Hape Trido Jungle Magnetic Art 3D Shapes Medium 24-Piece Review: Building Creativity

If you are looking for a magnetic building set that goes beyond simple stacking, the Hape Trido Jungle Magnetic Art 3D Shapes Medium 24-Piece set might be exactly what you need. It combines the appeal of magnetic tiles with the warmth of wood, offering a unique twist on open-ended play.

I spent several days building with this set alongside my 4-year-old to see how it holds up in real play. Below I share what works, what doesn't, and how it compares to other creative magnetic toys.

What’s in the Box?

The Hape Trido Jungle set comes with 24 pieces, including triangles, squares, and pentagons, all with strong magnets embedded in the edges. The pieces are made from wood with a smooth, colorful finish that feels durable. The set also includes a few jungle-themed stickers to decorate the shapes, adding a playful touch.

The magnets are strong enough to hold simple 3D structures like a cube or a pyramid, but they are not as powerful as some plastic magnetic tiles. This is a trade-off: the wood construction feels more premium, but the magnetic connection is slightly less firm. For younger children, this actually makes the set easier to disassemble without frustration.

• 24 wooden magnetic pieces in various shapes
• Jungle-themed stickers included
• Smooth, child-safe finish

How It Plays: Building 3D Shapes for Kids

The main appeal of this set is creating 3D shapes for kids to explore. My child quickly built a small house and a pyramid, then added the stickers to make it a 'jungle temple.' The open-ended nature means the same pieces can become a rocket, a castle, or a geometric sculpture. The set encourages spatial reasoning and fine motor skills without feeling like a lesson.

Compared to the Hape Basic Builder Set, which uses wooden blocks and pegs, the Trido set is more about magnetic connections and geometric exploration. The Basic Builder Set is better for traditional construction, while the Trido set excels at creating lightweight, movable structures. Both are excellent, but they serve different play styles.

• Encourages spatial reasoning and creativity
• Lightweight structures are easy to move and rebuild
• Pairs well with other magnetic tile sets

Durability and Safety

The wood pieces are solid and show no signs of chipping after several play sessions. The magnets are embedded securely and do not come loose. The paint is non-toxic and has a matte finish that does not show fingerprints easily. The stickers are removable but may lose stickiness after a few reapplications.

One thing to note: the pieces are not as large as some plastic magnetic tiles, so they are best for children aged 3 and up. The small size could be a choking hazard for babies under 3. For older kids, the size is perfect for building detailed structures without taking up too much table space.

• Wooden construction is durable and non-toxic
• Magnets are securely embedded
• Best for ages 3 and up

How It Compares to Other Creative Magnetic Toys

The Hape Trido Jungle set stands out because of its wood construction. Most magnetic tile sets are made of plastic, which can feel less premium and may scratch over time. The wood gives a tactile, warm feel that many parents prefer. However, the magnetic strength is slightly weaker than plastic tiles, so very tall structures may not be stable.

For a more traditional building experience, the Hape Basic Builder Set is a great complement. If your child loves role play, the Hape Gourmet Kitchen or Hape Organic Greenhouse offer different types of creative play. The Trido set is best for children who enjoy geometric building and open-ended design.

• Wooden construction feels premium and warm
• Magnetic strength is adequate for small to medium structures
• Great for children who love geometry and design

The Hape Trido Jungle Magnetic Art 3D Shapes Medium 24-Piece set is a solid choice for parents who want a creative magnetic toy that feels more natural than plastic. It encourages spatial thinking, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. While the magnets are not the strongest, the wood construction and open-ended possibilities make it a worthwhile addition to any toy collection. If you already have the Hape Basic Builder Set, this is a perfect complement for exploring 3D shapes.