
Construction toys in their simplest form, are a collection of separate pieces that are connected together to create models. They encourage a child to use their hands to create and learn dexterity. They have been in existence for over a century, but the undisputed king in the world of construction toys is the LEGO Company.
Founded in 1932 making wooden toys, Lego soon progressed to using plastic as a moulding material. This led to the creation of their first building brick, with which the company is most strongly recognised. Many other companies have imitated Lego, but none have had the same global success. Meccano, Brio and K’Nex are also big players in the construction toys category, and competitors selling magnetic variations have emerged in recent years
Wood has been, and still is, one of the most widely used materials for making construction toys. Most basic toddlers’ building blocks are made from wood, and nothing can compete with it for strength, warmth and feel. Other types of construction toys are scale plastic model kits, sometimes containing hundreds of parts. These have to be glued together and then painted to make vehicles, soldiers and spaceships, or almost anything you can imagine. Airfix is probably the best known name for kits, but they too have many competitors.
Shop for Lego, Playmobil, Scalextric and more on the website of this Truro-based toy shop.
Read more about Toyopia >>Adeba is a traditional toy and nursery business based in St.Austell, Cornwall that offers a wide range of construction toys.
Read more about Adeba Toys >>If you want to buy a construction kit, radio controlled car or Hornby train set, Ellenbray is the place to call.
Read more about Ellenbray >>Howleys stock a tremendous range of construction toys including Lego, K'Nex and Meccano.
Read more about Howleys >>Founded in 1932, LEGO is one of the best known names in toys.
Read more about the LEGO Toy Shop >>
Personalise your own soft toys at this Cardiff-based retailer
A major Toymaster retailer based in Weymouth
A fantastic range of wooden toys for all ages