Image: MomJunction Design Team
Children are perceptive and learn from their surroundings quickly. So, we have compiled a list of the best educational toys for kids to help them reach their developmental milestones. Playing with toys helps enhance creativity and encourages problem-solving and cognitive skills to aid their overall development. Your child can learn new things and hone hidden abilities through fun playtime.
With multiple features, designs, colors, and more, choosing the right toy for your child may be challenging. So, go through our list of the best-selling products to find one that suits your child’s interests.
Top Picks
25 Best Educational Toys For Kids To Enhance Their Skills In 2024
1. Best Building Block: Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 48,382 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
This award-winning building block set helps kids create tall towers and buildings while trying to maintain the perfect balance. The 80 brightly colored blocks are designed to develop fine motor skills. Check out a tester’s experience in this review video to know more about this product.
Age: One to Five years
Pros
- Designed for tiny hands
- Storage bag included
- Encourages hands-on play
- Can be combined with other Mega Bloks preschool toys
Cons
- Blocks may fit together loosely
2. Best Stackable Tile: Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 10,326 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
This highly durable magnetic 3D tiles set allows your kid to stack and match 32 different tiles in different shapes and build anything, enabling hours of imaginative play. Here is an informative review video that tells you more about the product.
Age: Three years and above
Pros
- Tiles are made of food-grade ABS plastic
- Promotes imaginative play
- Helps develop creative thinking
- Helps develop STEM skills
Cons
- Magnets may not be powerful enough
3. Best CPSC-Compliant: LiKee Wooden Pattern Blocks Animals Jigsaw Puzzle
This wooden pattern set comes with various shaped blocks to create different figures. It consists of flashcards with images that your child can refer to recreate using the blocks. The puzzle features an iron box for safe storage and easy transfer. To know more about this puzzle game, watch this video
Age: Three years and above
Pros
- Includes 36 wooden blocks and 60 pattern cards
- CPSC-compliant
- Made from non-toxic materials
- Develops spatial awareness and pattern recognition
- Helps teach shape and color recognition
Cons
- Wiring may not be well connected
- Instructions may seem technical to some
Did you know?4. Best Non-Toxic: Uncle Goose Periodic Table Blocks
If your child finds memorizing different scientific elements difficult, this periodic table set might help them out. It contains 20 blocks, and learning the periodic table through a game is a lot more fun than learning with a pencil and paper.
Age: Two years and above
Pros
- Made from basswood
- Made from non-toxic paint
- Lead-free
- Can help develop interest in science
Cons
- Cannot be used to make periodic table as cubes contain elements on all six sides
Trivia5. Best STEM Learning: SmartLab Toys Smart Circuits
Your little engineer may often bug you with questions about the workings of electronic devices. This engineering toy can help you clarify their doubts in a fun way. It contains wires, boards, a microprocessor, and just about everything that engineers require to build a functional electronic board.
Age: Eight years and above
Pros
- Comes with illustrated manual with step by step instructions for 50 projects
- Enables kids to create custom games and gadgets
- Perfect STEM toy for kids interested in engineering
- Helps understand the basics of electronics
Cons
- Connector holes may be small
- Connections may be loose
6. Best Problem-Solving: Kid K’NEX – Budding Builders Building Set
A building set challenges kids to think beyond the usual and create something unique and interesting. It puts a child’s problem-solving skills to the test. Promoting STEM and creative thinking, the building set contains 100 colorful pieces for countless creations and includes an instruction manual with 50 different building ideas.
Age: Three years and above
Pros
- Develops fine motor skills
- Improves dexterity
- Sharpens hand-eye coordination
- Comes with a reusable storage tub
Cons
- Pieces may be a bit brittle
7. Best Circuit-Making Educational Toy: Snap Circuits Beginner Electronics Exploration Kit
Building a circuit is not an easy task, but some kids still want to learn it. This kit contains 14 different parts mounted on plastic modules. If your little one is interested in building electronic circuits, then they can start with this fun and interesting beginner’s circuit set.
