As children grow and develop, they become very interested in toys that they can build and then destroy. At this stage, building blocks are a great toy for them to be introduced to.
The age of your child will depend on which blocks you introduce them to. Large blocks such as Mega Bloks and Lego Duplo are large enough not to pose any choking hazard, so these are a good choice for younger children.
They’re also easy to take apart and rebuild. We’re going to look at these two brands and see if there’s one that is better and if they are actually compatible with each other.
In this article
Why You Should Consider Them
Children love to play with toys that they can put together, then take apart and repeat the process over and over again whenever they want. Blocks are a great option for a play session as they’re suitable for children of any age.
The only thing that you would have to consider is what size blocks you are using when dealing with very small toddlers. Blocks these days have so much color and variety with special pieces to create a variety of different things from animals to houses.
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Similarities And Differences
Cost
As with everything, your budget is going to clearly define the brand that you’re going to be looking at. LEGO DUPLO costs quite a bit more than Mega Bloks.
Material
Both brands are made from plastic. This is so that your child can create sturdy structures. Ensure that regardless of which brand you purchase, check that all materials are safe to be used.
LEGO DUPLO is made from a much tougher plastic than Mega Bloks are.
Child’s Age
Both of these brands make blocks that are suitable for children from around a year old. Blocks that are designed for older children won’t be suitable for younger children due to their size and the potential of them becoming a choking hazard.
Accessories
Many sets now come with special pieces such as windows, figures, and even blocks with numbers on.
Assembly
The point of building blocks is that they stick together to build a sturdy structure. This is where there is a definite difference between Mega Bloks and LEGO DUPLO.
The Mega Bloks are aimed at younger children. When they’re built up, the bricks don’t stick together as tightly. The purpose of this is so that the age group that they’re aimed at can easily take them apart without any assistance.
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While LEGO DUPLO is aimed at slightly older children and stick together better, anything that your child builds will be harder to take apart and they may need your assistance depending on their age.
Purpose
The purpose of both brands is to introduce and develop children’s creativity. They both provide great sets that come with decorative pieces that will further enhance their creativity.
Compatibility
Both Mega Bloks and LEGO DUPLO are compatible with other sets from their own range, giving you loads of scope fr expanding your block sets.
However, both brands are also compatible with each other to a certain degree. Mega Bloks fit on top of DUPLO but you cannot put DUPLO on top of Mega Bloks.
Mega Blocks First Builders Big Building Bag
This is a great place to start your child’s journey with construction. The pink bag of Mega Blocks First Builders Big Building Bag is a great choice. It comes with 80 large brightly colored building blocks, including some special shapes.
They’re large enough to be the perfect size for little hands to easily manipulate. Their size is also a great safety feature as they are far too big to pose a choking hazard.
They are all contained in a handy storage bag, which means clean up is super easy even for little ones. All the Mega Blocks sets are compatible with each other so the fun can just keep on growing.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Large blocks perfect size for little hands
- Made from safe plastic
- Durable
- Can be used indoors and outside
- Easy to clean
- Comes with own storage bag
- Can add other Mega Block sets together
Cons
- They do not always hold together very well but they are designed for 1-year-olds.
Mega Bloks First Builders Deluxe Building Bag
![Mega Bloks First Builders Deluxe Building Bag [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QFMeXyD9L.jpg)
The Mega Bloks First Builders Deluxe Building Bag comes with 150 classic colored blocks, including a variety of standard shaped blocks and new shapes.
As with all the mega bloks range, they’re the perfect size for little one’s hands and can easily be manipulated by them. They’re big enough that they don’t pose any choking hazard.
They come in a storage bag which is perfect for a quick clean up at the end of the day. All the Mega Bloks sets are compatible with each other so the fun can just keep on growing.
Pros
- They come in a great range of colors
- Sets can be added to at a later date
- Perfect size for little hands
- Come with their own storage bag
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Do not always stick together very well but this may well be a design feature so little ones can take them apart.
Lego Duplo My First Bricks
This kit features 80 colorful pieces of different shapes and sizes including double-sided decorated building bricks and a toy propeller.
The design of the pieces allows your child imagination to run wild as they create a host of different flowers, a boat, a helicopter, and a fish. The set is large enough for more than one child to play happily.
Due to the variety of different pieces, it challenges children to create new and wonderful worlds. Great toy for improving motor skills and dexterity. The pack also comes with building cards in case you need some inspiration on what to build.
Pros
- Comes with decorated double-sided blocks
- Bigger pieces reduce choking hazard
- Box comes with great building idea cards
- Lightweight
- Colorful
- Compatible with other Lego or Duplo collections
- Range of shapes included
Cons
- Younger children may need assistance with double-sided pieces.
Lego Duplo Green Container Deluxe
This set is a great option as it contains pieces that children can easily identify and relate to. The set includes pieces such as windows to build a house.
It also comes with a dog and a boy figure, along with wheels to create a vehicle that actually moves. The set also includes decorative pieces with numbers and pictures that correspond to each other.
It also includes the normal Duplo pieces so you can create anything you want. This set can also be added to the other Lego Duplo sets.
Pros
- Comes with a base to build on
- The box is a great storage box for the pieces
- 65 colorful pieces
- Numbered blocks that help with number recognition and math
- Easy to assemble
- Plenty of variety in the set
Cons
- Pieces are quite small for the recommended age group.
FAQ
Are they BPA, phthalate, and lead-free?
There is no BPA as it is used to make clear plastic, whereas these Mega Blocks are made from polypropylene. It is safe to the point that it is sometimes used as a material for medical implants.
What is the average size of the Duplo blocks?
DUPLO bricks have measurements that are twice as much as Lego bricks. So a 2 x 2 Duplo brick comes out to about 1.25 inches on each side and about 3/4 of an inch tall.
The Final Thought
You won’t be disappointed with either of these brands. If you’re looking to buy blocks for the first time, I would advise you to start with Mega Bloks.
The reason for this is that if you start with the LEGO DUPLO, it could be a little challenging for younger children due to the tighter fit.
Although your children will probably play with LEGO DUPLO for many years more than they will Mega Bloks, so that may influence the choice that you make. Happy building!
