Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined ABC in Chicago to show off some great STEM toys that are as fun as they are educational. 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.


BLOCKAROO WINDMILL

Blockaroos were developed by teachers and are the easiest construction toy for preschoolers ever developed! Blockaroo Blocks are a new way to build. These soft foam magnetic blocks click together like magic, rotate 360-degrees, and always attract to each other, creating a multi-sensory experience. They also float which means that this unique construction toy doubles as the ULTIMATE Bath toy! Because they’re water safe, Parents love that they can easily sanitize these blocks in the dishwasher!

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 18 MOS.+
  • Manufacturer: BLUE MARBLE
  • MSRP: $49.99; $69.99 CAN

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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.

Fast Facts

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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.

Fast Facts

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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.

Fast Facts

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

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DIY MUSIC MAKER SCIENCE LAB

Explore the science of pitch, vibration, and acoustics while making a box guitar, a pan flute, and an ocean drum. Features a 36-page, illustrated storybook and activity guide that includes 10 STEM-based activities.

Fast Facts

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

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