Have you seen those colorful plastic bricks that can be clicked together to create almost anything? They are taking the toy world by storm! This ingenious modular building system allows both kids and adults to construct creative designs out of interconnecting blocks.
In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the world of interlocking plastic bricks and other construction toys. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first set for a child or get started with a new hobby yourself, you’ll learn key information about these captivating building blocks.
A Brief History of Interlocking Bricks
The original interlocking brick system was created in 1958 by the LEGO company in Denmark. These automatic binding bricks revolutionized the world of children’s toys and play.
Over the years, the basic idea of modular plastic bricks has expanded into all kinds of building sets and construction toys from various companies. Today, these universal building blocks remain a beloved toy around the world.
Fun Fact: Over 400 billion LEGO bricks have been manufactured since 1958!
Similar competing brands of interlocking bricks include:
- Mega Bloks
- Magformers
- Picasso Tiles
- Galt Toys
- People Toy Company
These brick alternatives offer additional construction toy options, yet LEGO remains the most recognizable brand on the market.
Benefits of Interlocking Building Blocks
Interlocking building blocks provide a wide array of developmental benefits for kids. Here are some of the top perks this classic toy has to offer:
- Promotes creativity and imagination
- Enhances motor skills and coordination
- Teaches basic engineering concepts
- Improves spatial reasoning abilities
- Fosters patience, concentration and problem-solving
- Allows for collaborative play
In addition to the child development benefits, construction brick sets offer an enjoyable hobby for adult collectors and hobbyists. The creative possibilities are endless!
Types of Brick Pieces and Accessories
The standard bricks, with their bumps and tubes, form the foundation of interlocking building blocks. Yet most major brands also offer specialty pieces and accessories to enhance constructions. Common elements include:
Basic Brick Sizes and Shapes:
- 2×4 standard rectangular bricks
- 1×2 bricks
- 2×2 bricks
- 2×3 angled bricks
- 1×1 round single stud bricks
Specialized Brick Types:
- Ramps and stairs
- Windows and doors
- Baseplates (large flat pieces)
- Raised plates
- Tile pieces (tops without tubes)
Accessories:
- Mini figures
- Wheels
- Hinges
- Shackles
- Viewing scopes
- Plants and trees
With all these components, anything you can dream up can come to life one brick at a time!
Brick Brand Comparisons
While Lego remains the premier brand in interlocking bricks, examining some key competitors can help you determine what toy brick system is the best fit. Compare popular options below:
As shown in the chart, Lego offers the highest quality and most variety, reflected in the higher prices. Budget brands like Playbloks and KidKraft provide decent starter sets at lower price points.
Consider which features are most important to you or your child when selecting a brand. High quality longevity versus affordability? Maximize creativity options versus simplify starter sets for younger kids?
Choosing a Brick Set
With so many impressive construction toys on the market, deciding what to purchase can feel overwhelming. Follow this criteria when selecting sets:
Age Range
- Large Duplo bricks for toddlers
- Basic preschool starter sets
- Advanced building sets for teens
Pricing
- Small kits under $20
- Medium sets from $50-$100
- Large collections $200+
Build Themes
- Vehicles (cars, planes, trains)
- Buildings (houses, castles, skyscrapers)
- Animals and creatures
- Licensed themes from movies, comics etc.
Once you settle on features that align with your budget and interests, you can discover a whole world of possibilities!
Unleash Your Inner Architect with Custom Sets
Beyond pre-designed model sets, part of the magic of interlocking building blocks is creating your own custom designs.
Introducing brick customizers! These special online services allow you to:
- Upload a photo of anything
- Turn an image into a brick mosaic
- Receive a parts list breakdown
- Purchase custom brick kit
Now you can transform almost any inspiration image into three-dimensional form out of bricks. Services like Mosaic Maker specialize in photo conversion to plastic brick artwork replicas.
For do-it-yourself custom building without an image template, services like BrickLink allow you to hand select every type of element you need from a vast catalog of building parts. Combine random bricks in any color and shape imaginable for freeform designs.
Custom building allows endless possibilities to make your wildest brick visions into tangible brick constructions!
Storage and Organization Solutions
As any seasoned construction brick enthusiast knows, amassing a collection of elements inevitably leads to a storage situation. Avoid the painful Stepped On Toy Brick (STOB) with these organization solutions!
Storage Containers: Clear plastic bins or containers allow you to easily sort brick pieces by color, size, shape while still viewing contents. Look for stackable containers to save space.
Furniture Organizers: Specialty drawers, tables or shelving units tailored for building brick organization. Features like pull-out segmented drawers to separate brick types are extremely useful additions.
Wall Systems: Mounted grids, slatwall panels, rails or mesh cubes offer handy display plus storage. This functional furniture element clears toy clutter while showing off models.
Adequately organizing all those mesmerizing little construction pieces ensures you’ll always be able to find the part you need for your next inventive design!
Extend Playtime with Fun Add-Ons
To maximize the brick creating experience, accessorizing your set with complementary toys offers extended enjoyment. Enhance hands-on play with these add-on ideas:
Playmats: Roads, train tracks, landscapes and cityscapes printed on textured mats provide the foundation for immersive world building.
Figs and Mini Dolls: Mini action figures, people and creatures let imaginations run wild with storytelling adventures.
