If you've ever watched your child build a magnetic tile city, you know the magic of open-ended play. But what if those tiles could do even more?
That's exactly what Learn & Grow Toys set out to solve. Based in Coffs Harbour, NSW, this family-run business has become one of Australia's most loved names in magnetic tile accessories. Their story starts with a gap in the market but my favourite part is how it began with a humble beer coaster.
We sat down with Lizzie from Learn & Grow Toys to learn more:
How did Learn & Grow Toys get started?
Learn & Grow Toys is a family-run business that began when Brianna, who runs The Creative Toy Shop, noticed ongoing issues with the safety and quality of the magnetic tiles she was stocking. She felt there were real gaps in innovation in the industry.
Together with her brother Josh, an engineer, and their dad Allan, they set out to create a safer, stronger, and more scratch-resistant magnetic tile.
Your tile toppers add such a creative dimension to magnetic tiles. What was the design process like?
Josh is the brains behind the iconic tile toppers, and the design process was anything but ordinary.
It started with experiments involving suction cups, fridge magnets (which, funnily enough, repelled each other), and even a humble beer coaster. After exploring all sorts of approaches, Josh landed on a metal backing for functionality — but knew it needed to be safer, stronger, and more durable for little hands.
That's when he turned to FSC-certified timber, creating a topper that's not only durable and play-proof, but something children can treasure for years. And just like that, the tile topper was born.
What's your most popular product?
The original road topper sets remain the bestsellers. They struck a chord because they expanded what kids could do with magnetic tiles, moving beyond simple builds into imaginative, open-ended play.
For parents, the toppers add extra play value and longevity to sets they already own. For kids, they unlock a whole new level of creativity. That combination is what's made them such consistent bestsellers.
How do you approach safety and materials?
Safety is at the core of every decision Learn & Grow makes. Their tiles are made from high-quality, food-grade ABS plastic, and they use ultrasonic welding and secure riveting to ensure maximum strength and durability.
This process creates a robust, long-lasting product designed to prevent magnet escape, giving parents confidence that safety always comes first.
What do you wish more parents knew about open-ended play?
"I wish more parents knew that open-ended play tools like magnetic tiles aren't just toys. They're powerful learning tools," Lizzie tells us.
"Without instructions or limits, children naturally build skills like creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. What might look like 'just play' is actually helping them develop confidence, independence, and critical thinking in a really meaningful way."
When paired with tile toppers, they become even more powerful, transforming into letters, numbers, and puzzles that support early learning in a fun, hands-on way. Children aren't just building structures; they're exploring literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving through play.
What's next for Learn & Grow Toys?
The team is excited to introduce TileTek in 2026, the new name for their magnetic tile range. While Learn & Grow Toys remains the parent brand, TileTek will lead their magnetic tile innovation with refreshed premium packaging and brand-new packs launching this year.
"We're known for pushing the boundaries of magnetic play and bringing innovation to the magnetic tile world, and we're doing it again," says Lizzie.
Learn & Grow Toys are based in Coffs Harbour, NSW. You can find them at learnandgrowtoys.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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