What’s Considered An Educational Toy?
Educational toys can be used for learning games to help your child understand a particular concept, learn a new skill, or develop skills they already have.
Most of these learning toys are linked to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), yet the definition isn’t strict and specific to certain toys.
After all, balls and sticks might not be considered by many parents as educational, yet you can use these toys to help your child learn:
- Math skills
- Science concepts like gravity, kinetic energy (bouncing), and physical properties (colors, weight, shape, etc.)
Building toys or blocks help kids develop their imagination via pretend play and introduce them to engineering or architecture basics.
Aside from being used in educational games that develop your child’s cognitive skills, many of these toys also help improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills.
What Toys Can Help A Child’s Development?
Learning toys can help your child’s development. It’s good to choose one that’s appropriate for their age.
Some parents choose Montessori toys for their children. These toys are simple, made of natural materials, and are based on reality.
So, for example, instead of learning the sound of a bell from an electronic device, your child can hear it using an actual bell.
These toys are constructive and functional, encouraging your little one to decide which options to use and explore.
Which Educational Toys Are The Best?
There isn’t one perfect toy that can be the best for all children. Instead, different toys can provide different educational values to your child at different stages of development.
We share some of our favorite learning toys below. You can also use this list as your gift guide.
Educational Toys By Age
Educational Toys For Babies
Montessori-Inspired Toys For Babies
1. LOVEVERY The Inspector Play Kit (7-8 months)
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori play kit with a baby book for learning sign language
- Product Safety: Free from heavy elements and phthalates
- Materials: Wood, fabric, and cardboard
- Age Range: 7-8 months
- Educational Value: Object permanence, speech development, nesting and stacking, and memory development
- Extra Features: Includes a play guide
- Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
- Made In: Curated in Idaho from products made by a supplier network in Asia that adhere to the “highest sustainability standards in the industry”
- Product Recall: The drinking cup in this kit was recalled in February 2022 after 70+ reports of the handle detaching, posing a choking risk to young children. The brand recalled and replaced around 169,000 units in the US and 11,000 in Canada. (1)
- Cons: It had a recall
- Customer Reviews:
“My twins love Lovevery play. The play items they provide have truly increased the curiosity in my twins and seeing the development as a result is always great.” – Reviewer on LOVEVERY
“Noisy product.. Quality was average.. Didnt like the balls with rough material.” – Reviewer on LOVEVERY
STEM & Other Educational Toys for Babies
2. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn (Mattel) Puppy Baby Walker With Smart Stages Learning Content (6-36 months)
- Pros & Best Features: Two ways to play (walker or activity center)
- Product Safety: Free from BPA (bisphenol-A), a toxic chemical used in plastic manufacturing
- Materials: BPA-free plastic
- Age Range: 6-36 months
- Educational Value: Academics, cognitive skills, gross motor skills, and curiosity
- Extra Features: Learning shapes in English and Spanish
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about slippery wheels
- Customer Reviews:
“I love that this walker offers so much for my kid to get into. I’m also happy with the walker being used while standing unlike traditional walkers.” – reviewer on Mattel
“Not bad but not great either. Very slippery. Made cheaply.” – reviewer on Walmart
You can also find more ideas from our list of 30 best baby toys for ages 0-12 months.
