RIWI Building Blocks Alternative: Foam Building Blocks, XXL Blocks & Budget Options 2026

If you are looking for an alternative to RIWI®, you have most likely already seen what XXL foam building blocks can do: towers up to the ceiling, dens, obstacle courses, a sofa for movie night. Then you look at the price and wonder whether it could be cheaper. The honest answer: cheaper, yes; equivalent, rarely. Here you will find out what really sets large building blocks apart, what a single block costs with us, and how you can start with the original from just €49.

One thing first, because it applies to every purchase decision: large building blocks are toys that children climb on, lie on, romp around on and hug. With that much body contact, how thoroughly a product has been tested matters more than a ten-euro difference in price.

What makes the original special

Before you compare, it is worth looking at what goes into a RIWI® block. These are the points against which you should measure any alternative:

Independently tested three times over: TÜV Austria tested (certificate ZSTS/APZE/1486), OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (No. 25.3.0293 INNOVATEXT) and CertiPUR-certified foam. In addition, tested to the toy standards EN 71 and ASTM F963.
Load capacity up to 110 kg: Children can step on the blocks, balance and jump without the block buckling.
Firm and soft at the same time: The high surface friction holds towers and walls together without glue or magnets. If a tower topples, it still does not hurt.
Machine washable: The blocks can be washed (follow the care instructions). That matters just as much for families as for nurseries.
Made in Europe: short supply routes and traceable production.
A system that grows with your child: XXL and mini blocks fit together. Replacement blocks, covers, bags and the 2-in-1 play sofa are available to buy separately.

These are not advertising promises but documented properties. You can view all certificates yourself on our page Certificates & Awards.

What RIWI® blocks cost: the price per block

The total price of a set tells you little. What a single block costs is more revealing. The bigger the set, the cheaper each block becomes:

Set	Price	Price per block	Suited for
RIWI® XXL, 12 blocks	€129	approx. €10.75	small rooms, a first try
RIWI® XXL, 24 blocks	€239	approx. €9.96	creative and active play sessions
RIWI® XXL, 36 blocks	€319	approx. €8.86	bigger constructions, 1–3 children
RIWI® XXL, 48 blocks	€399	approx. €8.31	nursery, play group, large family, 2–8 children
RIWI® mini, 12 blocks	€49	approx. €4.08	an easy start with little space
RIWI® mini, 48 blocks	€179	approx. €3.73	lots of building in a small area

Prices as listed in the shop, as of October 2026. You can always see the current price directly on the XXL building blocks page.

An XXL block measures 71 × 20 × 10 cm, a mini block 35 × 13.5 × 6.5 cm. The two sizes can be combined. That matters for the cost question, because you do not have to buy the large set straight away.

What is in the price

A foam building block looks plain. For it to last for years in a children's room or a nursery, however, several things have to come together, and each of them costs money:

The foam formulation. The foam has to be firm enough for a tower to stand and a child to balance on it, and soft enough that a falling block does not hurt. RIWI® blocks support up to 110 kg and still give way when a child runs into them.
Independent testing. TÜV Austria, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and CertiPUR are independent testing bodies. The manufacturer pays for their tests and certificates.
Manufacturing in Europe. RIWI® blocks are made in Europe. That means short supply routes, traceable production and European labour standards.
Spare parts and expandability. Individual blocks and covers can be bought separately. A set does not become worthless if one block gets damaged.

A worked example

Take the 24-block set for €239. If your child plays with it for three years, that comes to around €6.70 a month. If a younger sibling carries on playing afterwards, the amount is halved. If the set later goes second-hand to another family, you get part of the price back. A cheap set that sags after a year quickly turns out to be the more expensive one in this calculation.

This is not an argument for spending as much as possible. It simply shows that the price per year of use says more than the price at the checkout.

Starting cheaper without compromising on safety

Most families looking for an alternative do not actually want less quality, they want to spend less money all at once. There are three ways to do that which work better than an untested budget product.

1. Start small and expand later

With 12 XXL blocks, children can already build walls, a small den or a balance path. You will see within a few weeks whether your child sticks with it. If they enjoy it, you add more later, for example for a birthday or at Christmas. Because all XXL blocks have the same dimensions, new blocks always match the old ones. Individual replacement blocks are available from €12 each.

2. Begin with the mini blocks

The RIWI® mini building blocks cost from €49 for 12. They are made of the same foam but need much less space. For a flat without a dedicated playroom, they are often the smarter choice. Later you can combine them with XXL blocks to create bigger play worlds.

3. The right set instead of the biggest set

More is not automatically better. For one child in a children's room, 24 blocks are usually enough for towers, dens and small obstacle courses. The 48-block set is mainly worthwhile when several children build at the same time or when the set lives in a nursery, a play group or with grandparents who have lots of grandchildren.

