Table of Contents
Do you love Lego products but hate the price? Here’s a list of the best alternatives to Lego products! Just as fun but not as expensive!
Everyone loves Lego bricks except someone on a tight budget! That’s probably not 100% fair to say. The truth is; I’m sure you really do love them, you just hate the price. That’s where cheap alternatives to Lego products come in!
Lego sets provide loads of fun for the entire family. They are extremely engaging and entertaining for all ages. In addition to being a fun addiction for adults and kids, they also offer an enjoyable distraction for kids. You parents in the real world know what I’m talking about!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we may make a commission if you make a purchase via a qualifying link (at no extra cost to you!). You can read our full disclosure for more info.
I admit, I’ve bought my kids several sets, just to distract them enough for me to be able to take a nap. Over the past few years, my naps became increasingly expensive so I started exploring cheap alternatives to Lego products.
As Lego brand enthusiasts gain practice, they start exploring larger and more complex sets. As you would expect, the prices also go up. As adults on a budget, alternatives to Lego products are a must!
Why Cheap Alternatives to Lego Products?
Well, even though the Lego brand has an extensive series to choose from, they are infamous for being costly. Many persons love the concept of Lego bricks but just hate the price. Plain and simple, a lot of us just want cheaper alternatives.
Also, even though the Lego Company has several collaborations with other brands, they have not captured every single option or interest on the market.
Lego products have a large but somewhat inadequate theme base. Therefore, you may be interested in a particular franchise that is not associated with any Lego set but may be covered by a competitor.
For example, the Lego brand has had a strong stance against manufacturing modern military machines. Therefore, for military aficionados, you may want to look into Lego alternative builds.
To take a spin off from the main stream Lego brick concept, you may simply be in the market for a construction set that has some educational value. Once you are willing to look beyond interlocking blocks, this is yet another reason to seek out Lego alternatives.
FAQ: What are generic Lego called?
The term “Lego” is actually the name of the company that patented their design of “toy building bricks” decades ago. Toy building bricks or toy construction bricks are the actual items.
Since Lego paved the way, the world has a tendency to use “Lego” as a noun to call all construction bricks. Many Lego clones have been developed since the initial patent expired.
If your kids like the idea of Lego bricks but are just plain destructive and lose or ruin the pieces, you definitely need some cheap Lego alternatives.
We basically need to break down these Lego alternative builds into two categories:
(1) Lego alternatives that work like Lego-made items but are not Lego brand.
There are several cheap alternatives to Lego bricks that are basically building blocks that snap together tightly but come apart easily, when you want to disassemble. That’s what you want! What you don’t want are Lego set knock offs!
(2) Lego alternatives that offer a similar experience but are a unique design
In order to fully appreciate these, we must analyze and appreciate Lego sets for what they essentially are…a fancy construction set with a built in mechanism for temporary adhesion.
How to choose the right Lego compatible options (alternatives that work with Lego bricks)
Before getting into the details, we must answer a few questions before you waste your money on the wrong Lego alternatives.
Are you trying to have a similar experience to building Lego bricks, just on a budget?
If you are, then run wild with the lists below. Most of these options would give you the thrill that you seek while being gentle on your pocket.
Are you trying to add to a brick collection?
It is not very wise attempting to add to a Lego brick collection with Lego alternatives. Even though there are options that adhere to actual Lego bricks, they don’t stick together quite well. On the flip side, those that do stick together have a tendency to get stuck.
Stick to basic logic; if you are trying to build a Lego collection, stick to Lego brand. If you are simply trying to build construction sets, go ahead and buy the various other brands that satisfy your budget.
However, a basic rule is to keep the brands separate. If you don’t really care for how well they match up, go ahead and mix them.
Do you plan on selling over?
If you simply like the thrill of building Lego sets but more of a “been there, done that” type person, you probably would be interested in selling over your sets in order to fund your next Lego adventure.
If you are planning on resale, you need to understand that Lego brand sets have the best resale value. That’s just the perks that comes with a reputable brand.
If you don’t care for resale value, go for cheap Lego alternatives!
Are you selecting something for a particular learning level?
The Lego brand has done a great job at dividing their range into age appropriate options that can easily be seen on the boxes.
Many Lego alternatives are just generic. However, by simply examining the product, it isn’t very complicated to decipher whether the option you are interested in would be suitable.
Are you trying to educate or entertain?
