There are a TON of available block shapes for sets of unit blocks. Not to sidetrack this post, but you can find a non-comprehensive list here. With all the choices, it’ll make you head spin. But what most people want to know when they are choosing a block set is:

“What shapes would make a really great set?”

To answer that question, we have to examine how block sets are assembled. Some block sets are assembled for value, some for quality, and most are balanced somewhere in between. What does this really mean?

Kids tend to gravitate to different shapes and use them more often in their structures. Other shapes are rarely used, or are just accent afterthoughts. It’s kind of the nature of blocks. So which shapes are the marvelous ones, and which are the also-rans?

Marvelous Unit Blocks

There is a reason that unit blocks are called unit blocks. Everything is built off of the “unit” size. This is the first indicator that the unit is popular. The next indicator becomes readily apparent when you try to build anything. Unit blocks are necessary. OK, what else? Kids love the big blocks. Double units are always in demand, as are the quad units. Round out the set with a smattering of half units, triangles, flats and arches and you have a great set of kindergarten blocks.

Alright Unit Blocks

This group of blocks should be present in larger sets, lightly represented in medium sets, and not really found too often in small sets. These include such pieces as the column and the pillar. They are great pieces and all, but a few can go a long way. Another piece that belongs here is the small triangle. Yes, I know it was named above since it is necessary, but sets that have this piece over represented are pushing down quality in an attempt to reduce price.

Unit Blocks On My Black List

These nefarious characters are often used to create large block counts to tantalize the unwary with sheer numbers of blocks. So I don’t like them so much. They aren’t bad blocks, per se, but when they gang up you can tell they don’t come from the right neighborhood. These include such useful pieces as the 1/2 pillar, the 1/2 column, the quarter circle, and the 1/2 roman arch. I’ve even seen one set that touted a reasonably high block count that packed in a piece they called a “cube”. 14 of them to be accurate. This was a 1/4 pillar. The only thing I could see to do with this was to stack 4 on top of each other to create a pillar. Now we’re talking. But it took 4 blocks to do it. That’s 4 of your 110 piece set. All of a sudden you see that instead of being able to create that Taj Mahal you had in your mind, you will have to settle for the 1/4 Taj Mahal. Where’s the fun in that?

Having these blocks present in a set doesn’t immediately discount the set as a bad set. Sets that pad numbers with these pieces will be an apparent great value, but may leave one feeling a bit short on blocks.

A final note about unit block shapes

When choosing a set of unit blocks, please do not get caught up in the numbers. It is the easiest way to compare sets, but doesn’t tell the whole story. If you can’t find out which shapes are present in a set, ask. Most stores can get that information for you. It is important.