LEGO or Megabloks for a 5 year old (first ever kit)

WLM21

I want to buy a 'block' building set / sets for our 5 year Grandson, but need some advice.

As a kid, I remember having hundreds of the 'normal' LEGO blocks, with a selection of windows, doors, roof sections and wheels ... and that was that.

I spent hours using the set, which grew and grew (birthdays etc)

Now, for my Grandson I want to get a set, or sets. However it seems all the LEGO sets are based upon a theme, which no doubt is great at first, until some pieces are lost.

Megabloks seem a better bet (I think)

What is the general opinion on the two brands ... especially for the younger child.

thanks

emg

I would go for lego but I agree that all the stuff in the shops tends to be expensive complicated sets. You can buy sets that are just bricks and things but they are really hard to find in the shops and is better bought online (try the lego site). I just bought some of the Lego juniors range for a 4 year old this christmas. It's normal lego size but designed for younger children so the sets are much easier to put together and there are not so many small fiddly bits. I also got this set to make it all a bit more creative. Although that set is sold out now, there are others available that are just bricks and stuff.

PixieDust

I would go for megablocks, with building bricks, more is better and they are great quality

Damzel_In_Distress

My son has been obsessed with Lego since age four, I would definitely go with the Lego. Mega blocks are grown out of much quicker as they are aimed at smaller children.
You can buy boxes and tubs of Lego that aren't based on a theme from toysrus, and on Amazon.

fatblackandwhite

I agree with Damzel - go for Lego. You can get just brick sets on Amazon/Asda etc, they shouldn't be hard to find. Lego is more of an investment - it will last a lifetime and can be added to as he grows. My son who is almost five has loads - as do my nephews (17 and 27) who STILL love Lego.

pinknfluffy28

Lego definitely! My 7 year old dd has been obsessed with Lego since dh found his old collection out of his grans loft 3 years ago!

The Lego city sets are fab, and can be added to each year. They can be a little pricey for some of the bigger sets, but the play value, and quality is well worth it. Don't worry about lost bits, my dd often dismantles and re-builds her sets, using different blocks from different sets. We currently have a police station with pink & purple walls!