Why I stopped recommending my top unit block pick and the best unit blocks to buy instead!

For years I've raved about the Constructive Plaything Small School Set of unit blocks as my top pick for piece count, quality, and value. Not anymore though. Here’s why I stopped recommending by previous top pick for unit block sets and what you should consider instead.

2 super quick reasons - 

1- Constructive Playthings started aggressively stamping their blocks with “Made in Vietnam” and a batch number. This black marking is disruptive to the neutrality of unit blocks. I dislike it SO strongly. 

2- Constructive Playthings updated their shipping practices some time over the fall and now considers the small school set a freight shipping item. This makes the shipping over $100! Which makes this set totally unaffordable for what it is. 

What to buy instead: 

Guidecraft unit blocks (this is an afflink so GCSAMI should auto apply for 10% off!) 

Guidecraft has updated their quality control since I started consulting for them in fall 2024. The half units that I previously shouted out as not-square-enough are so much better now. I no longer think this is an issue that should stop you from purchasing Guidecraft unit blocks. 

Guidecraft's current sets are good so if you'd like blocks asap go for it and grab a set!

But - if you’re not in a rush…

I helped re-design their sets and the new versions will be available in the next few weeks! They will also be selling smaller add-on sets so you can customize your existing set with specific pieces your collection needs! I’ll update this post when they are all in stock. I will also be updating my buying guide with tons of info about my updated recommendations as soon as they're all in stock!

Side note: Of course now that I am more closely affiliated with Guidecraft I would understand if you find my opinion slightly biased - but as you can see my reasons for ending my top recommendation as Constructive Playthings are unrelated to Guidecraft in any way. Even if I wasn't helping redesign the GC sets I would stop recommending the Constructive Playthings sets based on these issues. Please let me know here in the comments - via email at everydaywitheandj@gmail.com or over on instagram in my DMs - if you have any questions at all!