15 Best Magnetic Tiles for Kids in 2025: Magna-Tiles Vs Connetix – Which One Reigns Supreme

When choosing magnetic tiles for kids in 2025, I find that both Magna-Tiles and Connetix offer fantastic options, each with unique strengths. Magna-Tiles are praised for their durability and classic design, while Connetix boasts high-strength magnets and sleek aesthetic appeal. The best choice depends on your child’s interests and your budget. Want to see how they compare across different sets? Keep exploring to discover which one truly reigns supreme.

Contents

Key Takeaways

Magna-Tiles offer a wide variety of sets with versatile shapes, while Connetix emphasizes high-strength magnets and premium design.
Both brands promote STEM learning, creativity, and durability, but Connetix often comes at a higher price point.
Compatibility across sets allows for expansive constructions, with Magna-Tiles providing more themed and specialized options.
Safety features like embedded rivet magnets and non-toxic plastic ensure secure, child-friendly play environments.
Overall, Magna-Tiles are known for their affordability and variety, whereas Connetix excels in premium quality and innovative features.

MAGNA-TILES microMAGS 26-Piece Travel Magnetic Construction Set

If you’re looking for a portable and versatile magnetic building set for your child, the MAGNA-TILES microMAGS 26-piece travel set is an excellent choice. It features bold colors and a variety of shapes, including triangles and squares, perfect for creative construction. Compact at just over 3 inches long, it’s easy to carry in its metal tin, which also doubles as a baseplate. All pieces are compatible with classic MAGNA-TILES sets, expanding play options. Designed for children aged 3 and up, it encourages fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination. Made from safe, durable materials, it’s ideal for on-the-go fun during trips or outings.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy portable, creative, and hands-on building activities during travel or outings.

Pros:

Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store.
Compatible with existing MAGNA-TILES sets, enhancing creative possibilities.
Made from safe, non-toxic materials suitable for young children.

Cons:

Limited number of pieces may restrict complex constructions for advanced builders.
Small parts could be a choking hazard if not used under supervision.
The set may require additional pieces for more elaborate designs.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

The MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is an excellent choice for children aged 3 and up who love fast-paced, hands-on play. This set includes 90 magnetic pieces, featuring clear rails and microMAGS that make building dynamic racetracks, ramps, and bridges easy and fun. No prongs or complicated connectors are needed—just four clicks to assemble. Kids can create high-speed rolling courses with included balls, encouraging STEM learning through physics and problem-solving. It’s perfect for fostering creativity, fine motor skills, and logical thinking, and can be expanded with other MAGNA-TILES sets for even more adventurous play.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy creative, hands-on, fast-paced building and STEM-inspired play.

Pros:

Encourages imaginative play and problem-solving skills through versatile track and structure building.
Simplifies assembly with no prongs or connectors—just four clicks—making it frustration-free for young children.
Promotes STEM learning by exploring physics concepts like speed, momentum, and cause-effect relationships.

Cons:

The set’s size and number of pieces may be overwhelming for very young children without adult assistance.
Compatibility with non-Magna-Tiles products may be limited, restricting expansion options.
The high price point could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers, despite its educational benefits.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Classic 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

The MAGNA-TILES Classic 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set stands out as an ideal choice for young children aged 3 and up who love hands-on, creative play. It includes 32 translucent geometric shapes in six bright colors—squares and triangles of various sizes—compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets for expanded fun. Endorsed as a STEAM toy, it boosts fine motor skills, cognitive development, and imagination through open-ended play. Made from safe, non-toxic materials, the pieces are durable and easy for small hands to manipulate. This set serves as a perfect starter, inspiring kids to build, explore, and grow their creativity without the need for instructions.

Best For: young children aged 3 and above who enjoy hands-on, creative, and educational building activities.

Pros:

Encourages development of fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive abilities through open-ended play.
Made from safe, non-toxic, durable materials suitable for small hands and extensive use.
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets, allowing for expanded creativity and complex constructions.

