Play & Learning,  toys

No Grimms? No Problem, 5 Alternative Block Sets to Buy

2020 will certainly go down in the books as the year that set the world on fire. In every way possible. For a while, we even thought the toy world would be left unscathed. That’s not happening either.

Between Covid-19, raw material supply issues, and extreme demand, Grimm’s Wooden Toys (Spiel und Holz) is under immense pressure to try to keep up with demand. Unfortunately, it’s not working out. Restock alerts for Grimms often sell out within a day, and popular items like the Large Stepped Pyramid and the 1001 Nights set sell out within minutes. It’s crazy!

And here you are lovely reader, gearing up for holiday shopping. But Grimm’s sells out in minutes and you’re left to wonder which block sets to buy.

I picked 5 block sets alternatives to purchase. These blocks are just as fabulous as Grimm’s, and just as versatile in open ended play.

Bauspiel Grid Blocks – I call these the waffle blocks. And these waffle blocks are SO MUCH FUN. I haven’t seen any other brand on the market remotely as neat as these blocks. Modern Rascals has them for $237 (with a 10% coupon, you can get them for $213.70 USD.

Bauspiel Color Street – Glitter Glitter. Right, need I say more? These blocks are a lot of fun to build with, AND they glitter! Made of alder wood (used for wand making in Harry Potter too), the Color Street blocks have a lovely smell and rich color. Available: pre-sale Modern Rascals for $226.

Gluckskafer Rainbow Building Slats – If you want “flat” pieces that range in short to long lengths, the slats provide variety in color and sizing.

Skandico Castle Blocks – Bright and cheery, this Russia based company makes block sets in a variety of styles and tray sizes. One of my favorite is the castle blocks set. Coming in a set of organic shapes and classic rectangles, you can get a little bit of everything with it. Available: Danny & Luca $176.

Uncle Goose Blocks – Any blocks you choose from UG will be a winner. Made in the USA, Uncle Goose makes blocks in many languages (from English to Hebrew to French) and interests (bugs, moon phases, women, and more). Fun to build with and learn. Available: Modern Rascals, prices vary.

For more inspiration on building with these blocks, check out my Instagram. And if you have a favorite block set that I haven’t listed, drop a comment below.


One Comment

  • jdeverill8@telus.net

    Thank you for the ideas. I never had blocks a child and don’t know what to look for. Recently I ordered the Haba Extra Large Starter Set against the advice from people who work at three toy shops who thought tree blocks are the best starter blocks. One person even thought blocks are too mathmatical. My daughter said she wants easy geometric blocks for building upward. The next thing I’ll buy is maple building boards from an Etsy woodworker because she wants something in between the blocks for levels. I intend to buy a rainbow stacker from the same person who makes the building boards. Then we can make a simple marble runs. I’ve never done that before but I saw photos online of ones made with rainbows and slats. Do you have any suggestions for a small to medium sized coloured set to add some colour. My daughter mostly likes natural woods but I’d like to try adding colours. One idea I had was to get Grimms forest cones. If you don’t have a suggestion, that’s fine. I appreciate the article anyway.

Leave a Reply to jdeverill8@telus.net Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.