With so many toys out there, it’s important for parents and gift-givers to consider the educational benefits of toys before making a purchase. While everyone wants the product to be fun, many toys that teach feature “stealth learning” elements, meaning kids don’t even know they are learning while they are playing. There are tons of toys like these on the market, and kids love them!
In the video above watch as our Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stops by WPIX to show off toys that teach!
- This kids’ tablet is preloaded with more than 200 educational apps, videos, songs, and e-books so there’s no need to buy additional apps.
- Little Scholar provides users with lessons based on the “standard curriculum” subject for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders in math, reading, spelling, logic, geography, science, and creativity.
- An App Management Tool is available for parents to tailor the content to fit learning needs for children.
- Features an 8-inch screen and run on a Google Android 4.2.2 operating system.
- Ages: 3-7
- MSRP: $149.99-$199.99
Discovery Kids Talking USA Puzzle (Tek Nek Toys)
- The Discovery Kids Talking USA Puzzle” identifies the state name, capital city and nickname for each of the 50 states.
- The 44 removable puzzle pieces help children learn geography and conveniently fit in the storage drawer.
- The puzzle also features additional Discovery Fun FactsTM , as voiced by a child, for things like the Statue of Liberty and the American Flag.
- The large 18″x13″ format is easy to read and the easy grip handle fits different sized hands. It includes a bonus poster with a fun fact matching game and 2 AA batteries included.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $29.99
GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit (GoldieBlox)
- With more than 190 pieces, GoldieBlox and the Builder’s survival kit offers of fun and endless possibilities.
- Goldie’s Field Notes (included in the Builder’s Survival Kit), offers kids a wide-eyed perspective of Goldie’s world, her friends and family, and all of her secret inventions.
- GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit gives inventors the freedom to chose their own difficulty level.
- Kids develop spatial skills through basic engineering principles and building their reading skills and confidence.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $59.99
Geek & Co. Ultralight Airplanes (Thames & Kosmos)
- Construct awesome flying gliders with ultralight plastic and bamboo parts.
- Build five different types of planes with different wing configurations to learn how wings provide lift and how planes stay up in the air.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $19.95
The Original Super Spirograph Design Set (Kahootz)
- Aspiring artists ca
n create millions of amazing designs with this re-engineered set of the original Spirograph. - The kit features a high quality, durable carrying case with snap-in storage and a built-in drawing surface.
- The precision engineered Spirograph gears work with the 3 design pens included in the set as well as with most standard pens, markers and pencils.
- The new Spiro-Putty holds the Spirograph pieces securely on the paper so that you can create intricately beautiful designs with no holes in the paper!
- Includes 19 Spirograph Precision Wheels, 2 Spirograph Rings, 1 Spirograph Precision Rack, Reusable Spiro-Putty, 3 Fine Line Design Pens, 14-Page Guide Book, 20 Sheets of Design Paper, and a Carry-Along Storage Case with a built-in work surface.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Tipster “My First Robot”, WowWee’s first ever entry-level robot loves to play, move around, balance, and more.
- Tipster enables children to experiment with weights and balances using mini-Tipster character pieces and ladders to hone his or her motor skills in an unforced way that promotes learning, all while being challenging and fun at the same time!
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Kids can design and build their own jumbo-sized robot as they learn about motors, sensors, gears, and how they all function.
- Robots snap together using intuitive tool-less components.
- Fosters creative STEM learning through hands-on play.
- 64 different programing variations.
- Learn about the robot’s brain, the centralized computer that powers the robot, and how the creature is brought to life.
- Available models inclue: VEX Robotics Ant, Strandbeast, Scarab, and Spider.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $49.99+
