam.
Educational Play
Develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial skills, and problem-solving abilities through block play. Practice counting, colors, shapes, and patterns.
Stacking and Construction
From simple stacking to complex arrays, assembling and balancing blocks develops spatial intelligence, focus, and patience.
Roleplaying and Storytelling
Use constructed block structures to imagine and act out narratives. Block creations become settings for roleplay adventures.
Games and Challenges
Invent games like timed block stacking challenges. Create structures based on size/color parameters or to match diagrams.
Maintaining Giant Foam Blocks
Giant foam blocks are relatively low maintenance, but a few simple habits will keep them in great shape:
- Clean blocks with a mild soap and water solution if dirty. Avoid harsh cleaners on foam.
- Allow blocks to fully air dry if washing – do not store damp.
- Disinfect periodically by wiping with diluted vinegar or baking soda solution.
- Keep foam blocks in a dry storage area when not in use to prevent mold.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure as UV rays can damage foam.
- Supervise use and teach kids to handle blocks gently to prevent damage. Discard any split/broken blocks.
Where to Buy Giant Foam Blocks
Giant foam blocks can be purchased from:
- Online retailers like Amazon, Fat Brain Toys, Melissa & Doug, etc. Offer wide selections with convenient home delivery.
- Brick-and-mortar stores like Walmart, Target, toy stores, early learning centers, etc. Allow you to see and feel blocks in person before purchasing.
- Second-hand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, etc. Provide opportunities to get quality used blocks at discounted prices.
Buying new from a reputable manufacturer is recommended for safety and durability.
DIY Giant Foam Blocks
For the DIY-inclined, it’s totally possible to make your own giant foam blocks with just a few supplies:
Materials Needed
- Foam sheets or foam insulation boards
- Craft knife or electric carving knife
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrushes
- Drop cloths
Step-by-Step
- Measure and sketch out block dimensions on foam boards.
- Use a sharp knife to cut boards into block shapes.
- Paint blocks in vivid colors and let them fully dry.
- Supervise kids closely when using homemade blocks.
Tips
- Choose foam without toxic chemicals – avoid polyurethane types.
- Cut thicker boards for sturdier blocks. 2-4 inches is ideal.
- Round off any sharp edges left by cutting for safety.
- Use acrylic or tempera paint – avoid chemical paints.
- Allow painted blocks to dry for 48 hours before use.
FAQs about Giant Foam Blocks
What are the benefits of giant foam blocks?
They build motor skills, spatial skills, STEM skills, imagination, and creativity. Kids stay engaged in open-ended play.
What are the key features to look for?
Large oversized dimensions, soft and lightweight foam construction, interlocking or modular shapes, vivid colors, textures, and patterns.
How do I choose the right foam blocks?
Consider your child’s age, interests, and developmental needs. Pick a reputable brand that uses non-toxic materials.
How can giant foam blocks be used?
The possibilities are endless! Build structures and scenes, sensory play, gross motor play, fine motor activities, storytelling, and roleplay.
How should I maintain foam blocks?
Gently wipe clean with mild soap and water when needed. Disinfect periodically. Allow to fully dry before storing to prevent mold.
Where are the best places to buy foam blocks?
Quality brand-name giant foam blocks can be purchased from online retailers, toy stores, kids’ stores, or made DIY.
Are foam blocks safe for kids?
When purchased new from a reputable maker, giant foam blocks are designed to be completely non-toxic and safe for children. Supervise play.
The Creative Possibilities Are Endless!
Giant foam blocks are beloved by kids and parents for their ability to inspire imagination and build a range of developmental skills. With so many benefits, features, and play possibilities, oversized soft blocks are a versatile addition to any toy collection. Use this guide to find the perfect blocks to build a foundation for learning through hands-on play.