Researched
Plus-Plus Learn to Build Basic 05005
A 400-piece starter box of one repeating shape, with two baseplates and a guide book.
$29.99 at Plus-Plus · Price checked Oct 7
Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer
Our verdict
Key details
- Ages 5+
- 400 pieces
- Small parts
- Building sets
- Plus-Plus
- Available
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD SMALL PARTS. NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YRS.
More info
- Item number: 05005
- Age: 5+ (suggested by Plus-Plus)
- Pieces: 400, in 16 colors
- Also includes: 2 green baseplates, 1 guide book
- Piece size: 0.75 x 0.5 in (20 x 12 mm)
- Baseplate size: 4.44 x 1.89 in (112 x 48 mm)
- Material: Recyclable polyethylene (Plus-Plus)
- Made in: Denmark (Plus-Plus)
- Package: 2.5 x 13.0 x 8.8 in
Best for and who should skip it
Best for
- Kids 5 to 12 who like mosaics, patterns and small figures
- Families who want a building set that packs small for trips and quiet time
- Adding colors to a Plus-Plus collection, since every piece is the same shape
Skip it if
- Your child wants sturdy vehicles and models that survive rough play
- A toddler in the house still mouths small pieces
What we like and what to keep in mind
What we like
- 400 pieces in 16 colors, plus two baseplates and a guide book
- Works with every other Plus-Plus set, since all pieces share one shape
- Owners say it travels well and keeps kids busy for long stretches
Keep in mind
- Pieces are about 0.75 x 0.5 in, smaller than some buyers expected
- One parent found the 3D builds harder to follow and less sturdy than LEGO
- Baseplates are small, about 4.4 x 1.9 in each
How we reviewed it
What owners say.
- 1 positive
- 1 mixed
- 1 negative
Paraphrased from public owner reviews. Each one links to where it was posted.
A parent who borrowed a set for a road trip bought their own afterward; they say the box is big enough for an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old to share, packs small, and the pieces do not hurt to step on.
A parent of a 5-year-old calls it a good change from LEGO but found the build instructions less clear, and says the finished models collapsed during play, which frustrated their son.
A buyer says the pieces were smaller than they expected and looked hard to handle, and they did not give the set as the planned gift.
Sources.
What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.
- 01 Plus-Plus USA. Learn To Build - Basic
- 02 Plus-Plus USA. Learn To Build - Basic customer reviews
How it compares.
This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.
| Detail |
This reviewPlus-Plus Learn to Build Basic 05005
|
Plus-Plus Tube 240 pc Sports Mix 05137
|
MAGNA-TILES Builder 32 Piece Set 21632
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $17.99 | $49.99 |
| Maker’s age | Ages 5+ | Ages 5+ | Ages 3+ |
| Category | Building sets | Building sets | Building sets |
| Pieces | 400 | 240 | 32 |
| Good for | Kids 5 to 12 who like small, fiddly builds | Sports fans 5 to 12 who like small builds | Kids 3 to 8 who love trucks and construction play |
| Stock | Available | Available | Available |
Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.
