Toys

The 23 Best Educational Toys For Different Age Groups & Categories

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best educational toys

 

Overview

Teach your kiddos to learn while having fun by providing the age-appropriate best educational toys. The educational toys listed below can also be great gift ideas for children of all ages.

Educational toys can include:

  • Montessori toys (high-quality, kid-friendly wooden toys designed for open-ended play)
  • Activity sets for numbers, shapes, ABCs, color recognition, etc.
  • Wooden toys (e.g., building blocks, push or pull toys, etc.)
  • Interactive toys
  • DIY toys
  • Toys for imaginative play
  • Tech-based & smart toys
  • Hands-on science experiments (usually for school-age children)
  • Art sets
  • Climbing toys

 

Are Educational Toys Worth It?

Yes. Age-appropriate learning toys help your little one learn about different concepts:

  • STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
  • Basic concepts (ABCs, shapes, numbers, color recognition, etc.)

 

They can also help develop various skills, such as:

  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Fine motor skills
  • Gross motor skills
  • Problem-solving skills

 

What Are Smart Toys For Kids?

“Smart toys” are tech-based educational toys that use modern technology such as electronics, Bluetooth, WiFi, sensors, AI (artificial intelligence) programs, robotics, etc. 

These toys can promote thinking skills and other learning opportunities that your kiddo might not encounter with traditional toys.

WARNING: Because many smart toys are internet-connected, the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) warns parents to be vigilant with their children’s playtime. These toys can increase your child’s risks of data breaches and other internet-related issues. (1)

Consider limiting screen time because prolonged and regular use of smart toys can negatively impact a young child’s social skills and language development. (1)

 

The 23 Best Educational Toys & Gift Ideas

The Best Educational Toys By Age Group

Educational Baby Toys

Hape Rotating Music Box (0+ months)

HAPE BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Rotating music box 
  • Product Safety: Meets American and European safety standards (ASTM F963 and EN 71)
  • Materials: Sustainable wood and water-based, non-toxic paint
  • Age Range: 0+ months
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination and musical skills
  • Extra Features: Musical symbols change color as the box spins
  • Certification: Passes toy safety tests
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Requires manual winding
  • Customer Reviews:

Lovely little music box, cute shape. My kids loved listening to this and watching it gently spin.” – Reviewer on Hape.com

It only plays for a second or two and then you have to move it again to make it work. Very disappointed.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 
LOVEVERY Play Gym (0+ months)

  • Pros & Best Features: Non-toxic baby play matMontessori & Me Rainbow Color Sorting Balls in Cups with an activity center and hanging toys
  • Product Safety: Free from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), fire retardants, and other harmful chemicals
  • Materials: 100% organic cotton, silicone mouthable pieces, and other non-toxic materials
  • Age Range: 0+ months
  • Educational Value: Montessori-inspired development zones for exploration and learning 
  • Extra Features: Converts into a play fort for toddlers (with the play space cover)
  • Certification: OEKO-TEX certification (fabrics are tested for toxic and harmful substances) and FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) for sustainably sourced wood
  • Made In: Network of Asian suppliers 
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

It is so great! It’s been our station for tummy time and our boy LOVES the sensory strands, at 3 months old!” – Reviewer on LOVEVERY

I bought and had to return mine because it takes up a lot more space than regular play gym/mats.” – Reviewer on LOVEVERY

 

Educational Toys For Toddlers

Melissa & Doug Match & Roll Shape Sorter (1+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Colorful shape sorter
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: FSC-certified wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Shape and color recognition, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving
  • Extra Features: Color-coded matching pieces
  • Certification: US (CPSIA), EU, and other safety standards
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about chipping paint and rough, splintered edges
  • Customer Reviews:

Easy for one year old to pick up and play with. She loves the bright colors.” – Eeviewer on Melissa & Doug

“…after 3 months the woodblocks have begun to chip leaving rough splintered edges. We have had to throw away 3 blocks already.” – Reviewer on Melissa & Doug

 

Montessori & Me Rainbow Color Sorting Balls in Cups (toddlers and older)Montessori & me buttonMaisonette ButtonAMAZON BUTTON
  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori-inspired sorting balls
  • Product Safety: 100% non-toxic
  • Materials: Wood and non-toxic paint
  • Age Range: Toddlers (1 year old) and older
  • Educational Value: Fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and sorting skills
  • Extra Features: Includes drawstring bag
  • Certification: ASTM F963, CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) Section 106, and California Proposition 65 (certified to be free from chemicals that can cause cancer, reproductive harm, or congenital disabilities)
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about product quality (chipping paint)
  • Customer Reviews:

“Great quality! Great size! I love that the colors are truly primary and secondary colors! This toy can grow with your child as there are different ways to play with it.” – Reviewer on Amazon

We loved the size of this and the activity is truly engaging but the paint started chipping a week after we bought this!” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

 

Tender Leaf Toys Stacking Coral Reef (18+ months old)

EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Marine-themed, brightly colored stacking blocks
  • Product Safety: Free from lead, PVC, BPS (bisphenol-S) and BPA (bisphenol-A), formaldehyde, and phthalates
  • Materials: Renewable rubberwood pieces and lead-free paint
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Cognitive and physical skills
  • Extra Features: Wooden blocks with different marine creatures
  • Certification: European, American, New Zealand, and Australian toy safety standards
  • Made In: Indonesia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints that the base doesn’t stay standing
  • Customer Reviews:

This is a beautifully made and colorful toy and my grands loved learning the names of the sea creatures.” – Reviewer on Amazon

The item does not stay standing when attempting to stack the items.” – Reviewer on The TOT

 

Learning Toys For Preschoolers

KiwiCo Baking and Fractions (3+ years)

KIWICO BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Play set for learning Math and practical life skills (baking)
  • Product Safety: Rigorous tests for safety standards
  • Materials: Solid wood and cotton
  • Age Range: 3+ years old
  • Educational Value: Pretend play, Math and counting skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive learning
  • Extra Features: Includes recipe cards
  • Certification: Independent product safety testing labs
  • Made In: USA
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Our 3 yr old granddaughter loved this!! The box becomes a stove and she was so excited to bake her cake! Best gift!” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

The pieces are high quality (even though the mixing arm was separated when we opened it, it was easy enough to glue together).”  – Reviewer on KiwiCo

 

Olli Ella Dinkum Dolls Pretend Pack – Fairy (3+ years)

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Sparkly fairy ensemble for Dinkum dolls 
  • Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, lead, formaldehyde, lead, phthalates, and fire retardants
  • Materials: Cloth and tin case 
  • Age Range: 3+ years old
  • Educational Value: Pretend play
  • Extra Features: Can also fit other 14” dolls
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: The shoes are made of biodegradable PVC (you can prevent exposure by not letting your child play with this accessory)
  • Customer Reviews:

All about this set is adorable! The colors, the suitcase, the wings (!! ooooh yes those wings <3 ).” – Reviewer on Olli Ella

The Fairy Dinkum Dolls Pretend Pack is gorgeous. The most beautiful item to dress your Dinkum doll up in.” – Reviewer on Olli Ella

 

Educational Toys For Older Kids

Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle (6+ years old)

WALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Informative puzzle map of the US
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: Extra-thick cardboard pieces
  • Age Range: 6+ years old
  • Educational Value: Geography, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Wipe-clean surface
  • Certification: US (CPSIA), EU, and other safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: No
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality and safety (parts that don’t click together or sharp edges)
  • Customer Reviews:

Grandson loved it and helped him learn the states he is only 3 years old.” – Reviewer on Amazon

My daughter and I had cut our fingers by accident. Some puzzle pieces are too sharp.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

KiwiCo Glow Lab – Science Kit (14+ years)

KIWICO BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Science experiment kit with glowing materials
  • Product Safety: Safe for use as directed (be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves)
  • Materials: Science kit chemicals
  • Age Range: 14+ years
  • Educational Value: Cognitive learning and STEM concepts
  • Extra Features: Includes three chemistry experiments
  • Certification: Independent product safety testing labs
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Only for older kids
  • Customer Reviews:

7 year old really liked the whole project. Colorful, lots of experiments.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

He loved it, but wishes there were more experiments to do with it.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

 

The Best Toys For Learning (By Category)

Montessori-Inspired Toys

LOVEVERY The Enthusiast Play Set (28-30 months)LOVEVERY BUTTON
  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori play kit (subscription-based) 
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (heavy metals) and phthalates
  • Materials: Wood, cardboard, stainless steel, and other child-safe materials
  • Age Range: 28-30 months
  • Educational Value: Pattern recognition, spatial understanding, early STEM learning, fine motor skills, and practical life skills
  • Extra Features: Includes a peg-style shape sorter, learning guide, and baby book
  • Certification: Global regulatory safety standards
  • Made In: Asia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Great toys durable and engaging and love the information you provide for parents.” – Reviewer on LOVEVERY

The quality of the last 2 kits are so disappointing and overcharged.” – Reviewer on LOVEVERY

 

Elm + Otter Egg and Cup Sorting Set (3+ years old)