Age: Five to Nine years
Pros
- No tools required
- Comes with extra safety measures for kids
- Can be used to make numerous projects
- Easy to follow instructions and manual
Cons
- Pieces may be smaller than expected
8. Best Word-Learning Educational Toy: Liwin Let’s Go! Spelling Game
Liwin Let’s Go! game includes 28 double-sided word cards and 52 colorful lowercase letters that can help develop a child’s letter recognition skills and encourage them to learn. With vivid pictures and bright colors, this easy-to-use Montessori toy can improve your child’s hand-eye coordination and vocabulary.
Age: Three to eight years
Pros
- Enhances language development
- Includes a storage bag
- Rounded design for safety
- Safe and non-toxic
- Easy to grasp
Cons
- Cards may be thinner than expected
- Paint may chip off
9. Best Easy-To-Follow: Learn & Climb Mega Magic Tricks Set for Kids
Does your child have a keen interest in magic? This magic set lets your child perform their very own magic tricks. The magic wand included in the set helps with effective role-play. Two-level box contains 28 props to perform various magic tricks and also includes a two-drawer magic performance table.
Age: Five years and above
Pros
- Comes with a step-by-step DVD from Master Magician Leif Davis
- Props made from safe quality materials
- Picture-only instructions included for better understanding of tricks
- Two drawer magic performance table included for better storage
Cons
- Pieces may not be durably built
"I love how engaging this magic kit is; it is also made of good-quality materials. The mix of easy and elaborate tricks and the well-detailed instruction manual make things simple and entertaining for my child. Overall, it's a great buy, and I will recommend it for young aspiring magicians!"
Quick fact10. Best For Strategy-Learning : Chess Armory 15-inch Wooden Chess Set
Ask for a brain developing game and a regular shopkeeper will hand you a game of chess. This board game involves tremendous strategic thinking in order to master it. The board comes with felted bottoms to protect the surface area from scratches, interior straps to hold pieces together, and the wooden pieces come housed in a classic foldable wooden box with hinges.
Age: 3 years and above
Pros
- Suitable for new and seasoned players
- Portable chess board with durable design
- Promotes critical and logical thinking
- Improves memory and concentration skills
Cons
- Squares may be misaligned
- Chess pieces may be prone to toppling
11. Best For Motor Skills: Eti Construction Engineering Building Blocks Set
A construction-based building game allows your kid to use their imagination to its maximum extent. The 101 building block set brings their creativity into play and promotes fine motor skills. With an easy-to-follow instructions manual and a plastic box for storing it safely, the tried-and-tested developmental toy helps improve logical thinking as well.
Age: Three years and above
Pros
- Promotes teamwork
- Lead-free
- Washable pieces
- Certified for safety by Independent Third Party Lab
Cons
- Parts may come off easily
12. Best Durable: USA Toyz LED Constellation Globe For Kids
Gone are the days when a globe would show just the geographical locations of continents and places. This 3-in-1 globe additionally displays constellations and emits a soft glow at night. The kit includes a durable steel globe stand and a power cord.
Age: Three years and above
Pros
- Bright illuminations
- Suitable for teaching astronomy and geography
- Well-illustrated constellation booklet included for learning about stars
- App included for enhanced learning
Cons
- Maps may not be accurate enough
- Globe may not spin smoothly
13. Best For Brain Buidling: Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Preschool Card Set
Let your kid rack their brains in a fun way with this card set containing various puzzle , tongue twisters, vocabulary builders, and much more. The trusted cognitive toy set comes with 120 cards containing various questions, puzzles, and activities in a wacky pants shaped case.
Age: Three to five years
Pros
- Content made to suit different grades
- Appealing design
- Encourages screen-free time
- Developed with the help of educators
Cons
- May be a bit challenging for preschool levels
14. Best For Science Exploration: Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit
Science exploration, though complicated, can be fun when done through a game. This science kit comes with several science experiments using just regular household items, so your kid enjoys science a little more. It includes 55 pieces of instruments and apparatus required to conduct more than 60 experiments.
