11 best educational toys from the Play Choice test
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Educational toys promote skills and development. They provide a fun way to support different areas of development such as motor skills, creativity and social skills. Each age group has specific skills that are crucial for that stage of development, which is why educational toys differ by age group.
The best overall educational toys we tested are these magnetic tiles from Magformers. You can do a lot with them, from simple buildings to complex geometric shapes and they grow perfectly with different ages.
There are of course more options so we've found several ways to move through this list of the 11 best educational toys.
How would you like to go through this article?
Below is the list of the best choices, sorted and compared by price from low to high.
Best brainteaser
Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro, with its low price and high value for money of 9.8, offers excellent value compared to Bigjigs Puzzle Animals and Playos Math Sticks. Its compact size and multitude of awards make it an affordable choice for puzzle enthusiasts.
Best toys for fine motor skills
Bigjigs Puzzle Animals, priced between Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Playos Maths Sticks, offers value with sustainable production and animal theme. Although more expensive than Smartgames, the quality and awards justify the price.
Overall best Montessori toys
Playos Maths Sticks, priced between Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Bigjigs Stringing Puzzle Animals, offers good value for money of 73 with 9.4 parts and MDF material, despite the lack of awards.
Best natural wood stacking toys
Guidecraft Branch Blocks, with a price-quality ratio of 7.5 and made from FSC hardwood, is more expensive than Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Bigjigs Stringing Puzzle Animals, mainly due to the use of sustainable hardwood and the larger dimensions, which justifies the higher price.
Best learning to read toys
Learning Resources Alphabet Marks the Spot, priced between low-tech puzzles and interactive educational tools, offers value through its water resistance and awards, differentiated from cheaper Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro by theme and outdoor use, but less technologically advanced than Shifu Orboot.
Best educational globe
Shifu Orboot's AR globe, priced between Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Guidecraft Branch Blocks, offers unique augmented reality experiences, justifying the higher price compared to non-tech games like IQ Puzzler Pro. Despite the higher price, awards such as Smart Toy Awards confirm the value.
Overall best magnetic tiles
Magformers Basic Set, with its price, offers excellent value for money compared to Shifu Orboot and Melissa & Doug's Dollhouse, considering the amount of parts and the awards received, despite the absence of technology.
Best wooden role play toys
Priced around the mid-range, the Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Dollhouse offers sustainable production and several awards, setting it apart from cheaper options like the Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro. However, compared to the Guidecraft Branch Blocks, which are also sustainably produced but suitable for outdoor use, the dollhouse seems more limited in use, which explains the slightly lower price-quality ratio.
Best educational building blocks
TickiT Rainbow Blocks, more expensive than Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Bigjigs Matching Puzzle Animals, justify their price with sustainable production and multiple awards. Fewer parts than Playos Math Sticks, but focuses on quality and recognition.
Overall best play kitchen
The New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen, priced around the mid-range, offers an extensive play experience with wooden MDF parts and a kitchen theme, unlike the cheaper, smaller Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Bigjigs Puzzle Animals. Despite the higher price, the quality and size of the play kitchen, compared to these simpler games, justifies the investment for a more involving gaming experience.
Overall best educational robot
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot, with its higher price compared to Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro and Bigjigs Matching Puzzle Animals, justifies the cost through advanced app-based technology and a unique robot theme, despite a lower value for money and fewer parts.
The above list provides a good comparison when you are looking for value for money.
Below is the list of the best choices, sorted and compared by age suitability.
Best educational building blocks
TickiT Rainbow Blocks are suitable from 1 year, younger than most other products, ideal for toddlers (3-5 years). Unlike Magformers and Shifu Orboot, which are suitable for ages 3 and 4, they offer safe playing fun for a younger target group due to their non-toxic material and simplicity.
Overall best play kitchen
The New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen is suitable from 2 years, younger than most other products such as the Bigjigs Puzzle Animals and Melissa & Doug Dollhouse which are from 3 years. Ideal for toddlers without small parts, unlike more complex items such as the Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro, suitable from 5 years.
Best natural wood stacking toys
Guidecraft Branch Blocks are suitable for children aged 2 to 8 years, making them useful for longer than TickiT Rainbow Blocks and New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, both of which are recommended for up to 6 years. The wider age range makes them ideal for families who are looking for toys that grow with their child.
Best toys for fine motor skills
The Bigjigs Animals Matching Puzzle, aimed at 3-5 year olds, is similar to TickiT Rainbow Blocks in age suitability but has a more specific theme and no small parts, making it safer for the youngest target group.