Educational Toys For 1-Year-Olds
Montessori-Inspired Toys For 1-Year-Olds
3. Ulanik Balls in Cups Montessori Toy Wooden Shape Sorter Game 12 Balls (1+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori wooden toy with varying colors
- Product Safety: Safe wax cover
- Materials: Natural linden wood
- Age Range: 1+ years old
- Educational Value: Memory, thinking, focusing, sensory and fine motor skills, diligence, attentiveness, and perseverance
- Extra Features: Plywood tray and linen bag
- Certification: Certified as a children’s product
- Made In: Czech Republic
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Only sold as a set; separate ball sets not available
- Customer Reviews:
“A great way for your little one to learn eye/hand coordination- colorful and durable!!” – reviewer on Amazon
“These are a terrible choking hazard for any babies under the age of three. The balls are so small that they would be a huge risk.” – reviewer on Amazon
4. LOVEVERY The Babbler Play Kit (13-15 months)
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori play set for early Physics introduction
- Product Safety: Free from heavy metals and phthalates
- Materials: Wood, fabric, and cardboard
- Age Range: 13-15 months old
- Educational Value: Spatial awareness, balance, object permanence, cause and effect, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Baby book and play guide
- Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
- Made In: Curated in Idaho; products made by a supplier network in Asia
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Only available with a subscription
- Customer Reviews:
“My 13 month old son loves the kit. It’s the longest he’s ever sat and played with any single toy.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY
“Too pricey.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY
STEM & Other Educational Toys for 1-Year-Olds
5. HABA Basic Building Set Blocks (102 pcs) Extra Large Wooden Starter Set (bestseller, for 1+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: 102-piece wooden block set with different shapes and styles
- Product Safety: No paint
- Materials: Reforested, untreated beech wood
- Age Range: 1+ years old
- Educational Value: Engineering skills, hand-eye coordination, imaginative play, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Compatible with other building block systems
- Certification: PEFC-certified (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) for sustainable forestry
- Made In: Germany
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about rough edges
- Customer Reviews:
“Beautiful toy; each block has been meticulously crafted. My children love them!” – reviewer on HABA
“…More than half of the blocks had rough edges that needed sanding and two blocks needed a side sanded because they were abraded. Inspecting each piece before giving it to an 18 month old or any child that puts things in their mouth is a good idea because some blocks might be too rough or cause splinters.” – reviewer on HABA
6. Janod Sweet Cocoon Multi Activity Baby Walker (12+ months)
- Pros & Best Features: Wooden walker with activity center
- Product Safety: Tests in certified laboratories
- Materials: Natural wood
- Age Range:12+ months
- Educational Value: Musical skills, math skills, motor skills, and dexterity
- Extra Features: Includes mini xylophone
- Certification: Meets US, European, and French standards and regulations; FSC-certified wood
- Made In: Designed in France, made in China (according to Amazon)
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Pricier (around $95) than other options, such as the VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker (around $40)
- Customer Reviews:
“Christmas present. Very sturdy. My great grandson loves it.” – reviewer on Amazon
“Poorly made, no quality assurance or control, NOT SAFE FOR INFANTS!” – reviewer on Amazon
7. KiwiCo Science Kits – Cell Shape Sorter (1+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Science-inspired shape sorter
- Product Safety: Rigorous tests to check all safety standards
- Materials: Solid wood and cotton string
- Age Range: 1+ years old
- Educational Value: Early STEM learning, hand-eye coordination, and shape & color recognition
- Extra Features: Includes a biology-themed board book
- Certification: Certified, independent product safety testing labs
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricier than other shape sorters
- Customer Reviews:
“Very well made. The sorter will grow with the child.” – reviewer on KiwiCo