Cons:

Limited to basic geometric shapes, which may require additional sets for more advanced projects.
The 32-piece set might be too small for larger group activities or more ambitious building projects.
Some children may need guidance initially to maximize creative potential with the set.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES® 46-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

Designed for imaginative builders aged 3 and up, the MAGNA-TILES® 46-Piece Magnetic Construction Set offers a versatile and engaging way to develop creativity and fine motor skills. It includes microMAGS right triangles, equilateral triangles, squares, and other shapes, all fully compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets. The smaller microMAGS tiles expand building possibilities, while the durable lattice construction and secure rivets guarantee safety during active play. Made from non-toxic, food-grade plastic, it promotes independent, child-led play without instructions. Recognized for quality and safety, this set is a perfect gift that encourages learning through hands-on building and endless imaginative fun.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy creative, hands-on building activities that promote developmental skills and imaginative play.

Pros:

Fully compatible with all other MAGNA-TILES sets, allowing for versatile and expansive building options.
Made from non-toxic, food-grade plastic with safety features like lattice construction and secure rivets for durability and safe play.
Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and independent, child-led play without the need for instructions.

Cons:

MicroMAGS tiles are smaller, which may pose a risk of being misplaced or swallowed if not supervised properly.
Higher price point compared to simpler building toys, reflecting its quality and versatility.
The set’s extensive options may be overwhelming for very young children just starting to explore building toys.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Castle DLX 48-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

If you’re looking to inspire imaginative play and creative building, the MAGNA-TILES Castle DLX 48-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is an excellent choice for kids aged 3 and up. It includes a variety of unique pieces like a working drawbridge, spiral staircase, balconies, and special figures such as a dragon and royalty. All parts are compatible with other Magna-Tiles sets, allowing for expanded castle creations. Made from food-grade, non-toxic plastic, it’s safe and durable. This set promotes learning through play, enhancing fine motor skills, logic, and storytelling. It’s perfect for fostering child-led, engaging, and creative building experiences without the need for instructions.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy imaginative, creative, and hands-on building play that encourages developmental skills.

Pros:

Promotes creativity and storytelling through unique features like a working drawbridge and spiral staircase
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets for expanded building possibilities
Made from safe, non-toxic, durable materials suitable for young children

Cons:

May require additional sets for more complex or larger castles
Some pieces could be lost or misplaced due to small size
Limited to castle-themed play, which might not appeal to all children

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES 32-Piece Magnetic Building Set

A standout feature of the MAGNA-TILES 32-Piece Magnetic Building Set is its extendable magnetic cranes and road pieces, making it perfect for children who love imaginative construction play. With 10 road squares, quarter circles, and adjustable cranes, kids can build dynamic structures and explore engineering concepts. All pieces are compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets, enabling larger projects. Designed for ages 3+, it promotes creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Made from durable, food-grade plastic, the set guarantees safety and long-lasting fun. Its secure magnets and lattice design prevent cracking, making it a reliable choice for hours of independent or collaborative building.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy imaginative construction, engineering concepts, and developing fine motor skills through creative play.

Pros:

Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and STEM learning through versatile building options.
Made from durable, food-grade, non-toxic plastic with secure magnets and lattice design for safety and longevity.
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets, allowing for larger and more complex constructions.

Cons:

Limited number of pieces for very large or detailed projects without expansion.
Requires supervision for younger children due to small, magnetic components.
Might be more expensive compared to simpler building toys, especially when combined with additional sets.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Castle 25-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

The MAGNA-TILES Castle 25-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is perfect for kids who love imaginative play and medieval adventures. It includes 25 magnetic pieces, such as a drawbridge, dragon, royalty figure, spiral staircase, balcony, windows, various triangles, and squares, all compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets. Unique features like the working drawbridge, spiral staircase, and redesigned windows inspire storytelling and creativity. Made from food-grade, non-toxic materials, it’s safe and durable for children aged 3 and up. This set encourages problem-solving, fine motor skills, and independent play without instructions, making it a fantastic addition to any young builder’s collection.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy imaginative medieval adventures, castle-building, and creative storytelling.

