Best Magnetic Drawing Boards
Sgile Magnetic Drawing Board Toy for Kids
Best overall
This Magnetic drawing board from Sgile is our top pick for magnetic drawing boards. It has a generous drawing area (10×8 inches), you can choose from two colors (purple or blue), includes 4 shapes and the design isn’t too cutesy, so your kids can grow with it.
Sgile has also included some thoughtful touches, such as attaching the stylus with string and magnetizing the stamps so you won’t lose them. They’ve also rounded off the edges and made the pen tip curved to prevent injuries to little ones.
We’re sure most parents appreciate this kind of thoughtful design. The eraser bar is easy to slide and is ergonomically designed so little hands can grip is easily. Parents love this model, giving it 4.5/5 stars on Amazon.
- Overall Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 1 inches
- Screen Size: 10 x 8 inches
- Weight: 1.46lb
- Color: Y – 4 colors (red, yellow, blue, green) in 8 color zones
- Stamps: Y – 4 shapes
What We Like:
Our Concerns:
Wellchild Magnetic Drawing Board for Toddlers
Best for toddlers
If you’re on the lookout for your toddler’s first magnetic board, then this is a great option. This gender-neutral board comes in a fun orange and green colorway, 4 drawing color zones and 3 differently shaped stamps. This Wellchild board is aimed at 3-5 year olds and is the perfect size for them.
It’s lightweight and comes with a travel bag/backpack, an inclusion that we absolutely love! Little ones love having their own bag and you don’t have to worry about packing their magnetic board! It also has a handle for easy carrying, which doubles as a wall mount so your little one can hang their creations.
- Overall Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.5 inches
- Screen Size: 5.9 x 4.1 inches
- Weight: 0.7 Lb
- Color: Y – 4 color zones (green, blue, yellow, red)
- Stamps: Y – 3 stamps (star, love heart, circle)
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Fisher-Price DoodlePro, Slim
Best for durability
If you’ve got a rambunctious but creative kid and need a board that can take a beating, then this is the one for you. Many parents comment on the excellent durability of this magnetic drawing board. This is a black and white board, but don’t let that deter you.
It comes with four differently shaped stamps, a tethered pen and has a large drawing surface, so your little ones can grow with it. You can choose from two board colors (blue and purple) and it has an easily gripped handle and eraser. Parents absolutely love this board, giving it 4.6/5 stars on Amazon from over 1000 ratings.
- Overall Dimensions: 1.38 x 14.75 x 12.5 inches
- Screen Size: Approx 11 x 9 inches
- Weight: 1.85 lb
- Color: N
- Stamps: Y – 4 shapes
What We Like:
Our Concerns:
Fisher-Price Doodle Pro Trip
Best mini board for travelling
If you’re looking for an easily transportable board for your little one, then this Fisher-Price mini is perfect for you. This super compact board is lightweight and can easily slip into any travel backpack, meaning you can whip it out at restaurants, on trains, in planes or any other transport, to keep your little one entertained.
We will warn you that this board is VERY small, so it’s probably not the best for home, but if you need a travelling option, this is great. It reasonably priced, comes in two colors (red and blue), has a tethered pen and easy to carry handle. Best of all, parents love it, giving it 4.6/5 stars on Amazon.
- Overall Dimensions: 9 x 8.7 x 1.2 inches
- Screen Size: 5 x 5 inches
- Weight: 0.85 lb
- Color: N
- Stamps: N
What We Like:
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VTech Write & Learn Creative Center
Best electronic magnetic drawing board?
You really get bang for your buck with this creative center from VTech and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a magnetic board that your kids can really grow into.
This model not only offers you a sizeable drawing board, but it also comes with two stamps and 8 stencils and an electronic screen, which has tutorials to teach little ones to draw by progressing them from simple lines and shapes to 26 different objects.
It also has 6 activity modes and animated demonstrates, your kids can follow along to learn drawing as well as upper case and lower case letters and how to write their own name. It also plays music and has a handle for easy carrying.
- Overall Dimensions: 12.1 x 14.39 x 2.76 inches
- Screen Size: 8.3 x 5.9 inches
- Weight: 2 Lb
- Color: N
- Stamps: Y – 2 stamps, 8 stencils
What We Like:
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Fly2Sky Magnetic Drawing Board Kids
Best portable for home and travel
We love this super cute, lightweight and relatively compact magnetic board and think it’s the best for kids who will want to take it everywhere with them. It comes in two colors, pink and blue, includes a spare pen, 2 stamps and 2 stencil sheets.
