The Story of MAGNA-TILES Began Nearly 30 Years Ago
The year is 1997. With a van packed full of tiles, Rudy Valenta (father of 4 and the “Godfather" of MAGNA-TILES) is zig-zagging the country and attending education trade shows. Day after day, town after town, handshake after handshake. Little did Rudy know, he was laying the foundation for a brand that would revolutionize the way children play.
Our Story
1997
A Solid Idea
The original Classic 32-piece set features solid colors, specifically designed for classroom instruction. 5 years later, in 2002, the 100-piece set arrives, catering to educators looking for more tiles to enhance classroom instruction and their students’ learning experience.
2002
The Answer is Clear
Solid color MAGNA-TILES sets undergo a stylish makeover, transitioning to transparent translucent colors. This aesthetic change allows light to pass through the tiles, creating eye-catching refractions and enhancing play appeal. The change also allows the brand’s signature “criss-cross” lattice to become visible, a clear indicator that the tile is a true MAGNA-TILES piece.
2011
When it Rains, Opportunity Soars
Severe flooding in Thailand destroys the first MAGNA-TILES factory and puts the entire brand in jeopardy. Fatefully, news reports of this unfortunate event put the brand on a national stage and mark a turning point in MAGNA-TILES history. The resulting scarcity creates skyrocketing consumer demand, while Rudy and his small team search for a new factory to keep the buzz-worthy brand moving forward.
2016
Design Takes Center Stage
With a foundation of Classic sets firmly in place, the team explores new ways to extend the line, taking inspiration from architecture and design. New lines like MAGNA-TILES Ice (colorless tiles) celebrate the brand’s signature lattice, while MAGNA-TILES Black elevates aesthetics and MAGNA-TILES Glow embraces STEAM learning and experimentation.
2020
The Pandemic Effect
As Covid realities settle in, parents are actively seeking high-quality, enriching toys that support STEAM learning and Meaningful Play at home. More and more families soon discover that MAGNA-TILES play is their go-to solution, while trying to balance e-learning, work schedules and parenting responsibilities.
2021
New Themes, Big Dreams
In response to parents’ desire for sets that spark creativity, the team begins work on new, theme-based sets. After many months of trial-and-error later, Safari, Jungle and Arctic Animals arrive on the scene, featuring adorable magnetic figures and unique printed tiles. Better yet, all the Animals are compatible with Classic sets! The arrival of Animals ushers in a bold new era for the MAGNA-TILES brand, beyond simple geometric shapes.
2023
Toy of the Year
The MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo set is recognized as the 2023 Preschool Toy of the Year (TOTY), solidifying the brand as a leader in toy innovation and the promotion of Meaningful Play. New ramps, vehicles and characters expand the potential of the MAGNA-TILES system of play, to the delight of parents and kids across the
world.
Today
Our Mission Continues
The MAGNA-TILES brand continues to spread the joy of Meaningful Play across the globe and can be found in over 80 countries and counting. Today, millions of children, and those young at heart, engage in play that is fun, engaging, child-led, experience-based, and developmental with their favorite MAGNA-TILES sets.
Meaningful Play has always led the way
What's Meaningful Play you ask? It's in the DNA of every MAGNA-TILES set, inspiring young minds and helping kids develop skills they’ll use in everyday life.
Our Promise to You
We'll Never Compromise on Safety
We don't take short cuts, especially when it comes to your child's safety. Many of us are parents of young children too, so our commitment to producing the highest quality magnetic tiles in the world is unwavering.
Our Tiles are Always Compatible
Every MAGNA-TILES set is backwards and forwards compatible. The set you buy today works with the very first set we ever made, and every new set we will make in the future.
We'll Never Include Instructions
The MAGNA-TILES brand is powered by a child's imagination and our commitment to intuitive, open-ended play. Nope, you didn't accidentally throw away the instructions. They were never there.
The awards keep coming...
#1 Magnetic Building SetsBrand
(Source: Circana /Retail Tracking Service / JAN – DEC 2024 / USD)