“My son loved the shape organizer! Loved the entire crate.” – reviewer on KiwiCo
We’ve also prepared a list of 22 developmentally-friendly toys for 1-year-olds.
Educational Toys For 2-Year-Olds
Montessori-Inspired Toys For 2-Year-Olds
8. Kiko + GG Tsumiki Building Blocks House
- Pros & Best Features: Doll-house-shaped wooden block set
- Product Safety: Passes rigorous safety tests
- Materials: Sustainable beech wood
- Age Range: 2+ years old
- Educational Value: Pretend play, spatial reasoning, early engineering, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Pet dog and key tied with a short string
- Certification: ASTM, EN71 (European standard EN 71 for toys), CE (Conformite Europeenne), and Prop 65 (test for cancer-causing chemicals)
- Made In: Japan
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Pricier than plastic blocks
- Customer Reviews:
“These are beautiful and elegantly made blocks. I liked them so much that I had them sent from Japan to my nephew in Turkey- no mean feat.” – reviewer on Kiko + GG
“I love all your products! These are particularly special since they inspire hours of entertainment with their open play concept. The colors are bright and exciting for little toddlers – I love the little details like the little pup. Great toy.” – reviewer on Kiko + GG
STEM & Other Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds
9. The Natural Baby Company Grapat Wonders Set (18+ months old)
- Pros & Best Features: Months of the year with different nature pieces
- Product Safety: Water-based, non-toxic coloring materials
- Materials: Sustainable beech and birch
- Age Range: 18+ months
- Educational Value: Science skills
- Extra Features: Matches with the perpetual calendar
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Spain
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Might be too complicated to understand as a calendar
- Customer Reviews:
“This set is absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to buy the calendar to use it with it. The details are amazing, my toddler loves it.” – reviewer on The Natural Baby Company
“My 3.5 year old son is still a little confused about the meaning of the perpetual calendar vs the 7 moons set that we have. He thinks the months are days like 7 moons. I think as he gets older I’ll incorporate this set into the perpetual calendar. Glad to have it regardless, he’s just still a little young to appreciate it.” – reviewer on The Natural Baby Company
10. Step2 Pump & Splash Shady Oasis (2+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Hands-on outdoor water activity center packed
- Product Safety: Free from phthalate and heavy metals
- Materials: Polyethylene and/or polypropylene plastics that pass US and EU chemical requirements
- Age Range: 2+ years old
- Educational Value: Science concepts, pretend play, and gross motor skills
- Extra Features: Canopy for sun protection
- Certification: CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), ASTM F-963 Toy Safety Standards, and EU EN7
- Made In: US
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Requires assembly; large toy set and water activity
- Customer Reviews:
“This is an amazing outdoor toy! It has provided endless hours of entertainment for my very busy 2 year old, as well as many neighborhood kids (ages 2-10).” – reviewer on Step2
“There is no drain in the bottom of the water parts so u either have to try to lift and dump whole thing or u have to scoop it out. So it is a real pain if they throw sand in it or when it rains.” – reviewer on Step2
You can find other options from our list of 45 best educational toys for 2-year-olds.
Educational Toys For 3-Year-Olds
Montessori-Inspired Toys For 3-Year-Olds
11. LOVEVERY The Storyteller Play Kit (40-42)
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori play set for reading, math, and storytelling
- Product Safety: Free from heavy elements and phthalates
- Materials: Wood, fabric, and cardboard
- Age Range: 40-42 months
- Educational Value: Early engineering, reading, math skills, storytelling, and pretend play
- Extra Features: Includes squeeze and spray mop
- Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
- Made In: Curated in Idaho; made by a supplier network in Asia adhering to the “highest sustainability standards in the industry”
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey; only available as a subscription
- Customer Reviews:
“Incredible quality, great design and such a wonderful educational activity. My 2 years old loved it – we built a theater, organized the house with a new mop and had so much fun!” – reviewer on LOVEVERY