It also has an easily gripped handle for little hands and numbers 0-9 engraved along the top edge to help teach your little ones numbers. Both the pen and stamps are held in place in the board. This is a smaller drawing board, so measure out the dimensions before you purchase!
- Overall Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches
- Screen Size: 7.8 x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 1 Lb
- Color: Y – blue, green, yellow, red
- Stamps: Y – 2 stamps (circle & flower), 2 stencils (fruit, tree, moon, star, music symbols)
What We Like:
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Fly2Sky Gamenote Extra Large Magnetic Drawing Board
Best for BIG imaginations
If your kid loves to draw BIG then this is the board for you. With a massive 11.5 x 8.5 inch drawing screen and a spare pen, this is the board for big drawings, for social kids or for parents who want to get creative with their little ones.
We also really love the versatility of the accessories that come with this board, including 5 fruit magnetic stamps, 6 plastic vehicle stencils and 2 cute sticker packs (fruit and animals) to customize your board with. It also has the alphabet and numbers engraved on the side for kids to be able to copy on their board for an educational element.
- Overall Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 1.7 inches
- Screen Size: 11.5 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 2.2 Lb
- Color: Y – 4 colors (red, yellow, blue, green) in 8 color zones
- Stamps: Y 5 fruit magnetic stamps, 6 stencils (6 different vehicles)
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A good alternative to the above if your child wants a third option for a colorway is the Meland Magnetic Drawing Board which comes in red and green and is roughly the same size and price as the Fly2Sky model. The differences between the two are:
- The Meland Magnetic Drawing Board doesn’t come with any stampers or stencils, but does have a drawing book for kids to copy from
- Meland only has one pen while Fly2Sky comes with 2
- Meland specifically mentions high grade ABS plastic while Fly2Sky does not
Maxzone Drawing Doodle Board Kids Toys
Best magnetic drawing board with legs
We absolutely love this magnetic drawing board with legs for kids who love to jump from game to game and never want to sit still for two long. With this board you can choose between green, pink and rose red and can also choose to use it with or without legs!
The legs are easy to install and remove, so you can easily switch between a portable board and a more permanent fixture in your play room. This Maxzone magnetic board is made from high quality ABS materials, has two stamps, 4 colors and an included pen. This is one of the smaller drawing board we reviewed, but also one of the cheapest.
- Overall Dimensions: 4.3 x 11.4 x 9.1 inches (with legs)
- Screen Size: 8.9 x 11.3 inches
- Weight: 0.8 lb
- Color: Y – 4 colors (red, blue, yellow, green)
- Stamps: Y – 2
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Chuchik Toys Magnetic Drawing Board for Kids & Toddlers
Best value for money
If you’re looking for a 2-for-1 bang for your magnetic buck then you’ve got it with this Chuchik Toys Magnetic drawing board, which comes in a large size and includes a bonus mini. This is absolutely perfect if your little one is a true creative and always wants to draw.
You get your large and small drawing board, 4 magnetically attached stamps, 5 stencils and stickers to decorate both of your boards. Chuchik have included thoughtful additions, such as an extra long string for left and right handed children to use the board with ease, an easily gripped handle and magnetic attachments for the stamps so they’re less likely to get lost.
- Overall Dimensions Large: 10.6 x 15.7 x 1.8 inches
- Screen Size Large: 9 x 7 inches
- Overall Size Small: 5.5 x 6.9 inches
- Screen Size Small: 4.5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 2.1 Lb
- Color: Y for both –
- Stamps: Y – 4 shapes and 5 stencils
What We Like:
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Toyvelt Magna Doodle Magnetic Drawing Board for Kids
Best for kids who don’t need bells and whistles
If you’re just looking for a straight up magnetic drawing board with no bells or whistles, then this is the one for you. Because there are no stamps to be included, it also means that Toyvelt were able to offer a large drawing surface, so your little one will have plenty of room to get creative.
With an easily gripped handle, an easy slide eraser and 8 color areas, this simply designed magnetic drawing board will keep your kids entertained for a long time. It also includes a great money back policy, so you’re covered if anything goes awry in delivery.