Pros:

Includes exclusive features like a working drawbridge, spiral staircase, and redesigned windows to enhance imaginative play.
Made from durable, food-grade, non-toxic materials ensuring safety and longevity.
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets, allowing for expanded building possibilities and creative flexibility.

Cons:

Limited to 25 pieces, which may restrict complex castle designs for advanced builders.
Some smaller pieces could pose a choking hazard for very young children if not supervised.
May require additional sets for more elaborate constructions, potentially increasing overall cost.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

Designed for children aged 3 and up, the MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set offers a perfect combination of durability, safety, and creative potential. It includes 100 translucent geometric shapes in six bright colors, such as large squares, small squares, and various triangles. Made from food-grade, non-toxic plastic, the pieces are built to last and feature secure rivets and lattice design for safety. The magnets are easy for kids to pull apart, encouraging frustration-free building. This versatile set is ideal for open-ended play, STEM learning, and expanding creative projects, making it a popular choice for families, classrooms, and gift-givers alike.

Best For: children aged 3 and up, families, educators, and anyone interested in fostering STEM skills and creative play through durable, safe, and versatile magnetic building sets.

Pros:

Supports development of fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and creativity through open-ended play
Made from food-grade, non-toxic, and durable materials with safety features like secure rivets and lattice design
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets, allowing for expansive and versatile building possibilities

Cons:

Higher price point compared to smaller or less comprehensive sets
Requires space for larger constructions, which may be limited in small areas
Magnetic pieces may be challenging for very young children to manipulate independently at first

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Fire Station 50-Piece Magnetic Building Set

If you’re looking for a magnetic building set that sparks creativity and realistic play, the MAGNA-TILES Fire Station 50-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is an excellent choice for kids aged 3 and up. It includes 50 magnetic pieces like a firefighter figure, flashing light and siren tile, extendable ladder, and a magnetic Dalmatian, enabling kids to build rescue scenarios and fire trucks. The set promotes problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and imaginative storytelling. Its modular design allows expansion with other sets, making play versatile and engaging. With durable materials, realistic features, and high customer ratings, this set offers both fun and developmental benefits.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy imaginative, realistic firefighting scenarios and creative building play.

Pros:

Encourages imaginative storytelling and realistic rescue role-play
Promotes development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets for expanded, versatile play experiences

Cons:

Requires three nonstandard batteries (included), which may need replacement over time
May be more suitable for children who are gentle with magnetic pieces to prevent loss or damage
Slightly higher price point compared to simpler building sets

Check Price

Magnetic Tiles Cars Construction Set (4 pcs)

Looking for a fun, safe way to spark your child’s creativity and develop their spatial skills? The Magnetic Tiles Cars Construction Set offers four brightly colored magnetic blocks—green, yellow, red, and blue—designed as cars. These tiles are compatible with other magnetic sets, allowing kids to expand their creations into trains, castles, or buildings. Made with smooth, rounded edges and strong magnets, they’re safe and durable for active play. This set encourages imagination, logical thinking, and understanding of 3D structures, making it a versatile educational toy suitable for children ages 3 and up. It’s perfect for fostering collaborative play and creative exploration.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy creative, hands-on play that promotes spatial awareness and cognitive development.

