7 Surprising Ways to Play with Plus-Plus BIG!
If you’re already familiar with Plus-Plus, you know it’s a favorite for open-ended, creative play across a wide range of ages. But there’s a bigger version you might not know as well: Plus-Plus BIG.
Designed for younger builders and smaller hands, Plus-Plus BIG opens up a whole new set of play possibilities. And honestly, a few of its features tend to surprise people.
Let’s get into some of the lesser-known facts and creative ways to use Plus-Plus BIG.
What Is Plus-Plus BIG?
Plus-Plus BIG pieces are 2.5x larger than classic Plus-Plus pieces, making them ideal for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1+). They’re easier to handle, safer for little ones, and still offer the same open-ended building experience.
Even better, they’re made from BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic, so you can feel confident about safety during playtime.
1. Plus-Plus BIG Floats (Yes, Really)
Here’s one people don’t expect.
Plus-Plus BIG pieces float.
Because they’re less dense than water, they stay right on the surface, making them perfect for:
- Bath time play
- Sensory bins
- Outdoor water tables
You can build, splash, and experiment without worrying about pieces sinking or disappearing.
And cleanup? Easy. Toss them in a mesh bag or even the dishwasher and they’re good to go.
2. It’s Built for Easy Cleaning
Between bath time, snack time, and everything in between, toys get messy. Plus-Plus BIG is designed with that reality in mind:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Durable plastic
- Easy to rinse and reuse
No complicated cleaning routine. Just reset and keep playing. Also checkout our dishwasher and washing machine safe storage bags for easy cleaning!
3. You Can Connect BIG with HEXEL®
This one unlocks a whole different kind of creativity.
Plus-Plus BIG works seamlessly with HEXEL®, the flexible fidget toy made from connected Plus-Plus pieces. Because they share the same scale, you can combine them to create:
- Stands and structures
- Spinning builds
- Display pieces
It turns fidget play into build play, and vice versa.
4. Build Flat or Vertical with BIG Baseplates
Baseplates add structure, but they also add freedom.
With Plus-Plus BIG baseplates, you can:
- Build flat mosaics
- Create upright designs
- Make characters, animals, or scenes
Kids can experiment with both horizontal and vertical building, which adds a whole new dimension to creativity.
5. Add Wheels for Movement and Engineering Play
Wheels take things from static to dynamic.
With Plus-Plus BIG wheels, kids can build:
- Vehicles
- Rolling creations
- Even simple machines like catapults
Here’s the cool part:
BIG wheels connect to both BIG and regular Plus-Plus pieces.
That means they act as a bridge between the two systems, opening up more advanced builds as kids grow.
6. It Supports Fine and Gross Motor Development
This is where play meets real developmental value.
With Plus-Plus BIG, kids can:
- Create domino runs (fine motor control)
- Stack patterns (coordination and sequencing)
- Build and knock down towers (cause and effect)
Simple activities like:
- Color pattern stacking
- Building small units and stacking them
- Carefully placing pieces for a domino rally
…all help strengthen both fine motor skills and early problem-solving.
7. Endless Open-Ended Play
At the end of the day, this is what really matters.
Plus-Plus BIG isn’t about one final build or a single “correct” outcome. It’s about:
- Building
- Rebuilding
- Experimenting
- Knocking it all down and starting again
From water play to vehicles to stacking games, it keeps evolving with how kids want to play.
Why Parents Keep Coming Back to Plus-Plus BIG
There’s a reason this line sticks around in playrooms.
It’s simple enough for toddlers, but flexible enough to grow with them. It’s easy to clean, safe to use, and versatile in ways most toys just aren’t.
One shape. A lot of directions to take it.
Check out our bestselling BIG builds for young minds here!