“My child has had a blast doing puppet shows. The quality is amazing.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY
STEM & Other Educational Toys for 3-Year-Olds
12. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Super Salon Playset (with stickers) (3+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Dollhouse set with washable pets
- Product Safety: Non-toxic
- Materials: Washable crayons
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Pretend play, creativity, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Stickers, markers, pearlescent paint, and scented spray
- Certification: ACMI-approved (Art and Creative Materials Institute)
- Made In: Vietnam (according to Amazon)
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: The paint can take a while to dry
- Customer Reviews:
“My girls 3 & 5 are absolutely in love with the scribble scrubbie pets! This set was adorable. It also included so many accessories.” – reviewer on Crayola
“My son attempted to apply the clothes, which proved to be a bit tricky and his attempt didn’t last long. These pieces were tossed to the side. They are rather flimsy and a bit awkward even for me to put on the pets.” – reviewer on Crayola
13. KiwiCo Marble Run + Art Easel (3+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Convertible kid-sized easel
- Product Safety: Rigorous tests to check all safety standards
- Materials: Wood
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Imaginative play, early engineering and science concepts, problem-solving, and creativity
- Extra Features: Reversible chalkboard and whiteboard panel
- Certification: Certified, independent product safety testing labs
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricier than other art easels
- Customer Reviews:
“My daughter, age 2, received this for her 2nd birthday and LOVES THIS! We do as a whole family 🙂 I love how she can explore, create, and see her work! So fun!” – reviewer on Kiwico
“My kids really enjoyed the marble run even the 18 month old.” – reviewer on Kiwico
14. Magna-Tiles Grand Prix 50-Piece Set (3+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Magnetic building tiles
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, phthalates, and latex
- Materials: Food-grade ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: creative thinking while also improving language, cognitive, motor, social/emotional skills
- Extra Features: Different shapes
- Certification: Complies with US, EU, and other international safety regulations
- Made In: China or Indonesia
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Contains magnets; needs to be regularly checked for loose parts
- Customer Reviews:
“My 3 year old niece loves them. Getting her more.” – reviewer on Amazon
“The magnets are not strong enough to hold the pieces together when attempting to build any type of structure. Very frustrating for the child when their creation always falls apart.” – reviewer on Amazon
15. LeapFrog Interactive Learning Easel (3-5 years old))
- Pros & Best Features: Interactive easel with a touch-sensitive book
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Plywood and plastic
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Creativity, learning colors and shapes, and musical skills
- Extra Features: Erasable marker
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Requires batteries
- Customer Reviews:
“My 3 year old nephew enjoys this and very educational.” – reviewer on Target
“I love the concept of this toy and my daughter does have a lot of fun with it, but the dry erase marker that comes with it completely and instantly stains the dry erase board. Trying to get it clean and then will try with a different marker.” – reviewer on Target
16. Educational Insights Playfoam Glow In The Dark 4-Pack (3-8 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Glow-in-the-dark play foam
- Product Safety: Non-toxic
- Materials: Non-toxic foam
- Age Range: 3-8 years old
- Educational Value: Creativity, sensory learning, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Available in different colors
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Difficult to separate the colors once mixed
- Customer Reviews:
“She played for hours woth this stuff! Way better than play dough any day!” – reviewer on Amazon
“Just ok..kids played with it but made a huge mess! Would stick with play dough.” – reviewer on Amazon
We’ve also listed the 15 best educational toys for 3-year-old boys and girls.