Age: Five years and above
Pros
- DVD included for better understanding
- Comes with a manual for instructions
- STEM-certified experiments for mental stimulation
- Shatter-resistant equipment
Cons
- Measurements may not be accurate
- Projects may occupy a lot of space
15. Best For Terrarium Adventure: Dan&Darci Light-Up Terrarium Kit For Kids
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 14,154 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
A mini garden in your child’s room sounds cool, right? This little jar holds a little plant that grows inside it while the lid of the jar emits light. The kit contains a USB cable for power, a terrarium jar, vermiculite soil, blue sand, river rocks, wheatgrass, chia seeds, and other essential items to create a mini garden. It also includes two figurines, a bunny, and a mushroom house, for hands-on learning.
Age: Six years and above
Pros
- Helps develop a love for nature in kids
- User manual included
- STEM-authenticated educational product
- Contents in the jar can be customized
Cons
- Does not come with seeds
- Requires consistent attention for the plant to grow
16. Best For Numeracal Skills: LeapFrog 2-In-1 Leaptop Touch
Kids’ laptops are made for easy learning of the alphabet, numbers, and more. This laptop cum tablet doubles as a math toy and comes with a swivel screen that makes playing with it more fun. It Includes five modes — ABCs, numbers, games, music, messages, and games for language development and numeracy skills.
Age: Four to five years
Pros
- Comes with role-playing activities
- Lightweight model for easy handling
- Laptop is customizable
- Available in two bright colors to choose from
Cons
- Screen may not stand upright for long durations
17. Best Problem Solving Skills: Lego Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Fun Robot Building Set
This STEM robot building set is for kids who like to assemble and dismantle tools. The kit comes with 847 LEGO pieces to build five different models. It also has a detailed guide about the models given in the free LEGO BOOST app. This tested kit also comes with a playmat and a lego boost wallpaper.
Age: Seven to 12 years
Pros
- Improves problem-solving skills
- Toy Of The Year Award 2018 recipient
- Compatible with other Lego toys
- Helps construct and code different figures
Cons
- Software may experience glitches
- Coding part is possible only with select-few devices
18. Best For Science Enthusiasts: Sphero SPRK+ App-Enabled Robot Ball
Science enthusiasts will understand why this is not just a regular ball. It is a programmable robot ball that is durably coated with a UV-plastic body. The ball can also perform various functions through codes set via a mobile application.
Age: Five to 14 years
Pros
- Water and scratch-resistant
- Sensors include gyroscope, motor encoders, and LED lights
- Bluetooth-compatible up to 100 feet
- Suitable for learning coding languages like Java, Scratch, and Swift
Cons
- Wireless connection may snap occasionally
- Requires battery replacements from time to time
19. Best For Creativity: VTech Write & Learn Creative Center
Your child’s creativity will have no bounds with this doodling board. Let your child doodle to their heart’s content. The tried-and-tested kit includes a magnetic pen, two magnetic stamps, and eight stencils to enable kids to practice drawing.
Age: Three to six years
Pros
- Customizable creative center
- Encourages kids to practice drawing
- Comes with animated demonstrations
- Lightweight body
Cons
- May not suit left-handers
- Volume may not be loud enough
20. Best For Gifting: Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Kidnoculars
Your child’s creativity will have no bounds with this doodling board. Let your child doodle to their heart’s content with this learning toy kit that includes a magnetic pen, two magnetic stamps, and eight stencils to enable kids to practice drawing.
Age: Three to six years
Pros
- Focus-free
- Comes with large eyepieces so kids can look through easily
- Built to withstand rough handling
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Magnification may not be adequate
21. Best For Creative Construction: Educational Insights Design & Drill Activity Center
Looking for a creative construction toy that supports STEM learning? This drill activity kit might be what you are looking for. This science center consists of 120 plastic bolts, a kid-friendly power drill, a screwdriver, a combination range, two drill bits, and 20 activity cards.