Best wooden role play toys
The Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Dollhouse, suitable from ages 3 with a peak at 4-5 years, is aimed at younger children compared to the Magformers and Shifu Orboot, which start from 3 and 4 years but have a higher best age and age up to which indicates more complex concepts and longer-lasting fun for older children.
Overall best Montessori toys
Playos Math Sticks are ideal for 4-5 year olds, similar to Melissa & Doug's Dollhouse in age suitability, but less complex than Shifu Orboot and Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro, aimed at older children.
Overall best magnetic tiles
Magformers Basic Set, suitable from 3 to 10 years, bridges a wide age range, ideal for children between 5-8 years, and offers a longer playing time than TickiT Rainbow Blocks and New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, which are aimed more at younger children up to 6 years .
Best learning to read toys
Learning Resources Alphabet Marks the Spot is suitable for children aged 4-7 years, ideal for 5-6 years, and stands out because of its play mat theme. Compared to TickiT Regenboog Blokken, which starts from the age of 1, Alphabet Marks the Spot focuses on slightly older children with a focus on literacy. Compared to the Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro, which is for ages 5 and above and mainly for older children (6-12 years), Alphabet Marks the Spot offers a more accessible option for younger children who are still learning to read.
Best educational globe
Shifu Orboot's AR globe, suitable for ages 4 and up with a peak at ages 5-7, is more complex than TickiT's Rainbow Blocks and New Classic Toys' Play Kitchen, aimed at younger children (1-5 years) with simpler themes. Orboot offers a deeper learning experience for slightly older children.
Best brainteaser
Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro, suitable from 5 years and ideal for 6-12 years, offers complex puzzle challenges that go beyond the simpler play sets such as TickiT Rainbow Blocks and New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, aimed at younger children (1-6 years) with their simple concepts. IQ Puzzler Pro remains engaging up to 99 years, giving it a wider age range than most products listed, including the Shifu Orboot Interactive AR World Globe, which goes up to 10 years.
Overall best educational robot
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot, suitable for ages 5 and up, is ideal for 6-8 year olds, more complex than TickiT Rainbow Blocks and New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, aimed at younger kids with simpler concepts. Dash offers a challenge for older children.
The above list gives you an indication of the age suitability of each of the top choices.
Below is the list of the top 5 best choices, sorted and compared by playing time.
Overall best educational robot
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot offers extended play time, similar to New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, but encourages active play through app interactivity, unlike the calming puzzles of Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro.
Overall best play kitchen
The New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen, with included accessories and sound for sensory stimulation, offers longer play time than the Magformers Basic Set, which is less interactive and promotes shorter sessions.
Best brainteaser
Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro offers longer playtime than Magformers due to its puzzle challenges, but less interactive and versatile than Wonder Workshop Dash, which makes it less interesting for some.
Best educational globe
Shifu Orboot's extended playtime follows the trend of solo, indoor activities like the Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot and New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, but offers unique AR interactivity that keeps play sessions engaging.
Overall best magnetic tiles
Magformer's set offers longer playing time than Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro due to its open end and combination options, but shorter than Wonder Workshop Dash due to fewer interactive elements. Ideal for creative, solo play indoors.
The above list gives you an indication of how long the expected play time with each of the top choices is per play session.
Below is the list of the top 5 best choices, sorted and compared by sustainability.
Best educational building blocks
TickiT Rainbow Blocks surpasses the Bigjigs Stringing Puzzle Animals in sustainability through non-toxic materials and reusable packaging, while Bigjigs focuses on recycled rubberwood and cardboard.
Best toys for fine motor skills
Bigjigs Stringing Puzzle Animals, made of sustainable rubberwood and MDF, scores high on sustainability. In comparison, TickiT Rainbow Blocks also use sustainable wood and non-toxic materials, but place more emphasis on recyclable packaging and formaldehyde-free products.
Best natural wood stacking toys
Guidecraft Branch Blocks, made from FSC-certified hardwood, excel in sustainable production compared to New Classic Toys Play Kitchen, which uses MDF, less sustainable. However, TickiT Rainbow Blocks, with non-toxic materials and ethical wood, offer a stronger sustainability profile.
Overall best educational robot
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot, made of plastic without specific sustainability measures, falls behind TickiT Rainbow Blocks, which uses sustainable wood and non-toxic materials, and Bigjigs Stringing Puzzle Animals, with recycled rubber wood and less plastic.