Are there enough pieces or is it difficult enough to keep the recipient engrossed? Both Lego bricks and cheap alternatives to Lego products check this particular box. What you need to examine is the nature of the product itself.
Again, the Lego brand has taken care of this for us as part of their manufacturing process and strategy. The Lego brand has divided several products into difficulty levels and age groups. It’s easy to glance at a Lego box and tell whether it would be suitable for what you are trying to accomplish.
Is this Lego packaging strategy and ease of selection worth the added cost? You need to decide. You may just need to spend 5 minutes more on reviewing the packaging for the Lego alternative and this could save you big bucks.
Will your kid or target person accept an alternative?
This is a big question. Remember, there are those of us that are simply fans of particular products or brands. Try offering a Ford to a Chevy guy! It just won’t feel the same!
If your person is simply a Lego brand fan, just walk away from Lego alternatives. You’d get your wallet and feelings bruised if you try to offer cheap Lego alternatives to a genuine Lego buff.
On another note, remember each brand has specific themes that they have collaborated with. Depending on the theme required, there may or may not be Lego alternatives. What do they like? Cars, princesses, military? You may not have a choice in the matter.
Does the receiver like to follow instructions to build or not?
Many kids like construction bricks as a form of expression. They simply want them to build random objects. However, there are those that love the idea of following a leaflet or booklet to build a complicated, specific object.
Lego brand sets offer instruction manuals with their sets that are extremely detailed and second to none in terms of quality. If this high quality manual is a must, Lego brand is your best bet. If it isn’t a deal breaker, have a crack at a cheap alternative to Lego bricks.
Now that we’ve assessed some very basic questions before proceeding, we must clear the air on the cheap Lego alternatives that are compatible with the Lego brand. These are similar, comparable and somewhat identical…the lists of synonyms can go on! However, they are not exactly the same! They will not match up exactly with the other stuff.
Don’t get me wrong, as a set on their own, these are good. However, if you try to mix them with Lego brand bricks, they may be loose or get stuck.
Let’s take a look at these alternatives to Lego that are not the Lego brand but are somewhat compatible.
33 Cheap Alternatives to Lego Bricks that are Just as Fun & Engaging
1. KRE-O
KRE-O is a great alternative to Lego bricks.
PROS
• Most compatible with Lego bricks
• Good quality
• Works good with Lego bricks but even better if kept as a separate set
• Manufactured by Hasbro
• Good option for military enthusiasts
• You can get licensed products from popular franchises like the G.I. Joe, Transformers and Star Trek.
CONS
• Unique products available but limited
2. Sluban
Sluban is another great alternative to Lego bricks.
PROS
• Specializes in military themes
• Other themes are available
CONS
• Quality is debatable as bricks can be loose
3. Cobi
Cobi is yet another cheaper alternative that you can try.
PROS
• Specialty is actual vehicle models
• Very unique in their own right
• Completed pieces are relatively life-like
CONS
• Smoother bricks have limited use
4. BanBao
BanBao is another creative building block set that may be worth your while.
PROS
• Most options for original sets
• Some licensed sets are available
• Simple and complex options available
CONS
• Quality is debatable
5. Play Platoon
Play Platoon is a great alternative to Lego bricks because you’ll get a full set of 1000 building bricks, PLUS a bonus pack of 100 wheels, tires, windows and doors! It’s such a budget-friendly option for creatives who don’t want to spend a high price.
PROS
• Bulk bricks available that are compatible with Lego bricks
• Guarantees tight fit with Lego bricks
• Several color options available in sets
• Wheels, windows and other accessories for vehicles and buildings available
• Lifetime warranty available
CONS
• Limited options to choose from
6. Laser Pegs
Laser Pegs is a super fun and cheap alternative to Lego Bricks. It even lights up as you build! How fun, right?
PROS
• Transparent bricks
• Big hit with younger kids
• Unique experience
• Vehicles light up
CONS
• Limited options to choose from
7. Mega Construx
Mega Construx Wonder Builders is a super budget-friendly building blocks option that includes 790 pieces, all packaged nicely in a tub (hello, easy storage!).
PROS
• Wide variety of Licensed Sets are available
• Good quality products
• Boxes of bricks are an option
• Licensed Sets are popular with age appropriate persons. Examples of these include Halo and Game of Thrones (shown below).
CONS
• Not many original products
8. Brick Mates
Brick Mates is a cheaper alternative for younger children, that is fun and educational.