Educational Toys For 4-Year-Olds
Montessori-Inspired Toys For 4-Year-Olds
17. LOVEVERY The Analyst Play Kit (46-48 months)
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori play kit for improving analytical skills
- Product Safety: Free from heavy elements and phthalates
- Materials: Wood, fabric, and cardboard
- Age Range: 46-48 months
- Educational Value: Analytical skills, language skills, fine motor skills, and sensory play
- Extra Features: First sewing kit
- Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
- Made In: Curated in Idaho; made by a supplier network in Asia
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricier than other toys
- Customer Reviews:
“My girl especially loves the sensory bin! She had so much fun discovering different textures!” – reviewer on LOVEVERY
“So entertaining.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY
18. KiwiCo Koala Crate (2-4 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Brand-curated play set
- Product Safety: Rigorous tests to check all safety standards
- Materials: Solid wood, paper, fabric, and cotton string
- Age Range: 2-4 years old
- Educational Value: Creativity, cognitive skills, problem-solving, and math skills
- Extra Features: Includes books
- Certification: Certified, independent product safety testing labs
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“What can I say but it’s my kids favorite toys. Love the way they’re open ended and educational.” – reviewer on KiwiCo
“Fun projects with the little one. Easy and more creative way to spend time instead of just watching an iPad all day.” – reviewer on KiwiCo
STEM & Other Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds
19. LEGO Medium Creative Brick Box
- Pros & Best Features: Set of colorful LEGO bricks and building toys
- Product Safety: Free from lead, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals
- Materials: Plastic that meets North American safety standards
- Age Range: 4+ years old
- Educational Value: Creative thinking, early engineering, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Includes guides and ideas
- Certification: Meets North American safety standards
- Made In: Mexico (according to Amazon)
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Tiny pieces that can be a choking risk to younger children
- Customer Reviews:
“Loved the selection of pieces and the quick projects to build.” – reviewer on LEGO
“Cardboard box with plastic lid. Very small compared to picture.” – reviewer on Amazon
20. Melissa & Doug See & Spell Learning Toy (4+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Illustrated wooden puzzle boards
- Product Safety: Free from lead and other toxic materials
- Materials: FSC-certified wood
- Age Range: 4+ years old
- Educational Value: Spelling and reading
- Extra Features: Includes a storage case
- Certification: CPSIA; complies with US, EU, and other safety standards
- Made In: China (according to Amazon)
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about splinters and missing letters
- Customer Reviews:
“2 year old grandson loves these simple word puzzles, please make another set!” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug
“1 the finish is not right the wood has too many splinters and my son got a splinter as we where opening it up, 2. The letters got all scratched and the paint or sticker started coming off as we used it for the first time. 3. The divider that’s separates the letters from the puzzles came broken so it was not worth it over all.” – reviewer on Amazon
Educational Toys For 5-Year-Olds
21. HABA Rainbow Whirls Pegging Game (2-5 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori learning toy
- Product Safety: Non-toxic, water-based stains
- Materials: Sustainable beech wood
- Age Range: 2-5 years old
- Educational Value: Cognitive skills
- Extra Features: Includes peg board
- Certification: PEFC-certified; US and European safety standards for toys
- Made In: Germany
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“Love it!!” – reviewer on HABA USA
“My son likes this toy, but I don’t think it’s worth $35. The paint job could have been better.” – reviewer on Amazon
22. Fat Brain Toys Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes (5+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Rocket launcher toy
- Product Safety: Passes toy safety standards
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 5+years old
- Educational Value: Science learning, experimentation, cause-effect learning, gross motor skills, active play, and outdoor play
- Extra Features: No batteries required
- Certification: ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries) and ASTM
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Outdoor kids toy only; can’t be used indoors
- Customer Reviews:
“Perfect gift for a five year old.” – reviewer on Fat Brain Toys
“Wonderful interactive toy !!! Just loved by my grandson!!!” – reviewer on Fat Brain Toys
23. KiwiCo Science Kits – Astronaut Starter Kit (5+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Science kit
- Product Safety: Rigorous tests to check all safety standards
- Materials: Metal, wood, and paper
- Age Range: 5+ years old
- Educational Value: STEM learning, early engineering, and scientific exploration
- Extra Features: Includes a solar system model
- Certification: Certified, independent product safety testing labs
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“My son loved this set. He loved exploring the planets.” – reviewer on KiwiCo
“The grandkids loved the projects especially the planets!” – reviewer on KiwiCo
24. Learning Resources Code & Go Mouse Mania Board Game (5-9 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Analog coding board game
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Cardboard and plastic
- Age Range: 5-9 years old
- Educational Value: Problem-solving skills and critical thinking
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about the game being too simple
- Customer Reviews:
“Great game. Ideal to learn coding.” – reviewer on Amazon
“Very simple and a little boring.” – reviewer on Amazon
Educational Toys For 6-Year-Olds
25. Thames & Kosmos Jurassic World: Dominion Dinosaur Dig (6+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Hands-on digging kit
- Product Safety: Dust-free excavation process
- Materials: Plaster block and plastic toys
- Age Range: 6+ years old
- Educational Value: Science learning
- Extra Features: Dinosaur models
- Certification: Rigorous safety testing protocol
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about the toy’s quality
- Customer Reviews:
“Great dig kit. The tools are quality, we saved them and use them on all of our dig kits now.” – reviewer on Amazon
“Figurine cool. Cheaply made. Hammer too light to break up plaster.” – reviewer on Amazon
26. Learning Resources Snap It Up! Addition & Subtraction Card Game (6-11 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Card game for learning math
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Paper
- Age Range: 6-11 years old
- Educational Value: Math skills and problem-solving
- Extra Features: For addition or subtraction
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall:
- Cons: Customer complaint about the game instructions not being in English
- Customer Reviews:
“Kids love this!” – reviewer on Learning Resources
“My box came with instructions in Spanish, French and German. I was able to down load instructions for English. Quality Control? I’m sure my grandkids will learn and enjoy.” – reviewer on Learning Resources
27. Educational Insights Geosafari Ant Factory (6-12 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Real-life ant colony science experiment
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 6-12 years old
- Educational Value: Science learning
- Extra Features: Includes mail-in certificate for ants (continental US & Canada only)
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some parents think it’s too simple
- Customer Reviews:
“This ant factory is fun and sturdy! It was cool watching the ants move around in it.” – reviewer on Educational Insights
“Our base for the ant factory was very wobbly. I was always so nervous it would fall and ants would get everywhere.” – reviewer on Educational Insights
You can also find more toys from our list of 15 developmentally friendly toys for 6-year-old boys.
