As a mom, I’m always looking for toys that will help my kids learn and keep them entertained for longer than it takes to open the packaging! I’m a huge believer of letting kids learn through playing. So I have compiled a list of educational toys for different age groups.
When it is the girls’ birthday or around Christmas, I often get asked what would they like as a gift? So I started a list of toys that not only are fun, but ones that are also educational. I’ve also added toys for the younger kids that my girls have enjoyed over the years.
Best educational toys for Babies (Ages 2-12 months)
Bright Starts Lots of Links Accessory Toy
24 hard plastic, brightly colored rings that are textured and made of a hard plastic so they are ok to chew on. They are great for teething as they can be washed easily. The rings open up enough to attach to the stroller or to other toys.
As the kids grow older, they are good to develop hand control and to learn colors.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Help your baby learn to walk more confidently with this walker. Start out without the wheels as a toy on the floor that allows your baby to play with the buttons, spinners, telephone, gears, and piano as they learn their numbers and colors all while having fun. Switch between the learning and music modes for even more fun.
When your baby is ready, attach the wheels and give them something to push as they gain confidence walking. The music and sound effects are motion-activated to encourage your child to keep moving.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
A musical player for babies. This musical toy plays 7 different classical pieces from Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin and Rossini. It has a large button that allows your baby to change the song and also has a colorful display of lights. Unlike some musical toys, the classical pieces aren’t annoying but there is a volume and off switch.
Best educational toys for Toddlers (Ages 1-3 years)
Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle
This 51 piece floor puzzle measures 2 by 3 feet when assembled and is an exciting way to learn geography. Each state is brightly colored and labeled with the state name, capital and many states include a picture icon that represents the state. The pieces are well made and easy to clean.
VTech Touch and Teach Word Book
An electronic book that encourages reading through interactive sounds, music and words. On 12 detailed touch sensitive pages, your child can learn their ABCs and over 100 words by associating pictures and sounds with the words. Your child will learn words from different categories including around the home, food, toys, and the zoo. There are 4 different games to plays including What’s That Word?, Letter Fun, Music Time and Find It Quiz Game and 16 different melodies.
LEGO DUPLO
A great introduction into the Lego world as Duplo has larger pieces for the smaller hands. This box set contains 65 pieces including a boy figure, pieces to build a wagon with wheels, 2 windows that open and a puppy dog. It also comes in a lego shaped storage box! The instructions are easy to read with numbers that match the bricks to help your child learn their numbers.
Best educational toys for Preschoolers (3-5 years)
The Learning Journey Match It! Spelling
An introduction to spelling that uses pictures, letters and puzzles. Teaches basic spelling of 3 and 4 letter words such as pig, car, dog, cow, bus, bug, key, cat, fox, pie, boat, cake, tree, shoe, sock, bird, duck, frog, ring, and kite. The use of puzzles is smart as the pieces will only link together in the right sequence.
ALEX Toys Little Hands Ready, Set, School
Learn to cut, write the alphabet, numbers, shapes and even tie shoe laces with this skill building set for pre schoolers. There are 78 activities in total and the 4 practice books are wipe away with the included marker. The box contains, stencils, stickers, safety scissors, activity pages and practice books.
Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!
Get your child building with this innovative gear set. A set of 95 brightly colored gears, cranks and connectors that will have your child creating new inventions all while learning simple mechanics. The pieces are easy to connect and do not require additional tools. Once your child creation is complete, he’ll be able to turn the crank to watch with amazement how each gear turns the next one. What will your child create first? A race car, a drawbridge, the possibilities are endless!
Best educational toys for Gradeschoolers (Ages 5-12 years)
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit
Discover how electronics work with this kit of more than 30 pieces that transform into over 100 different projects, including a volume adjustable siren. Your child can create working circuit boards with easy to assemble pieces that do not require soldering or tools while learning about how common electronics work.
Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit
A great combination of science and magic, this science kit includes the instructions and ingredients to make 9 potions and tricks, including a Magic Wand. Not only will your child have fun learning the magic, they will also learn about chemical reactions and the science behind the magic.
Kano Computer Kit with Screen
Computers can be a wonderful learning tool. The Kano computer kit aims to teach kids and adults how to build a simple computer and to learn to program using scratch. The instructions are very easy to follow, even the most technically inept can work it out because all the parts go together like lego. The computer kit is geared towards ages 6+ years. I’ve found that because of the reading involved 6-7 will require parental assistance, which has led to some well spent time together. It’s not until 8 years and older that kids can manage on their own.
The kit comes in two version.
The computer and keyboard which connects to a tv with a HDMI cable
The complete kit that includes computer, keyboard and screen
Final thoughts
It’s hard to find the right toys for kids. As a parent, you want to give them the best, but you also need to remember that they are still kids. Hopefully, this list of educational toys for kids under 13 has helped you find just the right toy for your kids or for others.