Plus-Plus Tubs for Classrooms: 7000 pc vs 3600 pc vs ABC & 123
By Plus-Plus USA | Plus-Plus Blocks - Empowering Open Ended | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Buying Guides
Compare the 7000 pc All Colors Tub, 3600 pc Mixed Colors Tub with Baseplates, and ABC & 123 Education Tub. Find the best Plus-Plus tub for your classroom, homeschool, or makerspace.
Quick answer
For most classrooms, the 3600 pc Mixed Colors Tub with Baseplates offers the best balance of piece count, structural support, and price. Choose the 7000 pc All Colors Tub for large collaborative projects, and the ABC & 123 Education Tub for early literacy and math focus.
Why piece count matters more than you think
The number of pieces directly affects how many students can build simultaneously and the size of projects they can tackle. A 2000-piece tub may suffice for a small group, but a 7000-piece tub supports a whole class or a large makerspace.
More pieces also mean more color variety, which is crucial for creative expression and for teaching color recognition. The 7000 pc tub includes basic, neon, pastel, translucent, metallic, and glitter colors, offering the widest palette.
Baseplates change the building experience
Baseplates provide a stable foundation for 2D mosaics and help keep 3D builds intact. The 3600 pc tub includes 12 baseplates, making it easier for younger builders to create sturdy structures without frustration.
If your students often build tall or intricate designs, baseplates are a practical addition. The other two tubs do not mention baseplates, so you may need to purchase them separately if that's a priority.
Educational focus vs. open-ended creativity
The ABC & 123 Education Tub is designed specifically for early learning, with activity cards that introduce letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. It's ideal for structured lessons in preschool or homeschool settings.
In contrast, the 7000 pc and 3600 pc tubs are more open-ended, encouraging free play and imagination. They don't come with educational activity cards, so you'll need to create your own learning prompts if that's important.
How to choose: decision rules
- Class size and group building: If you have more than 10 students building at once, choose the 7000 pc tub. For smaller groups (up to 6), the 3600 pc or ABC & 123 tubs are sufficient. Estimate the maximum number of simultaneous builders in your class.
- Need for structure support: If your students frequently build tall towers or large 3D creations, choose the 3600 pc tub with baseplates. Without baseplates, builds may be less stable. Consider purchasing baseplates separately if you choose a tub without them.
- Educational goals: For early literacy and math, choose the ABC & 123 Education Tub with activity cards. For general creativity and open-ended play, choose the 7000 pc or 3600 pc tubs. Decide whether structured learning or free play is your primary objective.
- Budget and value: The 3600 pc tub offers the best balance of price and features (baseplates). The 7000 pc tub provides the most pieces per dollar for large groups. The ABC & 123 tub is a cost-effective choice for early learning. Compare the cost per piece to maximize your budget.
Product facts at a glance
- ABC & 123 Education Tub - 2000 pcs: Includes 2,000 colorful pieces and activity cards that introduce foundational literacy and math concepts. This tub is a ready-made teaching tool for early learners, saving you prep time for lessons on letters and numbers.
ABC & 123 Education Tub - 2000 pcs - 7000 pc All Colors in Tub: Contains 7,000 pieces in basic, neon, pastel, translucent, metallic, and glitter colors. The huge piece count and color variety support large group projects and endless creative exploration.
7000 pc All Colors in Tub - 3600 pc Mixed Colors in Tub w/ 12 Baseplates: Includes 3,600 pieces and 12 durable baseplates for sturdy 2D and 3D builds. Baseplates provide stability, making it easier for students to build complex structures without them falling apart.
Which tub fits your setting?
Best for
- Large classrooms or makerspaces needing maximum pieces and color variety – 7000 pc All Colors Tub
- Classrooms that want sturdy builds with baseplates and a moderate piece count – 3600 pc Mixed Colors Tub
- Preschools, homeschools, and daycare centers focusing on early literacy and math – ABC & 123 Education Tub
Not for
- Individual home use with limited storage – consider smaller tubs or tubes instead
- Budget-conscious buyers who don't need baseplates – the 7000 pc tub may offer better value per piece
