Building & Construction
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set Review: Suction-Based Building for Younger Builders
- Brand:
- Fat Brain Toys
- Ages:
- 3+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-15
The verdict
A genuinely inventive building mechanic with an unusually strong review track record, best appreciated as a sensory-building hybrid rather than a replacement for a primary brick or tile set.
Pros
- Suction-based connecting is a genuinely different building mechanic from bricks, tiles, or magnets — pieces stick to each other, tables, tile, and bath walls
- Rated 4.8 stars across more than 1,400 reviews on major retailers, an unusually strong consensus for a niche toy category
- Food-grade, BPA-free and latex-free silicone makes it one of the few building toys genuinely suited to bath or wet play
- Satisfying tactile pop when pieces are pulled apart adds a sensory element bricks don't offer
Cons
- 24 pieces for around $30 is a high per-piece cost compared to brick or block sets at a similar price
- Suction grip weakens over time or with dust and residue, occasionally requiring a quick rinse to restore full stick
- Structural building potential is more limited than brick or tile systems — it's better suited to sensory and surface-sticking play than tall architectural builds
Squigz ditch bricks, magnets, and gears entirely in favor of suction — 24 soft silicone pieces in eight shapes that stick to each other, and to smooth surfaces like tile, glass, and bathtubs, with a satisfying pop when pulled apart.
A genuinely different building mechanic
Where most building toys in this category are variations on interlocking or magnetic connection, Squigz's suction mechanic opens up play beyond the toy box — sticking pieces to a bathtub wall or a table turns building into a spatial, surface-based activity rather than a flat or tabletop one.
Where it falls short of a full building system
Squigz aren't designed for tall, load-bearing architecture the way bricks or magnetic tiles are — the flexible silicone and suction connection favor sensory exploration and surface art over structural building, so it's better thought of as a complement to a primary set than a replacement.
Who it's for
Best for kids 3+ who enjoy sensory play, bath time, or want a building toy that works on unconventional surfaces. Families looking for a primary architectural building set should pair this with bricks or tiles rather than relying on it alone.
Frequently asked
- How does the suction actually work?
- Each of the 24 silicone pieces has a concave suction cup that sticks to other Squigz pieces or to smooth flat surfaces like tile, glass, and tub walls, popping free with a satisfying sound when pulled apart.
- Are Squigz safe for bath time?
- Yes, they're made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free and latex-free silicone, which makes them well suited to wet and bath play in addition to dry building.
- Can you build tall structures with Squigz?
- You can build some vertical structures, but the flexible silicone and suction connection aren't as rigid or load-bearing as bricks or magnetic tiles, so it favors sensory and surface play over tall architecture.
- Is the Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set worth buying?
- Yes, especially as a sensory-focused complement to a primary brick or tile set — the review consensus and unique suction mechanic make it a standout for kids who like tactile play.
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