Toy Insider Senior Editor Maddie Michalik joined Cincy Lifestyle in Cincinnati to show off some fun education toys that teach kids without the use of screens. 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.

BLUE’S CLUES & YOU! REALLY SMART HANDY DANDY NOTEBOOK

Talk on the phone with Blue and Josh, check email with Mailbox, and dance to songs inspired by the Nick Jr. series. Features 14 app icons that introduce shapes, colors, counting, health, hygiene, weather, and music.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

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SQUISHY WATER BEADS SCIENCE LAB

Learn about the states of matter through crafty science experiments and squishy, sensory play. Activities include creating a squishy stress ball, a scented mini mood lamp, and a calming mood tube. Learn about the states of matter through crafty science experiments and squishy, sensory play. Activities include creating a squishy stress ball, a scented mini…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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BEAKER CREATURES MONSTERGLOW LAB

This kit includes all the tools kids need for hands-on science experiments, including glowing and bubbling reactions. Kids will enhance their observational and problem-solving skills, plus they will discover glow-in-the-dark collectible creatures hidden inside Reactor Pods. This kit includes all the tools kids need for hands-on science experiments, including glowing and bubbling reactions. Kids will…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCE MAGIC

Perform 10 science experiments that can also double as magic tricks. Change the color of water, make snow appear instantly, hold a delicate bubble in the palm of your hand, and more. Includes detailed instructions and scientific facts. Perform 10 science experiments that can also double as magic tricks. Change the color of water, make…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

K’NEX ARCHITECTURE

Kids can discover their inner architect by snapping together rods and connectors to build designs including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and the London Eye. Each set comes with historical information about the landmark and detailed easy-to-follow, step-by-step building instructions. Kids can discover their inner architect by snapping together rods and connectors to…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99-$59.99
  • Age:
  • 9+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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