- Overall Dimensions: 16.5 x 13 inches
- Screen Size: 10.4 x 7 inches
- Weight: 1.63 pounds
- Color: Y – 4 colors (red, green, blue, yellow) and 8 color zones
- Stamps: N
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*If you like the idea of a big drawing board, but want some of the bells and whistles, then a good alternative to this model is the NextX Magnetic Drawing Board.
It’s essentially the exact same design and dimensions as the Toyvelt model, but includes 5 fruit stamps and stickers in the box. It’s important to note that the board itself does not include storage for these items, so you’ll need to keep an eye on where they go.
AMZCARS Magna Drawing Doodle Board
Best for kids who love pink!
Do you have a little one who absolutely loves pink? Well this is the board for you! We also think it’s one of the best boards for bright colors. With high safety standards (ASTM/EN71 certified) and made from durable ABS plastics, this is also a board can your little ones can safely rough up.
It’s a great lightweight medium size with a smaller drawing surface than other models, so it’s probably better for smaller kids. It includes 4 color areas, two stamps, easy-slide eraser and a pen attached by a string.
- Overall Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches
- Screen Size: 8 x 5.7 inches
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Color: Y – 4 colors (green, red, yellow, blue)
- Stamps: Y – 2 snap fit stamps
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Wellchild Magnetic Drawing Board Magnetic Doodle Board for Kids
Best for kids to grow into
This is another great candidate for a medium-large magnetic drawing board for kids to grow into. With a pretty big screen at 9.25 x 6.5 inches, but still lightweight enough to travel with, this is a good option for a child who is likely to use it for a long time. It’s curved edges and BPA free screen mean that it’s safe for little ones to use.
This Wellchild board also includes 4 stamps, a pen attached by string and our favorite thing, a carry bag, so your child can carry their own magnetic drawing board with them. Parents absolutely love this board with 4.6/5 stars AND it’s Amazon’s choice for Magnetic Drawing Board for kids.
- Overall Dimensions: 15.2 x 11.61 inches
- Screen Size: 9.25 x 6.5 inches
- Weight: 1.4 lb
- Color: Y – 4 color zones (blue, green, yellow, red)
- Stamps: Y – 4 shapes including a love heart
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Etch a Sketch, Classic Red Drawing Toy with Magic Screen
Best for those with classic taste
We couldn’t have a proper magnetic drawing board round up without including the absolute classic that is the Etch a Sketch. It works differently to the other magnetic boards and it probably better for older kids, since the drawing controls take a bit of getting used to, but it’s also a fun exercise in motor control for kids and adults alike!
You turn to knobs to create the drawings, one for up and down and the other for left and right. Then you shake to erase the drawing – no eraser slide or pen needed. It’s on the smaller – medium size when compared to other magnetic drawing boards, so it’s great for travel or keeping in your bag to keep kids entertained. You can also buy super cool limited edition options such as Nasa, Rubiks Cube or Stan Lee versions.
- Overall Dimensions: 9 x 9.1 x 1.63 inches
- Screen Size: 8 x 6.75 inches
- Weight: 1.25 lb
- Color: N
- Stamps: N
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Why You Should Buy a Magnetic Drawing Board for Your Kids
I really love magnetic drawing boards for kids. For little ones, they’re great as a creative outlet without the mess and waste of usual arts and crafts and can offer parents a break from the usual cleaning involved with drawing.
They’re also excellent as portable, travel distractors depending on size.
As kids get older, the magnetic board can become a teaching tool to practice shape, number and letter associations. Many of the boards including electronic lessons, or alphabet and number stencils.
They also offer a bit of magic in their functionality. The boards are made from a magnetophoretic display panel, which is filled with a thick and opaque white liquid. Contained within this liquid are tiny dark magnetic particles that are drawn to the display surface using magnets.
Most boards come with a magnetic stylus, used to draw, or magnetic stamps, used to make shapes and a “magic” magnetic eraser that draws the particles to the back layer of the board, essentially making whatever was drawn disappear.
Explaining the above to kids can lead to a fun lesson in physics and chemistry depending on how far down the rabbit hole of science you want to go.
You can also explain how and why scuba instructors use these magnetic boards underwater when teaching new students or write short notes to one another. Note though that these boards are not meant for use underwater and deteriorate quickly when used in water repeatedly.
