Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined California Live to show off some of the summer’s best new educational toys that are so much fun, kids won’t even realize they’re also learning. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and be sure to check out The Toy Insider’s 2020 Spring & Summer 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.

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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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DESIGN & DRILL BOLT BUDDIES

Welcome to the world of Design & Drill Bolt Buddies, where little ones learn the basics of STEM learning, as well as simple construction and engineering while building fine motor skills with tools designed to be just right for tiny hands. This toy’s innovative packaging was designed to be a storage bin and transform into a playset that becomes part of a unique, reusable and sustainable playtime experience - further inspiring a kid’s imagination and creativity. The Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car allows kids to build their own race car and use a real-working drill to add a Bolt Buddy to the driver’s seat for a thrilling and drilling race to the finish line. The Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Rocket collides imagination and construction play into a kid-friendly drill to build your rocket ship, adding Bolt Buddies to the astronaut’s seat for a thrilling and drilling blast off! Creativity blossoms with the Design & Drill STEM Garden as busy builders place the stems, select and stack the petals, and use the kid-friendly power drill and a colorful bolt to secure them in place—then watch them bloom before their very eyes! The STEM Garden supports STEM learning, enhances fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination, develops patterning skills, and helps build kids’ confidence while engaging in imaginative play.

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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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JIXELZ

Each puzzle set comes with hundreds of precision-cut, micro jigsaw pieces. Kids can use the included templates to create pre-determined designs or create their own. Jixels hold together strong and fit together with ease.

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