Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa DiBartolo stopped by News 12 New Jersey to show off some educational toys that are so fun, kids won’t realize that they’re also learning. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.
LEAPSTART 3D LEARNING SYSTEM (LEAPFROG)
- Experience the magic of the LeapStart 3D Interactive Learning System and get kids excited about learning with 3D-like animations that magically bring the activities to life.
- Perfect for visual or auditory learners, the touch and talk activities enhance learning with interactive animations to help kids build math, reading, problem-solving skills, and more.
- The LeapStart library of 25+ books (each sold separately) covers a variety of preschool through first grade subjects for 2-7 year olds with more than 30 activities in every book.
- Many replayable activities have two levels with 50+ key skills per grade level, so kids can play and learn at the level and move up when they’re ready. A total of 400+ activities across the LeapStart library help kids build tomorrow’s skills today.
- Ages: 2-7
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart
MAGICPAD (ONTEL PRODUCTS)
- MagicPad features a clear, light-up screen that not only brings art to life, but also makes learning fun!
- Kids just insert one of the stencils featuring games, art or learning behind the screen. Learning stencils include spelling, math and reading!
- Once their drawing is complete, press the color-change button to choose from eight different light effects to see their creation glow!
- MagicPad’s screen easily wipes clean and is portable for fun on the go.
- Comes with three Dual-Sided Neon Pens (for six total colors) and 30 Stencils.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Availability: Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, BuyMagicPad.com
3DOODLER START HEXBUG MAKE YOUR OWN MICRO ROBOTIC CREATURES PEN SET & ACTIVITY KIT (3DOODLER)
- Kids can make their own eccentric-looking HEXBUG creatures that behave like real bugs.
- Doodle your bug’s body and legs using the insect-themed DoodleMold to create a pet insectoid, then let it crawl around to explore its environment, conquer obstacles, or race your friends.
- Part of the 3Doodler Start STEM Series, this set fosters STEM learning by allowing kids to design and experiment with different robotic structures.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $59.99 (Pen Set); $24.99 (Activity Kit without pen)
- Canada: $79.99, Indigo
- Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Michael’s
GEOSAFARI JR. TALKING GLOBE (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS)
- Junior jet setters can explore the world with Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin! This updated version of the bestselling Talking Globe provides a high-tech, hands-on, interactive introduction to geography.
- This high-tech globe with dual swivel and smart stylus features the voice of Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin, who has been traveling to faraway places since she was a little girl.
- Includes Explore, Find It, and Measure It Modes for more than 10 hours of interactive audio.
- Features continents, U.S. states, animals, and nature.
- Kids can touch the pen to two locations to find out how far apart they are.
- Ages: 4-7
- MSRP: $129.99
- Available: Amazon
DISCOVERY EXTREME CHEMISTRY LAB (HORIZON GROUP)
- Conduct more than 20 fun experiments and simple chemical reactions for a fun, hands-on, interactive learning experience with the Discovery Extreme Chemistry Lab.
- From fizzing and foaming eruptions, to glowing worms and galactic spheres, kids will love the opportunity to experiment and make their own crazy concoctions.
- Along with the easy-to-follow instruction booklet is a colorful fun-fact illustrated poster that offers children additional insight into the science behind their creations
- Ages: 12+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Walmart
CIRCUIT SCRIBE DRONE BUILDER KIT (CIRCUIT SCRIBE)
- Build and fly your own drone with the Circuit Scribe Drone Builder Kit!
- Power your cardboard arms with conductive silver ink, and connect your drone’s hub and motors. Download the controller app and take to the skies!
- The app includes easy-to-fly hover, takeoff and landing modes, or test your skills with full manual joystick control.
- Use the included pre-made plastic arms for testing, or make your own arm designs with the included extra cardboard.
- The drone kit includes a conductive ink pen, 4 motors, 8 propellers, a drone hub with on-board camera, arms, a battery and battery charger, and iOS and Android controller app download.
- Ages: 13+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: shop.circuitscribe.com
