About SparkBlocks
We Built the STEM Toy Our Kids Wanted
SparkBlocks started with a simple frustration. Most STEM toys were either:
- Too complicated
- Too limited
- Or quickly forgotten.
Mark spent years inventing the core SparkBlocks system: real electronics that connect through building bricks kids already love. Holden helped turn that invention into a product families could understand, build with, and buy.
Working together, they refined the physical product, improved manufacturability, shaped the kit strategy, and built the SparkBlocks brand.
Today, thanks to our amazing Kickstarter backers, more than 2,500 families in 55 countries are building with SparkBlocks.
From a Simple Question to a Global Building System
SparkBlocks was founded by two dads and lifelong builders who believe that the best way to learn is to play. Our simple question: what if we could bring real electronics into the world of building blocks?
One of the first SparkBlocks prototype circuits; a proof-of concept!
Meet The Founders
Mark Vaughan
Landscape architect, video game developer, and inventor behind SparkBlocks. Usually found sketching new ideas or playing field hockey.
Holden Bonwit
Engineer, entrepreneur, and the guy behind this website. Can be found trail running, kiteboarding, or obsessing over product details.
We (Mark and Holden) build things: from electric vehicle charging systems to community gathering spaces to startups, and, in a way, curious kids of our own! When we couldn’t find a STEM toy that was both educational and actually endlessly fun, we built one.
Why SparkBlocks Exists
We're not really selling blocks. Or circuits.
We want kids to build something, break it, fix it, and understand it, because that’s how real inventors think.
We're helping kids build confidence through creating things that actually work.
When a child builds a light-up helicopter, a walking ant, or invents something completely new, they're learning that they can understand how the world works and build things themselves.
That's the product.
Builder Joe with his SparkBlocks creation!
What We Value
Learning That Feels Like Play
Kids learn best when they are building, experimenting, and having fun.
STEM That Welcomes Everyone
We create products that welcome curious builders of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, while encouraging everyone to explore technology, engineering, and invention.
Confidence Through Creation
We help kids build things that actually work, so they can see themselves as capable creators, problem-solvers, and inventors.
Real-World Technology
We use real electronic components and engineering concepts, so what kids learn through play connects to engineering, programming, and the world around them.
Let’s build something awesome together!
Press and Media Enquiries
Want to feature SparkBlocks in your publication, blog, or video? Awesome! You can download our Media Kit (PDF) or email us at Info@SparkBlocks.ca.
SparkBlocks is proudly designed by Block and Code, a tiny company with a big mission.
LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product or website. Block & Code products such as SparkBlocks are compatible with LEGO® bricks but are independently designed and manufactured.
Collections
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Theme Builds
Build something awesome, right out of the box! Each Theme Build uses...
- JDJohn D.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoLove this kit
My grandson turned 5 years old yesterday and he apparently has been playing with this kit (gifted to him by us) most of the day.
He is delighted to have discovered how to use the different parts.
The reports from today via our daughter are :-
“ Also the (SparkBlocks) kit is a huge hit H*** has been on/off playing with it all day. He has lots of ideas”
“Good open ended toy with the novelty and excitement of powered lights and moving bits!”
Thank you for the implementation of an idea and making this kit available.
SparkBlocks1 week agoJohn, thank you for sharing! Reading your daughter's update about him playing with SparkBlocks all day gave us a big smile. Five-year-olds can be so honest - so cool that he kept coming back, discovering new parts, and dreaming up new ideas. And thanks for sharing the photo. There's something special about seeing a kid so focused on figuring things out for themselves. We hope he has many more afternoons of lights, motion, and wild inventions ahead of him. ⚡
- ZZoeVerified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars3 weeks agoSo cool!
This kit is amazing! It includes a speaker, LEDs, a two way LED( changes colors depending on the way it's placed) wires, some spare Lego parts, buttons and switches, etc.
SparkBlocks3 weeks agoThanks for sharing what you love about your Intro to Circuits Kit, Zoe - would love to see what you build someday!
- KLKen L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoThey were cool
"If only there was an engine to make the car go forward..."
Our kids took turns building with them for well over an hour! I think we'll need to order more. 🙂
SparkBlocks1 month agoThanks Ken! 😄 Taking turns building for over an hour is a pretty strong sign the kits passed the test! And your kids are already thinking ahead: “how do we make the car move?” ⚡🚗 Have a look at the Fire Truck and the Patrol Car -- each uses a different mechanism to drive!
- SSabrinaVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoScreen Free Learning, compact and affordable
We just got our Spark Blocks kit and just was so worth it. Our almost 7 year old was self motivated to start building the second he opened the box. no bribing required.
Here’s what we love about it:
-Super Independent: Aside from a little help identifying a few parts, he handled the assembly like a pro.
-Cool Tech Lessons: We built the helicopter and had a fun Learning moment figuring out that the light placement affected the switch. It was a great way to learn how circuits actually work through trial and error.
• Better than Lego Spike. We’ve used the Spike Essential set before, but honestly, we like this more. It’s way more affordable, totally screen-free (unlike the spike set which requires a an app to function), and much more compact to store.
SparkBlocks1 month agoSabrina, this is a great breakdown. “No bribing required” might be our favorite line. 🤣 Love that you called out the trial-and-error learning, that’s where the real understanding clicks. And really interesting to hear your take vs. Spike (we agree!). If your 7-year-old builds anything new, would love to see it in our VIP group.
- LBLaura B.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoA perfect family activity!
We were gifted an intro kit for our 3 year old daughter. We had a great time exploring the kit and following the very straightforward instructions to make several projects. The kit was easy to use, engaging, and I was floored at the diverse ways you could execute different designs. Even for a toddler, she was highly engaged in the building and circuit activation. We will definitely be purchasing expansion kits as well as gifting the intro kit to friends and family !!
SparkBlocks1 month agoWe are so thrilled to hear that the Intro Kit sparked such high engagement for your daughter! It’s wonderful to know that even a three-year-old was able to dive right into the circuit activation and explore the diverse designs - that's the goal! We can’t wait to see what your family builds! Thank you for sharing the SparkBlocks love with your friends and family!