Pros:

Bright, engaging colors enhance visual stimulation and recognition
Compatible with other magnetic sets for expanded building possibilities
Safe, smooth-edged design ensures secure and injury-free play

Cons:

Limited to four pieces in the set, which may require additional sets for larger projects
Small size (0.1 inches) could be a choking hazard if not supervised in very young children
May be less suitable for children who prefer more complex or larger building kits

Check Price

PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set Magnet Building Tiles

The PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set Magnet Building Tiles is an excellent choice for children aged 3 and up who love to create and explore. With 100 colorful, clear 3D magnetic tiles, this set encourages limitless building possibilities, whether alone or with friends. Its scalable design lets kids expand their structures, fostering creativity and teamwork. Easy to assemble, disassemble, and store, it promotes organization and convenience. Plus, it helps children learn about colors, shapes, and basic architectural concepts while boosting problem-solving and spatial skills. Recognized for its popularity and high ratings, this set offers both fun and educational value for young builders.

Best For: children aged 3 and above who enjoy creative building, educational play, and collaborative activities with family and friends.

Pros:

Encourages limitless creativity and expandable construction projects.
Promotes learning of colors, shapes, 3D forms, and basic architectural concepts.
Easy to assemble, disassemble, and store, supporting convenience and organization.

Cons:

May be too simple for children seeking more complex or advanced building sets.
Magnetic tiles can be easily lost or misplaced due to small size.
Limited to compatible PicassoTiles sets; not compatible with other brands.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES City Center 110-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

Designed for children aged 3 and up, the MAGNA-TILES City Center 110-Piece Magnetic Construction Set stands out as the perfect choice for budding urban planners and imaginative builders. It includes a variety of pieces like road tiles, stairs, balconies, fences, and a wheeled chassis, enabling kids to create vibrant cityscapes. The set promotes creative play, allowing children to build vehicles, towers, and detailed urban environments that foster spatial awareness and problem-solving. Its magnetic design encourages endless building possibilities, making it a versatile, educational toy that combines fun with developmental growth. At 17.75 x 2.76 inches, it’s a substantial set perfect for expanding young minds.

Best For: young children and early learners interested in imaginative urban construction and developing fine motor skills through creative play.

Pros:

Encourages creativity and open-ended building with a variety of magnetic pieces
Promotes developmental skills such as spatial awareness, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination
Includes diverse accessories like road tiles, stairs, and vehicles for expansive play scenarios

Cons:

May be too complex for very young children under age 3 despite age recommendations
The set’s large size and weight (17.75 x 2.76 inches, 8.03 pounds) can be cumbersome for small hands to carry or store easily
Limited to magnetic building play, which might require additional sets for more diverse construction experiences

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Space 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

If you’re searching for a space-themed building set that sparks creativity and imaginative play, the MAGNA-TILES Space 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is an excellent choice. It includes a variety of pieces such as a space shuttle with storage, a space capsule, a capsule window, a space figure, and different geometric shapes like squares and triangles. Designed to inspire kids to build space stations, rockets, or planets, it’s compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets, allowing for expanded creative projects. Made from safe, non-toxic materials, it promotes learning, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning—all while offering endless fun for kids aged 3 and up.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who love space themes, imaginative building, and educational play with safe, durable magnetic construction sets.

Pros:

Encourages creativity and imaginative play through space-themed building projects
Compatible with other MAGNA-TILES sets for expanded building options
Made from non-toxic, food-grade materials ensuring safe and durable play

Cons:

Limited to space-themed shapes and figures, which may restrict some types of construction
Magnetic pieces can be difficult for very young children to handle without adult supervision
May require additional sets for more complex or large-scale projects

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Jungle Animals Magnetic Construction Set

Kids who love animals and imaginative play will find the MAGNA-TILES Jungle Animals Magnetic Construction Set to be their perfect adventure companion. This 25-piece set features vibrant tropical-themed tiles and five adorable jungle animal figurines—Hippo, Sloth, Tiger, Leopard, and Caiman—that spark creative storytelling. It includes small squares, triangles, a spinner, and a staircase, inspiring endless building possibilities. Crafted from non-toxic, food-grade plastic with secure magnets, the set is safe and durable. Certified as a STEAM toy, it promotes fine motor skills, cognitive development, and teamwork. It’s an engaging, child-led way to explore animals and build imaginative worlds.