Overall best play kitchen
The New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen, made of MDF wood without specific sustainable manufacturing, falls behind TickiT Rainbow Blocks and Bigjigs Stringing Puzzle Animals in terms of sustainability, both of which focus on sustainable production and materials such as rubber wood and recycled packaging.
The above list gives you an indication of the sustainability and environmental impact of each of the top choices.
Below is the list of the top 5 best choices, sorted and compared by educational value.
Overall best educational robot
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot, with app technology and sound stimulation, offers a more interactive and technology-driven learning experience than Magformers and TickiT, focusing on coding within STEM/STEAM, making it more educational in a digital world.
Overall best magnetic tiles
Magformers Basic Set, with its magnetic tile construction and STEM focus, promotes architectural insight and creativity, similar to TickiT Rainbow Blocks that stimulate creative play and cognitive development. However, unlike the Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot, it lacks the complex coding education and technology interaction that develops advanced STEM skills.
Best educational building blocks
TickiT Rainbow Blocks, with a focus on creative play and light for sensory stimulation, offer unique educational value compared to Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot and Shifu Orboot. Dash encourages STEM skills through coding, while Orboot expands general knowledge through AR, but TickiT supports direct cognitive development and expression through simple, hands-on play.
Best educational globe
Shifu Orboot's AR globe, focused on general knowledge and cognitive development, offers a unique augmented reality experience compared to Dash's focus on coding and STEM. While Magformers and TickiT emphasize traditional playing methods without technology, Orboot offers a more interactive and technologically advanced learning experience.
Best natural wood stacking toys
Guidecraft Branch Blocks encourage cognitive and sensory development through their texture and lifelike shape, but lack the technological and complex building aspects of Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot, which promotes coding and STEM skills, and the Magformers Basic Set Line, which introduces building science through magnetic tiles.
The above list gives you an indication of the educational value and learning objectives of each of the top choices.
Below you will find the in-depth reviews of the 11 best educational toys, sorted by our “Toy score” so that they are both fun and educational.
From toddler to toddler activity book collection
Educational games and coloring pages for 3 to 6 years
Your toddler and preschooler will love this e-book, along with the accompanying printables. He or she can play with it at every stage of development, together with mom and dad.
Buy at Bol.comWhat we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 1. Magformers Basic Set Line Magnet Tiles (9.2)
- 2 2. Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot (9.1)
- 3 3. TickiT Rainbow Blocks (8.8)
- 4 4. New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen (8.7)
- 5 5. Bigjigs Puzzle Animals (8.4)
- 6 6. Guidecraft Branch Blocks (8.2)
- 7 7. Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Dollhouse (8.1)
- 8 8. Smart Games IQ Puzzler Pro (8.1)
- 9 9.Shifu Orboot Interactive AR World Globe (7.9)
- 10 10. Playos Math Sticks (7.7)
- 11 11. Learning Resources Alphabet Marks the Spot (7.6)
- 12 What categories of educational toys are there?
- 12.1 STEM/STEAM toys
- 12.2 Toys for cognitive development
- 12.3 Physical development toys
- 12.4 Emotional and social development toys
- 12.5 Language toys
- 12.6 Geography toys
- 12.7 Educational toys for babies
- 12.8 Educational toys for toddlers
- 12.9 Educational toys for preschoolers
- 12.10 Educational toys for primary school students
- 12.11 Educational Montessori toys
- 12.12 Educational Waldorf toys
- 13 How do we test educational toys?
1. Magformers Basic Set Line Magnet Tiles (9.2)
- Strong magnets that rotate so it always sticks
- Great examples book
- Greatly stimulates spatial insight
- Very hard to build with
- Won't be fun for every kid
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From: 3 years
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Best: 5 – 8 years
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Up to: 10 years
- Material: Plastic, ABS
- Number of parts: 30
- Dimensions: 29,21 x 5,08 x 24,13 cm (11.5 x 2 x 9.5 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €49,49 – $47.97
- Sustainability: Future plans
- Theme: Building and construction, Tiles
- Storage: Compact
- Safety parts: Rounded corners
- Playing time: Longer (10-30 min)
- Learning objective: STEM/ STEAM, Architecture
The Magformers Standard Set allows them to create different masterpieces without worrying about the location of the couplings.
This magnetic construction toy set is made with flat pieces that come in a variety of shapes such as triangle, square, and pentagon.
