How to teach kids American mahjong, from a $10 starter card to the cutest kid-sized tile sets.
It's back-to-school season, so why not add one more subject to the schedule: mahjong! Kids pick up the tiles faster than you'd think, it sneaks in a little math and pattern practice, and family game night is the best kind of homework. Here's how to get them started, and the kid-sized sets I love.
Kids love mahjong for the same reasons we do: the clack of the tiles, the pretty sets, and the moment a hand comes together. The NMJL card can overwhelm them at first, though, and full-size sets are heavy for little hands. The good news is that several brands now make sets and cards made just for kids. Here are my favorites and the order I'd buy them in.
Save 10% with code MAHJMATCH at Mini Mahjer, Peace Love Mahjong and Oh My Mahjong.
See all mahjong discount codesStep 1: Start with a Mini Mahjer card
You don't need a new set to get kids playing. Start by ordering a few Mini Mahjer Cards ($10 each) and use the tiles you already own. The card is made for ages 6 and up, with fewer options and simpler hands, and it has three levels:
- Beginner: 8-tile hands
- Intermediate: 10-tile hands
- Advanced: 12-tile hands
My favorite part is that grown-ups can play their regular NMJL card at the same table while the kids play theirs, so everybody plays together. When they're ready to level up, there's the Midi Card, a step up from the Mini Mahjer Card. There's also a "In My Mahjong Era" specialty card for the Swifties in your house.
Step 2: A Mini Mahjer complete game
Once they're hooked, Mini Mahjer makes the most adorable themed sets. Each Complete Game ($160) includes 160 lightweight, kid-friendly tiles (1" x 1.5"), a washable neoprene mat, four full-size acrylic racks plus a pusher, the Mini Mahjer cards (beginner, intermediate and advanced), an instruction guide, a tile bag and a magnetic storage box. The whole thing weighs under 5 pounds, so it's great for travel too.
Already have a mat and racks? Mini Mahjer also sells tiles only ($85) in OG, Beach and Ski editions. Their storybook, When the Tiles Come Together, makes a sweet add-on gift. Mini Mahjer was also one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2025.
Save 10% at Mini Mahjer with code MAHJMATCH. More about Mini Mahjer.
Peace Love Mahjong Little Mahj kits
Peace Love Mahjong’s Little Mahj kits ($325) are the ones I’d gift to a kid who wants a set that is all their own. Every kit has 160 kid-sized tiles (1" x 0.75"), four wooden racks, a rack bag, a 20" x 20" mat, tile storage and four Little Mahj Playing Cards that simplify the NMJL card for kids. My two favorites:
Totally Teal
Bold teal tiles with pink and chartreuse. It comes with four wooden racks, a pink rack bag with compartments, a 20" x 20" pink mat, a chartreuse quilted crossbody bag, a chartreuse tile bag and four Little Mahj cards. It’s pure fun, perfect for sleepovers and game nights.
Chill Guy
Blues and greens with four dark green wooden racks, a light blue rack bag, a 20" x 20" blue mat, a dark green drawstring backpack, a zipper tile pouch and four Little Mahj cards. This is my pick for boys, and it’s easy to grab and go.
The collection also includes Pretty in Pink, Vibrant Vibes and Game On. Save 10% with code MAHJMATCH. More about Peace Love Mahjong.
Oh My Mahjong Debutante sets
Oh My Mahjong’s Debutante sets ($325) are made for kids, travel and teaching new players. The plastic tiles are a little bigger than a typical travel set (1" x 1 5/16"), so they’re easy for small hands to see and hold, and no mat is required. Each set includes 160 tiles, four double racks, a storage bag, four playing cards and two dice. There are four designs:
Save 10% at Oh My Mahjong with code MAHJMATCH. More about Oh My Mahjong.
Which kids’ set should you buy?
- Just testing the waters: Mini Mahjer Cards with the set you already own.
- A first set that grows with them: a Mini Mahjer Complete Game.
- A gift that feels grown-up: a Peace Love Mahjong Little Mahj kit, either Totally Teal or Chill Guy.
- Travel, pool days and teaching friends: an Oh My Mahjong Debutante set.
Any of these makes a wonderful holiday or birthday gift. Pair one with a mat from our tile match albums and you’ll have a little mahjonger in no time.
Prices as of October 2026 and subject to change. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
