It’s springtime, so it’s time to get outside and enjoy nature. Toy Insider Parent Charlene DeLoach stopped by Western Mass News to show off some great toys that can help kids learn more about nature and the environment. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the season, check out our Spring and Summer gift guide.
LEARN & SPIN AQUARIUM (VTECH)
- Dive into fun with the Learn & Spin Aquarium. Kids can press the blue water spout and watch it spin, light up and play music.
- Adorable ocean friends playfully swim and spin in the aquarium while the lights flash. Each time the plunger is pressed kids will hear a phrase, a fun sound or a short tune.
- Three colorful buttons introduce animals, colors, numbers and play music. And, kids will love listening to cheerful songs sung by the crab, fish and starfish in playful sea animal voices.
- Ages: 9-36 months
- MSRP: $14.99
- Available: Amazon, Walmart
ABBY’S GARDEN (GREEN TOYS)
- With Abby’s Garden Planting Activity Set, kids can watch nature at work while growing their very own garden.
- Join Abby, Elmo, and the whole Sesame Street gang in the Growing Magic Guide, and learn about plants, growing, and gardening through unique coloring pages and engaging activities like matching and spot-the-difference.
- In addition to the Growing Magic Guide, the 16 piece set includes three plant markers, two sticker sheets, and a trowel.
- Ages: 3-6
- MSRP $19.99
- Available: Amazon
EXCAVATOR (PLAYMOBIL)
- Dig up fun in the sand with the Excavator. The shovel can either be removed and used on its own or situated into one of two positions on the vehicle. When placed in the lower position, the shovel can collect sand as you move the excavator. Or, place the shovel in the upper position to keep it out of the way as you drive.
- Once your sand castle is built, remove the PLAYMOBIL flag from the back of the vehicle and attach it to you castle walls. Place the PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3. figure in front of the vehicle through the roof opening.
- Perfect for play either at the beach or in the sandbox – the possibilities are endless!
- Set also includes one figure, excavator with removable shovel, PLAYMOBIL flag, and more.
- Ages: 2+
- MSRP: $24.99
- Available: Amazon
NEXTWAVE – JUMBO BEACH BASKET (AMLOID)
- This bright and colorful activity set is packed with play value with all the accessories kids need to spend hours at the beach or in the sand box with new sand forms and a collection of multifunctional sand tools.
- New features include a sturdy nylon shoulder strap along with a comfort grip handle for easy on-the-go portability. And the collapsible folding case makes clean up a breeze by shaking out water and sand when its time to go. Plus, the cover detaches from the basket to double as a super-sized animal sand form!
- The 15-piece set comes complete with assorted sea creatures and nautical forms, bucket with handle, castle molds, rake, roller, sand spinner, sifter and shovels in a variety of sizes.
- Available in three styles: Flamingo (pink), Whale (purple) and Shark (teal).
- Ages: 2+
- MSRP: $14.99
- Available: Sam’s Club
GEOSAFARI JR BUGBRIGHT (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS)
- Study amazing insects, day and night, with this escape-proof, bug-safe, portable habitat!
- Bug viewer with quick-capture sliding bottom, LED light with on/off switch, easy-carry handle, and screw-top for feeding.
- Study creepy crawly catches up close with a 5x magnification spot!
- The ONLY light-up bug viewer on the market!
- Requires button cell battery (included)
- Supports STEM learing! Encourages scientific exploration and discovery, introduces the amazing world of life science, and instills a lifelong love of nature.
- Ages: 3-6
- MSRP: $14.99
- Available: Amazon
BUTTERFLY GARDEN GIFT SET WITH LIVE CUP OF CATERPILLARS (INSECT LORE)
- Watching the butterfly life cycle up close is more fun than ever with the Butterfly Garden Gift Set With Live Cup of Caterpillars.
- Feed and observe your very own beautiful butterflies for a few days before releasing them into the wild! The entire transformation takes about three weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity in your area. There is no need to feed your caterpillars; all the nutritious food they require to become beautiful butterflies is included in their cozy cup.
- The adorable flower-shaped butterfly feeder doubles as a handy cup holder while you watch the incredible growth of your caterpillars. Once your caterpillars become chrysalides, it’s time to move them to their airy mesh habitat – perfect for butterfly viewing!
- Use the feeding pipette to place delicious sugar water, or nectar, on the sponge in the butterfly feeder; your butterflies will thank you!
- Our Deluxe Chrysalis Station is a cute and handy way to hang your chrysalides while you wait for your butterflies to emerge. When it’s time to move your chrysalides from the cup, simply place the entire lid (with hanging chrysalides) into the slot in the plastic log – then wait for the magical transformation!
- Includes Five LIVE baby caterpillars and nutritious food.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: insectlore.com
UNCLE MILTON: STAR WARS SCIENCE – JAKKU SCAVENGER METAL DETECTOR (BASIC FUN!)
- Explore and uncover metal treasures just like a scavenger on Planet Jakku!
- Find metal and watch this real detector activate with flashing lights and authentic Star Wars sound effects.
- Hide coins or other metals inside the four included scavenger targets or find your own treasures!
- The Jakku Scavenger Metal Detector is designed after Rey’s Staff and the lightweight, ergonomic design is great for kids.
- Features a red LED light for nighttime explorations and a sensitivity control dial. Includes a full-color science learning poster where you can learn about the Planet Jakku, Rey, and how metal detectors work.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: Amazon
