Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined Great Day Live on CBS in Tampa to show off some hot new STEM toys that are so much fun, kids won’t realize 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.


3D BUILD & PLAY

Insert a colorful strand of BPA-free, nontoxic material and crank the handle to create custom 3D characters, animals, and more. Includes a themed storybook and backdrops to extend the fun. Helps build fine motor skills.

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APOLLO — A GAME INSPIRED BY THE NASA MOON MISSIONS

Families work together in this cooperative strategy game to get to the moon and back. One player acts as Mission Control while the others play as astronauts. Resolve flight stages, repair systems, and complete experiments.

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LEGO DUPLO MODULAR PLAYHOUSE

Teach toddlers about everyday life with this modular set that kids can build as either a tower or a residential house. Includes parent and child figures, a pet dog figure, and accessories.

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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.

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  • Ages: 9+
  • Manufacturer: BASIC FUN!
  • MSRP: $49.99-$59.99

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SMITHSONIAN JELLYFISH TANK

Kids can watch a bloom of “jellyfish” that “swim” in this colorful, LED-lit tank. The tank includes three jellyfish figures and a full color poster.

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