Educational Toys For 7-Year-Olds
28. Fat Brain Toys Crankity Brainteaser (6+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Gear-inspired puzzle
- Product Safety: Passes toy safety standards
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 6+years old
- Educational Value: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration
- Extra Features: Includes pouch
- Certification: ICTI and ASTM
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about the toy being either too easy or too complicated
- Customer Reviews:
“Granddaughter loves it.” – reviewer on Fat Brain Toys
“Child needs to be older to figure it out.” – reviewer on Walmart
29. Janod Magnetic World Map Puzzle English Version 92 Pieces (Wood) (7+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: World map puzzle
- Product Safety: Tests in certified laboratories
- Materials: Wood and cotton string
- Age Range: 7+ years old
- Educational Value: Learning about geography
- Extra Features: Magnetic pieces
- Certification: Meets US, European, and French standards and regulations; FSC-certified wood
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: It can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“My 10-year-old with special needs absolutely loves this. The magnetic design allows him to keep things in place despite his motor skill issues.” – reviewer on Amazon
“This product is made from cardboard NOT from wood. I can say it because I received mine with moisture in an edge, so, I could see the layers of the cardboard. but it has a layer of paper”false” wood to simulate. real one.” reviewer on Amazon
30. Smart Kids Planet Solar-Powered Roving Machine (7-15 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: DIY solar-powered car kit
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 7-15 years old
- Educational Value: Science and engineering concepts
- Extra Features: Includes a tiny solar panel
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can contain choking hazards for young kids
- Customer Reviews:
“Really easy to put together. Great fun. Kind of a novelty though.” – reviewer on Smart Kids Planet
“The kit comes with a plastic ‘body’ as well if you’re not interested in using an aluminum can.” – reviewer on Smart Kids Planet
Educational Toys For 8+ Year Olds
31. National Geographic Science Mega STEM Pack (6+ years old and up)
- Pros & Best Features: Science experiment kit
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 6+ years old
- Educational Value: STEM learning and critical thinking
- Extra Features: 15 experiments
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about the quality
- Customer Reviews:
“My nephews, middle school ages, loved it! Perfect for this time of home schooling!” – reviewer on Smart Kids Planet
“All the experiments we tried were SO disappointing.” – reviewer on Amazon
32. AmScope Kid’s Stereo Microscope with Digital Color Eyepiece Camera plus Fossil Collecting Activity Kit with Dual-Illumination (8+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Play and learn microscope
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Plastic
- Age Range: 8+ years old
- Educational Value: Science learning
- Extra Features: Includes book on fossils
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: China (according to Amazon)
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Needs batteries to work
- Customer Reviews:
“Great 3D images! Very Happy! Thanks Amscope!” – reviewer on Amazon
“My young grandson was surprised that he could see crystals in rocks.” – reviewer on Walmart
33. The Thames & Kosmos Telescope (8+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Entry-level telescope
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 8+ years old
- Educational Value: Science learning (astronomy)
- Extra Features: 20x and 100x magnification
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: It can be a pricey toy
- Customer Reviews: No customer reviews yet
Educational Toys For 10-Year-Olds & Above
34. AmScope Fossils Dig Kit (10+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Starter fossil collection
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Not indicated
- Age Range: 10+ years old
- Educational Value: Science learning
- Extra Features: Includes tools and five specimen
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can produce sharp edges, posing injury risks
- Customer Reviews: No customer reviews yet
35. The Thames & Kosmos Plasma Ball (14+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Science kit
- Product Safety: Not indicated
- Materials: Plastic
- Age Range: 14+ years old
- Educational Value: Science learning
- Extra Features: Powered using USB-C cable or batteries
- Certification: Rigorous safety testing protocol
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Warning on Amazon about the product possibly containing glass (can be hazardous if broken)
- Customer Reviews:
“My daughter enjoys this very much!” – reviewer on Amazon
“I would not recommend this toy. You kids will be bored with it soon if it doesn’t break first.” – reviewer on Amazon
Educational Toys By Type
What Are The Best Toys For Cognitive Development?