Age: Three to six years
Pros
- Designed and developed by teachers
- Develops color recognition and design creation skills
- Builds fine motor skills
- Helps enhance coordination through drilling
Cons
- Installing batteries might be a hassle
22. Best Interactive: Learning Resources Super Magnet Lab Kit
Interactive toys make learning simple and convenient. This magnetic set too makes it easy for kids to learn the power and effects of magnets.
Age: 3 years and above
Pros
- Helps develop early understanding of physics
- Contains 119 playable pieces
- Helps develop fine motor skills
- Encourages critical thinking skills
- Clear and simple instructions in activity guide
Cons
- Small parts can be choking hazards
23. Best Innovative: Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit
Ever enjoyed playing domino games? Those simple games are based on the principle of chain reactions. Similarly, this kit contains 33 lego pieces built to ten different machines and games that enable kids to build their own set of chain reactions and enjoy the tricks of science.
Age: Eight years and above
Pros
- Encourages kids to be innovative
- Comprehensive instruction booklet included
- Nappa Silver award winner
- Klutz-certified crystals included
Cons
- May require extra materials to perform chain reactions
24. Best For Observation: National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes
Geodes are hollow rocks made of minerals. These rocks are gorgeous, and observing their sparkling mineral-filled inner portion can be fascinating. This set allows kids to observe and learn about geodes.
Age: Eight years and above
Pros
- Comes with a learning guide and and safety goggles
- Apt for kids interested in geology
- Develops interest in observation and exploration
- Natural geodes included
Cons
- Rocks may be too sandy
- Geodes may be difficult to open
25. Best Craft Kit: 4M Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit
Older kids who love experimenting with complicated things might enjoy this crystal-growing experimental kit. It contains crystal-growing compounds, display domes, and stirring supplies to help you grow crystals in the color of your choice.
Age: 10 to 15 years
Pros
- Detailed instructions guide included for conducting experiments
- Helps develop a liking for science in children and offers sensory stimulation
- Selected by the University of Cambridge in Cambridge Science Festival
- Does not need additional supplies
Cons
- May require adult supervision since it involves experimenting with chemicals
How To Select The Best Educational Toys For Kids?
Here are a few points to consider before buying educational toys for your kids.
Age: Every toy brand mentions the appropriate age category for the toy on the package. The toys are designed considering the cognitive development and physical development of kids belonging to that specific age range. So, always check for the age group mentioned on the package as you would not want your toddler stuck with a card game that they may not know how to use.
Interest: Buying your kids an engineering kit when they have no interest in building new structures is a sheer waste of money. Your child has to be genuinely interested in the game for it to be fun. Choose educational toys your child loves and would like to play for long.
STEM: For older kids, a toy that promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning is usually preferable since it could help them develop an interest in these fields.
Now that you know what to look for in educational toys for kids, have a look at the following toys that we have selected for your child. Playing with these educational toys may benefit your kid in many ways.
Why Trust MomJunction?
The author of this post, Shreya Viswanathan, is interested in writing and reviewing kid’s products including gifts and toys. She fetches the most popular and best-selling products from trustworthy sources for kids. Shreya has considered numerous interesting and age-appropriate features and user reviews in selecting this list of the best educational toys for kids. These tried-and-tested toys promote the overall development of children, besides facilitating a joyful playtime. Also included are a few tips to help you choose the most suitable educational toy for your child.
Children find educational toys engaging, and these toys help them develop different skills and keep them occupied for hours. These toys are usually designed to stimulate the child’s brain while making learning more fun. The best educational toys listed here include a wide range of items, from bags and jigsaw puzzles to color sets and exploration kits. When hunting for an educational toy for your little one, ensure it is age-appropriate and make sure it matches their interests and helps them learn new things about the world in creative ways.
Infographic: Types Of Educational Toys For Children
Educational toys help children learn about the world, themselves, and other academic subjects. They are valuable tools that keep children engaged in learning and improving their skills. Check out the types of educational toys you can purchase for your child to nurture their skills and creativity while making learning more fun.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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