Bionicles: Construct robotic action figure models which integrate with other building toys.
Craft Supplies: Felt, googly eyes, pom poms allow DIY detailing like costumes, decorations, textures.
Expand and customize any basic brick set with play accessories for even more building fun!
Educational Building Blocks
Aside from pure entertainment, interlocking construction toys also offer inherent educational benefits. Children can develop essential scholastic skills with themed learning brick sets like:
● Architecture theme introduces scale models of real civil engineering wonders like the Golden Gate bridge or Empire State Building. This links with principles of math, physics science and design.
● Programmer theme features interactive bricks which can be coded using icons to perform actions like light, movement and music. This develops computational thinking abilities.
● Geography expansion sets allow you to construct models of world landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Pyramids matching traditional interlocking bricks. This helps teach culture, history and social studies.
● Mosaic sets encourage reproducing pixel art images using concentrating skills counting rows and columns. This builds attention to detail and fine motor coordination.
Academically oriented building sets organically combine fun and learning in tangible hands-on play.
Displaying Brick Creations
One of the most satisfying parts of any building process comes when you complete your brick-based work of art. Avoid boxing up those brilliant builds in bins!
Dedicate space to exhibit your awesome assemblies with creative presentation ideas:
● Lego walls use offset blocks protruding from wall mounts allowing models to “climb” up a surface.
● Glass cabinet shelving encases diorama displays allowing viewing from all angles in a protective case.
● Rotating stands give motion and visibility to 360 degree customized vehicle and creature designs.
● Decor integrate brick builds into practical items like desk organizers, jewelry holders, bookends.
Proudly putting masterpieces on parade fuels a sense of accomplishment for young builders. For adults, showcasing challenging constructions satisfies a deep-rooted creative need.
Display, don’t stow away!
“Everything is awesome when you’re part of a team!” – The LEGO Movie
Be Part of the Brick Building Community
One aspect that sets interlocking construction toys apart from other playthings is the vibrant community surrounding them. Aficionados gather online and in-person to marvel at models, showcase skills, swap tips and bond over shared brick passion.
Online Forums: Members share photos, instruction guides, product news, showcase galleries, animation videos and industry insights through fan sites, blogs and groups. Lively discussions debate brick intricacies across platforms like Reddit, Facebook, YouTube, and niche websites.
BrickFest Convention: This ultimate Mecca for construction brick devotees occurs annually bringing together thousands of master builders and fans. The 2-day event features life-size sculptures, STEM activities, question-and-answer sessions plus showcases of unique brick artwork and engineering feats.
LEGO Ideas: True brick loyalists can submit their custom build designs to the Ideas platform. Creations supported by 10,000 community votes stand chance at becoming actual LEGO sets in production!
Surrounding yourself with fellow block buffs builds inspiration to keep creating and learning new brick skills together.
Lifelong Building Fun
The beauty of interlocking building bricks lies in their versatility across endless age ranges. From toddlers taking first clicks to adult hobbyist engineers designing complex replicas, plastic construction toys offer lifetime enjoyment.
Now that you have all the starter knowledge about these captivating toys, it’s time pull out those bricks and play! Build, stack, creators whatever your imagination dreams up.
Let the magic of constructing take you on a journey limited only by the number of blocks you own. Build on!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this beginner’s guide introduction to the creative world of interlocking plastic bricks and construction toys. To recap key takeaways:
- Interlocking bricks originated with LEGO in 1958 and have expanded into all types of building sets
- Modular bricks promote development skills in kids and supply creative hobbies for adults
- Many specialty brick pieces, accessories and add-ons are available
- Finding the right brick toy depends on age, interests, budget and more
- Customizing through mosaic images or free-build methods offers endless options
- Proper storage solutions prevent painful Stepped on Toy Brick instances
- Building block play can be integrated with education principles
- Displaying finished models fuels a great sense of accomplishment
- Joining enthusiast communities creates shared inspiration
The charming innovation of these automatic binding bricks opens unlimited potential to build anything you can envision. Now equipped with fundamental background on the parts, brands, and creative aspects, you’re ready to establish your own brick empire! What will you build first?
FAQs
What are the best interlocking brick brands for young kids?
For young kids just starting out, LEGO DUPLO or Mega Bloks offer quality introductory brick sets with larger pieces perfect for little hands. VTech also makes great starter kits incorporating lights and sounds to amplify learning.
Is there a way to buy individual construction block components instead of full sets?
Yes, sites like BrickLink and BrickOwl operate like brick marketplaces allowing you to hand select individual elements to purchase. This is great for replacing missing parts or amassing specialty items.
How do you best store a large collection of bricks?
Invest in stackable plastic storage bins and compartmentalized drawer organizers. This allows you to neatly sort by color, size, etc and easily view contents. Label containers and display built models in a bookcase.
Can someone help me build complex interlocking structures if I’m a beginner?
Definitely! Beyond printed building guides, many fan forums and video channels offer step-by-step tutorials for recreating challenging models. Or join a virtual building party session where more advanced builders provide mentoring.
What are the best tips for photographing and sharing my custom brick designs creations?
Use poster putty to secure models so they don’t collapse when moving them. Experiment with backgrounds – try different shades of paper, textures, natural elements. Stage minifigs to help showcase size. Utilize lots of lighting, especially natural light. Edit images to sharpen details and brightness.