Every child wants a new toy at Christmas, but parents and family often prefer to give gifts that will challenge the child to learn. It may seem difficult, if not impossible, to get kids excited about learning, but the following toys will be welcome fun during the holidays.
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Reptangles, ages 6 +
Reptangles are perfect snapping turtles for kids ages 6 and up. The turtles snap together to form a variety of shapes and puzzles, including small turtles. Reptangles allow kids to use their imagination to snap and create hundreds of creations for endless hours of fun (Fatbraintoys.com, $24.95).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Erector Special Edition 100th Anniversary Set, ages 8 +
Yes, it’s the same Erector Set that you played with as a child and it is still one of the most challenging building toys for kids providing hours of building fun. The special edition contains over 600 parts and can be used to create more than 50 models. It includes a power tool for building and two motors. Erector set has been an amazing educational toy for years for children 8 years and older (Amazon.com, $62.74).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Quercetti Super Marble Runs Vortis, ages 6+
Fun funnels, spirals, and tracks are all a part of the imaginative world of marble runs. Any Marble Run would make a great gift, this model features a double-entry funnel and a new spiral exclusive to Quercetti Marble Runs. Long tracks and bell-shaped bases make the structure steady. There are 220 pieces in this set for ages 6 and older (educationaltoysplanet.com, $52.97).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Brain Quest Game, ages 6 +
Brain Quest creates a number of mini-games that challenge and encourage kids in learning at all levels and in a variety of subjects. Brain Quest Game allows children ages 6-11 to play one of the best Q & A games together. As kids play they begin to learn more and excel at the game, building their confidence (Amazon.com, $24.29).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Planet Frog, ages 6 +
Kids love to capture tadpoles, now they have the perfect setup for watching the transformation of tadpoles into frogs with Planet Frog. Planet Frog even provides a certificate to receive two tadpoles by mail, bred for this science activity, not taken fro the wild. Kids can watch and learn as the frog swims in its own self contained pone and explore the Planet Frog habitat. (Uncle Milton’s Planet Frog does not advocate removal of wild tadpoles or frogs from their natural habitats.) Planet Frog provides a pond with an underwater view, rain forest scenery, rock cave hideaway, a vented see-thru lid, and magnifying feeding cup (wonderbrains.com, $24.95).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Count and Learn Cookie Jar, ages 2 +
For younger kids, ages two and older, Count and Learn Cookie Jar is an electronic learning toy. Children will learn to count cookies from 1 to 10. Want to make it more advanced? Count the chips on every cookie. The display on the back of the cookie jar displays the correct number. There is also a number recognition playing mode (educationaltoysplanet.com, $21.97).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – LEGO Creationary Game, ages 7 +
LEGO is known for the creativity and fun they provide for kids of all ages. Now, children 7 years and older can create and re-create their own unique LEGO game. It’s a buildable game in which kids build by category with 3 levels of difficulty. It is a great game for family and friends. LEGOs build creativity and fun. (Target, $29.99).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Puzzle Ball Ravensburger The Solar System, ages 9 +
The Puzzle Ball Solar System is one of the most creative educational toys for kids ages 9 and older interested in science. Kids create 3 dimensional planets to make up the solar system. The planetary puzzles come with an individual plastic stand for 8 planets (no, Pluto), fishing line for kids who prefer to hang the planets, a poster, and booklet about the solar system (Amazon.com, $40.33).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – Talking Electronic Chess Master, ages 8 +
Help kids master the game of chess with Talking Electronic Chess Master. An interactive voice warns players of illegal moves and unwise choices. There are 5 levels of play for beginners to more experienced players and will help your child take their chess game to the next level (youngexplorers.com, $49.95).
10 Best Educational Toys for Kids – GeoSafari Talking Globe, ages 8 +
Enjoy geography in a whole new way with the exciting GeoSafari Talking Globe. This globe offers an interactive geography quiz game. Created with lights and sounds for effective teaching and learning world geography (fatbraintoys.com, $99.95).
