As the magnetic building toy market continues to grow, MAGNA-TILES® stands as the original innovator and pioneer of the category. Exclusively available to retailers in Australia and New Zealand through Johnco, MAGNA-TILES brand sets the global standard for quality, safety, and educational value in the construction toy space. With MAGNA-TILES, every child can Build On their imagination, creativity, and love for learning.
BUILDING BRAINS, INSPIRING IMAGINATIONS: THE EDUCATIONAL POWER OF MAGNA-TILES
For almost 30 years, MAGNA-TILES brand has been igniting imaginations and fostering learning across classrooms and homes worldwide. Rooted in education from the very beginning, the brand was developed to teach geometric concepts through hands-on learning. Over time, it has become synonymous with educational excellence, blending creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving to prepare children with essential 21st-century skills.
“My dad founded the MAGNA-TILES® brand, creating the magnetic construction category as we know it today,” shares Michael Valenta, President of MAGNA-TILES®. “From its humble beginnings in our basement to becoming a global brand, the focus has always been on education and quality. The origins of the product can be traced back to Japan, where a teacher first invented the pieces to help students conceptualise nets—transforming 2D shapes into 3D objects. Education has been at the heart of MAGNA-TILES® from the
very beginning.”
MAGNA-TILES is more than just a toy—it’s a versatile tool that grows with children, supporting their development at every stage. For younger learners, it enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and introduces foundational concepts of geometry and spatial awareness. As children grow, MAGNA-TILES play evolves with them, transforming abstract ideas like symmetry, fractions, and area into tangible, hands-on experiences. Its open-ended design fosters creativity, encourages critical thinking, and nurtures problem-solving—essential skills for success in today’s dynamic world.
Loved by parents for its adaptability and timeless appeal, MAGNA-TILES play offers endless opportunities for exploration, creativity, and connection. Recognised with STEAM and MESH accreditations, the MAGNA-TILES brand champions hands-on, Meaningful Play—where learning meets fun. These certifications underscore the brand’s commitment to innovation in education, empowering every child to Build On.
DRIVEN BY INNOVATION
MAGNA-TILES brand continues to lead the magnetic construction category by reimagining the play experience through innovation, blending education with fun in meaningful ways. This commitment to innovation extends beyond product design and encompasses company-wide efforts to push boundaries and set new standards across all facets of the brand.
Recent highlights include:
- Downhill Duo Set: Winner of the 2023 “Toy of the Year” (TOTY) Award in the Preschool category, this set adds motion and gravity exploration to traditional construction play, teaching engineering concepts through dynamic design.
- Space 32-Piece Set: Launched in 2024, this STEAM-centric collection includes a Space Shuttle that doubles as a play and storage feature, plus exclusive figures and pieces. Recognised with the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and featured in The Toy Insider’s STEM 10, it inspires young explorers.
- microMAGS Travel Set: Designed for portability, microMAGS are 75% smaller but fully compatible with traditional MAGNA-TILES. Featuring a durable tin case, this set ensures quality play anywhere, earning a spot as a Top Holiday Toy in 2024.
Beyond product innovation, the MAGNA-TILES brand gained recognition for its Build On Campaign, which won The Toy Book Pulse of Play Award in the category of The Cinematic Art of Selling Fun: Commercial of the Year. Their lead designer was honored in Mojo Nation’s Rising Stars category for driving award-winning designs and shaping the 2024 product lineup. This focus on innovation is fostered by Product Development Director Rick Keuter. With over 20 years of experience at companies like Spin Master, Hasbro, and Jazwares, Keuter brings a strategic vision and passion for crafting engaging play experiences, aligning with the company’s mission of promoting Meaningful Play for children of all ages.
“What impresses us most about MAGNA-TILES is their ability to innovate without losing sight of their educational roots,” says Steve Ball of Johnco. “Each new product is thoughtfully designed to enhance play and learning simultaneously.”
MAGNA-TILES IN AUSTRALIA
Through their exclusive partnership with Johnco, MAGNA-TILES brand brings its global expertise to Australia and New Zealand. Backed by local warehousing, reliable stock access, and responsive customer service, Johnco ensures retailers can confidently offer this trusted brand to their customers.
“We’re thrilled to represent MAGNA-TILES brand here in Australia. The brand’s dedication to learning through play aligns perfectly with our mission to support educational excellence,” says Ball.
EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL AT MELBOURNE TOY FAIR 2025
Discover the innovation and timeless appeal of MAGNA-TILES brand at the Melbourne Toy Fair this March. Visit Johnco at Stand J17 to explore the full product range, including recent award-winning launches, and learn why MAGNA-TILES brand continues to set the standard in magnetic construction play.
For retailers unable to attend the fair, contact Johnco to learn more about bringing this globally trusted, award-winning brand to your shelves. Together, let’s Build On the next generation of thinkers, builders, and dreamers with MAGNA-TILES play.
This article originally appeared in Edition 14 of The Toy Universe Magazine