What you can already do with 12 blocks

If you are starting small, it is fair to wonder whether 12 blocks can be fun at all. Here are five ideas that work with a 12-block set:

The castle wall: Six blocks laid flat side by side, six standing upright on top, and you have a wall a child can hide behind.
The balance path: All the blocks laid flat in a row make a route of more than eight metres. Add some curves and it gets more exciting.
The den: Four blocks as walls, a roof on top, and you have a retreat for story time.
The train: Blocks in a line, a cushion as a seat, and the journey can begin. Children ages 3 and up will play this for hours.
The obstacle course: Single blocks spread around the room for stepping over, running around and jumping on, ideal for rainy days.

You will find more building ideas in our article on large building blocks for creative play.

Buying RIWI® blocks second-hand: the honest check

RIWI® blocks are so robust that they are still in demand second-hand. If you want to buy second-hand, check these points before buying so you are not disappointed:

Shape: Press the block in at several spots. It should spring back into shape quickly. Lasting dents or badly compressed edges mean the foam is worn out.
Surface: Cracks, broken-off corners or chewed spots are a reason to walk away. Loose foam crumbs can end up in a child's mouth.
Smell: A musty or chemical smell points to poor storage, for example damp in a cellar.
Origin: Ask for proof of purchase or the original packaging. With listings that give no information on origin, you do not know whether they are originals or whether they have been tested.
Covers: Check the seams and zips. A faulty zip is a safety issue in nursery use.
Completeness: Count the blocks. You can buy missing blocks individually, but you should factor that into the price.

Why new is usually the better choice

A fair second-hand price is well below the new price per block in the table above. If the offer is close to the new price, you are better off with new blocks:

Statutory warranty: When you buy from the RIWI® shop you are protected; with private sales, generally you are not.
Additional protection: With the RIWI® Premium Warranty you extend the cover for your set.
Hygiene: New blocks and covers have not yet been used by any other child. For many parents and for nurseries, that is an important point.
Full lifespan: A new set has all its years of play ahead of it and can later be passed on to siblings.

Covers: Which ones do you really need?

Many people searching for an alternative are really looking for cheaper covers. So here are the options compared side by side:

	No cover	Velour covers	Faux leather covers
Price (12 pieces)	–	from €99	from €199
Feel	foam directly	soft, cuddly	smooth, hard-wearing
Fastening	–	Velcro fastening	zip
Cleaning	Blocks are machine washable (follow the care instructions)	machine washable	wipe clean, also with disinfectant; hand wash if heavily soiled
Best for	Families who want to start without extra costs	Children's room, living room	Nursery, kindergarten, intensive use, also outdoors (waterproof fabric, seams not waterproof)

Our honest advice: for most families, the velour covers are the right choice because they feel soft and are machine washable. The faux leather covers are mainly worth it where lots of children play every day and disinfecting is needed. You can also buy covers later; they are not a requirement for play.

Other large building blocks compared: What is good for what?

Every material has its place. But if you want building, climbing and romping in a single toy, it is hard to get past good foam. Here are the common materials at a glance:

Large cardboard building blocks

They are cheap and light, and a nice idea for a children's birthday party or a weekend. You should not climb or sit on them, though, and they are finished once they get damp or take a hard kick. Cardboard is good for trying things out, not for years of use. The difference to RIWI®: Our blocks support up to 110 kg and are washable.

Hollow plastic building blocks

They are weatherproof and easy to wipe clean, which makes them well suited to the garden or the sandpit. On the other hand, they are hard: a toppling tower hurts, and depending on the model, climbing is not intended. Pay attention to the age rating and the load capacity stated by the manufacturer. The difference to RIWI®: Foam gives way when a child runs into it or a tower falls over.

Large-format wooden building blocks

Wood is beautiful, long-lasting and pleasant to hold. Large-format wooden blocks are heavy, though. They are not made for head-height towers or wild romping. For calm, focused building on the floor they are a good addition, not an alternative. The difference to RIWI®: An XXL block is so light that even three-year-olds can build whole castles on their own.

Other foam building blocks

This is where the biggest differences lie, and you can hardly see them from the outside. Foam is not the same as foam: density, resilience and formulation decide whether a block is still stable after a year or sags. So pay particular attention to which tests a supplier can prove. The following checklist will help you compare, whichever supplier you look at.

Six mistakes that get expensive when comparing

When hunting for a cheaper offer, the same errors of reasoning keep cropping up. If you know them, you will compare more fairly:

Looking only at the total price. A set of 30 small blocks can look cheaper than one with 24 large ones, even though you can build far less with it. Always compare dimensions and price per block.
Believing test marks without seeing them. "Tested" or "safe" in a product description is not proof. Ask for the testing body, the certificate number and the document itself. Reputable suppliers show it openly.
Forgetting about density. Very light, very soft blocks feel pleasant in the shop but buckle under a child. Then neither climbing nor balancing is possible, and the set ends up in a corner.
Overlooking shipping costs. XXL blocks are bulky. With large sets from abroad, high shipping costs or customs fees quickly add up that are not shown in the offer.
Ignoring the age rating. Look for a clearly stated minimum age. RIWI® blocks are intended for children ages 3 and up.
Not thinking about replacements. If a block breaks in a budget set, there is usually no replacement, and the construction has a gap. Check beforehand whether individual blocks and covers can be bought separately.