What's great about it: Magformers use magnets to link pieces together, making them easy to handle for young users.
you can do this toys can also be used to introduce your child to scientific concepts, making it a great toy for small children, but especially for primary schoolers.
2. Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot (9.1)
- Solidly built
- Very educational in the field of programming
- Winner of the “Best Toy Award”
- Programming with an app can be a disadvantage for target groups from 6 years old (screen time, supervision)
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From: 5 years
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Best: 6 – 8 years
-
Up to: 9 years
- Material: Plastic
- Number of parts: 1
- Dimensions: 18,21 x 17 x 16,1 cm (7.17 x 6.69 x 6.34 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €189,00 – $149.95
- Durability: None
- Theme: Games and puzzles, Robot
- Storage: Normal
- Safety parts: None
- Playtime: Extended (30+ min)
- Learning objective: VOICE/ STEAM, Coding
Dash is a colorful one robot which is designed to make coding fun without the typical frustrations of building and programming one robot.
Winner of the “Best Toy Award”, Dash is ready to play right out of the box, responds to your voice and rolls through the living room immediately after opening.
While Dash is ready to recognize a number of commands and can be used in games like hot potato, programming it for hundreds of other activities is really fun.
Use the free Apple, Android, or Kindle Fire apps to code in a fun 'Quest Mode' that's colorful and engaging, a great introduction to coding for kids from six years old.
Here's a first overview of what he can do:
With the push of a button, he can explore all his surroundings right out of the box. He sees for himself where he can go and where not.
He will automatically see where the edges of a table or room are, although the table can sometimes present challenges and it could fall off.
Dash can be programmed to follow a race track, dance, light up, make sounds, joust or play all kinds of other games.
Actually very easy with Blockly, an app on your phone or child's tablet to create a pattern for Dash to follow.
This is the best overall robot because of the many possibilities and easy functions straight out of the box without actual programming.
Your kids unlock new skills the more programming assignments they make, using a reward system to keep them motivated and engaged.
Dashrobots play well together, so your kids and their friends can even complete missions together.
This robot is well built, endlessly entertaining, and actually fun to program.
3. TickiT Rainbow Blocks (8.8)
- Fun and interactive way to learn about colors and shapes
- Made of sturdy wood and have a sturdy construction
- A bit more pricey compared to other building blocks
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From: 1 years
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Best: 3 – 5 years
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Up to: 6 years
- Material: Wood, Rubberwood
- Number of parts: 24
- Dimensions: 25,81 x 21,01 x 6,4 cm (10.16 x 8.27 x 2.52 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €59,89 – $35.00
- Sustainability: Sustainable production
- Theme: Building and construction, Blocks
- Storage: Tricky
- Safety Components: Non-toxic material
- Playing time: Longer (10-30 min)
- Learning objective: Cognitive development, Expression: creative play
These TickiT Rainbow Blocks are amazing and a great way to learn colors. Children can simply stack them in front of the window and the light will shine through. You can also use a separate light table. This makes it extremely educational and versatile.
They are ideal for group play and can promote children's social and emotional development. In addition, they are also suitable for children with special needs, as they can help with focus and language development.
The play value is high because they are easy to use and appeal to the imagination in open-ended play where you can build anything or mix colors and it encourages social interaction because it is almost irresistible not to interfere with the colors .
The replayability is also very high because you can combine the blocks in all kinds of games, for example as houses in fantasy play, and the durability of the material is very good. They are just a bit difficult to carry because of their size.
The blocks are made of sturdy wood with a translucent acrylic plastic in the middle, and we haven't been able to break one of them, even after six months of playing. They are designed for children from one to three years old, but I think four and even five years old can learn even more from them by combining the colors and going deeper into how colors work.
4. New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen (8.7)
- Solid wood construction, not laminate
- Oven knobs really click and feel very solid
- Rotary knob microwave does not click and tap is also less sturdy
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From: 2 years
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Best: 2 – 5 years
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Up to: 6 years
- Material: Wood, MDF
- Number of parts: 15
- Dimensions: 59,94 x 29,97 x 100,08 cm (23.6 x 11.8 x 39.4 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €105,99 – $114.99
- Durability: None
- Theme: Food and dining related, Kitchen
- Storage: Tricky
- Safety parts: No small parts
- Playtime: Extended (30+ min)
- Learning objective: Cognitive development, Pretend play
A play kitchen is an excellent playgroup toy because it encourages role play and social interaction. Plus they can often play with it for a while on their own, unaccompanied. Suitable for ages 2 and up and best for ages 3 to 4.
