We all know that we should minimize screen time for toddlers and preschoolers, but that’s easier said than done, right? I get it, I really do. As a busy parent of two, I often hand over their LeapPad or my phone so I can make dinner, get some housework done, or keep the kids from getting into trouble while we’re out and about. I’m not prepared to do away with this tool entirely, but my resolution for the New Year is for all of us to spend more time actively playing and less time in front of a screen.
Mega Bloks are a fantastic way to encourage less screen time and more experiential play and learning! According to Alyson Schafer, internationally renowned therapist, author and parenting expert, “Free play is the natural way our brains are meant to grow and that’s why Mega Bloks construction toys are so beneficial to a child’s development. A simple task like stacking Mega Bloks teaches children how to widen the base to support a taller stack, the feeling of teetering and stability, persistence and patience in building, while receiving social encouragement.”
Mega Bloks allow for structured as well as creative play and keep playtime fun and engaging for toddlers and preschoolers. The open-ended nature of these construction toys means they’re appropriate for and appeal to a wide range of ages. Stack them, knock them down, rinse and repeat! Build the picture on the box, or design something completely new.
Want to learn more about how playtime helps your toddler develop creative, cognitive, social, and language skills, and get tips to help you encourage your kids to play more?
Download your Early Childhood Education Toolkit here.
In the meantime, check out these holiday gift ideas from Mega Bloks’ First Builders series of toys, guaranteed to get your toddler or preschooler down on the floor playing and learning at the same time.
Friendly Farm ($39.99)
It’ll be a big day of fun in the country for little farm hands thanks to the Mega Bloks Friendly Farm. Its eight panel-style blocks help children build taller and faster. Re-arranging the panels lets them build the farm in different ways. Imaginative play for children continues with detailed blocks that bring the farm scene to life. Including a barn, stables, a chicken coop and characters.
ABC Spell School Bus ($16.99)
Grab a seat on the friendly ABC Spell School Bus! This interactive playset includes everything you need to introduce your child to the wonders of learning, building, and imagination! Build this friendly, smiling school bus with the provided wheelbase, brightly colored First Builders blocks and sticker sheet, and help your child match letters with pictures of everyday objects. Big colorful blocks designed specially for little hands makes learning their ABC’s fun for your little one. With over 40 pieces, including two sturdy building plates with wheels, little ones can build the bus any way they imagine.
Big Building Bag ($19.99)
Mega Bloks’ original hero product, the award-winning Big Building Bag offers amazing play value and hours of fun. Its bright-coloured blocks encourage hands-on exploration as children imagine and create. These unique blocks are big and easy for little fingers to assemble, and when playtime is over, return the blocks to their eco-friendly bag and stash them in the toy box until the next adventure.
Block Scooping Wagon ($39.99)
Little builders can expect lots of fun surprises with the brand new Block Scooping Wagon! This colorful classic combines wagon play and construction fun with an element of surprise. The wagon picks up blocks as your little one pushes the wagon over them. The blocks spin around inside the clear compartment as a child pushes the wagon along on its big sturdy wheels. This wagon certainly makes clean-up part of the fun!
Move ‘n Groove Caterpillar ($29.99)
Get ready to discover wiggly fun and musical sounds with the Move ‘n Groove Caterpillar. Pull this adorable wheeled caterpillar along, and music will play as building bases magically appear on its back! This happy little critter comes with seven blocks in new colours and patterns, as well as an adorable buildable bumblebee that little ones can stack on the caterpillar’s back for building on the go!
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Canadian-made in Montreal at North America’s largest toy factory, Mega Bloks are the perfect building blocks for early childhood learning and assist with physical, creative, cognitive, social and language development.
Mega Bloks are sold at all major retailers including Toys R Us, Walmart, Sears, Real Canadian Super Stores, and Amazon.
Win a Mega Bloks Big Building Bag!
One of my readers will win a First Builders Big Building Bag from Mega Bloks! Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, 18+. All entries will be verified. Prize delivery is not guaranteed by Christmas, so please plan accordingly.
While you’re here, check out my other open giveaways on my Giveaway Page!
Disclosure: I received sample items for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ. This post contains affiliate links. This West Coast Mommy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. This income helps pay for the operating costs of my website – thank you for your support!
For the Lampe Berger scent I would choose The cube scented bouquet Orange Cinnamon and for the Mega Bloks I like them all, but the Block Scooping Wagon makes cleaning up fun!!
