Choosing Blocks for Children: Why I Invested in a Grimms Large Stepped Pyramid

“Blocks are blocks.”

 I said this many times but if you haven’t seen that yet, there it is. 

There are and will be many options in the market from cheap sets to the pricey ones. Believe me when I honestly say, any blocks are better than none. 

Having blocks in your toolkit of open-ended toys (or your kid’s entire toy collection, even) has many benefits. What’s important, though, is that they all serve the purpose of encouraging our children to build, create, imagine, design, engineer, experiment, and solve problems, among others through block play.

However, if I were to recommend only one set of blocks in particular, I’d go for Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid (aka one of the most favourite open-ended toy in our home)

 

Table of contents: 

• Why I Choose Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid
• Grimm’s LSP Large Stepped Pyramid Large Set vs. Small Set
• Grimm’s LSP Coloured set vs Natural set 
• Common questions I get about Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid 
  
  

So Why Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid? Let Me Count the Ways.

Overall, it ticks all the boxes for being a set of good quality blocks. If you’re interested in learning more about how to select the right set for your child, check out our blog post on “How to Choose Blocks” for more helpful tips and considerations.

Besides quality, here are 5 reasons why I believe it’s worth the hefty price tag:

 

1. Size

 

 

I like that the blocks are big and chunky. At 20 cm in length for the largest piece, they’re larger than most other blocks in the market. The smallest piece is suitable and safe for even mouthing babies and younger toddlers.

 

 

For bigger children, they might be able to hold some pieces easily with one hand. For the younger ones, they will hold it better with two hands or push the block from one place to another. Both can practise their grip. Simply building with these chunkier blocks, children would develop their physical and motor skills, which are crucial for their cognitive development.

 

 

2. Material

 

 

I love how its finish (or texture) is raw and unvarnished, which makes it really easy for children to build taller structures. The reason why I avoid investing in varnished blocks like those you might find in Kmart here in Australia is that because of their smoother texture, they often slip and slide off as you attempt to build higher.

 

 

This, therefore, puts a limit on creativity and imagination. For young children who are still developing their skills in engaging in constructive play, it also often leads to a lot of frustration in the process of building.

Offering our children blocks for play that will set them up for success in terms of creative building helps to develop their self-confidence, resilience, and the desire to build and create more frequently, which will further enhance their cognitive development and learning.

 

3. Colour

 

 

I like that the colours are of different shades and gradients. It’s such a great resource for colour exploration, cognitive development, and language development.

Take the green colour, for example. It comes in four different shades, which I use to explore the concept of symmetry through games with my girls. If I place a certain shade and size on one side, they need to match it with the same shade and size on the other side. This simple activity helps them understand symmetry while keeping playtime fun and engaging.

On the other hand, when attempting to sort and match pom-poms to these blocks, my girls can enrich their vocabulary by making use of descriptive words, engaging in debate, and developing their critical thinking skills.

 

4. Proportionality

 

The size, material, and colour of blocks play a very important role in why I have chosen to add this to our playshelf. But the main reason why this building block set is my top choice is because the blocks are all mathematically proportional.

 

 

There are five sizes in the set, with each size proportionately longer than the previous, ranging from one-piece to five-piece blocks. This proportionality makes the blocks a very useful resource for visualising mathematical concepts such as number relationships and representations. Through block play using Grimm’s LSP, my children have naturally learned to identify and assign the correct number value to each block, seamlessly integrating maths into their playtime.

Moreover, these blocks aren’t just limited to basic Math concepts! They’re also perfect for introducing more advanced ideas like multiplication, fractions, and understanding parts of a whole.

For instance, my 4-year-old discovered that two three-piece blocks combined make six- or that four two-piece blocks create eight while building a staircase. This hands-on experience with learning math through block play significantly enhances the blocks’ longevity, making them suitable for children even beyond the preschool age.

 

5. Open-endedness

 

 

And finally, what I love most about these blocks is that there’s no one right way to use them—they’re incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to any play space, especially if you have children of different ages like I do. My kids have used these blocks to build everything! From towers and houses to roads and bridges- you name it. They’ve created both long and tall structures, using the blocks as loose parts for imaginative play or even as a puzzle when putting everything back in place after playtime.

 

 

With three children who are all so different in terms of their interests and developmental stages, it’s a set of blocks that allows each of my children to engage with it in their own way – stacking, balancing, sorting, matching, posting, building, creating, and designing as well as to learn about math and numeracy in a visually hands-on way.

Having shared five reasons for choosing this block set, let’s dive into a detailed and friendly comparison below. As a parent and a play coach, I’m frequently asked about choosing between the LSP and Grimm’s sets, so below I am sharing my insights!

 

Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid vs. Small Set

Made by renowned German toy manufacturer, Grimm’s Spiel & Holz Design, both the large set and small set come with 100 building blocks of various sizes handcrafted from lime wood and painted in beautiful, bright non-toxic water-based stains and natural plant-based oils. You’re sure of your child’s safety during play.

