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.

How do the RIWI building blocks hold together?

Our XXL building blocks are made of a specially developed foam with very high friction. This allows the blocks to "stick" together, allowing you to create unique constructions.

RIWI soft bausteine sind XXL Schaumstoffbausteine zum kreativen Spielen, bauen und Kinder turnen

How can I purchase on account?

Business customers who wish to order on account or require a special invoice (with VAT number) can do so using the contact form.

For quick processing we need:

  • Billing and delivery address
  • Item and quantity
Spielsofa von RIWI ist kreativ und vielseitig zum turnen, schlafen, übernachten, bauen, aufbewahren der Bausteine

How can I store the XXL building blocks?

Giant blocks are great, until they take up the entire living room. That's what RIWI Couch Covers are for. 24 XXL building blocks can be hidden inside one couch cover. This makes them ideal for use as a play couch and easy to transport.

Why velor covers?

Some of our customers are public institutions, daycare centers, and schools. These have different conditions and also involve rough play . That's why we invented these protective covers. Velour is just right because you can still build easily with the heavier building blocks (keyword: friction). Another positive effect is that the building blocks with velour covers are very cozy .

RIWI soft bausteine sind riesengroße Schaumstoffbausteine zum Türme bauen und Kinder turnen

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.

Kinder lieben die XXL soft bausteine von RIWI buildit

Are the building blocks safe?

All our products are tested according to the latest toy safety guidelines and meet all applicable criteria.

The standards are EN71 (European standard) and ASTM F 963 (USA standard)

TÜV Austria GmbH has tested our products according to these standards.

How are these XXL building blocks delivered?

We pack the XXL foam blocks using a special machine. This reduces the volume by up to 80%, allowing us to ship your order to you via parcel delivery. The maximum number of blocks per package is 48.

RIWI bausteine nach dem auspacken verdrückt.

My RIWI building blocks are crushed after unpacking.

Due to the compressed storage in the packaging, the foam needs time to return to its original shape. Depending on humidity, temperature, and storage time, this process can take up to 72 hours.

Usually, this takes less than 20 minutes after unpacking.

If you don't want to wait that long, you can speed up the process with steam (e.g., from an iron). -> Here's a video.

Alle RIWI Produkte können in der Waschmaschine gewaschen werden

How are these XXL building blocks washed?

To ensure a long service life, our building blocks and covers can be washed in the washing machine or by hand.

Please do not use fabric softener and make sure the detergent you use is child-friendly.

-> Here is a video about it

Die Gründer und Erfinder von RIWI buildit Soft Bausteinen

How did RIWI come about?

As engineers, construction has always been a part of our lives. As children, we loved building caves out of cushions and hiding in them, and building tall towers out of blocks, only to then destroy them.

We discovered that there is no other toy for this purpose that is both so versatile and affordable for private households.

Höhle RIWI soft bausteine sind riesengroße Schaumstoffbausteine zum Türme bauen und Kinder turnen

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.

To the RIWI® building blocks

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