PROS
• Great for toddlers
• Very unique
CONS
• Very limited options
• Compatible restrictions with Lego bricks
9. Fun Little Toys
Fun Little Toys is another budget-friendly building blocks option that comes with a variety of pieces and colors.
PROS
• Very cheap
• Good option for bulk brick sets
• Snaps on tightly to Lego bricks and other major brands
CONS
• Sometimes products misfit with Lego bricks and are either too tight or loose fitting
• Questionable quality
FAQ: Where can I get Cheap Lego Products?
You can get reasonably priced Lego Products from several stores both online and offline. The following is a list of options to choose from:
• Amazon
• Bricks and Minifigs
• Bricklink.com
• Auction sites like eBay
• Online Marketplaces
• Lego Store (filter price from low to high)
• Thrift Stores (online and brick and mortar)
• Flea Markets
• Buy from friends
SIGN UP FOR FREE GIFT CARDS & CASH
(I make $1000+ from these sites!)
Swagbucks gets you free gift cards, cash payout via PayPal (can cash out after earning as little as $3), plus you’ll immediately get a $10 sign up bonus!
Survey Junkie‘s benefits include gift cards, cash payout via PayPal (a low minimum payout of just $3), plus an immediate $10 sign up bonus.
With MyPoints, you’ll get gift cards, cash payout via PayPal (with just $5 needed to be able to cash out), plus a $10 sign up bonus!
Join InboxDollars for gift cards, cash via PayPal ($30 minimum payout) or personal checks, plus a $5 sign up bonus.
Now, let’s get back to our list of alternatives.
Not Compatible with Lego Bricks but Similar Experience
10. Mega Bloks
Mega Bloks is a great option for young kids as it allows for building, sorting and matching shapes.
PROS
• Same manufacturer as Mega Construx
• Suitable for very young kids
• Very safe to use
• Builds motor skills
• Compatible with Duplo in a limited way
• Large kits are available
11. Thames & Kosmos Kids First Engineering Design
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Engineering Design is a STEM experiment kit that involves using creativity to build and conduct science experiments. My daughter actually has this exact set and she loves it!
PROS
• Channels love for Lego products to develop engineering skills
• Suitable for young kids and teens
• Focuses on education
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Some activities may be complicated for young kids and parent assistance may be required
12. Magformers
The Magformers Basic Set is another STEM toy that is made of of magnetic blocks or tiles. This is yet another cheap alternative to Lego Blocks and allows for creativity or comes with follow-along instructions.
PROS
• Uses 3D magnetic blocks of various sizes
• Suitable for young kids
• Unique concept and design
CONS
• Designs are childish and may not be liked by older kids
13. CaDA Bricks (dOMOb)
CaDA Bricks (dOMOb) allows for you to build your very own remote control race car or monster truck. How cool is that?!
PROS
• Suitable for kids, teens and adults
• Build your own RC cars
• Radio control and powered sets are entertaining to build
• Unique bricks and locking mechanisms
• Military themed vehicles available
• Wide variety of vehicle building kits available
• Completed product is realistic
• Great quality
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Designs and builds are technical and not suitable for very young children
14. Waffle Blocks by Little Tikes
Little Tikes’ Waffle Blocks includes 100 easy to build blocks that will provide little kids with hours of fun and excitement.
PROS
• Very cost effective
• Good option for bulk brick sets
• Great for small children
• Unique design
CONS
• Limited use and not a big hit with older kids
15. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!
Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! comes with 60 gear pieces that interlock and fit together in a snap.
PROS
• Suitable for kids and pre-teens
• Unique concept with several design options
• Great quality
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Designs are bulky, brightly colored and may not be appreciated by older kids
16. Nanoblock
Nanoblock has several different models to choose from! It’s a great cheaper alternative for creatives.
PROS
• Suitable for kids, teens and adults
• Several options available including famous buildings, structures and characters.
• Good quality
CONS
• Limited options to choose from
17. Bristle Blocks by Battat
Bristle Blocks by Battat is another STEM creativity building toy. This one comes with 112 pieces in various sizes and colors. My son has this set and he absolutely loves playing with it!
PROS
• Very cost effective
• Great for small children
• Unique design
CONS
• Limited use and not targeted for older kids
18. Bristle Shape Blocks by Picasso Tiles
These Bristle Shape Blocks by Picasso Tiles comes with 240 pieces and will provide hours of educational fun!
