STEM toys review: Domino Robot Factory and Strictly Briks bring learning to life

STEM learning has officially arrived in our household, and it came with a bang, well, more like a satisfying domino crash, thanks to the new Domino Robot Factory from Hape toys.

Cyrus’s full-time job at two-and-three-quarters is testing limits and seeing what collapses under pressure. A rainy Saturday seemed like the perfect excuse to take his curiosity one step further with this STEM-inspired, robot-themed set.

For anyone who hasn’t yet memorised the acronym, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In our house, it’s a bit of a family mission: daddy is an engineer, and we’re keen for little C to start learning the basics early.

How things work

Our mini mohandes (that’s engineer in Farsi) has always loved figuring out why things behave the way they do, so the domino set was an instant hit. Little hands quickly got to grips with the bright red tipper car, ramps, and a ball track that somehow managed to launch a wooden ball under the sofa, then along a double-sided track, all while keeping him absorbed for hours.

The set encourages screen-free play, which feels like a small miracle some afternoons. And with the balls flying, dominoes toppling, ramps clattering, it kept him entertained long enough for me to sneak in a much-needed cup of coffee.

Problem-solving and testing

What makes this set special is that it doesn’t come with step-by-step instructions. Little C had to improvise, experiment, and test his creations. Watching him grapple with concepts like momentum, gravity, and potential energy was genuinely impressive, and also a little exhausting. By the end of the afternoon, he had a basic understanding of STEM principles, and I had a renewed appreciation for toys that educate as they entertain.

From a parental perspective, Hape also scores points for quality. All pieces are crafted from natural materials and painted with water-based paints, so safe, sturdy, and satisfying to handle. The Robot Factory Domino Set is available online for £49.95 from Wicked Uncle.

Strictly Briks: building beyond the basics

If your child prefers giant building blocks, Strictly Briks offer large bricks that are compatible with other brands, ensuring a snug fit every time. The possibilities for creativity are endless, from towers that test patience (and gravity) to free-form creations limited only by imagination.

The popular Brik Tower set is a particularly fun way to boost STEM skills, encouraging kids to explore balance, height, and engineering concepts while playing. It’s messy, creative play that feels nostalgic for parents too, like Lego, but with fewer sharp edges to step on.

Verdict: playtime that teaches

Both sets prove that learning and play can happily coexist. They spark curiosity, build fine motor skills, and best of all, they get kids thinking about how things work. Whether your little one is toppling dominoes or constructing their own skyline, STEM learning doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork, it can sound like laughter, clattering, and the occasional crash under the sofa.

Overall rating

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ☆