Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief  Marissa DiBartolo joined Seattle’s KING-TV to show off some of the holiday season’s smartest STEM toys. 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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MEGA CYBORG HAND

Assemble this cyborg hand using more than 200 plastic pieces, then wear the hand to pick up objects using hydraulic power. Adjusts to fit almost all hand sizes and both left and right hands.

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MAGFORMERS 14PC BASIC PLUS SET

Build 3D houses, towers, and the Magformers “magic ball” using the 14 included geometric shapes. Each piece contains magnets that never reject for easy building. When playtime is over, stack the pieces for easy, compact storage.

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BOTLEY 2.0 THE CODING ROBOT

Use the remote programmer to build coding sequences with up to 150 steps, code light shows with Botley’s eyes, or play a game. New features include a light-up sensor and the ability to discover secret codes.

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CIRCUIT EXPLORER

This line of kid-friendly, 3D, circuit-building sets allows kids to match the conduits with simple markings to make custom builds with lights, sounds, and motion. These connectable circuit pieces are simple and durable, so kids can play independently.

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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.

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  • Ages: 5+
  • Manufacturer: HAND2MIND
  • MSRP: $34.99

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BREAK OPEN 10 GEODES KIT

Geology is downright exciting when kids are breaking open rocks and finding crystal treasures! Geodes can form with a variety of crystals inside and National Geographic has searched the globe to bring kids the best variety of geodes in this earth science kit. The included display stand is perfect for showcasing the crystals that kids find and starting a rock collection, while the learning guide will teach them many amazing facts about geodes!

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  • Ages: 8+
  • Manufacturer: BLUE MARBLE
  • MSRP: $24.99; $39.99 CAD

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