Build Box Sets
36. Crunch Labs Build Box Subscription
- Pros & Best Features: Build-it-yourself STEM toy kit subscription (one new toy every month) designed by a former NASA engineer (Mark Rober was part of the Curiosity Mars Rover team)
- Product Safety: Complies with US and EU safety standards for 8+ years old; the company also conducts safety checks to ensure that no harmful chemicals are used during production and that the toys are safe and sturdy
- Materials: The company promises to use as much wood as possible when designing and manufacturing the toys – and they’re sturdy and repairable to help them last longer
- Age Range: 8+ years old
- Educational Value: STEM learning, fine motor skills, cognitive thinking, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and pretend play or imagination
- Extra Features: Includes an exclusive video from Mark Rober
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: USA
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about missing parts or underwhelming toys
- Customer Reviews:
“I Completed Build Box Subscription Year 1! My favorite box is the Coanda Effect Box. And I was awarded the Most Passionate Engineer last year in 6th grade- Thanks for making engineering fun. I’ve also protected 200 trees with your Team Trees Campaign and helped keep 1,000 pounds of trash out of the ocean with Team Seas too!” – Reviewer on Crunch Labs
“We are about halfway through the subscription and feeling a little underwhelmed. I bought the subscription for my grandson who has been keen on Mr. Rober’s You-Tube videos. I wanted to support his interest in science and engineering. I was a bit shocked when I saw the final price tag (party due to the exchange rate between $Can and $ US). It comes to about $54 dollars Canadian a box. Out of the six boxes that have arrived, I’ve seen my grandson really enjoy just two. Then, yesterday, the latest box arrived and he tells me that a major piece is missing. That caused what little enthusiasm I had left to evaporate. I would not recommend this to anyone else.” – Reviewer on Crunch Labs
Montessori-Inspired Baby Toys
37. Heirloom Kids 0-4 Month Collection
- Pros & Best Features: Montessori play set for babies
- Product Safety: Non-toxic
- Materials: Wood, fabric, and flaxseed oil or beeswax for staining
- Age Range: 0-4 months
- Educational Value: Reflexive grasp and early cognitive development
- Extra Features: Includes teether
- Certification: CPSC
- Made In: US
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: It can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“We LOVE these toys! This is our second set and the quality is so impressive! Also, our baby loves them!” – reviewer on Etsy
“Safe, non-toxic, open-ended, beautiful.” – reviewer on Etsy
38. Familiar Faces Toys Mirror Peekaboo Knob Puzzle (3+ months)
- Pros & Best Features: Baby mirror
- Product Safety: Water-based, non-toxic, child-safe paint
- Materials: Acrylic mirror
- Age Range: 3+ months old
- Educational Value: Self-awareness, facial recognition and tracking, imitation and body movement, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Matching puzzle-type cover
- Certification: ASTM
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“It is the perfect gift for a baby. Put a photo of mom in there and they love it!!” – reviewer on Familiar Faces
“…the glue that was used to hold the mirror in place seeped out and is now on top of the mirror.” – reviewer on Familiar Faces
39. Miniland Sensory Balls (3+ months)
- Pros & Best Features: Natural rubber sensory balls
- Product Safety: Eco-friendly, washable, and can be disinfected
- Materials: 100% natural rubber from hevea trees
- Age Range: 3+ months
- Educational Value: Sensory learning
- Extra Features: Different texture per ball
- Certification: Not indicated
- Made In: Canada
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
Montessori-Inspired Wooden Toys For Older Kids
40. Little Partners Chef Series Learning Tower (2-6 years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Upgraded step stool
- Product Safety: Child-safe, non-toxic paint and materials; free from heavy metals (lead) and phthalates
- Materials: Wood
- Age Range: 2-6 years old
- Educational Value: Hands-on learning
- Extra Features: Adjustable height
- Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified
- Made In: Not indicated
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Bulky
- Customer Reviews:
“My grand daughter is excited to be part of things in the kitchen; being able to see what is going on is always fun!” – reviewer on Amazon
“…my baby fell out of the side opening and got a concussion. Its just not safe for young children.” – reviewer on Amazon
41. Fagus Wooden Jeep (3+years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Wooden toy
- Product Safety: Vegetable dye and natural varnish
- Materials: Beech wood
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Pretend play and hand-eye coordination
- Extra Features: Removable wooden peg figures and gas canister
- Certification: European testing standards
- Made In: Germany
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Pricier than other toy cars
- Customer Reviews:
“Very sturdy and beautifully crafted! Great toy that will last a long time.” – reviewer on Bellaluna Toys
“Love!” – reviewer on Bellaluna Toys
Learning Toys For Fine Motor Skills
42. Manhattan TOY Deep Sea Adventure
- Pros & Best Features: Marine-inspired activity center
