Geomag Supercolour Eco Recycled 42 Piece Magnetic Building Set Review

DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by E Bramley

Magnetic construction toys are not a new concept in the market and there are plenty of varieties available online and in the shops.  The Geomag Supercolour 42 Piece building set really stands out from the crowd though as it takes STEM toys to the next level.  The kit consists of two geometric bases, magnetic tipped rods in four bright colours, magnetic bearings, and two handy storage boxes so that you don’t have parts on the loose.  As it says on the box the opportunities for creation in this distinctive format are limitless!

When I first opened the box and assessed the contents I felt a mixture of pressure (should I be assembling DNA models?) and a bit of a loss as to where to start.  I imagine this is why they have also included with your kit a guide leaflet which acts as inspiration and ideas to get you started.  The leaflet starts with an introduction to polarity and ways that you can use polarity for fun.  Although I understand the concept I felt that it was unclear what I was trying to achieve from some of the diagrams (which do not have accompanying text) and my husband found the same.  It then moves on to simple geometry which is perfect for younger children who are learning shapes and a good way to ease yourself in.  There’s also a section for more advanced shapes before the reverse side which has complex models.

Personally my favourite section was the fantasy shapes – you had me at snowflakes and flowers!  The 42 piece kit isn’t enough for many of the shapes pictured on the guide as it’s included in several different box sizes, but if you have enough fun with the 42 piece box there are many other Geomag products you can purchase to expand your building supplies and achieve more advanced structures.

Unlike the other magnetic construction toy that is popular in our house, the magnet strength is really good – it isn’t going to collapse because you looked at it.  These strong magnets are what you really need when you’re attempting one of the models although the downside is that tidying away when you’re finished takes time.  Mind your polarities as you attempt to put them back into the storage boxes or they’ll be repelling and jumping back out again!  There are slots for the bearings so that you know that you’ve caught them all – really important with toddlers and animals in the house.  I also love that these are made from recycled plastic.  We all love a wooden toy for environmental reasons but it’s really great to have ECO friendly toy options where wood can’t do the same job!

The box states that this is appropriate for ages 3 – 99. The upper age is easy to see why but personally, knowing three year olds, I don’t feel this is appropriate quite as young as three.  Consider the risk of choking and also interest and dexterity. It would be a great gift, in my view, from ages five upwards.

This is a great toy and Christmas gift choice for a whole range of people: children learning shapes and geometry, budding scientists and builders, anyone who enjoys putting together models, children whose parents prefer a toy that doesn’t flash, move and make noises, the ECO conscious.

Rating: 4/5

RRP: £29.99

This product can be purchased from Toys R Us here:
https://www.toysrus.co.uk/geomag-supercolour-eco-recycled-42-piece-magnetic-building-set.html