The build and learn table
The Thomas and Friends Zooming Along at Brendam Docks
Another great toy that my granddaughter would just love is the Whirl ‘n Twirl Ladybug, looks like a lot of fun!!
Good morning,i had a look at their site and another product i think we would enjoy is the Whirl ‘n Twirl Ladybug, it sure is cute!looks like a lot of fun!!
I think my goddaughter would like the “Pet Beach Boardwalk – Barbie” seen here: https://www.megabloks.com/en-ca/shop/construction-toys/barbie/pet-beach-boardwalk-cnf77
My daughter would go nuts for the Pet Beach Boardwalk – Barbie.
My nephew would love the MOVE ‘N GROOVE CATERPILLAR.
There are so many different things on that site. I had no idea, so I looked at the 0-2 age group and found Thomas. Who doesn’t like Thomas. The one I picked was the Sodor’s Big Celebration. A Train track set and two trains.
I like the 123 Count with Thomas toy!
I would love to give my niece the Whirl ‘n Twirl Ladybug. It looks like so much fun!
The move and groove caterpillar looks fun
I would choose the Whirl ‘n Twirl Ladybug. Big ladybug fans here:-)
My daughter has a little people farm that she loves, so I think she’d get a kick out of the friendly farm on your site. She loves the animals!
Our daughter would love the BAD NEIGHBORS SET SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS.
The HIDDEN TREASURE ADVENTURES THOMAS & FRIENDS Mega Blocks set looks really fun!
I would also get my little one the MONSTER MOVIEMOBILE because she loves Monster High
Another Mega Blocks toy I would love to gift is the Pet Beach Boardwalk ! 🙂
OMG I did NOT know they had monster high mega bloks!! I have a niece whom I give MH to every year and I will now have to scope out the mega bloks section in amazon!! I have been lucky enough to get MH dolls off of amazon when they go down to $8.88!! (I stock up and buy three at a time so I always have one for her bday, one for Christmas and one for graduating her class!!)
I feel like I’ve been living under a rock LOL
I would like to get my son the Farm First Builders set.
It would be great to have the Jeep 3-in-1 Ride-On.
The move n groove caterpillar!
Mega Blocks has a lot more going on than I knew about! Love the BUILDABLE MINIONS BLIND PACKS.. my daughter would really enjoy adding characters to her building block set.
The build and learn table
My granddaughter would love the Friendly Farm set! Thanks so much for your awesome contest!
I did not know that Mega Bloks had so much. After looking through the website, I would love the BUILD ’N PLAY LUXE CAMPER.
My son would love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Sewer Lair Set!
I’d go with a turtle set or the minion castle but I’d probably let my son pick.
My little guys would like The Farm First Builders.
My kids would totally love the MOVE ‘N GROOVE CATERPILLAR.
My grandson would LOVE the Call of Duty HOVERCRAFT.
Ninja turtles
The build and learn table would be awesome to have as well
My boys used to have one of the original TMNT Party Wagon, so I would love to have one of those to give to them.
I would love to give my grandson the Block Scooping Wagon. I feel safe in saying his parent would love it too.
I think my great grandsons would love the Ninja Turtles and the great granddaughters would like the monster high girls. Both would probably love the Minions.
this would be great https://www.megabloks.com/en-ca/shop/construction-toys/first-builders/move-n-groove-caterpillar-cng22
We’d love the Despicable Me CASTLE ADVENTURE.
She would love the Barbie Build ‘N Play Luxe Camper! Ok I actually would love this too…lol
would love to get the Thomas and Friends’ Kevin and Victor!
I would love to give Sodor Wash Town to my grandson!
I’d love to give my little one Minions Snowball Fight, I think it is pretty funny.
My daughter would go nuts for the Pet Beach Boardwalk – Barbie.
THe build and learn table would be perfect for my grandson
We love Mega blocks in our household. I really like the Teenage Mutant ninja turtles- I think I’d purchase this set next time
My kids would absolutely go crazy over that Thomas Track! They both love trains and love Thomas!
My son would like the 123 Count with Thomas toy!
The Thomas & Friends HIDDEN TREASURE ADVENTURES set would be great for my nephew. Love Mega Blocks!
CASTLE ADVENTURE DESPICABLE ME
i would like to get the barbie pet beach boardwalk , i think my daughter would love it ! happy new year !!