How to Choose the Best Tangram Set for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Tangrams

Overview

Tangrams are an interesting and engaging puzzle-solving activity that can provide hours of entertainment for both children and adults. This buying guide will provide tips and advice on what to consider when shopping for Tangrams, such as the type of puzzle, size, material, and price. With the right information, you can find the perfect set of Tangrams for your unique needs.

Key features

  1. Size: Tangrams come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it's important to consider the size of the Tangrams you need for the task at hand.
  2. Material: Tangrams are usually made of wood, plastic, or foam. Consider the type of material that best suits your needs.
  3. Color: Many Tangrams come in a variety of colors, so it is important to consider what color will work best for your project.
  4. Number of Pieces: Tangrams come in sets with different numbers of pieces, so it's important to consider the number of pieces you need.
  5. Quality: Check the quality of the Tangrams before purchasing. Look for signs of wear and tear, as well as any defects or damages.
  6. Price: Tangrams come in varying price ranges, so consider your budget when shopping for Tangrams.
  7. Accessories: Some Tangrams come with additional accessories, such as instructions, solutions, or a carrying case. Consider if these items are necessary for your project.

See the most popular Tangrams on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility: Tangrams are a great toy for all ages, as it can be used to create a variety of shapes and patterns.
  • Imagination: Tangrams inspire creativity and promote problem-solving skills.
  • Educational Benefits: Tangrams help to develop spatial awareness, geometry, and logical thinking.
  • Portability: Tangrams are small and lightweight and can easily be taken with you on the go.

Cons

  • Limited Variety - Tangrams traditionally consist of seven pieces, so they are limited in the types of shapes they can create.
  • Difficulty Level - Tangrams can be quite challenging, so they may not be suitable for younger children or those with special needs.
  • Storage - Tangrams can be difficult to store as the pieces are small and can easily get lost.
  • Durability - Tangrams can be delicate and easily break, so they must be handled carefully.

Best alternatives

  1. Brixx - A block set composed of brightly colored plastic cubes that link together to create a variety of structures.
  2. Lincoln Logs - A wooden block set composed of logs and roof pieces that can be used to create structures.
  3. K'Nex - A construction toy composed of interlocking rods and connectors that can be used to create structures.
  4. Magna-Tiles - Magnetic tiles that can be used to create two-dimensional shapes.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tangram Pieces - Seven individual pieces made of wood, plastic, or cardboard in the shape of squares, triangles, parallelograms, and other geometric shapes.
  • Storage Box - A box, tray, or bag to store the pieces when not in use.
  • Template Cards - Cards with shapes or pictures that are created by arranging the Tangram pieces.
  • Books - Books with puzzles and challenges that use the Tangram pieces.
  • Solutions Guide - A reference to help solve the puzzles included in the books.

Common questions

  1. What is a Tangram? A Tangram is a traditional Chinese puzzle consisting of seven flat shapes, called tans, which are put together to form shapes and patterns.
  2. Where do Tangrams come from? Tangrams were invented in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
  3. What are the pieces of the Tangram called? The pieces of the Tangram are called tans.
  4. What is the purpose of a Tangram? Tangrams are used for recreational puzzle solving and mathematical problem-solving.
  5. What materials are Tangrams typically made from? Tangrams are typically made from wood, plastic, paperboard, or metal.
  6. What are some common shapes that can be made with a Tangram? Some common shapes that can be made with a Tangram are a square, parallelogram, trapezoid, triangle, hexagon, and octagon.
  7. What age range is a Tangram suitable for? Tangrams are suitable for all ages, from toddlers to adults.

Trivia

A funny fact about Tangrams is that it is said that the puzzle was invented accidentally by a Chinese chef. Legend has it that a chef was trying to cut a chicken into seven different pieces, but accidentally cut it into seven pieces of different shapes. He then put the shapes back together, resulting in the first Tangram puzzle. This story is said to have been around since the 1820s. Sources: Origami Resource Center.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.