Gemmicc Tiles vs. Slickdeals 42-Piece Magnetic Set
August 14, 2026 — A recent price drop on a 42-piece magnetic tile set has parents looking for the best entry-point into STEM building toys. While the smaller set offers a low barrier to entry, the Gemmicc 100-piece set from STEM Magnetic Tiles remains a competitor for those looking to build larger structures without buying multiple expansion packs.
According to Slickdeals.net, a 42-piece magnetic tile set is currently retailing for $18.98 with free shipping for Walmart+ members or on orders over $35. This set is marketed as a STEM preschool learning toy. If you're on a budget, this is a functional way to see if your child actually enjoys magnetic construction before committing to a larger bin of parts. However, 42 pieces disappear quickly once you start building 3D geometry.
Between these two, I'd go with the Gemmicc 100-piece set. It includes 98 tiles and 2 magnetic cars, which provides enough bulk to build actual towers rather than just flat shapes. The Gemmicc tiles use ultrasonic welding and rounded corners to keep the magnets secured inside the ABS plastic. While the Slickdeals set is cheaper upfront, the Gemmicc option avoids what I call "filler" pieces—those useless plastic blocks often added to inflate piece counts in cheaper sets.
Expert tip: When comparing sets, check the magnet size rather than just the tile size. Gemmicc uses larger magnets to support taller builds, which prevents the frustration of a structure collapsing under its own weight as soon as it hits three levels high.
Here's what I'd actually buy: If you have more than one child playing, the 100-piece set is the bare minimum to avoid arguments. Skip this if you already have a large collection and just need a few extra squares to finish a roof; in that case, the smaller Slickdeals set is a fine top-off. For everyone else, the larger magnets in the STEM Magnetic Tiles inventory make a noticeable difference in stability. You can learn more about maintaining tile sets, safety standards for magnets, organizing your playroom, and advanced building techniques to get the most out of your investment.