CONNETIX Buying Guide: Which Set Should I Buy?
CONNETIX makes dozens of magnetic tile packs, so picking the right one can feel tricky. This guide covers which set to buy based on your child's age, your budget and what they love to build. The short version: every CONNETIX pack connects with every other pack, so you can't really go wrong. Start with a core set and add to it over time.
Quick answer: the best CONNETIX set forβ¦
- A first set on a budget: Rainbow Mini Pack 24pc or Pastel Mini Pack 32pc
- A first set that will last: Bright Starter Pack 56pc or Pastel Starter Pack 64pc
- Families and siblings: Bright Creative Pack 104pc or Pastel Creative Pack 104pc
- The ultimate collection: Bright Mega Pack 202pc or Pastel Mega Pack 202pc
- Kids who love marble runs: Ball Run Bright Pack 114pc or Ball Run Pastel Pack 114pc
- Kids who love cars: Bright Transport Pack, Pastel Transport Pack or Rainbow Motion Pack
- Something magical: Glitter Unicorn, Glitter Castle or a light-up Light Star or Light Rocket pack
- Older, experienced builders: PRO Constructor Set 70pc
- Play on the go: Travel Mini Pack 32pc in a carry tin
CONNETIX sets compared
| Type of set | Pieces | Price range (NZD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini packs | 24β32 | Under $70 | Trying CONNETIX, gifts, stocking fillers |
| Starter packs | 56β64 | $120β$145 | A first set for one child |
| Transport and Motion packs | 24β50 | $65β$125 | Vehicle lovers, small-world play |
| Creative packs | 104 | $175β$205 | Families, siblings, bigger builds |
| Ball run packs | 61β134 | $130β$190 | Marble-run fans, cause and effect, STEAM |
| Mega packs | 202 | $345β$360 | The complete collection, classrooms |
| Expansion and add-on packs | 2β80 | $17β$160 | Growing an existing collection |
Prices are a guide only. See each product for current pricing and stock.
Choosing by age
Age 3β4
CONNETIX tiles are safety tested for ages 3+. At this age, children love simple towers, houses, colour sorting and knocking things down. A Mini or Starter pack is plenty to begin with. A base plate helps little hands keep builds steady.
Age 4β6
Builds get bigger and more imaginative, and kids start making castles, garages, zoos and rockets. A Creative pack or a Transport pack adds the variety they'll want. This is also a great age to introduce a ball run.
Age 6+
Older children enjoy engineering challenges: tall structures, complex ball runs and detailed models. Look at the Mega packs, the Super Ball Run, Portal packs or the PRO Constructor Set.
Choosing by play style
- The architect loves towers and buildings. Go for Starter, Creative or Mega packs, plus Rectangle and Square packs for height.
- The engineer loves things that move. Go for Ball Runs and the Launcher Pack.
- The storyteller loves small worlds. Go for Roads & Transport, Glitter Castle and Glitter Unicorn.
- The scientist loves light and shapes. Go for the Geometry Pack, Portal packs and Light packs.
Pastel or Bright?
It comes down to looks. Bright (previously called Rainbow) is bold and classic. Pastel is soft and suits a calm, neutral playroom. The two colourways connect with each other, so many families end up with both.
How many tiles does my child need?
For one child, around 50β60 pieces is a great start. For two or more children, or for bigger builds, aim for 100+ pieces. Children often run out of tiles before they run out of ideas, which is why so many families add expansion packs over time.
Why CONNETIX?
CONNETIX tiles have strong magnets, a signature bevelled edge that refracts light, and are made from non-toxic ABS plastic that is BPA, lead and phthalate free. On standard tiles, the magnets are fully enclosed and secured with ultrasonic welding and metal rivets. CONNETIX is designed in Australia with educators to support STEAM learning, and is MESH accredited. Have more questions? Read our CONNETIX FAQs or shop the full CONNETIX range.