Okay, so now you know why we love them, but what should you look for when buying a board? Glad you asked, let’s dive in.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Magnetic Drawing Board
Size (Travel vs Home)
The size of the board is really important because it will likely dictate how easily or prepared you are to carry this board around with you.
Since one of the major pros of these boards is their ability to occupy kids when you’re out and about and need quiet time (like on a plane or in a restaurant), this is an important consideration.
The magnetic boards range in size immensely from minis all the way up to giant art easel sized. The smaller the board, the easy to carry around, but it also limits the amount of time your little one will use it for.
Since one of the great benefits of these magnetic boards is the likelihood that your child can use them for a number of years, this presents a conundrum.
Similarly, huge boards are great for big imaginations, but reduce the option to be portable without being a burden.
Fortunately manufacturers have you covered and there are many mid-size boards, or even duos, which comes with a main big board and travel-mini. Your other option of course is to buy one of each if your child loves them that much.
A few boards even come with their own travel bags which we love. Kids carrying their own toys! Awesome.
Color
This may be an easy choice depending on your kid. Some boards are simple grey/graphite and white, while others come with colors. The color boards are almost always just the four basic primary colors of yellow, red, blue and green and either 8 or 4 color areas on the board (which you have no choice over the location of).
If your child loves color, be sure to check the reviews or our roundup, because some boards hold their color/brightness better than others.
Accessories
This is where most of your choices come into play. There is a huge range of options for accessories with magnetic drawing boards. Below we’ve listed the basic options you’ll have:
- Stylus / Magnetic Pen
- Bigger boards will usually include a spare
- Ensure there is a string attached to the stylus to prevent it from becoming lost. Also make sure that string is long enough to be used, especially if your child is left handed
- Magnetic stamps plus storage
- Stamps are a fun added extra and most boards include them (apart from minis). You can choose from shapes, fruits, vehicles, animals and more
- Most magnetic drawing boards will include storage spaces for your stamps to prevent them from becoming lost.
- The storage spots hold the stamps better when they’re magnetic – the one which snap in place tend to lose effectiveness after a while
- Stencils
- Some magnetic drawing boards also include stencils, which are really fun for your little one to trace to learn more about drawing certain shapes, letters, animals or numbers
- Stickers
- We’ve seen stickers included with a few of the magnetic drawing boards. These don’t necessarily add anything to the functionality, but are super fun for your kids to decorate their magnetic drawing board with
- Engravings on the board
- This is an educational element included on some magnetic drawing boards and an aesthetic choice on others.
- Some boards will have the alphabet, or numbers engraved or molded on, while others will have love hearts, suns or flowers.
Budget
We find that when it comes to magnetic drawing boards, you tend to get what you pay for, either in quality, size or accessories, so if you want a good size, with all the bells and whistles and plan to use it for a long time, plan to spend a little more.
That being said, magnetic drawing boards are not hugely expensive overall. They range from under $10 for some minis to about $25-$30 for some of the more complex models. If you can get years of use (and quiet!) from them, then we think they’re well worth their price.
Electronics
There are magnetic drawing boards that include an electronic element. In fact, one of our favorites, The VTech Write & Learn Creative Center is one. These have much more of an educational element to them and are more suitable to older kids.
That being said, there’s no reason why a little one can’t grow into the electronic part and start off by just using the magnetic drawing board if they’re not quite ready for the whole functionality yet.
The electronic drawing boards will usually have drawing tutorials, letter and word tutorials and will help your child with their lettering, writing, word association and drawing skills.
Durability, Safety & Materials
This is one of the more important factors to consider when choosing a magnetic drawing board, especially if you think your little one will use it for a long time. Again, money talks and the cheaper models are also often the less durable ones. The most common complaints are flimsy backing, poorly functioning eraser sliders or fading drawings.
Almost all magnetic drawing boards are made from plastic and some are simply stronger than others. Some will be doubly reinforced and are basically impossible to break, while others will be flimsier.
If you choose a cheaper model, make sure you check reviews for durability. If the screen in particular is prone to breaking, then the liquid will leak out and this may be harmful to your child.
Also check for non-toxic, BPA-free materials when choosing your magnetic drawing board to ensure the highest safety standards for your little ones.
Summary
Regardless of what you choose, we believe that magnetic drawing boards are a great investment for your little ones. They inspire creativity, foster learning and are portable and great entertainment for transport or restaurants. We’re massive fans and we’d love to know your opinion. Let us know what you think!