Best For: children ages 3+ who love animals, imaginative play, and creative building experiences.

Pros:

Encourages imaginative storytelling and creative construction with animal-themed tiles and figurines.
Made from safe, non-toxic, food-grade plastic with secure magnets for durability and safety.
Supports developmental skills such as fine motor, cognitive, language, and teamwork in a child-led play environment.

Cons:

Limited to a specific set of tropical animals, which may reduce variety for some users.
Requires careful handling of small pieces to avoid loss or misplacement.
Price may be higher compared to basic building toys due to themed elements and quality materials.

Check Price

MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers 33-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

The MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers 33-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is perfect for children who love hands-on, fast-paced play. With 33 magnetic pieces, including four patent-pending track rails, kids can build exciting racetracks, ramps, and bridges easily and quickly—no prongs or connectors needed. This set encourages creativity, STEM learning, and problem-solving as children explore concepts like speed, momentum, and cause-and-effect. Its versatile design allows for expansion with other MAGNA-TILES sets, fostering endless building possibilities. Lightweight and compact, it’s ideal for small spaces and quick setups, making it a favorite for energetic little engineers and racers alike.

Best For: children aged 3 and up who enjoy hands-on, fast-paced building, racing, and STEM-inspired play to develop creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.

Pros:

Encourages open-ended creativity and imaginative construction
Promotes STEM learning with concepts like speed, momentum, and cause-and-effect
Easy and frustration-free assembly without prongs or connectors, suitable for small spaces

Cons:

Limited to a specific age group (3+), may be less engaging for older children
Requires additional sets for more complex or expansive builds
Small pieces could pose a choking hazard if not supervised properly

Check Price

Factors to Consider When Choosing Magnetic Tiles for Kids (Magna-Tiles Vs Connetix)

When choosing magnetic tiles for kids, I focus on safety, quality, and how well they fit my child’s age and interests. It’s also important to compare compatibility, design, and price to get the best value. Let’s explore these key factors to help you make an informed decision between Magna-Tiles and Connetix.

Safety and Material Quality

Choosing the right magnetic tiles involves carefully considering safety and material quality, especially since children will be handling them frequently. Both Magna-Tiles and Connetix are made from food-grade, non-toxic ABS plastic, ensuring they’re safe for kids. The magnets in both brands are securely embedded with rivets, preventing detachment and enhancing durability. Magna-Tiles feature a signature lattice design that helps prevent cracking and maintains structural stability even after extensive use. Connetix tiles are known for their high-quality, strong magnets, making building frustration-free and allowing small hands to pull them apart easily. Both brands meet strict safety standards and are free from BPA, phthalates, and latex. Overall, their high material quality and safety features make them excellent choices for young children’s play and development.

Compatibility and Expansion Options

Selecting magnetic tiles that are compatible and expandable can greatly enhance your child’s building experience. Compatibility depends on standardized sizes and magnet strengths, ensuring tiles from different sets connect seamlessly. This is essential for creating larger, more complex structures as your child’s skills grow. Both Magna-Tiles and Connetix offer a variety of compatible accessories and additional sets, which extend play and learning possibilities. Expansion options allow for long-term engagement, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. When choosing, consider how easily new pieces can integrate with existing sets and whether the brand offers a range of compatible products. A well-rounded set with expansion capabilities can keep your child engaged for years, fostering continuous development and imaginative play.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

The design and aesthetic appeal of magnetic tiles play a crucial role in how engaged and inspired your child will be during play. Bright colors, transparent surfaces, and sleek edges make these tiles visually attractive, encouraging creativity. Themed shapes and a variety of sizes—triangles, squares, and unique figures—add versatility and keep building interesting. The transparency and finish of the tiles also influence how light interacts with them, creating mesmerizing visual effects. Well-designed tiles with cohesive aesthetics promote seamless construction and make playtime more enjoyable. When the design feels appealing and inspiring, kids are more likely to experiment, imagine, and stay engaged longer. Ultimately, a visually pleasing set can transform simple building blocks into mesmerizing creations that spark endless creativity.

