My kids love to build. We have Lincoln Logs, Legos, wooden blocks, Hot Wheels tracks and, yes, regular magnet tiles (with the marble run expansion), and they’re always constructing new things.
They also love to build forts out of anything and everything they can get their hands on, which often means they’re scrounging the house for blankets and sheets, and the kitchen chairs are in use when it’s time to sit down for supper.
But now, we have Superspace’s The Big Set — Giant Magnetic Tiles. These huge magnet tiles let them build anything their little minds can come up with, no chairs required!
I first came across this set at our local library, but no matter how much time we spent there, they always wanted a few more minutes to enjoy what they had built or start over with something new. When I had the chance to test these out in our own home, I jumped at it!
So far, the kids have built forts, army bases, basketball hoops, and tunnels, and I can’t wait to see what they dream up next. It’s definitely a higher ticket item, but it’s something that the kids will play with for years to come.
Superspaceu2019s Big Set Magnetic Tiles
Pros
- Endless combinations for little imaginations
- Made from eco-felt
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
- Hours of screen-free fun
Cons
- A larger investment
- May be difficult to store if you don't keep the box
Specifications
- Price: $449.
- In the box: 24 giant tiles.
- Color options: Sand Dune, Marshmallow, Charcoal, Pine, Blue, Turquoise, Orange.
- Ages: 3-10+.
Out of the Box Setup
One of the best parts about The Big Set is that there’s no setup. All of the giant tiles came very nicely packaged in one box. Another bonus is that when the kids put the tiles away, they’re able to stack them, so they all fit back into the box to keep them corralled in one spot.
The Big Set contains:
- 10 square tiles (20” x 20”)
- 2 square windows (20” x 20”)
- 6 triangle tiles (20” sides)
- 4 trapezoid tiles (20” and 40” sides)
- 1 rectangle tile (40” x 20”)
- 1 rectangle window/door (40” x 20”)
What I Love About the Big Set
The quality of The Big Set is incredible. The tiles are large, but they feel sturdy. The magnets are housed in kid-proof casing that are tough enough to handle vigorous play. I don’t worry about choking as much now that the kids are older, but it’s really nice to know that the magnet tiles can handle their intensity.
The felt is made from recycled bottles — 130 per set to be exact. The soft felt keeps noise to a minimum, and the magnets make a satisfying “click” sound when they’re put together. It’s really fun to listen to the kids putting things together in the basement while I’m upstairs cooking or working.
If you’re a parent (which is probably why you’re reading this), then you know that it can be hard to keep kids off of screens. Even when they are off, it can be hard for them to keep their minds from thinking about the next time they’ll get to use them. These magnet tiles do wonders for the kids’ imagination and keep them engaged and interested in creating new things without screens.
The Superspace website says that parents report two to four hours of engaged and active play per session, and I can attest to that. I haven’t timed it, but when the kids start playing with these, they really do spend quite a bit of time with them, and then that play spills over into other types of play, keeping them active and engaged for long periods of time.
New Colors Are Now Available
The original Superspace colors are bold and bright — perfect for playrooms and kids rooms. Think bright blue, orange, and turquoise. But the brand recently introduced two new elevated tones that blend seamlessly into other areas of the home: Sand Dune and Marshmallow.
I got Sand Dune, and according to a brand spokesperson, “Sand Dune [is] our first new color since launch. Premium eco-felt made from recycled bottles, in a warm, earthy tone that blends into timber floors and makes your home look better, not busier. Over the years, so many of our customers have said that Superspace doesn’t just get played with, it lives in their home. It’s out in the living room, not shoved in a cupboard.”
The other new color, Marshmallow, is a soft pink. If you’re looking for a darker neutral, Charcoal is ideal.
The Big Set Cost and Storage
The Big Set costs $449, so it is a larger purchase, which makes it perfect for a larger Christmas or birthday gift. The Family Pack is $699, but The Little Set is just $249 and will give kids enough tiles to play with to really spark their imagination and excitement. To offset the cost a bit, Superspace offers free standard shipping, and if you refer a friend, you get $40 off!
When kids (and parents) are done playing, the tiles stack really nicely and can be pushed under a bed or couch for storage. We don’t have a great spot for this, but we kept the box and the tiles fit perfectly back inside when it’s time to clean up. Honestly, the forts and designs that they build are so cool, I don’t mind them staying up!
Other Options and Add-Ons Available for Even More Fun
The Family Pack comes with 40 panels for those with bigger families (or budgets), but there’s also The Little Set. Add-on packs include:
- Windows & Doors
- Superspace Rectangles
- The Squares
- Superspace Letters & Numbers
- Superspace Farmyard Pack
- Whiteboard/Blackboard Attachments
Superspaceu2019s Big Set Magnetic Tiles
In My Expert Opinion
This is such a great buy for kids. It keeps them super engaged and dreaming up all sorts of creations. I’ve even gone online to find other things people have built and let the kids figure out how to recreate it themselves. It is on the higher end of the cost spectrum, but I think it’s a good investment in continuous play that can grow with the kids. Plus, it’s really durable, so I know the investment will pay off for years to come.
