KIDS · TOYS
When the screens go off, these are the toys that actually hold our crew's attention — from magnetic tiles that come out every single day to audio players the kids run themselves. Eight screen-free picks that earn their space in the toy bin.
#1 OUR FAVORITE OVERALL
The kids love: Magna-Tiles are the toy that comes out every single day — endless open-ended building that never gets old.
A great screen-free toy has to be open-ended, genuinely re-playable, and able to span a big range of ages — not a five-minute novelty that ends up at the bottom of the bin. We rated each pick on how often it actually comes out in our house, not how it looks on the box.
#1 OUR FAVORITE OVERALL
$83.99
The kids love: Magna-Tiles are the toy that comes out every single day — endless open-ended building that never gets old.
Check Price#2 BEST VALUE
$26.59
Mom loves: The Combo 46 set is the perfect low-cost way to start a collection (or grow one you already have).
Check Price#3 BEST FOR RACING
$46.54
The kids love: The Downhill Duo adds marble-run racing to the tiles they already own — instant new play.
Check Price#4 BEST BUILDING SET
$49.99
We love: This 3-in-1 set rebuilds into a fox, owl, or squirrel — three toys in one box.
Check Price#5 BEST FOR BIG BUILDERS
$99.99
Our teens say: The Modern House is a satisfying, detailed build that looks great on a shelf afterward.
Check Price#6 BEST FOR ENGINEERS
$99.99
The kids love: The motorized roller coaster is the LEGO set they show every single visitor.
Check Price#7 BEST AUDIO PLAYER
$189.99
Mom loves: The Toniebox is screen-free audio the kids control themselves — Disney stories on repeat.
Check Price#8 BEST FOR TODDLERS
$169.99
The kids love: The soft, squeezable farm characters are perfect first Tonies for little hands.
Check PriceDisclosure: EightTakes may earn a commission when you shop through our links. We only recommend products our family has used or would buy ourselves.
