Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief  Marissa DiBartolo joined CBS News to talk about some of the year’s best new educational toys, as well as other activities that families can participate in to keep each other sane during this era of social distancing. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and don’t forget to join Toy Insider’s #FunAtHomeChallenge.


K’NEX IMAGINE: CLICK & CONSTRUCT

Includes 522 classic and micro K'NEX parts and pieces that "click" together, allowing kids to create anything they can imagine.The included instruction booklet shows builders how to create 35 unique models with its step-by-step, color-coded instructions. Storing small plastic toy parts is easy with this plastic storage tub – keep everything together, including loose parts and partially built models.Hone STEM skills and concepts as kids can an intro to engineering.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 7+
  • Manufacturer: BASIC FUN
  • MSRP: $34.99

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CODING CRITTERS

These interactive pets introduce preschoolers to critical thinking, problem-solving, and other STEM skills through fun play sets, storybook coding adventures, and two interactive modes. The full-color, 20-page storybook includes coding challenges.

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LEARNING FRIENDS 100 WORDS BOOK

Kids can touch each picture to hear the animal friends say toddler-appropriate words, along with facts and sound effects. In Fun Sounds Mode, kids can touch the light-up star button to hear two learning songs.

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SPEAK & SPELL

One of the earliest computerized learning systems, the Speak & Spell helps kids learn to spell using a speech synthesizer. Multiple play modes and challenge levels help kids have fun and learn at the same time.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 7+
  • Manufacturer: BASIC FUN!
  • MSRP: $24.99; $34.99 CAD

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LATCHKITS POODLE 3D

This latch hook kit includes everything kids need to create a 12-inch rug or wall hanging of a pink poodle. The kit features multilength yarn pieces that kids use to make a 3D image.

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PAC-MAN THE BOARD GAME

Bring the classic arcade game to your game table. Each player takes a turn as Pac-Man. The remaining players work together and play as the ghosts trying to catch Pac-Man. Gobble up as many pellets, power pellets, fruit, and blue ghosts as you can! Move strategically and elude capture. You have three lives. The player with the highest score wins! The Pac-Man mover even makes authentic arcade sounds.

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