- Product Safety: Water-based, non-toxic finish
- Materials: Wood
- Age Range: 1+ years old
- Educational Value: STEM toy, fine motor skills, and cognitive development
- Extra Features: Different designs per section
- Certification: EN71 and CPSIA
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about product quality
- Customer Reviews:
“Wonderful gift for a toddler…” – reviewer on Amazon
“Very unstable. The top and bottom don’t attach. The top slides all over the bottom or stand. My 18 month old was not interested in it at all.” – reviewer on Amazon
43. Fat Brain Toys – Hey Clay Mega Dinos
- Pros & Best Features: Clay crafting kit
- Product Safety: Nontoxic and latex-free stain-free clay
- Materials: Clay
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Spatial reasoning, creativity, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Free downloadable app guide
- Certification: ICTI and ASTM
- Made In: China
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about the clay not sticking together
- Customer Reviews:
“It’s like fancy play doh! Kids of all ages love it. Would be a great birthday present. Each color comes in resealable cups so it doesn’t dry out.” – reviewer on Amazon
“I really wanted to like this product, but it just won’t stick together to be able to actually make the dinosaurs.” – reviewer on Amazon
Learning Special Skills
44. Plantoys Handy Carpenter Set (3+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Toy carpenter set
- Product Safety: Organic pigments, water-based dyes, and formaldehyde-free glue
- Materials: Chemical-free rubberwood
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Coordination, imagination, creativity, and social skills
- Extra Features: Includes carrying case
- Certification: ASTM and EN71
- Made In: Thailand
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews: None yet
45. Melissa & Doug Multi-Craft Weaving Loom (6+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Adjustable wooden loom
- Product Safety: Free from lead and other toxic materials
- Materials: FSC-certified wood
- Age Range: 6+ years old
- Educational Value: Crafting, creativity, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills
- Extra Features: Includes four craft projects and 91 yards of rainbow yarn
- Certification: CPSIA; complies with US, EU, and other safety standards
- Made In: China (according to Amazon)
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Some complaints about the quality or design issues
- Customer Reviews:
“Got this for my seven-year-old and he needs guidance to use it. He tends to tip it over but otherwise we love it and are enjoying creating things with it.” – reviewer on Amazon
“This was a gift for my granddaughter.. extremely disappointed! Cheap junk. She is a gifted child and was frustrated with poor instructions, pieces and parts that didn’t fit or work. Very poor quality with a pricey price tag! It is in the garbage!” – reviewer on Amazon
Musical Toys
46. Plantoys Drum Set (3+ years old)
- Pros & Best Features: Wooden drum set
- Product Safety: Organic pigments, water-based dyes, and formaldehyde-free glue
- Materials: Chemical-free rubberwood
- Age Range: 3+ years old
- Educational Value: Coordination, creativity, and musical skills
- Extra Features: Complete drum set with cymbals and drumsticks
- Certification: ASTM and EN71
- Made In: Thailand
- Product Recall: None
- Cons: Can be pricey
- Customer Reviews:
“It’s a little smaller than I originally antiRead more about review stating So cute and functionalcipated but it’s a great size for the kids. My 2 girls are 1&4 and they are having such a blast with it. Good sound, good quality. Would recommend.” – reviewer on Bellaluna Toys
DIY Educational Toys
47. Egg Carton & Straws
This toy provides an opportunity for hand-eye coordination practice and one-pointed focus and concentration.
Be sure to skip the plastic straws and instead opt for bamboo straws. A dozen-egg carton will also work.
48. Puffs Container & Pom Poms
Grab an empty puffs container, and create a hole large enough to fit large or jumbo pom pomps through.
Remove the label, and there you have it – an activity that’ll keep your babe busy for a while.
Aside from hand-eye coordination and depth perception practice, this toy also helps your little ones work their fine motor skills.
Other Learning Toys For Different Age Groups
- Baby toys
- Best educational toys
- Best toys for a 2 year old
- DIY Montessori toys
- Educational baby toys
- Educational toys for toddlers
- Educational toys for 2-year-olds
- Educational toys for 3-year-olds
- Educational toys for 4-year-olds
- Educational toys for 5-year-olds
- Educational toys for 6-year-olds
- Educational toys for 7-year-olds
- Educational toys for 8-year-olds
- Montessori baby toys
- Montessori climbing toys
- Montessori toys
- Montessori toys for toddlers
- Montessori toys for 1-year-olds
- Montessori toys for 3-year-olds
- Montessori toys for 4-year-olds
- Montessori wooden toys
- Outdoor toys for 1-year-olds
- Toys for 1-year-olds
- Toys for 2-year-olds
- Toys for 6-year-old boys
- Wooden educational toys
Toy Recalls To Monitor
- Calico Critters recall (2023)
- Kids Preferred recall (2023)
- Target Toy recall (2022)
- Haba recall (2022)
- Kidoozie Play Tent recall (2022)
- Monti Kids recall (2022)
References
(1) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Lovevery-Recalls-Drinking-Cup-With-Handle-in-The-Inspector-Play-Kit-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Recall-Alert