The nicest wooden children's kitchen I've found is this one from New Classic Toys, and not that expensive at all, which makes it the best price-quality ratio choice.
There is plenty to play with with the included pans, ladle, spatulas, pepper pot and salt set and even plates. A whole lot of accessories that you don't see in every kitchen, and all made of wood (except for the removable metal sink).
That gives it even more reason to offer the best value for money because you don't necessarily have to buy extra accessories, although treating vegetables like me further below makes it extra fun.
Not too big, fits in a corner of the room like ours against the couch. This way it gives your child a lot of fun.
It also doesn't take too much space around it because everything happens at the front of the kitchen. You just need some space to open the oven, which folds down.
Where the kitchen excels in particular is in the solid rotary knobs of the oven that actually click so that you have the feeling that you are actually setting an oven setting.
Many kitchens, and especially the cheaper ones, have knobs that simply turn loose, with no tactile feeling, and that is less fun for fantasy play.
Furthermore, the burners on the stove can be turned on at the push of a button so that they light up and really produce a bubbling cooking sound, which is just that little bit more real when making delicious dishes.
Not too big, fits in a corner of the room like with our dad's (also retro) guitar and amplifier and still gives your child a lot of fun.
5. Bigjigs Puzzle Animals (8.4)
- Fun activity that can keep them busy for a while
- Sustainably produced
- There are only 4 different ones to make
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From: 3 years
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Best: 3 – 5 years
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Up to: 5 years
- Material: Wood, MDF
- Number of parts: 15
- Dimensions: 6 x 12 x 15 cm (2.36 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €17,95 – $18.40
- Sustainability: Sustainable production
- Theme: Games and puzzles, Zoo
- Storage: Storage compartments
- Safety parts: No small parts
- Playtime: Short (<10 min)
- Learning objective: Physical development, Fine motor skills
Threading shoelaces through something is really, really difficult, if you think about it.
You had to be so precise, and what a great way to teach kids how to thread through tiny holes.
You have a lot of threading game versions so pick one you like.
I am most a fan of flat cardboard cards that have laces through, more than wooden “3D” objects like those ladybugs or real looking shoes.
Especially because such flat cards:
- easy to carry
- are easy to turn by your child so that they can better see what is happening at the back and how to solve a possible "miss".
6. Guidecraft Branch Blocks (8.2)
- All natural product with intact bark
- Stimulates organic play
- Quite pricey for a bunch of branches
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From: 2 years
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Best: 3 – 5 years
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Up to: 8 years
- Material: Wood, FSC Hardwood
- Number of parts: 36
- Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 45 cm (13.78 x 9.84 x 17.72 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €44,09 – $46.95
- Sustainability: Sustainable production
- Theme: Building and construction, Blocks
- Storage: Storage compartments
- Safety parts: Rounded corners
- Playtime: Short (<10 min)
- Learning objective: Cognitive development, Sensory play
If this isn't a Waldorf stack toys then I don't know anymore. Guidecraft keeps its products as natural as possible. They are ordinary branches and pieces wood which have been chosen together to create a challenging way of building and to stimulate sustainability awareness. Guidecraft has chosen FSC hardwood for its products to make it a sustainable production process.
They even still have the bark texture for the best sensory experience. This kind toys is designed to encourage free play patterns without any rules on how to play with it. This is extremely good for the play value and makes it more challenging than other building blocks.
Guidecraft has won multiple awards, including the Tillywig Brain Child Award, National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval and Parents' Choice Silver Award.
7. Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Dollhouse (8.1)
- Many accessories in a handy carrying format
- Sturdy wooden construction
- No closure on the house so that it falls open
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From: 3 years
-
Best: 4 – 5 years
-
Up to: 6 years
- Material: Wood, MDF
- Number of parts: 14
- Dimensions: 31,75 x 19,05 x 25,4 cm (12.5 x 7.5 x 10 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €51,38 – $48.99
- Sustainability: Sustainable production
- Theme: Nurturing play, Dolls
- Storage: Compact
- Safety Components: Non-toxic material
- Playing time: Longer (10-30 min)
- Learning objective: Cognitive development, Pretend play
There are a lot of accessories such as a sofa, easy chair, cupboard, bed and a TV furniture. Plus 2 dolls to play with. The dolls are very neutral and can be used for anything, which makes the open-ended game high and appeals to the imagination.
