Finding a construction toy that inspires pure creativity without cluttering your floor with thousands of tiny plastic bits is easier said than done. While traditional plastic blocks are great for heavy builds, they don’t always captivate younger kids for long periods. The TickiT Gem Cube Mirror Tray (25-Piece Pack) takes a completely different approach. By combining 25 solid translucent acrylic “gem” cubes with a mirrored beechwood tray, it turns basic stacking and building into a captivating sensory experience. Fresh off winning gold in our Construction Toy category, we put this sparkling little set to the test to see how it performs in everyday playroom settings.
What We Liked About the TickiT Gem Cube Mirror Tray
Turning simple geometric blocks into a sensory-rich building tool requires thoughtful craftsmanship, and TickiT has got the balance spot-on here.
- Mesmerising Mirrored Base: The standout element of this set is the FSC-certified beechwood tray, which features a safe acrylic mirror floor. As children stack and arrange the cubes, the mirror bounces light straight up through the translucent plastic, creating vivid reflections and giving builds a fascinating 3D effect.
- Chunky, Tactile Gem Cubes: The 25 acrylic cubes come in five vibrant hues and feel wonderfully substantial in hand. They feature silky-smooth edges that are safe for little fingers, and they make a delightful, glassy tinkling sound when tumbled together.
- Symmetry and Light Play Made Easy: Unlike opaque wooden blocks, these translucent cubes interact with natural light, lamps, and light panels. Kids quickly figure out how to build half a structure on the tray to watch the mirror complete the symmetrical pattern—a brilliant introduction to early geometry.
- Calming, Open-Ended Versatility: Beyond building towers, these gems double up as treasure for small-world pretend play, loose parts for colour sorting, or tools for counting games. The visual magic naturally draws kids in for quiet, focused play sessions.
- FSC-Certified Craftsmanship: The wooden tray is sturdy, neatly finished, and made from responsibly sourced timber. Everything packs away directly back into the tray when playtime wraps up, keeping shelves tidy.
What Could Be Better
While this set offers fantastic sensory and constructive value, there are a few practical points to consider before adding it to your toy shelf.
- Smooth Surfaces Require a Steady Hand
Because the acrylic cubes have a smooth, polished finish, stacking them into tall towers takes a bit of finesse. If little hands get over-enthusiastic or push structures too high, the smooth surfaces can slide easily compared to grippy wooden or magnetic blocks. - The 25-Piece Set Is a Mini Starter
Sitting at 15.4cm square, the tray for the 25-piece pack is fairly compact. While it is ideal for solo play, table-top work, or travel to grandma’s house, siblings sharing the tray will run out of gems very quickly. If you have multiple children, you may want to look at the larger 100-piece version instead. - Mirror Care
The acrylic mirror base is completely safe and shatterproof for kids, but acrylic can scratch over time if rough objects are dragged across it. Wiping it down with a damp cloth keeps it sparkling, but parents will want to discourage kids from scraping metal or rough toys on the base.
Are They Worth Buying?
At around £29.99, this set is a fantastic investment for parents, nursery providers, or grandparents looking for a high-quality sensory toy that grows with a child.
It bridges the gap between STEM learning and creative art. Younger toddlers love the satisfying weight, clinking sounds, and simple stacking, while older children quickly start experimenting with reflections, light mixing, and intricate patterns. It is a rare toy that looks like a piece of art resting on a bedroom shelf even when it isn’t being actively played with.
However, if you are strictly looking for a traditional structural building set meant for erecting sprawling castles or massive skyscrapers, you will still need a traditional block or tile set. The Gem Cube set shines best as a sensory, pattern-building, and sculptural tool.
Final Verdict
The TickiT Gem Cube Mirror Tray thoroughly deserves its gold medal in our construction category. By combining simple geometric shapes with light-reflecting materials, it turns simple stacking into a captivating creative experience. While the 25-piece footprint is best suited for single-child play, its top-tier build quality, educational versatility, and sheer aesthetic charm make it a standout addition to any playroom.
Final Score: 9.2/10