PROS
• Very cost effective
• Great for small children
• Unique design
CONS
• Limited use and not targeted for older kids
19. IQ Builder Set by STEM Learning
IQ Builder Set by STEM Learning is a creative and educational construction toy that will provide kids with tons of fun.
PROS
• Suitable for kids and pre-teens
• Unique concept with several design options
• Great quality
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Limited functionality
20. Erector by Meccano
This Meccano Erector is a STEM building kit with Animatronics. Older kids (10+) will enjoy putting these pieces together!
PROS
• Unique designs
• Channels love for Lego products to develop engineering skills
• Suitable for older kids, teens and adults
• Wide variety to choose from: strictly engineering and mechanics to fun vehicle options
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Some activities may be complicated for young kids and parent assistance may be required
21. Zoob Builderz
This Zoob Builderz set comes with 125 colorful Zoob pieces, plus instructions for basic connections and 20 creations.
PROS
• Very unique
• Channels love for Lego products to develop engineering skills
• Bulk kits available
• Suitable for older kids, teens and adults
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Some activities may be complicated for young kids and parent assistance may be required
22. K’Nex Model Building Set
This K’Nex 35 Model Building Set comes with 480 pieces and is ideal for kids aged 7 and above.
PROS
• Set available for several age groups: kids, teens and adults
• Unique design
• Movable parts
• Great instruction manual
• Parts guarantee
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Not available in themes for fans of movie franchises or characters
23. Kid K’Nex Building Set
If you’re looking for something similar to the set above, but for younger kids, give this Kid K’Nex Building Set a try!
PROS
• Designed specifically for younger kids
• Unique design with bright colors
• Movable parts
• Great instruction manual
• Parts guarantee
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Not available in themes for fans of movie franchises or characters
24. Lincoln Logs
Lincoln Logs is a classic, creative construction game kit and this particular Lincoln Logs Building Set is actually the 100th anniversary tin.
PROS
• Designed specifically for younger kids
• Unique design
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Colors are dull and not very visually attractive
25. Building Disc Set by EMIDO
This Building Disc Set by EMIDO comes with 120 pieces that interlock to make several different shapes, flowers, animals etc.
PROS
• Good option for bulk sets
• Great for small children
• Unique and durable design
CONS
• Limited appeal to older kids
26. Playmobil
Playmobil offers many different construction sets including this adorable Pony Farm Set. This particular set comes with figures, animals and other accessories. So cool!
PROS
• Great for young kids and pre-teens
• Unique designs available
• Simple sets, vehicles, buildings, gender specific and gender neutral sets available
• Movie and character sets available
CONS
• Very limited character selections available
27. Magna-Tiles Magnetic Tiles Set
This Magna-Tiles Magnetic Tiles Set includes pretty, clear colors that can be used for creative builds. This set is great for kids aged 3 and above.
PROS
• Good option for bulk brick sets
• Unique design with bright colors
• Great for small children
CONS
• Limited use and not attractive to older kids
28. Tinkertoy Building Set
Tinkertoy is a colorful and fun educational toy for preschoolers. It comes with 200 pieces – all classic parts such as spools, washers and rods.
PROS
• Suitable for kids and teens
• Unique concept with several design options
• Snaps together tightly
• Great quality, tough design, fun and colorful
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Limited functionality
29. Marble Genius Marble Run
This Marble Genius Marble Run comes with 150 complete pieces, a free instruction app and an instruction manual. Kids will have hours of fun with this set!
PROS
• Suitable for kids and teens
• Unique concept with several design options
• Great quality, fun and colorful
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Limited functionality
30. KnuckleStrutz Knuckle Bots Set
This KnuckleStrutz Knuckle Bots Set is an interconnectable and interlocking construction building set. It is a great STEM toy for kids aged 6 and above.
PROS
• Suitable for kids, teens and adults
• Unique bricks and locking mechanisms
• Great quality
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Limited options
31. Brain Flakes by VIAHART
Brain Flakes is a 500 piece interlocking plastic disc set that is perfect for kids 5 years and older. It allows for countless design possibilities and will provide hours of fun!
PROS
• Very cost effective
• Unique design
• Good option for bulk sets
• Great for small children
CONS
• Limited use and not enticing for older kids
32. burgkidz Pipe Building Blocks Toys
This Pipe Building Block Toy comes with 252 interlocking construction pieces that can be used to build numerous designs.