Checklist: How to recognise safe foam building blocks

You can ask any manufacturer these questions. Good suppliers answer them straight away and show their certificates openly.

Is the toy tested to EN 71, and by whom? EN 71 is the European standard for toy safety. What matters is whether an independent testing body did the testing. RIWI® blocks are TÜV Austria tested (certificate ZSTS/APZE/1486). This applies to the XXL and mini blocks, the sets with covers and the couch cover.
Has the foam been tested for harmful substances? For a toy with this much skin contact, that is central. Our XXL and mini foam building blocks are certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (No. 25.3.0293 INNOVATEXT).
Is there a certificate for the foam itself? The foam of all RIWI® blocks is CertiPUR-certified. CertiPUR is the European standard for PU foam.
Is there a clear age rating on the product? RIWI® blocks are intended for children ages 3 and up. Reputable manufacturers state a minimum age and explain it.
How much weight can a block take? Children stand on blocks even when they are not supposed to. RIWI® blocks can bear up to 110 kg.
Can the product be cleaned? Washable covers and clear care instructions are a good sign, especially for families with several children and for nurseries.
Are spare parts available? If a single block breaks, you should not have to replace the whole set.

If an offer does not answer the first three questions, ask the supplier before you buy. You will find all certificates on our page Certificates & Awards.

Who RIWI® is right for

RIWI® is made for families who want a toy that does not end up in a corner after three weeks. For children ages 3 and up who want to build, climb and romp. For parents who value independently tested safety. For siblings who play together, and for grandparents who are looking for a gift that will be used for years. And for nurseries, kindergartens and gym clubs where many children play with it every day.

Only for children under 3 are RIWI® blocks not intended.

For nurseries and institutions

In kindergartens, nurseries with children ages 3 and up, gym clubs and therapy practices, different standards apply than in a children's room. The blocks are used by many children every day, have to be disinfectable and need reliable documentation for procurement. For institutions we recommend the faux leather covers and larger sets. Quotes and advice for institutions are available through our B2B shop riwi-buildit.eu.

How to get the most out of your budget

Measure the space first, then choose the set. A play sofa built from 24 XXL blocks needs a footprint of around 160 × 71 cm. Allow some room around it for playing.
Use occasions. Birthday, Christmas, Easter: if you buy in stages, you spread the cost, and grandparents are happy to give a gift that really gets used.
Use it twice over. With the RIWI® 2-in-1 Play Sofa & Storage Set, 24 XXL blocks turn into a sofa in the evening. That way the set replaces a piece of furniture instead of just taking up space.
Store them properly. Stored dry and without heavy objects on top, foam blocks keep their shape longest. For that there are the XXL Bag (from €39) and the mini Bag (from €29).

Your way to RIWI®: three ways in

Starting point	Price	Who it is for
RIWI® mini, 12 blocks	€49	Trying it out in a small area
RIWI® XXL, 12 blocks	€129	The original in large format, expandable later
RIWI® XXL, 24 blocks + 2-in-1 play sofa	€239 + from €109	Toy and sofa in one

You will find all sets on the RIWI® XXL building blocks page.

Frequently asked questions

Are there cheaper alternatives to RIWI® building blocks?

There are cheaper large building blocks made of cardboard, plastic or foam. But they differ greatly in load capacity, durability and how well they have been tested. RIWI® blocks are TÜV Austria tested, OEKO-TEX® certified, made of CertiPUR-certified foam and can bear up to 110 kg. If you want to stay with RIWI® and still spend less, start with 12 XXL blocks (€129) or the mini blocks (from €49) and expand later.

Can I buy RIWI® blocks second-hand?

Yes, second-hand originals are a good option. Check shape, surface, smell, covers and completeness, and ask for proof of purchase. You can buy missing blocks individually.

Do new blocks fit my old ones?

Yes. All RIWI® XXL blocks have the same dimensions of 71 × 20 × 10 cm, and the mini blocks can be combined with the XXL blocks.

Do I absolutely need covers?

No. Covers make the blocks easier to care for and make sense for intensive use, such as in nurseries. You can also add them later.

How much does a single replacement block cost?

Individual RIWI® XXL blocks are available from €12, mini blocks from €6 each. That way you can add to a set or replace a damaged block.

Which set is worth it for a family?

For one child, 24 XXL blocks are enough for towers, dens and small obstacle courses. With two or more children, the 36-block set is worthwhile. The 48-block set is mainly intended for large families, nurseries and play groups and has the lowest price per block.

From what age are RIWI® blocks suitable?

RIWI® blocks are intended for children ages 3 and up.

How safe are RIWI® blocks?

RIWI® blocks are TÜV Austria tested (certificate ZSTS/APZE/1486) and tested to EN 71 and ASTM F963. The XXL and mini foam blocks are certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (No. 25.3.0293 INNOVATEXT), and the foam is CertiPUR-certified. The blocks can bear up to 110 kg.

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