The folding construction and the sturdy carrying handle make it a very handy set to take with you. Only a closure is missing from the house so that it remains closed.
Now you have to wear it very hard or make a closure on it yourself.
The house is a bit small to play with several at once and you can only reach it from one side, one of the few reasons that the play value is a bit lower than it could have been. Furthermore, both the house and the figures can be combined with a variety of other toys for even more replayable value.
8. Smart Games IQ Puzzler Pro (8.1)
- Teaches patience
- Improves cognitive skills
- Once you've passed a level, it's not really replayable anymore
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From: 5 years
-
Best: 6 – 12 years
-
Up to: 99 years
- Material: Plastic
- Number of parts: 13
- Dimensions: 3,81 x 1,09 x 5,66 cm (1.5 x 0.43 x 2.23 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €11,95 – $11.99
- Durability: None
- Theme: Games and puzzles, Puzzle
- Storage: Storage compartments
- Safety parts: None
- Playtime: Extended (30+ min)
- Learning objective: Cognitive development, Problem solving
Logic is at the heart of SmartGames IQ Puzzler Pro, a brainteaser that stimulates strategic thinking. The game offers 120 challenges in three play modes: 2D, 3D pyramid and 3D ball. Each level requires a different approach, ranging from basic patterns to complex structures.
The difficulty gradually increases, allowing players to improve their problem-solving skills. The compact design makes the game ideal for on the go.
The puzzle games are notable for adults and children alike, as there are levels that require adult intervention.
9.Shifu Orboot Interactive AR World Globe (7.9)
- Very educational about both technology and the world
- Nice to play
- You need a tablet
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From: 4 years
-
Best: 5 – 7 years
-
Up to: 10 years
- Material: Plastic
- Number of parts: 4
- Dimensions: 25,4 cm (10 in) diameter
- Price at time of writing: €49,00 – $60.00
- Durability: None
- Theme: Games and puzzles, Game
- Storage: Tricky
- Safety parts: None
- Playtime: Extended (30+ min)
- Learning objective: Cognitive development, General knowledge
Why do I want this?
Think of the globe our father and grandfather had, and how proud we were of tracing a location using latitude and longitude.
But today's generation is much further than that.
How will it help?
Until you manage to bring technology to learning, it will be difficult to capture their imagination.
This augmented reality world just does that. It brings the world to life and teaches about it in a really fun way.
Most important points:
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- 10-inch globe
- Augmented Reality Toys
10. Playos Math Sticks (7.7)
- Great educational value and game all in one
- Wood is well rounded and storage compartments are useful
- No carrying case with lid
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From: 3 years
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Best: 4 – 5 years
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Up to: 6 years
- Material: Wood, MDF
- Number of parts: 73
- Dimensions: 22,86 x 15,24 x 2,03 cm (9 x 6 x 0,8 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €22,95 – $8.28
- Durability: None
- Theme: Purely educational, None
- Storage: Storage compartments
- Safety Components: Non-toxic material
- Playing time: Longer (10-30 min)
- Learning objective: STEM / STEAM, Mathematics / arithmetic
Because the Playos Math Sticks are made of bare wood and offer a tangible experience in learning math, this is our best wooden Montessori toy.
The combination of sticks and number blocks makes it very intuitive and easy to use and you can easily clean it up with the tray with storage compartments.
The use of MDF may make it less of a real wooden toy. Yet the durability is very good despite that and the price-quality ratio is therefore extremely high.
More open-ended play, opportunities to mix and match with other toys or social interaction could have increased the play value, but in the end it's a very educational toy that encourages enough play to ensure they enjoy it too.
11. Learning Resources Alphabet Marks the Spot (7.6)
- Educational and fun
- Adaptable to different skill levels
- Smooth matte
- Inflatable dice no longer fit in the packaging for storage
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From: 4 years
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Best: 5 – 6 years
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Up to: 7 years
- Material: Plastic
- Number of parts: 34
- Dimensions: 26,67 x 26,42 x 15,24 cm (10.5 x 10.4 x 6 inches)
- Price at time of writing: €45,00 – $35.10
- Durability: None
- Theme: Games and puzzles, Playmat
- Storage: Tricky
- Safety parts: Soft material
- Playing time: Longer (10-30 min)
- Learning objective: Language and communication, Language development
As a parent of a preschooler interested in learning how to read, I highly recommend Learning Resources Alphabet Marks The Spot. This educational toy offers various activities and games aimed at learning letters, sounds and alphabet order.
