7 Reasons you need CONNETIX Base

By Kathleen Prinsen

Wondering why you might need CONNETIX base plates? Although they might look pretty basic, these sturdy 4×4 building plates with multiple magnetic connection points are total game-changers for CONNETIX creations! Read on to see why they’ll quickly become your new favourite building essential.

1. Ball Runs

When it comes to building ball runs, CONNETIX base plates are about to become your new best friend! There are two great ways you can use them to level up your ball runs. First, you can place them at the base of your design to give it a solid foundation. This is especially handy when building on soft surfaces like carpet. All you need to do is align your vertical tiles to the magnets on the base plate. Second, for those who love to build tall and impressive ball runs, you can use the base plates vertically to help support your towering structures. No matter how you use them, CONNETIX base plates make it easier and faster to add stability to your ball runs, so your creations stay sturdy for long lasting play.

2. Ball Games

CONNETIX base plates are great for creating fun indoor games with balls! Here are two ideas to get you started. First up is a ball maze. Simply add vertical tiles to the base plate to form a maze, and then tilt the base plate to guide the ball through the maze. While I used wooden balls and ball run connecting squares for this maze, you can easily have just as much fun using other balls such as marbles or bouncy balls – those were our go-to before we owned a CONNETIX ball run set. For an extra challenge, try using two base plates side by side or stacked as a double-decker maze.

For the second idea, place CONNETIX ball run connecting squares on top of a base plate, then fill in the gaps with square tiles and line the edges. The goal is to tilt the base plate until all the balls are sitting in the matching-coloured tile. The more balls you add, the trickier it gets! Both these ideas are packed with brain-teasing and mindfulness fun.

3. Sun Catchers

Making a sparkling sun catcher just got easier with CONNETIX base plates! For this sun catcher, begin by cutting a piece of black card (or something similar) to fit the size of a CONNETIX base plate. Fold the card in half and use a pencil to draw the outline of a butterfly. Cut out the butterfly outline and place on the base plate. Next, use a chalk marker (or something similar) to add butterfly details – I recommend using a thick pen for this. Now add some colour by placing coloured tiles on top of the design. I used 1×4 rectangles to make it quick and easy. Finally, hold it up to the sky, or let the sun shine through to create a beautiful refraction on another surface. Enjoy your sparkling creation!

4. Big Builds

If you love to build big, then CONNETIX base plates are for you! They’re the key ingredient to ensuring your massive, magnificent creations stay stable and strong. For this boat, I used two base plates at the back connected at right-angles to the front, giving it extra support and keeping it upright. This resulted in a sturdy boat that survived hours of imaginative fishing play with my kids! With base plates, there’s way more time for fun and a lot less time spent re-building mid-play.

5. Bingo

Create your own bingo game at home with CONNETIX base plates. It’s really easy to set up and a lot of fun to play. All you need to do is draw numbers on each square of the base plate, then pull numbers out and see if they match. If your number gets called, place a square tile on it. The first person to cover all their numbers with tiles and shouts “Bingo!” wins the game. For this setup, I used wooden numbers from a puzzle, but you can use paper, number magnets or whatever you have on hand. It’s a fun way to practice number recognition while having a great time with the family!

6. Signs

CONNETIX base plates are excellent for converting into signs. I’ve used them several times to make fun eye-catching signs. For this simple but adorable café sign, I used coloured tiles and a chalk marker to bring the design to life. This sign is held upright by placing a few right-angled triangles at the back. It’s the ideal touch to any child’s pretend café, bakery, dentist, grocery or other imaginary business, adding a dash of creativity and flair.

7. Buildings

Bring your child’s dream houses, castles and motels to life with CONNETIX base plates. They’re the perfect foundation to all your CONNETIX building creations, making sturdy floors that keep everything in place, especially for multi-level structures. No more fussing with right-angled triangles to keep the floors and roofs from falling – base plates provide all the support you need for a stable, strong build. Whether it’s a towering castle or a cosy house, base plates make it easy to create without worrying about things falling apart!

Did any of these ideas resonate with you? These are just a few of the countless ways you can have fun with the CONNETIX base plates. Whether you’re building big, beautiful designs or looking for a quick fun activity, you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without them. So, grab your base plates and let the fun begin – your next adventure is just around the corner!

Kathleen Prinsen

Katie is a pharmacist who found a passion for play when she became a mum of 2 boys. She enjoys inspiring creativity and learning through play. Katie especially loves experimenting and creating with Connetix Tiles. You can find more of her play ideas on her Instagram account @dudekidz.

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