Educational toys, especially those that keep children from in front of screens should be at the top of everyone’s list this year. Why? Because our kids have spent a lot of time in front of a computer learning virtually, which can become a bit mundane. I know since I have a 9-year-old who is currently going through the same. Therefore, I’ve curated a list of the best educational toys for kids – even educational toys for toddlers to help make your gift-giving a little bit easier. From buildable magnetic toys to science kits, and even some online educational games, these educational toys, and games allow kids to explore valuable hands-on tools and STEM subjects that will engage your children in interactive educational fun year-round. Jumpstart your holiday shopping for the kids in your life with this curated list of the best educational toys and games for kids.
Interactive Screen-free Educational Toys
Pillar Learning Codi Interactive Robot
Parents will love Codi the Storytelling Robot. This interactive educational toy takes kids age 12 months and up off screens for educational fun. Codi encourages kids to use their imaginations as they learn. The robot tells stories, plays music, and parents and kids can exchange voice notes. It does so much more, which you can learn about here.
Cost: $124.99 on Amazon.com
TonieBox
TonieBox is a soft and squishy smart speaker for kids ages 3 and up. With TonieBox, storytime is taken to new heights – it’s fun, and it inspires kids to use their imaginations. Cute little collectible figurines called Tonies are behind all the magic and fun. Read more here.
Cost: $99.99 on Amazon.com
Virtual Educational Games
ABC Mouse
ABCmouse is the top online learning program for kids ages 2-8 and includes over 10,000 expert-designed games, puzzles, books, videos, and other learning activities across literacy, math, science, social studies, art, and music. An ABC Mouse subscription also includes access to My ABCmouse Classroom Live!, a first-of-its-kind learning experience delivering daily classes with on-demand instruction led by real teachers and independent learning activities for pre-k and kindergarten students.
Subscription cost: $9.95/month or $59.95/year
Adventure Academy
Brought to you by the same creators of ABC Mouse, Adventure Academy is a great educational gift to give. This subscription to a web-based multiplayer learning game like Adventure Academy is great for elementary and middle school students. I find that children who are obsessed with gaming interfaces like Roblox enjoy learning and playing on Adventure Academy where 1,000s of learning activities are discovered via quests through an interactive virtual world.
Subscription Cost: Adventure Academy is free to download and includes a 30-day free trial, after which parents pay $9.99/month or $79.99/year.
Educational Toys that Encourage Independent Play
Hix Convertible Construction Cones
This versatile BPA-free, food-grade silicone construction toy is the perfect sensory toy for child 0+. Each cone transforms into four basic shapes which can be stacked and nested in many different configurations. Through play, Hix helps to train visual-spatial ability, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. And unlike other building blocks, these won’t hurt when you step on them.
Cost: $27.88 at Walmart.com
Tileblox Rainbow 20Pc Set
Discover the endless possibilities of the Tileblox 20Pc set. Kids ages 3+ can create a one-of-akind masterpiece with the help of the included step-by-step idea sheet. This beginnger set featuring 8 magnetic triangles and 12 magnetic squares in rainbow colors help children looking to explore and learn through play. TileBlox is perfect for STEM education and when playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store.
Cost: $19.87 at Walmart.com
STEM Toys to Ignite Kids’ Inner Scientist
Playmonster My Fairy Garden Light Garden
Gardening is a great way for kids to learn about the environment, the science behind how plants grow, as well as responsibility, caretaking, independence, and environmental awareness. The Playmonster My Fairy Garden Light Garden is the perfect way to ease future gardeners (or botanists) ages 4+ into the world of plants. With this enchanting garden set kids use their imagination and interact with it – planting seeds, and caring for their garden, all while setting up and playing with adorable fairies, woodland friends and accessories.
Cost: $29.99 on Playmonster.com
Ooze Labs: Colorful Crystal Lab
With the Ooze Labs: Colorful Crystal Lab, kids ages 6+ can explore the natural beauty and wonder of crystals by growing them. The kit comes with everything needed to make crystals of various shapes and colors. The kit even allows kids to use everyday household to make crystals, too. It’s pretty cool. My daughter loves it.
Cost: $29.95 on Amazon.com
I’ve also created this free printable Letter to Santa: Fun Kids DIY Craft and Holiday Keepsake for kids to share their wishlists.
Related: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
This post contains affiliate links. Items were provided for review consideration only. All opinions are my own.