Product Image 1

Maisonette Button

  • Pros & Best Features: Hand-painted Montessori-inspired egg and cup sorting set
  • Product Safety: Free from toxic chemicals
  • Materials: Wood with water-based, non-toxic paint (plus natural beeswax finish)
  • Age Range: 3+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, pairing, and color recognition
  • Extra Features: Also works with counting sets
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Choking risk; not intended for children below three years old
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

STEM Toys

Step2 Waterpark Wonders Two-Tier Water Table (1.5+ years old)

STEP2 BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Hands-on outdoor water activity center
  • Product Safety: Free from phthalate and heavy metals
  • Materials: Polyethylene and/or polypropylene plastics (US and EU chemical requirements)
  • Age Range: 1.5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Pretend play, sensory exploration, science concepts, social development, and fine motor skills
  • Extra Features: Built-in umbrella
  • Certification: CPSIA, ASTM F-963 Toy Safety, and EU EN7
  • Made In: US
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Possible choking hazards and sharp points
  • Customer Reviews:

The design is great for 2-4 kids. It kind of doubles as a baby pool because they can sit in the bottom green part. My 3 year old loves the orange slide and boats.” – Reviewer on Step2

The top piece legs does not line up with the bottom piece holes. This misalignment could lead to a child falling and hurting themselves with a shift in the table.” – Reviewer on Step2

 

VTech Marble Rush Ultimate Set (4-8 years old)

VTech Marble Rush Ultimate Set, 1 of 10AMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: 145-piece color-coded building set
  • Product Safety: BPA-free
  • Materials: ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
  • Age Range: 4-8 years old
  • Educational Value: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, early engineering skills
  • Extra Features: Includes marbles
  • Certification: US and European safety standards
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Marbles can be a choking risk
  • Customer Reviews:

My nephew loved this for Christmas! He loves to build things, so this was a perfect gift that wasn’t legos!” – Reviewer on Amazon

The problem we have is that the 10 plastic marbles supplied (22mm or 7/8″ diameter) do go missing. We are down to 2 now and there is nowhere I can find that sells replacements or alternatives other than glass.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Toys For Cognitive Learning & Critical Thinking

Educational Insights Blurt! Word Game (7+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Word-based learning board game
  • Product Safety: Not indicated
  • Materials: Wipeable board
  • Age Range: 7+ years old
  • Educational Value: Vocabulary
  • Extra Features: Good for 3-12 players
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Contains small parts (possible choking risks)
  • Customer Reviews:

It’s very engaging and keeps everyone on their toes-ready to “blurt” out the word once the clue/definition has been read.” – Reviewer on Walmart

This game is downright STUPID, for any player, any age. Do not waste your money on this junk.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Elm + Otter Felt Alphabet Letter & Flashcard Bundle (age range not indicated)

  • Pros & Best Features: ABC learning set
  • Product Safety: Natural wool with non-toxic, biodegradable colors
  • Materials: Felt letters
  • Age Range: Not indicated; most likely ranges from toddlers to school-age children
  • Educational Value: Letter recognition and matching skills
  • Extra Features: Includes picture flashcards
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

The Best Educational Toys Stacking, Balancing, Sequencing, & Building Toys

 
LEGO Deluxe Brick Box (1.5+ years old)

LEGO BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Easy-build construction blocks starter set
  • Product Safety: Passes rigorous safety assessment
  • Materials: Different plastic materials
  • Age Range: 1.5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Early engineering skills, hand-eye coordination, imaginative play, and problem-solving skills
  • Extra Features: Includes one dog and two LEGO Duplo people figures
  • Certification: ASTM, CEN (European), and ISO International Toy Safety Standardization Committees
  • Made In: Hungary
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the small sizes and fewer pieces
  • Customer Reviews:

Such an opened ended toy for my toddler! Love it!” – Reviewer on Amazon

Overpriced, has fewer blocks than the box suggests, king of like potato chips in a bag.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Montessori & Me Counting Peg Board (2-5 years)

Montessori & me buttonWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Set of counting peg boards
  • Product Safety: 100% non-toxic safety
  • Materials: High-quality, sustainably harvested rubberwood with child-safe lacquer
  • Age Range: 2-5 years
  • Educational Value: Early math skills and problem-solving
  • Extra Features: Includes a box and a storage bag
  • Certification: CPSIA 
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Quality control issues (missing and double numbers)
  • Customer Reviews:

Quality wood pieces and allows for both play and learning activities.” – Reviewer on Amazon

