Children’s toys have evolved since our days of the Easy Bake Oven and Lego sets. Especially with the introduction of smart technology, toys can offer more than just a few hours of playtime. A child can feed their imagination as well as their developing minds, whether they’re interested in tactical building, grasping language or learning about the world. If you’re curious about what toys do the most, here are some top choices for problem-solving, sharpening critical thinking, and creativity.
- PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids
- Magnetic Tiles
- Osmo – Creative Starter Kit for iPad
- Q-Scout STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12
- Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano
- LeapFrog LeapReader System Learn-to-Read 10 Book Mega Pack
Sparking Curiosity with STEM Toys
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys are a gateway to sparking their curiosity and laying the foundation for future innovators. From building blocks to coding kits, these toys turn learning into an adventure. Watch as your child explores the principles of physics while constructing elaborate structures or delves into the world of programming through interactive games.
Imaginative Play with Educational Puzzles
Puzzles are more than just pieces fitting together; they are tools for developing problem-solving skills and enhancing cognitive abilities. Educational puzzles got a serious glow-up. Now, your child isn’t limited to 2D puzzle pieces. They can range from colorful alphabet puzzles for preschoolers or challenging 3D puzzles for older kids, each piece encourages critical thinking and spatial awareness.
The Magic of Musical Instruments
Introducing children to music at a young age can create a lifelong appreciation for the arts and improve their cognitive development. Musical instruments designed for kids offer a hands-on experience that stimulates creativity and coordination. From miniature keyboards to percussion sets, these instruments provide an outlet for self-expression and experimentation.
Learning Through Play: Interactive Educational Games
Interactive educational games seamlessly blend entertainment with valuable lessons, making learning an enjoyable experience. Whether it’s a trivia game testing knowledge on various subjects or a language-learning app promoting vocabulary acquisition, these games engage children while reinforcing important concepts. With colorful graphics, engaging animations, and exciting challenges, learning becomes an adventure waiting to be explored.
Scroll to see all our top picks for the best toys we recommend for your little ones.
1PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids
This globe is a gateway to a world of exploration and discovery for kids ages four to 10. With its companion app, this globe comes alive, offering an immersive experience that engages young minds in learning about our planet in multiple modes. From visual storytelling to interactive quizzes, it provides a rich learning experience that sparks curiosity and imagination. By scanning the globe with the companion app, your kids can dive into a ton of educational content, including animal facts, cultural insights, and geographical landmarks. This hands-on approach to learning enhances their knowledge of the world while fostering important skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. With its comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from geography to environmental science, the globe helps children build a strong foundation in various subjects while also promoting cultural sensitivity and global awareness.
2Magnetic Tiles
This magnetic tiles set offers a world of creativity and learning opportunities with its 100-piece collection, featuring 94 basic shapes, two car bases, and four click-ins. Packaged in a beautifully designed box along with an idea book, this set guarantees hours of imaginative play and STEM education. It's made from high-quality ABS plastic using ultrasonic welding technology, meets ASTM standards and is free from any unpleasant odors. With vibrant colors and compatibility with other major brands, these tiles open up endless avenues for construction and design exploration. Beyond mere play, these magnetic tiles are valuable tools for developing crucial skills. From fine motor skills to spatial awareness, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, children engage in hands-on learning that extends to STEM subjects like geometry and symmetry.
3Osmo – Creative Starter Kit for IPad
This is a revolutionary tool that combines the fun of physical play with the educational benefits of interactive technology. With its award-winning games, children can interact with tangible pieces and their iPad, bringing their game actions to life without the need for WiFi. Each set includes an Osmo Base and Reflector for iPad, along with a new Creative Board, four dry erase markers, and a microfiber marker pouch. Additionally, three engaging game apps – Monster, Newton, and Masterpiece – provide endless opportunities for learning and creativity. Designed for children ages five to 10 and beyond, these games offer challenges for beginners to experts. As your kids engage with the games, they develop essential skills such as drawing, listening, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.
4Q-Scout STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12
This toy opens up a world of learning opportunities for your children, guiding them through programming from basic drag-and-drop with Scratch graphics to advanced coding with Arduino and Python. This hands-on approach teaches coding as well as electronics and robotics, all while fostering logical thinking, creativity, and other essential skills. With Q-Scout, children build and play, enhancing their abilities through interactive learning experiences. Beyond programming, Q-Scout offers four exciting modes that make learning fun and engaging. From remote control via the app to obstacle avoidance, music playing, and route-following, children can unleash their imagination and improve their focus during gameplay.
5Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano
With 25 keys spanning two full octaves, this piano provides a perfect introduction to the world of music for your children aged four and above. The easy-to-play illustrated songbook, complete with English lyrics, makes learning to play the piano a joyous and accessible experience for young musicians. The piano's compact design and manageable size make it ideal for young pianists to explore their musical talents comfortably. Whether it's for playtime, music education, or simply nurturing a love for music, this piano offers a versatile and enriching experience for children. From learning basic melodies to exploring creative expression, it encourages musical development that feeds the budding musician within them.
6LeapFrog LeapReader System Learn-to-Read 10 Book Mega Pack
Experience the interactive reading system that transforms learning to read into a captivating experience for your kids. By simply touching the pages with the LeapReader pen, your little ones can explore on a world of literacy, sounding out letters and words in interactive stories and activities. Each page offers three modes designed to cater to different learning needs, empowering them to read on their own at their own pace. With 10 early reading books included, featuring short vowels, sight words, and simple words, it provides a comprehensive foundation for early literacy development. With the LeapFrog app center, additional content awaits. From popular audiobooks to sing-along songs, fun facts, and trivia, they'll have access to a wealth of educational resources that complement their LeapReader experience.
Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
popular posts
- 1It’s Black Business Month, So Let’s Go Shopping and #BuyBlack!
- 2Cortisol Cocktail: A Yummy Drink With All The Health Benefits
- 320 Deliciously Simple Tequila Drinks With Only Two Ingredients
- 4These Are the 10 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher
- 5A Look Inside Elon Musk's Tiny $50,000 House
Kid’s Room
Organize Your Kid's Space With These 9 Essentials
by Stephanie Taylor | January 20, 2023
Fill Your Child's Playroom With These Black-Owned Toys
by Kelsey Marie | February 21, 2023
This Luxe Kid's Decor Will Fit Effortlessly Into Your Home
by Kelsey Marie | February 24, 2023
Spaces
Whether it’s luxury or ease, every area of your home should be as fabulous and unique as you.
How To Manage Indoor Humidity for Maximum Home Comfort
by Brittni Williams | June 22, 2023
Hunker Down: 5 Emergency Goods To Stock Up on in Times of Crisis
by Brittni Williams | June 12, 2023
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM
#homeandtexture
Find us on social for more home inspiration where culture, personal style, and sophisticated shopping intersect to help you create a home where you love to live.