For generations, Lego bricks have been a beloved toy for children around the world. The classic small bricks inspire creativity and imagination in kids of all ages. But Lego also offers oversized Lego bricks perfect for little hands still developing fine motor skills.
These big Lego blocks take the fun of regular Lego to bigger, bolder levels. With larger pieces and compatible blocks, big Lego makes construction toys more accessible and engaging for preschoolers and young children.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about big Lego blocks. You’ll learn about:
- The history and types of oversized Lego
- Benefits of big Lego blocks for child development
- How to use big Lego bricks for playtime activities
- Top big Lego sets and where to buy them
So let’s dive into the wonderful world of plus-sized Lego!
What Are Big Lego Blocks?
Big Lego refers to larger-than-normal Lego bricks and building sets designed for younger children. These oversized Legos are compatible with regular Lego pieces but are easier for small hands to grasp and manipulate.
There are two main types of big Lego blocks:
Duplo
Duplo bricks are twice the size of classic Lego bricks, making them perfect for kids aged 1.5 to 5 years old. The name comes from “double” since the bricks are twice as big. Duplo bricks snap together with regular Lego pieces but the larger size prevents choking hazards.
Mega Bloks
Mega Bloks are even bigger than Duplo, with chunky blocks in bright colors ideal for toddlers. However, Mega Bloks are not officially produced by Lego – they are made by Mattel. But many families use Mega Bloks to introduce kids to construction play before graduating to real Lego sets.
Both Duplo and Mega offer larger bricks that are completely compatible with normal Lego pieces. The oversized blocks build fine motor skills and spatial reasoning, preparing preschoolers for more advanced Lego play later on.
Benefits of Big Lego Blocks
Playing with big Lego blocks offers many developmental benefits for young kids in the key early learning years.
Enhances Fine Motor Skills
Using their hands to connect bricks builds dexterity in little fingers. The larger pieces are easier for small hands to grasp and manipulate, developing essential fine motor skills.
Fosters Spatial Awareness
Figuring out how to fit the oversized blocks together in different ways encourages spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
Sparks Creativity and Imagination
Big Lego sets inspire open-ended creativity by letting kids build anything they dream up. There are no fixed models, so the only limits are their imagination.
Teaches STEM Concepts
Big Lego introduces foundational science, technology, engineering, and math concepts like counting, shapes, and patterns in a hands-on way.
Promotes Cooperative Play
Big chunky blocks are perfect for groups of young kids to share and build together, encouraging teamwork and social skills.
So big Lego checks all the boxes for early learning through developmental play!
How to Use Big Lego Blocks for Playtime
Big Lego bricks are designed to unleash your child’s creativity. Here are some tips for getting the most out of oversized Lego play:
- Let them explore – Avoid giving step-by-step instructions. Allow your child to handle the bricks and make their own creations.
- Ask questions – If they seem stuck, ask open-ended questions like “What else could you add?” to spur idea generation.
- Suggest challenges – Present fun building challenges like “How tall can you make it?” or “Can you build something movable?”
- Add accessories – Use figures, cars, animals, and other accessories to enrich storytelling and imaginative play.
- Build together – Take turns adding bricks to a shared creation and describing what you’re adding to the story.
- Exhibit creations – Display your child’s big Lego structures proudly before taking them apart to build something new.
- Take it outdoors – Bring big Lego blocks outdoors for sandy construction projects or sidewalk chalk art on brick creations.
With a little guidance and lots of encouragement, big Lego sets will provide endless play options as your child’s skills develop.
Top Big Lego Sets for Kids
Now let’s look at some of the best starter big Lego sets to kickstart your child’s building passion!
Duplo Basic Brick Set
This 105-piece box provides a variety of standard Duplo bricks in 33 different colors. With so many options, kids can build anything their imagination dreams up. The carrying case keeps everything organized for on-the-go building.
Recommended Ages: 2 – 5 years
Price: $40
Duplo Creative Animals Set
This fun animal-themed set includes 108 pieces to build 5 cute Duplo creatures, including a panda, polar bear, elephant, parrot, and crocodile. Kids will love playing with the brick animals after assembling them.
Recommended Ages: 1.5 – 3 years
Price: $25
Mega Bloks Big Building Bag
With this huge set of 100 mega blocks in bright colors, toddlers can enjoy no-instructions building. The big reusable bag stores the oversized blocks for play anywhere.
Recommended Ages: 1 – 3 years
Price: $20
Duplo Town Deluxe Train Set
This 65-piece train set features tracks, buildings, vehicles, and Duplo characters to create an imaginative town. Kids will love inventing stories and adventures for the chunky train.
Recommended Ages: 2 – 5 years
Price: $55
Duplo Creative Play Train Set
Another fun introductory train set, this one features 50 colorful Duplo pieces including tracks, train cars, trees, and animals. Easy to build and customize for creative young conductors.
Recommended Ages: 1.5 – 3 years
Price: $40
With sets tailored for toddlers up to 5-year-olds, big Lego from Duplo and Mega Bloks makes the perfect building toy introduction before graduating to regular Lego sets.
Where to Buy Big Lego Blocks
Here are some top places to purchase big Lego sets and bricks:
- Direct from Lego
- Amazon
- Major retailers like Target and Walmart
- Toy stores such as Toys R Us
- Local hobby shops or toy stores
Shop sales and deals around the holidays to get the best prices. You can often find discounted used big Lego sets through Marketplace, eBay, or consignment sales too.
Start Building with Big Lego Today!
Now that you know all about the wonderful world of oversized Lego, you can start your child on a lifetime of construction fun with their first big Lego set! With so many play benefits, big Lego blocks are the ideal building toys for preschoolers and young kids just starting out.
The larger Duplo and Mega Bloks introduce STEM concepts while building fine motor skills and creativity. As your child masters the basics with their first big Legos, they’ll be ready to graduate up to the endless possibilities of regular Lego sets as their abilities advance. Big Lego play today paves the way for a lifelong love of building.
So don’t think your child is too little to get started with Lego – the big block sets are just their size for learning through play! With the ultimate beginner’s guide to big Lego blocks, you can now pick the perfect oversized set and watch their construction skills take off.
FAQs about Big Lego Blocks
What’s the difference between Duplo and regular Lego?
Duplo bricks are twice the size of normal Lego bricks, making them easier for little hands to grasp and assemble. Duplo is designed for kids aged 1.5 to 5, while regular Lego is better suited for older kids with more developed fine motor skills. But Duplo bricks are fully compatible with normal Lego pieces.
What age is Mega Bloks for?
Mega Bloks are even larger than Duplo, with chunky oversized blocks perfect for toddlers 12-36 months old. The mega blocks help introduce the concept of interlocking bricks before moving on to real Lego around age 2.
Are big Lego blocks safe for babies?
Yes, big Lego blocks like Duplo and Mega are safe even for babies. The larger pieces pose no choking hazard, unlike normal Lego. Just supervise play to be safe. Big Lego is ideal for developing gross motor skills in babies ready to grasp and hold objects.
Can I use regular and big Lego bricks together?
Absolutely! A major benefit of oversized Lego bricks like Duplo is full compatibility with regular Lego. Kids can combine Duplo creations with normal Lego bricks as their skills progress. Building with both sizes together aids the transition to finer motor control.
Where can I buy used big Lego blocks?
Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and consignment stores for deals on used big Lego sets. Also look for yard sales, thrift stores, and hand-me-downs from friends or family to save money. Just be sure to clean used bricks thoroughly before gifting them.