Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined The Today Show on NBC to show off some of the smartest educational toys of the holiday season. 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.


PUZZLEGEARS: GLOBE

Teens can build a beautiful, library-worthy globe full of amazing details and fun surprises! This D.I.Y. experience is a thrilling introduction to the amazing history of cartography. It features all the Earth's continents presented in relief and engraved with the names of all the capital cities. The sides of the base feature stunning renditions of the eight wonders of the world and the stand is engraved with latitudinal degrees. Two secret compartments in the base slide open freely, while a third is securely locked. Turn the dials to line up the astrological symbols with their matching constellations to unlock it! Includes 567 laser-cut wood pieces to build the globe.

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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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SPEAK & SPELL

One of the earliest computerized learning systems, the Speak & Spell helps kids learn to spell using a speech synthesizer. Multiple play modes and challenge levels help kids have fun and learn at the same time.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 7+
  • Manufacturer: BASIC FUN!
  • MSRP: $24.99; $34.99 CAD

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BIG BOGGLE

The family-favorite for more than 30 years is back and bigger than ever. For the first time, a “Double Letter” cube makes it easier to form valuable words. Features more cubes and letters than the original game.

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SILLY FACES GAME

A remake of the classic preschool game from Colorforms! This silly face-making game is easy to learn and super fun for kids and families to play together. Players spin the spinner, land on a space and choose their Silly Face piece.

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  • Ages: 3+
  • Manufacturer: KAHOOTZ TOYS
  • MSRP: $19.99; CAD $26.26

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LEARN-A-LOT AVOCADOS

The four pop-apart avocados feature emoji-style faces that spin and change to help babies identify different emotions. Build color and matching skills with the avocados’ colorful interiors. Also includes a storage crate.

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RING FIT ADVENTURE

In this Nintendo Switch game, players use real-life movement and exercises to explore 20 worlds and battle enemies, especially Dragaux the dragon. Features multiple play modes and comes with Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 10+
  • Manufacturer: NINTENDO
  • MSRP: $79.99

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HANDS FULL

Grab, twist, and tangle with the Hands Full game, featuring three different play modes. Master moves solo, play together with friends, or get competitive and see who can be the last one holding on.

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  • Ages: 8+
  • Manufacturer: WOWWEE
  • MSRP: $24.99

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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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