RIWI® FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
🧱 Product & Application
How do RIWI® blocks stick together?
Our blocks don't need magnets or Velcro – the secret lies in the material! The special RIWI® foam has high friction, making the blocks feel stable when stacked and preventing them from slipping easily. This allows children to build, dismantle, and rebuild freely – over and over again.
Is there a smaller RIWI® version for limited space or budget?
Yes! Our RIWI® mini blocks are the perfect solution if you have limited space or want to start small. They're lighter, more affordable, yet just as creative and durable as the larger ones. With the RIWI® mini carry bag, you can even store them compactly.
Can RIWI® mini and XXL blocks be combined?
Absolutely! The sizes are designed to complement each other: a mini block is half as long and one-third as high as an XXL block – allowing you to build transitions, fill surfaces, or add details. This brings even more play ideas – especially when multiple children play together.
What's the best way to store the blocks?
We have two practical solutions:
- 👜 The RIWI® XXL carry bag holds 12 large blocks – ideal for small sets or if you want to stay flexible. Best of all: the filled bag can also be used as a stool or platform.
- 🛋️ The RIWI® Couch Cover is perfect for larger sets – it transforms 24 XXL blocks into a full-fledged play sofa that also serves as a cozy cuddle corner.
Both options are practical, well-thought-out, and fit perfectly into family life.
What's the difference between velour and PU covers?
Velour is soft and cuddly – ideal for playrooms or kindergartens. The blocks are slightly heavier and hold together particularly well.
PU cover is wipeable and smoother – perfect for therapy rooms or places where hygiene is especially important.
Both options are high-quality, durable, and, of course, free from harmful substances.
Are the blocks really safe for my child?
Yes – absolutely! Safety is our top priority. All RIWI® products are tested according to the current toy standards (EN 71, CE) and approved for children from 36 months. Our foams are free from harmful substances and are regularly tested by certified laboratories – in Europe and the USA.
How are the large blocks delivered?
The XXL blocks are vacuum-packed to save space and be environmentally friendly. The volume is reduced by up to 80% – allowing up to 48 blocks to fit in a single box! Shipping within Switzerland is via DPD, directly from our Swiss warehouse – no customs, no waiting time.
The blocks look flat after unpacking – what now?
Don't worry – that's completely normal. After opening, the blocks need a short time to return to their original shape. In most cases, this takes less than 20 minutes, but depending on temperature and humidity, it can take up to 72 hours.
Please unpack the goods immediately upon receipt!
With some steam (e.g., from a steam iron), you can gently accelerate the process.
How can I best clean the RIWI® blocks?
You can easily clean the RIWI® blocks and covers by hand or in the washing machine at 30 °C. Please use a mild, child-friendly detergent and avoid fabric softeners.
💡 A detailed care guide can be found on each product page under the "Care Instructions" tab.
Are there building instructions or fixed play ideas?
No – and that's intentional! RIWI® is an open construction toy that doesn't limit your child's creativity but enhances it. Whether it's caves, castles, obstacle courses, or slides: your child decides what to create. This makes RIWI® not only exciting but also strengthens independence and confidence in their own imagination.
🚚 Order & Shipping (CH)
Can institutions or kindergartens order on invoice?
Yes, that's no problem! If you're ordering for a daycare center, school, therapy facility, or public institution, you can pay by invoice.
👉 Please send us a short message via the contact form with:
– Billing & shipping address
– Desired product & quantity
– VAT number (if applicable)
We'll then create your invoice and ship your order.
How does shipping within Switzerland work – and what does it cost?
We ship directly from our Swiss warehouse – fast, reliable, and without customs fees. Shipping is via DPD within 1–3 business days.
📦 Shipping costs are calculated based on the size and weight of the order and are displayed at checkout. For orders over CHF 50, shipping is free.
🔁 Returns & Service
How does the return process work if something doesn't fit?
You have a 14-day right of withdrawal. If you're not satisfied with a product or it doesn't suit you, you can return it within this period.
👉 Just send us a short email with your order number – we'll then explain the next steps. The refund will be processed within 14 days after receiving the return.
Detailed information can be found in our withdrawal policy.
What should I do if something arrives damaged?
Oh no – that shouldn't happen! If a product arrives damaged, we'll take care of it immediately.
Simply use our contact form.
We'll ensure quick replacement or a suitable solution. Promise.
🌍 About RIWI®
Who's behind RIWI® – and how did it all start?
RIWI® was founded in 2017 by a team of engineers – inspired by the idea of creating play worlds we loved as children. Today, our blocks delight over 50,000 children in more than 30 countries – from playrooms to therapy centers.
Our vision:
Less screen time, more movement. Less plastic, more imagination. Less chaos – more creative order.
RIWI® buildit CH at a Glance
What RIWI® Is and Who Makes It
RIWI® makes XXL foam building blocks for children aged 3 and up: RIWI® XXL, RIWI® mini and RIWI® Loop, along with accessories such as washable velour covers. They are manufactured at our own factory in Szentgotthárd, Hungary. RIWI® buildit CH supplies customers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Safety and Material
The blocks are tested by TÜV Austria to EN 71 and can bear up to 110 kg; the velour covers are washable. The foam is compressed for shipping and can take up to 48 hours after unpacking to regain its full size.
Ordering, Shipping and Delivery Time
- Orders to Switzerland and Liechtenstein ship from our own warehouse in Switzerland, so no customs formalities apply.
- Shipping costs CHF 6.95, and is free from an order value of CHF 50.
- Delivery takes 1 to 3 business days with DPD.
- Orders from the rest of the EU are handled via riwi-buildit.com, and orders from the USA via riwi-buildit.us.
Service and Contact
For questions, our Swiss support team can be reached at support@riwi-buildit.ch. Several RIWI® sets can be combined into a single shipment.
Why foam?
After several prototypes, we finally found the perfect material for our XXL building blocks: polyurethane foam .
As the first company to use uncoated PU foam for children's toys, we developed our own foam formulation to meet the chemical safety requirements of toy safety guidelines while achieving perfect construction properties, durability, and longevity. This formulation has been refined and improved over the years.
Children love RIWI®
Since 2017, we've delighted over 50,000 children . That's a great feeling, because we know exactly how much children enjoy such a creative and generous gift .
More than 95% of the families surveyed said that RIWI building blocks are their favorite toy and a real highlight of every visit.







