Mega Bloks are a popular toy for children that are similar to LEGO bricks. As a parent, I wanted to know more about Mega Bloks and how they compare to LEGO, so I did some research. Here are 11 things that I learned about Mega Bloks that you should know too.
First, Mega Bloks are more affordable than LEGO. According to Funwhole, Mega Bloks sets are much cheaper than LEGO sets when comparing the price per brick. This makes them a great alternative for parents who want to give their children a similar building experience without breaking the bank.Second, there are different types of Mega Bloks for different age groups. As Diffzy explains, the original Mega Bloks are for preschoolers, while the Mega Bloks Intermediate is for junior builders, and the Mega Bloks Micro is meant for kids and adults. This means that there are Mega Bloks sets available for a wide range of ages and skill levels.History of Mega Bloks
As a toy company, Mega Bloks has a rich history that spans over 35 years. Founded in the late 1960s, the company initially produced plastic injection molding toys. However, it wasn’t until 1985 that Mega Bloks launched its popular big building blocks.Founding and Early YearsThe company was founded by Victor Bertrand and his wife Rita in Montreal, Canada. They started by producing plastic toys for other companies before launching their own line of toys. The early years of Mega Bloks were marked by innovation, with the company introducing new products such as its first line of construction toys in the early 1980s.Acquisitions and GrowthIn 2006, Mega Bloks acquired the American toy company Rose Art Industries, which helped the company expand its product line and reach a wider audience. The acquisition also helped Mega Bloks gain a foothold in the US market, where it had previously struggled to gain traction.Over the years, Mega Bloks has continued to grow and innovate, introducing new products and expanding its reach around the world. Today, the company is a leading producer of construction toys and is known for its high-quality, durable products that encourage creativity and imagination in children.How Mega Bloks Differ from LEGO
As a toy enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to play with both LEGO and Mega Bloks building sets. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two brands. In this section, I will highlight some of the ways that Mega Bloks differ from LEGO.Material and DesignOne of the most noticeable differences between Mega Bloks and LEGO is the material used to make the bricks. Mega Bloks are made of a slightly softer plastic material than LEGO bricks. This makes them easier to snap together, but also makes them less durable. The design of Mega Bloks is also slightly different than LEGO. Mega Bloks have a wider range of shapes and sizes, which allows for more intricate designs.Compatibility IssuesAnother difference between Mega Bloks and LEGO is compatibility. While both brands use a similar interlocking system, Mega Bloks are not compatible with LEGO bricks. This means that you cannot mix and match Mega Bloks and LEGO pieces to create a single design. This can be frustrating if you have a large collection of both brands and want to combine them.Popular Mega Bloks Sets
If you’re looking for an exciting and creative building experience, Mega Bloks has a wide range of sets that will keep you entertained for hours. Here are a few of the most popular sets that you should definitely check out:Halo SeriesThe Halo Series is one of the most popular Mega Bloks sets available. These sets are based on the popular video game franchise and include a variety of vehicles, characters, and locations from the game. Some of the most popular sets include the UNSC Infinity, the Covenant Wraith, and the UNSC Gungoose.Thomas and FriendsFor younger builders, the Thomas and Friends series is a great choice. These sets feature characters from the popular children’s show and include a variety of trains, tracks, and buildings. Some of the most popular sets include Thomas at the Sodor Fair, Percy at the Washdown, and James at Knapford Station.BarbieIf you’re looking for a more girly building experience, the Barbie series is a great choice. These sets feature a variety of buildings, vehicles, and characters from the Barbie universe. Some of the most popular sets include the Barbie Glam Vacation House, the Barbie Dreamhouse, and the Barbie Build ‘n Play Glam Salon.Safety and Quality Standards
As a parent, safety is always a top priority when it comes to choosing toys for our little ones. Thankfully, Mega Bloks take safety and quality standards very seriously.Material SafetyMega Bloks are made with high-quality materials that are safe for children to play with. They are made of non-toxic plastic that is free from harmful chemicals such as phthalates and BPA. Additionally, Mega Bloks undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they meet or exceed all safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the European Toy Safety Directive.Age RecommendationsIt’s important to note that Mega Bloks come with age recommendations to ensure that children are playing with the appropriate toy for their age. Mega Bloks has a wide range of products that cater to different age groups, from toddlers to older children. It’s crucial to follow the age recommendations on the packaging to ensure that your child is playing with a toy that is safe and appropriate for their developmental stage.Educational BenefitsAs a parent, I’m always looking for toys that not only entertain my child but also provide educational benefits. Mega Bloks are an excellent choice because they offer a variety of cognitive and motor skill enhancements.Cognitive DevelopmentMega Bloks help children develop their cognitive skills by encouraging them to think creatively and critically. They can learn about shapes, colors, and sizes while building structures, and they can also develop their problem-solving skills by figuring out how to fit different pieces together.Additionally, Mega Bloks can help children develop their spatial reasoning abilities. By building structures with the blocks, children can understand how objects relate to one another in space. This skill is essential for a wide range of activities, from reading maps to playing sports.Motor Skills EnhancementMega Bloks also help children develop their motor skills. When children play with Mega Bloks, they use their hands to pick up and manipulate the blocks, which helps them develop their fine motor skills. They also use their larger muscles to move around and reach for the blocks, which helps them develop their gross motor skills.Moreover, Mega Bloks can help children develop their hand-eye coordination. As they build structures with the blocks, they have to use their eyes to guide their hands to the right place. This skill is crucial for a variety of activities, from playing sports to learning to write.Mega Bloks for Different Age GroupsAs a parent, I know how important it is to find toys that are appropriate for my child’s age group. Mega Bloks are no exception. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing Mega Bloks for your child:PreschoolersFor preschoolers, Mega Bloks offers the First Builders line. These blocks are larger in size, making them easier for little hands to grasp and manipulate. They come in bright colors and fun shapes, perfect for encouraging creativity and imagination. The First Builders sets also feature familiar characters like Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street, which can make building even more exciting for young children.Older ChildrenFor older children, Mega Bloks offers a variety of sets that are more complex and challenging. The Mega Construx line features sets based on popular franchises like Halo, Pokemon, and Masters of the Universe. These sets can be quite intricate and require more advanced building skills. They are designed for children ages 8 and up, so they may not be suitable for younger children.Customization and Expansion SetsWhen it comes to Mega Bloks, customization and expansion sets are a great way to enhance your building experience. With a wide variety of themes available, you can mix and match sets to create unique creations that are entirely your own.One of the most popular expansion sets is the Mega Bloks Halo UNSC Firebase. This set includes over 500 pieces and is designed to be used with other Halo sets to create a larger, more complex scene. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your imagination run wild.Another great customization option is the Mega Bloks Call of Duty Juggernaut. This set comes with a highly detailed Juggernaut figure that can be customized with a variety of weapons and accessories. You can also mix and match parts from other Call of Duty sets to create your own unique soldiers.If you’re looking for something a little different, the Mega Bloks American Girl sets are a great option. These sets include highly detailed dollhouse-style buildings, complete with furniture and accessories. You can customize the buildings to create your own unique scenes, and the sets are compatible with other Mega Bloks American Girl sets.Environmental Initiatives and SustainabilityMega Bloks is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. As a result, the company has implemented several initiatives to achieve this goal.Firstly, Mega Bloks is using more responsibly-sourced materials for its blocks and pieces. Specifically, a mix of plant-based materials and ISCC-certified plastics (mass balance approach) are used. This approach helps to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment.Secondly, the company uses 100% FSC-certified paper or paperboard for each package and playbook. This helps to promote sustainable forestry practices and reduce deforestation.Finally, Mega Bloks purchases carbon offsets to support the Darkwood Forests Conservation in Canada. This initiative helps to offset the company’s carbon emissions and promote reforestation efforts.Community and Fan BaseAs a parent, I have noticed that Mega Bloks has a strong community and fan base. Here are some things that I have learned about it.Online CommunitiesMega Bloks has a vibrant online community with a subreddit dedicated to everything related to Mega Construx, and Mega Bloks. This subreddit is a great resource for fans to share news, videos, pictures, and more. I have found that the community is very supportive and welcoming to new members.Brand AmbassadorsMega Bloks also has a team of brand ambassadors who are passionate about the brand and its products. These ambassadors share their love for Mega Bloks on social media and at events. They are a great resource for parents who are looking for advice and inspiration on how to get the most out of their Mega Bloks sets.Future of Mega BloksInnovation and TrendsAs a company, Mega Bloks has always been on the forefront of innovation in the toy industry. We are constantly exploring new materials and technologies to create exciting and engaging building experiences for our customers. We have recently been experimenting with new types of plastic that are more durable and environmentally friendly, as well as incorporating electronic components into our sets to add a new level of interactivity.In addition to these technological advancements, we are also keeping a close eye on the latest trends in the toy industry to ensure that our products remain relevant and exciting for children of all ages. We have noticed a growing interest in STEM-related toys, and we are working to incorporate more educational elements into our sets to help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Expansion into New MarketsMega Bloks has always been a global company, with a presence in many countries around the world. However, we are constantly looking for new opportunities to expand our reach and bring our products to new markets. In recent years, we have made significant strides in expanding into emerging markets such as China and India, where there is a growing demand for high-quality toys.We are also exploring new distribution channels, such as e-commerce and social media, to reach customers who may not have access to traditional retail outlets. By embracing these new technologies and strategies, we are confident that we can continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
Mega Bloks: 11 Things You Should Know