 

SIZE	Grimm’s LSP Small Set	Grimm’s LSP Large Set
Frame	22.5 cm	44.5 cm
Single Blocks	2 cm thickness	4 cm thickness
Length	up to 10 cm	up to 20 cm

 

Why I Picked the Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid (Large set)

Firstly, if I were to buy small blocks, it would be more practical to get the cheaper ones because they are very much available in the market. You can also get the plain wood ones because they’ll be easy to colour, too.

Secondly, the small blocks aren’t suitable for children under one year old or for those who are still putting things in their mouths. They’re small enough to fit in the middle of a child’s palm or be held between the thumb and pointer finger, making them a serious choking hazard.

 

Coloured Set vs Natural Set

The Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid is also available in two main versions: the Coloured Set and the Natural Set. Aside from the size, I also get so many questions like “Jules, which one should we get- the coloured set or the natural one?” 

For a detailed comparison, you can check out the brand’s official website. 

Below let’s explore the differences between the two options by looking at their appearance, visual appeal for children, and the learning opportunities they offer. These aspects can significantly influence cognitive development, motor skills, and language abilities. By understanding these factors, we can make informed decisions that nurture our kids’ growth and curiosity.

 

CHARACTERISTICS	Coloured Set	Natural Set
Appearance	– Painted with a rainbow of hues – Coated with non-toxic, water-based stains allowing the natural wood grain to show  – Colourful and vibrant	– Unpainted – natural beauty of the wood – Smooth, oiled finish that highlights the wood grain and texture – Minimalist look
Visual Appeal	– Visually stimulating – Helps attract children’s attention and make play more engaging)  – Its colours can enhance creativity and provide learning opportunities like colour recognition and sorting.	– Its neutral aesthetic can be calming and timeless – Focused on tactile and structural play (helps children explore shapes, balance, and spatial relationships) without colour distractions – Beneficial for children who are easily overstimulated by bright colours
Learning Opportunities	– Creating colourful, eye-catching structures, and landscapes – Colour matching  – Pattern creation – Learn about colour and tones  – Element representation by colours (e.g., blue blocks for water, green for trees) – Encouraging storytelling and thematic play	– Structural building – Explore shapes – Stacking and balancing of blocks – Spatial awareness and relationship – Texture exploration

 

Here’s a little backstory: 

I actually bought my first set of blocks, even before I became a mom! Our first set of wooden blocks is a natural-coloured set that comes in all sorts of sizes and shapes—rectangles, squares, circles, triangles, arches, cylinders, and more. I shared more about the benefits and learning opportunities of a natural wooden block set in this blog post. 

However, if I were to suggest a first set now, I’d recommend you go with the coloured version. Especially at a young age, children are still exploring their world, and colours can help them grasp concepts and understand their environment more easily.

That said, if your budget allows, adding a natural-coloured set is also a great option. The neutral tones can minimise distractions, allowing children to focus more on the building process (though they can certainly focus with the coloured blocks too—if you know what I mean).

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the type of play experience you want to create—whether it’s vibrant and engaging or calm and natural.

 

Common questions I get about Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid 

1. Is the Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid safe for young children?

Absolutely! Even babies as young as 4 months old can enjoy it. The blocks have a grippy surface, making it easy for little hands to grasp. Plus, the blocks are large enough to avoid any choking hazards, so it’s perfect as your child’s first toy.

 

2. What age group is the Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid suitable for?

While it’s recommended for ages 3 and up, younger kids can definitely join in the fun too—just keep an eye on them during playtime 🙂

 

3. What other block sets work well with the Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid?
   
   If you’re looking to expand your set, Glückskäfer slats are a perfect match to the Large Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramids. They are a perfect match in colour, proportionality, and usability, ideal for sorting, matching, patterning, and exploring numeracy concepts. Slat pieces are great for horizontal constructions like ramps and roads, while pyramid pieces are suited for stacking. It’s suitable for babies, as the larger pieces prevent choking hazards.

I shared in this post how slats and LSP are compatible.

 

4. Are there alternatives to the Large Stepped Pyramid?

Yes, there are! I have written this post for my other more affordable choices of blocks that are not Grimms 🙂

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In a nutshell, is investing in a Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid necessary for your child to engage in meaningful block play and learning?

The answer is no. But is it worth investing in? 100% YES!

The benefits of block play are immense. It supports cognitive development, fosters creativity, and enhances problem-solving skills.

A Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid is an investment, no doubt about it, but I firmly believe in being intentional with toy purchases, and the value of investing in quality toys that last, toys that grow with children and can be played with no matter the age.

 

 

I love that a baby, toddler, preschooler, and even an adult can get equal enjoyment and usage out of it and it will be loved for years to come.

Now that you know all the amazing benefits I’ve shared in this blog, what are your thoughts on the LSP? 

Do you see the value, or are you still on the fence? I’d love to hear your thoughts—so please drop a comment below! 

PS. If you’re curious to dive deeper into the world of block play, check out my best-selling Block Play Workshop where you can explore the endless possibilities and see the magic of creative play in action 🙂