PROS
• Bulk kits available
• Suitable for younger kids
• Bright colors and suitable for boys and girls
• Very unique
• Great quality
CONS
• Limited functionality
33. Rainbow Toyfrog Straw Constructor Set
This Straw Constructor Building Toy comes with 300 colorful pieces and are perfect for toddlers to tweens.
PROS
• Suitable for kids and teens
• Extra large models can be built
• Unique concept with several design options
• Great quality, fun and colorful
• Develops STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
CONS
• Limited functionality
FAQ: What is the best fake Lego?
Knock offs are a no-no. If you can’t understand the writing on the box, there are grammatical errors on the box, or literature associated with the product is limited on the whole, more than likely it’s a cheap fake.
Stay away from knock-offs as these are generally of inferior quality and don’t effectively snap together. There are several legitimate options that are somewhat compatible.
Why are Lego sets so expensive?
Let’s pay respect where respect is due. The Lego brick was invented in 1958 and the recipe for materials and interlocking design was patented shortly after. They basically pioneered the “snap on/off” type toy bricks concept that we know today.
Let’s be real, most persons today use the word “Lego” to describe all construction bricks. It has become synonymous and is even used as a substitute in conversations. Rightfully so!
They remain to this day, the most widely regarded player in the construction blocks game. After all, their quality game has remained top notch over the years.
Durability of the product, along with sound marketing and collaborations with other brands, has made the Lego Company the best in the business, even after their patent expired.
That being said, if you love the Lego brand and are a genuine fan of their products, go ahead and get them if affordability isn’t an issue. After all, if you are fan of a particular brand, a substitute would rarely be satisfactory.
However, a patent lasts just 20 years and therefore many other brands started marketing generic copies of the product in the 80’s. As a matter of fact, copycat Tyco became so confident of their product, that they boldly lead advertising campaigns claiming to be “Just like Lego’s, only cheaper”.
If we step back and examine what we want from a construction bricks set, we’d come up with the following basic requirements:
• Snaps together easily
• Stays together
• Breaks apart with minimal effort
• Fun and engaging options to choose from
Lego bricks have done a great job of ticking these boxes. Those basic concepts have been fused together to create a toy that transcends the average toy into a package which promotes cognitive development in kids and adults.
Judging by the numerous lawsuits that the Lego Company has had with various competitors, we can understand that Lego intended to be the sole legal manufacturer of its style of construction bricks. Therefore, they ventured along the lines of patents, perfecting materials, designs, locking mechanisms and the manufacturing process.
The bottom line is that all those parts of the Lego manufacturing puzzle required hefty investments. Not to mention, one of the things Lego brand products can be proud of is the fact that they come with detailed instructions that way outmatch the competition.
What makes a good brand? Quality and resale value! Lego bricks hold the best resale value on the market which is something that alternatives to Lego products would never be able to out match.
Therefore, from a strict investment standpoint, Lego brand bricks are the way to go. That being said, feel free to check out these awesome Lego products – I’m sure you’ll love them!
The main downfall of Lego sets has been price. This is where we come in and our desire for cheap Lego alternatives. There are many Lego alternatives on the market that offer a similar level of enjoyment and engagement, while being genuinely cheaper.
Related Posts on Cheap Alternatives to Lego Bricks
29 Ways to Get Free PayPal Money Instantly (No Surveys)
5 Amazing Freebies You Don’t Want to Miss
17 Cheap Air-Fryer Recipes that are Easy and Delicious
The Ultimate Guide to Amazon Direct Shipping (Get Freebies Straight to your Door!)
How to Get Free Books by Mail (89 Legit Ways)
Final Thoughts on Cheap Alternatives to Lego Products
I’m sure you didn’t think finding alternatives to Lego bricks and products was this easy and economical. Depending on exactly what you are into, you may have to think slightly outside the box (or blocks…hehe) but you definitely would not be straying too far away from it.
If you want to stick as close as possible to the Lego brick design but just have something a little more budget friendly, you now have several options to choose from. Spend your cash confidently and get the best bang for your buck.
On the flip side, if you simply want the technical and creative rush of builder toys (regardless of the basis of design), you have a host of options to pick from also. What more could you want?!
As long as you or your target loves Lego sets, I’m sure any one of these suggestions would be good enough to get the motor running without breaking the bank.
Are there any other cheap alternatives to Lego bricks, that you know of? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for more ways to make money, save money and and to learn about awesome deals and freebies!
Liked this post? Pin it for later!
Leave a Reply