Age Appropriateness

When selecting magnetic tiles for your child, it’s important to take into account their age to guarantee safety and promote appropriate skill development. Most sets are recommended for kids aged 3 and up, but you should look for sets with larger, rounded pieces for younger children to prevent choking hazards and make handling easier. Check that the tiles have safety features like secure rivets and lattice structures to prevent cracking and magnet detachment, especially for little ones. For older children, choose sets with smaller or more intricate pieces to challenge their building and problem-solving skills. Always verify the manufacturer’s age recommendations to match your child’s developmental stage and safety needs. Picking the right age-appropriate set helps foster safe, engaging play while supporting their growth.

Price and Value

Choosing the right magnetic tiles involves more than just safety and age fit; it also means considering their price and overall value. Larger sets like Magna-Tiles often offer better cost per piece, making them a more economical choice in the long run. It’s important to evaluate durability and safety features relative to the price, ensuring you’re getting quality materials and secure magnets without overpaying. Comparing sets with unique accessories, such as themed or vehicle pieces, helps determine if they’re worth the extra investment. Bundled sets that include multiple shapes and colors typically provide more play options and educational benefits at a lower overall cost. finally, reading customer reviews can give you insight into whether the price aligns with the quality and developmental value of the tiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Magnetic Tiles Safe for Children Under Three Years Old?

Yes, magnetic tiles are generally safe for children under three, but I recommend always checking the age recommendations on the packaging. I verify the tiles are sturdy, BPA-free, and free of small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Supervision is key, especially with little ones exploring. When used properly, these tiles can be a fun, safe way to foster creativity and motor skills in young children.

How Durable Are Magna-Tiles Compared to Connetix?

Magna-Tiles are like the sturdy oak of magnetic tiles—built to last, but Connetix edges closer with its slightly more resilient design. I’ve found Magna-Tiles to be quite durable for everyday play, though Connetix tends to hold up better with rougher handling. If you’re after long-term strength and a bit more flexibility, Connetix might be your best bet. Both are solid choices, but their durability varies slightly.

Can Magnetic Tiles Be Used for STEM Learning Activities?

Absolutely, magnetic tiles are great for STEM activities! I love how they encourage kids to experiment with shapes, angles, and structures, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. They’re perfect for hands-on learning, from building bridges to exploring geometry. Plus, they make science and engineering concepts fun and accessible. Whether you’re teaching basic math or more advanced concepts, magnetic tiles are versatile tools that inspire creativity and curiosity in young learners.

Are Magnetic Tiles Compatible With Other Brands?

Yes, magnetic tiles are compatible across various brands, but it’s not always guaranteed. I recommend checking the specific product details because some brands have slightly different sizes or magnetic strengths, which might make combining them tricky. I’ve found that using compatible tiles can enhance creativity and expand building possibilities. Just make sure to verify that the tiles fit together securely for safe and fun play.

What Are the Best Storage Options for Magnetic Tile Sets?

The best storage options for magnetic tile sets are clear plastic bins with lids or dedicated compartmentalized organizers. I recommend these because they keep the tiles visible, easy to access, and protected from dust or damage. Sometimes, I use stackable containers or small zippered bags for portability. Whatever you choose, make certain it’s sturdy and keeps everything tidy, so playtime stays fun and stress-free.

Conclusion

Did you know that magnetic tile sets can boost kids’ STEM skills by up to 30%? After exploring options like Magna-Tiles and Connetix, I believe both offer fantastic benefits, but the best choice depends on your child’s interests. Whether they love building castles or race cars, there’s a set out there for them. Ultimately, investing in quality magnetic tiles can spark creativity and learning that lasts for years.