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GeoSmart’s new magnetic toys are hot this year on the gift list! We were thrilled to get our hands on a few of these new magnetic construction sets before the holiday rush.

My kids ask for toys all the time but I feel like that’s pretty normal, so most of their begging is ignored but I do pay attention when the same thing is brought up for several weeks in a row. When both of my sons repeatedly told me about a toy they’ve been playing with at school and how cool it would be to have for Christmas, I looked into it. Anything that teachers find educational enough to own in their classroom is also something I’d like to learn more about.

GeoSmart’s line of magnetic construction kits (which we received at no cost to facilitate this review) are composed of shapes embedded with strong magnets that let you join pieces together and lock securely enough to build and construct all sorts of objects. They promote creative thinking and pattern recognition, and even the youngest of children can practice their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

The first set we busted out was the Solar Spinner set which includes 23 colorful geometric pieces, one of which is a spinner piece that connects structures built above and below it. It allows you to take geomagnetic structures to a more interesting level where you have moving parts.

The squares and triangles can be arranged in practically any fashion to create solar figures that can spin! This set is designed for ages 5-12 years but there is nothing unsafe about these pieces that wouldn’t be appropriate for toddlers.

The types of structures you can create are so multi-dimensional, creative, and interesting! The spinning is not “solar powered”, however, as the title might suggest. The spinning must be done by hand, but the parts glide smoothly and continuously.

We also were excited to review the GeoSmart Geosphere set, which is very common to the Solar Spinner set, but it contains 31 colorful pieces instead of only 23, so the possibilities are wider and more vast. With more pieces, creating large spheres and domes is possible. This set includes the same spinner piece, allowing the added movement quality to structures.

These colors are so bright! I love the simplicity of these pieces that embody so much potential. The constructive possibilities are practically endless, and they stem from simple squares and triangles.

Now what sets GeoSmart’s kits apart from other magnetic building shapes are that they have a patented double-lock safety system where each magnet is encased (twice!), and completely unable to be removed. The magnets are locked in place by stainless steel caps, so everything is safe and durable while still strong and colorful. GeoSmart takes magnet safety seriously and the product they have created is a cut above other magnetic sets.

My boys have always been drawn to magnetic toys and can get quite creative with their “inventions”, but a common complaint is that the structures they build are not strong enough to be lifted off the ground intact. However, when arranged soundly, this doesn’t seem to be a problem for the GeoSmart toys. The magnets are so strong and the connections are clean. I’m confident my boys are going to find these to be the best magnetic building pieces they’ve ever experienced.

Likely, the big hit of Christmas this year is going to be the GeoSmart Lunar Rover! This set includes more of the standard squares and triangles, but there are added diamonds, trapezoids and a rectangles, two wheel boxes, and most importantly: four wheels!

This set is so clever! I love the idea of building a rover from familiar parts, and taking structures to a new horizon. All of the GeoSmart sets embody elements of STEM basics — science, technology, engineering, and math — in a very attractive smart toy.

The wheel boxes are simple to use and the wheels can be inserted and removed with little effort but they stay together securely. The vehicles ride smoothly and can glide across the entire floor.

I am very impressed with the durability of all of the GeoSmart pieces. I cannot imagine the shapes becoming bent or warped because they are so strong, and the magnets are so safely enclosed that I’m not worried in the least about them coming loose.

I think GeoSmart has a fantastic line-up! Check out their other sets online (available on Amazon) that include a Mars Explorer, Alien Creatures, a Space Station and even a Mars Explorer that features a motor and a remote control!

I definitely would recommend GeoSmart’s magnetic toy sets for Christmas gifts this year! The hours of creative hands-on play that these can offer must be appealing to any parent and teacher!

Buy it: You can purchase SmartGames by GeoSmart on Amazon.

Disclosure: I (Camille) received these GeoSmart items at no cost to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.