If you’re on the hunt for a BRIO train set this year, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve rolled up my sleeves and dived deep into the latest BRIO offerings, testing them with a bit of help from my toughest critic—my five-year-old son.
We’ve chugged along through the options and have boiled it down to our top five picks based on durability, educational value, and, of course, fun. Here’s the rundown:
The Best Brio Train Sets This Year
1. BRIO World 33052 Deluxe Railway Set
Why It’s Great: This set is the gold standard of BRIO train kits, offering a vast array of tracks, tunnels, stations, and trains. It’s extensive enough to keep your little engineer busy for hours, building numerous layouts.
Our Experience: Setting up the different scenarios was intuitive, and my son was especially thrilled with the realistic features like the cargo ship and bridge. The storage box it comes with is also a big plus for quick clean-ups.
Kid’s Verdict: “It’s like a whole train world!” My son loved the autonomy of building his own rail layouts, which kept him engaged much longer than usual.
2. BRIO World 33773 Railway Starter Set
Why It’s Great: For those just starting their BRIO journey, this set introduces the joys of wooden train play without overwhelming newcomers.
Our Experience: The assembly is straightforward, which was perfect for my son who could easily snap the tracks together himself. It’s compact but expandable, which means it can grow with your child’s collection.
Kid’s Verdict: He enjoyed the simplicity of the design and being able to operate the trains over and under the bridge. A great starter kit that keeps him coming back.
3. BRIO World 33424 Classic Deluxe Set
Why It’s Great: Ideal for fans of classic train designs, this set features retro-style trains and tracks that evoke a nostalgic feel.
Our Experience: The quality here is noticeable, with sturdy wooden tracks and beautifully crafted trains. The classic designs are a hit, offering a different aesthetic from the modern sets.
Kid’s Verdict: The old-school trains were a novelty for him, and he appreciated the smooth ride they offered around the curves.
4. BRIO World 33674 Signal Station
Why It’s Great: This set introduces an element of rail traffic control, which adds a layer of educational play. Kids get to learn about signal importance in train operations.
Our Experience: The signal station feature stood out as it encouraged my son to think about timing and train coordination. It’s a smaller set but packs a punch in educational value.
Kid’s Verdict: He was fascinated by the control he had over the train’s movements with the signals, making him feel like a real stationmaster.
5. BRIO World 33878 Starter Lift & Load Set
Why It’s Great: Focused on logistics and cargo, this set helps develop fine motor skills and problem-solving as children figure out how to load and unload goods.
Our Experience: The crane and loads are well-designed for little hands, and the layout is cleverly engineered to teach basic physics concepts subtly.
Kid’s Verdict: The loading and unloading action was a clear winner, providing endless entertainment and learning opportunities.
Each of these sets has been a hit at our house, offering not just playtime but also a chance to learn and develop skills. Whether you’re just starting with BRIO or looking to add to an existing collection, any of these options would make a solid choice for your young train enthusiast.
