Discover fun and engaging educational toys that spark curiosity, build skills and make learning enjoyable for kids of all ages.
Often, the toys kids love the best are the ones they feel they can connect with. It could be a special character like a doll, teddy bear or figurine that they can make fly and talk (otherwise known as dramatic play).
Then there are toys that help them learn and grow or challenge themselves. These kinds of toys can connect them to a deeper part of themselves that they have never experienced before, making it a thrill to try and work out.
Playing is learning
It can be easy to downplay the importance of play when you see your kids involved in just another game of car racing. However, as play researcher and specialist Dr Oscar Frederick Donaldson once said, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.”
We all played as kids and that’s how we learnt countless valuable skills. As adults, we’ve gotten so busy, many of us have forgotten how vital play is for wellbeing, relaxation and learning.
Play helps kids make sense of the world, understand concepts and learn new skills. They learn how to interact with others, what is socially acceptable and what isn’t, and what the key ingredients are to friendships. In a child’s mind, everything around them is built to be played with, from the toothpick that turns into a rocket, to the clothes peg that turns into fake nails. Anything can be utilised as a messenger of learning for an inquisitive little mind.
While we need to keep our kid’s environment safe and age-appropriate, we also need to keep in mind that most play will involve some element of challenge, risk or problem-solving, and that’s how it should be.
Types of educational toys
Let’s dive into the world of educational toys that your kids might actually adore.
Sensory toys
Sensory play is an absolute favourite among many children, from toddlers to primary school-aged kids. Such toys let you experience a range of new sensations, from squishy, slimy or smooth textures to vibrant colours and sounds from musical instruments, such as a guitar, bells or piano.
It helps their hands learn essential skills like hand-eye coordination, sensory exploration and creating games that involve imaginative play.
The great thing about sensory play is that it’s incredibly easy to make everything at home. Things like jelly, play dough, pasta or soaked chia seeds make for great sensory play, and are technically edible. Throw in some new shapes, plastic animals or other small figurines, and you’ve got hours of sensory play for your little ones.
For babies, sensory play mats can be engaging, with numerous items to squeeze, hear, rattle or push.
Puzzles
Most little kids love getting their hands on some good, age-appropriate puzzles. The wooden pieces can turn into hours of early learning experiences, especially when mum or dad are helping with problem-solving skills. Puzzles can help with learning shapes, fine motor skills, matching, gripping and aligning objects. The social interaction with parents during this “learning process” helps make the experience much more engaging and safe.
Montessori toys
If you want your child learning about practical everyday activities, Montessori toys will be right up your alley. The theory behind Montessori is that children have an innate curiosity and desire to try things for themselves. It builds on the idea that kids love learning and parents can encourage that through letting their child direct their play, while keeping the environment conducive.
Montessori toys feature a unique range of play sets, including bead threading, tea sets, interchangeable costumes for toys, and driving boards with steering wheels, levers and buttons. It helps kids feel capable of doing things they’ve seen mum and dad doing.
Pretend play is how kids learn and you’ll almost instantly see them turn their driving board into a Mack truck or a racing car, zooming down the freeway.
Wooden toys are the majority of what Montessori-themed play entails, so if you’re an eco-conscious mum and want to avoid plastic, these can be perfect for you.
Building sets
It goes without saying that a building set lets a child’s imagination go wild. While the tallest tower game is usually on the cards, kids can also create housing construction projects, zoo stables, airport runways or bridges. Building blocks enable open-ended play, allowing your child to explore various ways the blocks can be used to create something fun and meaningful.
STEM toys
These toys often get the limelight and rightly so since they are ultra fun. The wide range of play activities and learning opportunities these toys allow is what makes them a billion-dollar industry.
Companies will sell toys in a unique set that allows for the exploration and development of science, maths, engineering and artistry. From magnetic tile building sets to custom tool boards, musical kits and small electrical box sets, there’s something to suit every age and skill level. A STEM kit might be the perfect toy to add to the birthday list.
Lifelong learning
While not every toy in your kid’s room is going to be “purely” educational, almost all toys will spark creativity and help your child’s development. Remember, the best educational toys are the ones that promote learning and help keep your child engaged in meaningful activities. Whether that’s an expensive toy set you bought online or something homemade and simple, if it helps them thrive holistically while learning, it’s a winner.
And as always, ensure the toys you buy are suitable for the age of your child so that they can get the most out of it for a long time.
Read next: 10 of the best toys for kids that will stand the test of time
Educational toys your kids will love