The toys are designed to promote language skills, early literacy and school skills. The use of play and movement makes learning fun and engaging for him.
The package includes a vinyl mat, five inflatable illustrated dice, game markers and an activity guide. The mat measures 4-1/2' x 4-1/2', providing plenty of room for interaction and movement during play.
I have also read some reviews from other users and noticed that many people have positive experiences with this product. They like how the mat is colorful and the dice have pictures that can be used to match letters with words.
Many parents and teachers also appreciate the ability to adapt activities to the child's level and abilities.
However, there were some comments about the mat being slippery on hard floors. Some users have found solutions such as securing the mat to hard surfaces with tape.
Overall, I am very pleased with Learning Resources Alphabet Marks The Spot. The toy has helped my preschooler to recognize and form letters, and it has stimulated his interest in reading and writing.
I appreciate that the toy is both fun and educational, and I believe it will be a valuable addition to your preschooler's learning.
What categories of educational toys are there?
Educational toys must be safe, affordable and developmentally appropriate, as Glassy and Romano (2003) mention in “Selecting appropriate toys for young children: the pediatrician's role”. Additionally, early education toys should align with specific developmental goals for each age group, including motor skills, language development and critical thinking.
There are significant differences between childcare, preschool and primary school toys and range from sensory exploration and fine motor skills, such as soft and textured toys, to hands-on activities, such as alphabet recognition games, to promote literacy and cognitive development.
But specific learning objectives are also important, such as STEM, cognitive development, physical development or geography.
STEM/STEAM toys
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and STEAM adds Art. It has therefore become a very broad concept for child development. STEM toys must be appropriate for the age and learning goal.
The Wonder Workshop Dash robot challenges children in different ways because it uses a lot of technology, but also teaches the principles of coding.
Toys for cognitive development
Cognitive development is the exercise of the brain's capacity. Toys that stimulate brain functions are often puzzles and brain teasers that require logical thinking to solve.
The Smartgames IQ Puzzler Pro therefore fits perfectly into this category. It's easy to get started but the challenges quickly become more difficult so that different ages can use it.
Physical development toys
Physical development toys include both gross and fine motor exercises. While many of these toys are aimed at younger children, there are also a lot of options for older children to practice their skills.
But the Bigjigs string puzzle, suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, is one of the best fine motor skills exercises I've tested.
Emotional and social development helps children put themselves in the shoes of others, work together and prepare for life. Many of the toys for emotional and social development focus on role-playing and pretend play.
The Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse, for example, is a perfect example, because the dolls can easily take on all kinds of roles, giving the child a lot of freedom.
Language toys
Learning language happens in everyday life and at school, but you can certainly help by doing it in a fun way with language toys. This involves learning to deal with language in a playful way, for example rhyming or letters.
The Learning Resources Alphabet Marks The Spot is a combination of an active game to burn off energy and a language game, where the letters are learned for that first introduction to language.
Geography toys
Children learn how the world works and that there is more than the village or city where they live. Good geography toys teach them about all the things the world has to offer, where it is located and how it relates to their current living environment.
The Shifu Orboot Interactive Globe is the perfect example of how to make an educational toy extremely fun. It educates, but is also just a lot of fun to watch and play.
Educational toys for babies
Yes, childcare toys can be educational. A study by Oakes and Baumgartner (2012) highlights the importance of toy interaction for infant development. How infants interact with objects can strengthen their ability to learn about objects in other contexts.
Educational toys can help children in childcare develop of cognitive skills, such as understanding cause and effect, promoting fine motor skills and stimulating creativity.
An extensive shape sorter like the one from Jouéco The Wildies Family is great because it is multi-functional.
Educational toys for toddlers
Toddler toys are educational when they support learning, help develop motor skills and enable children to learn new concepts. It offers activities that promote spatial awareness and physical movement.
In addition, it is important that the educational toys in playgroups appropriate for the child's age and stage of development. Examples of educational toys include board games, art supplies, blocks and puzzles.
The New Classic Toys Bon Appetit Play Kitchen combines fine motor skills of cooking with playing together and is a perfect idea for any playgroup or playroom.
Educational toys for preschoolers
Preschoolers are a little further along in their development and are getting ready for real school. They can discover objects in multiple ways and this discovery fits perfectly with their learning goals. Good educational toys for kindergartens are therefore multifunctional.
