Looking for some brilliant educational gift ideas that are also fun? Look no further! With a little help from our expert panel of children, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best learning toys for kids. To make things even easier, we’ve divided it up by age. From board games and STEM kits to clever interactive gadgets, here are our top picks!
Top Learning Toys for Kids by Age:
- My First Totem – Magnetic Discovery (1+)
- Locking Door – Wooden Matching Game (18months +)
- Logic – 12 Mini Animal Puzzles (2+)
- Design & Drill Robot Workshop Engineer
- My First Microscope – For Little Hands (3+)
- Spy Tech – E-Building with 30 Fun Projects (3+)
- Stepping Into Science – Kids First (5+)
- Talking Wildlife Camera – With Robert Irwin (4+)
- Architectural Engineering – Design and Construct (8+)
- Build Your Own Periscope – So Cool! (5+)
- Insect Viewer – See Nature Up Close
- Engenius Contraptions – Perpetual Marble Run (10+)
Best Learning Toys for Ages 1-3:
My First Totem – Magnetic Discovery , £21.99 £21.99
Build a crazy totem & bright structures with rattling magnetic blocks!
Locking Door – Wooden Matching Game , £12.99 £12.99
Slide the blocks onto the string, then open the door and say hello!
Logic – 12 Mini Animal Puzzles , £9.99 £9.99
Learn about cute animals, their babies & favourite foods – delightful.
Design & Drill Robot Workshop , £39.99 £39.99
Assemble colourful robots with 70+ pieces & a working power drill too!
My First Microscope – Explore your World , £29.99 £29.99
See the world in a new way
Learning Toys for Ages 4-7:
Spy Tech – E-Building with 30 Fun Projects , £25.99 £25.99
Make an intruder alarm, a talking fridge, use Morse code & more.
Stepping Into Science – Kids First , £29.99 £29.99
Easy experiments to answer everyday questions – hands-on fun!
Talking Wildlife Camera – With Robert Irwin , £59.99 £59.99
Interactive slideshow camera with over 130 images and 200 cool facts!
Best Learning Toys for Ages 8-11:
Architectural Engineering – Design and Construct , £49.99 £49.99
Build and experiment on 26 structural models with this 308 piece set.
The Human Body – Science Snippets , £12.99 £12.99
Fascinating set with with more than 70 flashcards
Insect Viewer – See Nature Up Close , £12.99 £12.99
Observe creepy crawlies up close without harming them – fascinating!
Engenius Contraptions – Perpetual Marble Run , £24.99 £24.99
Behold the incredible power of perpetual motion
Frequently Asked Questions about Learning Toys:
Educational toys are a great way to encourage your child’s learning, but it can be tough to find one that they actually enjoy playing with. The best way to pick a toy they’ll love is to start with their interests. Does your child like science? Try a STEM kit. Maybe they prefer pretend play… If so, find a toy that allows for more creative possibilities. It’s also extremely important to choose a toy that’s suitable for your child’s age range and abilities. That’s why we’ve arranged our recommendations above by age, and it’s also why we have options to browse by age on our website!
Yes, absolutely! There are all kinds of board games and card games for all ages, and even the ones that aren’t marketed as ‘educational’ still have many learning benefits. For instance, to play a game, kids must follow directions, understand the rules, and use critical-thinking and communication skills to engage with the game and other players. Of course, games that incorporate elements of general knowledge, maths, and other academic subjects are also a great way to reinforce those concepts and get kids excited about learning!
Introducing educational toys into your child’s early life can be extremely beneficial to their development. These types of toys can spark their curiosity, imagination, knowledge and social skills. More specifically, educational toys can enhance the development of motor skills and physical abilities, hone problem-solving skills, increase concentration, build social skills and encourage creativity and a sense of wonder in the world. Children learn through play, and toys are a vital part of this process!
The answer will vary from child to child because the best educational toy is one that your child actually enjoys playing with! Use our handy information above, as well as our list of recommendations, and you’ll be on your way to choosing something just right!
For more brilliant educational toys for kids, check out what’s popular on our website!
How does a scientist freshen her breath? With experi-mints!