The package had two number 4s and no number 5!” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Guide Craft Jr Wooden Rainbow Blocks (20 pcs) (2+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden block set
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic
  • Materials: Hardwood 
  • Age Range: 2-year-olds and above
  • Educational Value: Early engineering, problem-solving skills, visual perception, hand-eye coordination, and color recognition
  • Extra Features: Colorful, transparent acrylic windows
  • Certification: FSC-certified wood
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

We use this set daily. it is a good starter set.” – Reviewer on Amazon

They look like Dollar Tree Quality.cheap, made in China, small, plasticky and unfinished wood.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

The Best Educational Toys For Pretend Play & Imagination 

 

Hape Fix It Kid’s Wooden Tool Box & Accessory Play Set (3+ years old)

HAPE BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden tool box play set
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic finish; child-safe materials
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 3+ years old
  • Educational Value: Practical life skills, fine motor skills, and problem-solving
  • Extra Features: Includes tool box your kiddo can carry
  • Certification: EN 71 and ASTM F963 
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality issues
  • Customer Reviews: 

Perfect for 2 year old birthday. Perfect size. My son loves to carry it and hammer the nails.” – Reviewer on Hape

After about a week of play, the wrench broke. Poor durability.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

The Best Educational Toys For Gross Motor Skills

Wonder & Wise Koala Pull Toy (18+ months)

Maisonette Button

  • Pros & Best Features: Plush koala pull toy
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic
  • Materials: Wood and fabric – 35% fleece, 65% polyester, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Gross motor skills and pretend play
  • Extra Features: Includes detachable wooden base for independent play with the soft toys
  • Certification: TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) Title VI-compliant MDF 
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

All Circles PlayBox All Set – Wooden Climber (2-9 years old)ETSY BUTTON

 

  • Product Safety: Free from lead and formaldehyde
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 2-9 years old
  • Educational Value: Imaginative play, balance, and gross motor skills
  • Extra Features: The boxes can also be used as play tables
  • Certification: ASTM Safety Standards and FSC certification
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Love how creative the design is for being able to change the configurations.” – Reviewer on All Circles

It offers him the opportunity to independently assess risk and take safe risks himself.” – Reviewer on The TOT

 

Baby Books & Library Finds

deMoca Quiet Activity Book Montessori Toys (1+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori quiet activity book
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials
  • Materials: Cloth
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Screen-free fun, fine motor skills, and critical thinking
  • Extra Features: Includes carrying handles
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the product being boring or underwhelming
  • Customer Reviews:

Good for young child because the pieces are attached with a string. The pieces can’t be lost.” – Reviewer on Amazon

I was surprised how boring this book is. Definitely not worth it.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Sissies Adventure Series (0+ months old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Set of baby board books
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials free from phthalates, PVC, BPA, and BPS
  • Materials: Thick cardboard
  • Age Range: 0+ months old
  • Educational Value: Cognitive learning, imagination, and literature
  • Extra Features: Includes a travel-friendly carrying case and interactive Sissie stickers
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: USA
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Each story in The Sissies Adventure Series bundle is different and unique, and my little ones are eager throughout each one to see what fun adventure the Sissies will go on next.” – Reviewer on The TOT

These books are pricey but totally worth it!” – Reviewer on The TOT

 

How Do I Choose The Best Educational Toys?

Learning Skills

Different toys can help your baby learn various skills, so picking diverse options is good. Many parents prefer Montessori toys for open-ended play but don’t be limited by these choices.

The best educational toys can help your child develop their cognitive and problem-solving skills, fine and gross motor skills, critical thinking, and other important capabilities or competencies.

 

Toy Quality

What’s advantageous about Montessori toys is that they’re usually made of sturdy materials, particularly wood. They’re often pricier than plastic or other regular toys but can be safer and have better quality. 

In buying educational toys, it’s important to consider quality over price because you might end up with unsafe or low-quality toys that your child can only use a few times. 

While you “saved” money by buying cheap but low-quality toys, many pricier toys can be worth your money because they last longer.

 

Toy Safety

Beware of unsafe toys – even expensive toys can sometimes harm children. That’s why monitoring recalled toys or other safety alerts is important.

Be sure to sign up for recall alerts on Motherhood Community, so you won’t miss out on reports such as the following safety issues:

 

Lookout for toy dangers such as:

  • Toxic chemicals (BPA, BPS, and PVC)
  • Projectile toys (even products with soft foam bullets)
  • Toys that move too fast or are too loud
  • Toys with parts that can become choking risks
  • Glass toys (breakage potential)
  • Lead in paint

 

Our Recommendations For Toys 

 

 

References

(1) https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/smart-toys/

 

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