The TickIt Rainbow Blocks are a good example of this, where you can stack them, but also hold them up to the light for beautiful colors or combine them to create new colors.
Educational toys for primary school students
Educational toys for primary school are essential for the development of specific skills in children. A study by Phillips et al. (2002) has shown that toys can be successfully used as a learning tool in architectural education. They provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn and explore different topics.
For example, scientific sets and construction kits are fun and educational toys for primary school and help children learn more about science and improve their problem-solving skills. The Magformers Basic Set Line is the best example of this.
Educational Montessori toys
Then there are specific educational disciplines such as Montessori. Good Montessori toys let the children gain real world experiences and you will see a lot of wood in the toys here.
For example, the Playos Math Sticks are a great Montessori toy because of their wooden texture combined with educational math problems. This way children feel what mathematics can do for them.
Educational Waldorf toys
Waldorf takes the real world experience one step further with natural materials where the child must be given the freedom to determine what the object represents. Waldorf toys are preferably as neutral as possible, like dolls without faces or clothes.
The Guidecraft Branch Blocks are a great example of this because it is natural, lacks any color and the child can fill it in according to their own creativity.
How do we test educational toys?
We test educational toys for their educational value, replayability, play value, value for money and awards they have won, each with their own weight.
Educational toys can make great Christmas gifts, but it's important to choose the right early learning toys with features like interactivity, affordable and with opportunities for communication and imaginative play.
Childcare toys focus on sensory stimulation and basic motor skills. Toddler toys help with language, cognitive and social skills. Primary school toys often deal with more complex concepts and can include science sets, building toys and art supplies.
Some of the best brands for educational toys include Fisher-Price, Janod and Learning Resources, as well as newcomers like Osmo. These brands offer a wide range of toys that are engaging, educational and suitable for different age groups.
Toys are just one of the educational devices, but they play an important role in shaping a child's learning experience.
We rank educational toys based on our edu score which emphasizes their educational value more than their play value and replayability. We judge the toy based on how many educational benefits it offers, such as promoting cognitive skills, creativity, problem-solving skills and knowledge building.
The edu score takes into account factors such as educational value, educational goals and the extent to which the toy stimulates children to learn and develop and consists of the following components, each with its own weight.
- Educational value (55%)
- Replayability (15%)
- Play value (10%)
- Price/ quality (10%)
- Awards (10%)
The educational value is by far the most important here. How good is the toy at teaching skills. Of course, each toy teaches a different skill, or several at a time. That is why we always look at the learning objective.
With the edu score, replayability, play value and price-quality ratio are also important. If a child does not want to play with the toy, it may be educational, but it will not provide many educational benefits. That is why replayability is slightly more important here than play value.
Awards for the toys are also very important. This indicates whether it has been recognized by reputed institutions to ensure that it brings the right educational value.
Can you give educational toys as Christmas gifts?
Yes, you can give educational toys as Christmas gifts. These toy sets help children develop their minds and promote critical thinking but are still a great choice for under the Christmas tree.
In addition, it is also important to give gifts that they want or like, because Christmas should also be a fun experience. In this way, children are stimulated and develop in different areas, while also having fun during the Christmas period.
Don't educational toys cover all toy themes?
Educational toys can indeed do anything toy themes include. For example, there are educational toys with animals, which could also be seen as toy animals. Yet the purpose of these types of toys is always to teach something and not necessarily that the theme is animals.
What are the best educational toy brands?
The best educational toy brands are those that make educational toys and help children with their development. Below is a list of some of the most educational brands.
- Fisher-Price
- Janod
- Learning Resources
- TafToys
- Vtech
- Joueco
- Fat brain toys
- Melissa & Doug
- Osmo
- TickiT
- Engine
- Magformers
- Joylabz
- LEGO
- SnapCircuits
- Thames & Kosmos
- Tinkering Labs
- Smart lab
- Ravensburger
- Smartivity
These brands have proven to produce high-quality educational toys that help children develop in various areas.
What are educational devices?
Educational devices are technological tools designed to enhance learning and make it interactive. They provide access to online learning resources and tools that help students develop new knowledge and skills.
Examples of educational devices include interactive whiteboards, tablets and laptops. These devices can display content, record and play sound, capture and enhance videos, and enable online collaboration in groups.
Educational devices are useful in classrooms because they allow teachers to present learning materials in an engaging and interactive way. They can also be used to submit assignments, provide early warnings and advise students.
Using educational devices makes it easier for students to access technology and enhance their learning experience.
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.
