These Are the Best Educational Toys for Kids
Starting your baby’s development can be challenging. There are ways to develop social-emotional skills at home , but play is one of the best ways to activate your child’s gross and fine motor skills and help them begin to understand the world around them. As researchers continue to study how to improve learning at a young age, toy makers continue to create products that expand their mental abilities and teach them how to communicate with others.
Here are some of the best (and best-reviewed) educational toys available for toddlers that will stimulate their learning and give them an edge.
Magnetic blocks
Kids love Magna-Tiles . They’re also expensive and break easily under an adult’s foot, causing the small magnets inside the plastic casing to pose a choking hazard. The maker of this affordable version of the popular construction set assures parents that the plastic casing is stronger and safer than competitors’, but is still compatible with any sets they already own.
LeapFrog Dino’s Delighting Day Alphabet
My boys became obsessed with dinosaurs when they were little, so I wish I had known about this toy sooner . This is a complete 16 page story filled with sounds and words that will introduce your kids to the alphabet. If your child isn’t in the mood to read a book, they can enjoy other interactive elements, including buttons they can press to play songs or learn numbers.
Play food set
Children always want to help in the kitchen, but when they are little, it can be a dangerous place for them. This safe and colorful play food set gives little ones an idea of the journey their food takes from farm to table, how to prepare a favorite dish and how to use knives properly. (Plus, bananas actually peel!)
STEM dinosaur toys
Any parent knows that stepping on a LEGO brick hurts like hell. These toys allow children to build something without the fear of stray bricks falling under their feet. Kids can use a battery-powered drill or screwdriver to build their favorite dinosaur, or even create a new beast that will make the scientists in Jurassic World jealous. My boys received these as a gift a few years ago and they were able to hone their motor skills to put them together on their own.
LCD writing tablet
Using a drawing app on a tablet or phone can be fun for your child, but long-term use poses serious risks to their developing visual system. This erasable sketch pad is safe for your child’s eyes and will allow him to create his next artistic masterpiece. They can then click the button below to start over and try again.
Musical toy bus
There’s a big difference between singing “Wheels of the Bus” and actually moving the wheels of the bus. This toy also rides on its own, encouraging your little one to move around to catch it. There are also vehicle sounds and lights, colorful animal figures to play with and play with, and a mode that helps kids learn.
INNO Pad
Just like the electronic toys of the 80s, this tablet uses removable cards and sounds to help kids learn shapes and animals, and learn to tell time. Some reviews note that younger children can also enjoy the game with the help of their parents.
Musical piano mat
Your little one probably hasn’t seen Big yet, but you can recreate the best scenes from the movie every day with this durable and colorful piano mat . It plays the sounds of a variety of instruments, helps your child learn music, and keeps them active while you play Heart and Soul all the time. You can also adjust the volume when your child goes solo.
Play foam
This kinetic sand alternative allows your child to squeeze a variety of shapes and objects using a safe and durable material . It’s also easy to clean up and beats the messy slime their aunt gave them for their birthday.
Career Training Care for Me
Does your little one want a puppy? Before you head to the adoption agency, take a look at this adorable toy version . It has everything your baby needs to feed and care for him, and the pet carrier introduces him to colors, shapes, letters, and fun songs and sounds.
The best educational toys for babies:
- Magnetic Blocks ($19.99)
- LeapFrog Dino’s Delightful Day Alphabet ($24.99)
- Play food set ($22.98)
- Trunk Dinosaur Toys ($20.99)
- LCD Writing Tablet ($13.99)
- Musical Toy Bus ($19.97)
- INNO Pad ($33.98)
- Musical Piano Mat ($17.99)
- Play Foam ($8.95)
- Care for Me Training ($19)