24 Best Educational Toys To Gift Your Kids This Year

Gift Guide: 24 Cool Toys for Kids

As a parent, one of the biggest dilemmas for every birthday and holiday season, is what gifts to buy for your kids. Recently, it's become a trend to give kids gadgets, but always giving the gift of technology is proving detrimental for your kids well-being of our future adults. Instead, why not invest in something that's both educational and enjoyable. This way, your children will develop and grow into well balanced adults and still have fun along their childhood journey.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

For More Help
Buying presents for infants and toddlers is even more difficult than for older children. Luckily, there are many websites and blogs to guide you with gift ideas and recommendations. Snugbaby is one such helpful blog. From reviews about the best strollers for your young ones to life-saving advice for new struggling parents, Snugbaby.net has it all. So, be sure to check it out for more helpful gift reviews and advice on parenting little ones.

0-1 year olds Educational Toy Gift Ideas

Melissa and Doug Shape-Sorting Set
This classic toy is a popular educational toy for kids and comes in a variety of themes. See the farm sorting set pictured above, It gives a basic introduction to shapes and colors, as well as, problem solving skills and manual dexterity.  Kids have to insert the blocks into the correct shape.

VTech Musical Rhymes Book
This colorful book with baby-friendly pages engages your toddlers with nursery rhymes while providing a fun way to learn the rhymes.


Skoolzy Rainbow Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups
Another simple game, it's an excellent way of teaching colors and simple math skills. Here, toddlers learn to put the bear in the matching colored cup. They also have to count the number of bears available to fill each cup, which makes it a helpful lesson in mathematics.

Download our counting math activity printable to use with this game.

VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker
This popular toy encourages 9-month-olds to walk while engaging them with colorful activities and sound, thus developing their sensory skills and coordination.

1-3 years (Toddlers)

Learning Resources Alphabet Island Game
Using the classic ABC rhyme doesn’t have to be the only way to teach kids the alphabet. Make learning fun for your toddlers while they go treasure hunting for the alphabet.

Sensory Alphabet Activity

Learning Resources Fine Motor Hedgehog
The spikes on the hedgehog are color-coded and easy to grip, making it a great game for kids to play to  enhance motor skills, color coordination, and sorting abilities.

LeapFrog Scribble and Write Tablet
What a great way to introduce letters and numbers before your kids start preschool. Kids trace the letter or number using the tracing tool without the need for writing with crayons or pencils.

The Learning Journey: Match It! Spelling
Visual learning is a great method to teach kids. Linking words with images helps children learn more quickly. Moreover, the puzzle nature of the game also develops kid’s dexterity.

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
This game is a great way to introduce an active toddler to sports. The Smart Shots Sports Center comes with a net and two balls. It teaches counting by scoring hoops for points and also teaches shapes, songs, and simple words.

ehome Toddler Musical Instrument
People of all age groups enjoy music, kids are no different. This set contains various musical instruments, so parents don't have to worry about which instrument to buy. Encourage your kids to try out playing the different instruments. Who knows, you may have the next Michael Jackson in your house. These also make a great gift for Easter baskets!

3-5 years (Preschool)

Magnetic Drawing Board Mini Travel Doodle
There's nothing wrong or right when it comes to art. This is the basic concept behind this old, yet popular toy. Give your kid free reign over the board and let the pen do the rest. It's fun for trips with family too!

Tips for Family Travel

Learning Resources Pretend and Play Doctor Kit
Playing doctors is still just as popular as ever. The doctor kit is a great gift for aspiring doctors and it's also a great way to teach kids to be kind, helpful, and patient.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Board Game
This award-winning game is a fun family activity. Essentially bingo with tiles that have labeled images, it teaches kids word-picture association, and it's also a great way to teach preschoolers new words.

Ideal My First Magic Set
Magic is always fascinating to kids, and what better way to teach your kids confidence, social skills, and self-discipline than using this fun magic game? The 25 tricks in this set, which comes with props, instructions, and online videos, make a great Christmas gift for children.

Back To Nature Outdoor Toy Set
For little explorers, this set includes a flashlight, binoculars, compass, and a magnifying glass. Make the game more fun by making a map and preparing a treasure and set your kids out treasure hunting. Can you imagine a memorable childhood play experience?

5-12 years (Elementary School)

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Exploration Kit
Does your kid love tinkering around with electronics? This is the perfect gift for engineers in the making. The color-coded circuit components come with a guide and after they have mastered the basics, watch your kids build their own circuits!

See our Snap Circuit Activity for Homeschoolers.

Melissa and Doug Fashion Design Activity Kit
Science isn't the only subject of educational toys. Let your child's creative side flourish with this attractive fashion design kit that contains fashion plates, pencils, and crayons.

Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit
This kit is equipped with 11 fun activities that will entertain your little ones’ inquisitive minds. Build curiosity for new things and a love of science with this science experiment kit that's easy to clean and will quickly become your kid’s next favorite toy.

Grow ‘n’ Glow Terrarium
A unique toy that even adults have fun playing, is this gardening terrarium game. Kids plant the Chia seeds in the terrarium. The kit also comes with glow in the dark stickers and resin figurines to decorate.

IQ Builder Building Toy Set
This building toy set, featuring various shapes and sizes, challenges your kids to expand their creative boundaries in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Equipped with a storage box, this must-have STEM toy, barely takes any space in your room. 

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game
Develop strategic thinking skills with this innovative game. It uses blocks arranged in different ways to  creatively work around the effect of gravity. The difficulty level increases as the game gets more complex.

Scharkspark Telescope For Kids
This birthday, gift your kids something out of this world. This wonderful telescope helps kids realize the beauty of our vast universe. Introduce your kids to the amazing world of star-gazing and also teach them to take care of their toys with this real working scientific instrument.

National Geographic Break Open Geodes
For the little James Huttons and Florence Bascoms who love scavenging and exploring, this amazing geology set is the perfect gift. Watch your kids squeal in delight when they discover beautiful gems after breaking open the included rocks.

Thames and Kosmos Candy Chemistry Kit
Inspire your kids love of chemistry with this fun game that rewards kids with handmade sweet treats. Sweets and science have truly undeniable chemistry together, a match made in heaven.


Summary
Parents spend a lot of money and time trying to give the best educational toys for kids. From toys to education, parents try not to compromise anything for the sake of their children. However, the best gift that parents can give their children are good values and a strong support system. Always encourage your children to try new things on their own and give their best effort. Eventually, your little one will grow to guide you on the journey of life, instead of the other way around. 

Good luck on your journey of parenthood; you'll need it!



Recommended:

Activity Games you can Play with Things Around the House

Sensory Play Ideas

The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Children with Disabilities

Special Needs Children Need to Participate in Extra Curricular Activities too!

A recent report suggests that pediatricians should encourage more children with disabilities to take part in physical activities. It is common for both doctors and parents to be cautious about allowing children with physical impairments to join after school clubs or participate in sports and team games. Children with disabilities and special needs aren't always given the opportunity or encouraged to participate and enjoy the benefits of extra curricular activities.

However, a number of studies show that increased physical activity in children with disabilities can significantly improve general health as well as help to develop mobility, balance, and coordination. At the same time, involvement in team sports and other organized recreational activities offer great opportunities to build social skills, make new friends and boost self-confidence. With the right support, children with physical or learning disabilities are able to enjoy a range of recreational activities, from fun party games at a sleepover to residential camps during the summer.

Photo by Danny Nee on Unsplash.

Taking Part in Accessible Activities

Although it may sometimes be more challenging, many children with disabilities are able to safely take part in physical activities. With more accessible facilities, specialized equipment and personal recommendations, children with a range of different needs and abilities can find an activity that they enjoy. In addition, increased levels of exercise can help them to maintain a healthy weight and improve their cardiovascular fitness. 

While children with spastic cerebral palsy may experience difficulties with balance and movement, they can still enjoy activities such as horse riding or swimming that can allow them to experience greater mobility and independence. Even less physical activities such as drawing or photography are still very useful for refining motor skills and are also calmer activities for children with sensory issues. 

 

Joining After-School Programs

While parents are often more focused on academic achievement or medical therapies, after-school programs for children with special needs offer a great opportunity to try out a range of different activities. Each child has different abilities and requirements so it is important to find a hobby or sport that suits that builds on their strengths and allows them to develop and grow.  As well as having the chance to master a new skill, being part of a club allows children to make new friends and learn essential life skills.

 

Attending Inclusive Summer Camps

Summer camps are also a great place to develop life skills such as team working, resilience and decision-making.  As well as being able to choose a specialist camp designed to support particular conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy, children with additional needs can also take their pick from any camp in the country. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that all camps are inclusive to children with disabilities. This means that accommodations such as wheelchair-accessible ramps or additional therapeutic programs, are made to allow children of all abilities to access a range of activities suited to their particular interests and needs. 

With the provision of accessible after school programs and summer camps, children with disabilities and additional special needs can enjoy the physical and social benefits of extracurricular activities.

Recommended:

Summer Camp Activities from Kids Creative Chaos

Special Needs Articles from Kids Creative Chaos

Tips for Busy Families on the Go

Is your busy family always on the go? You need tips to make life easier!

We keep busy with lots of academic activities, but we also love to hike, swim, and play outdoors. As homeschoolers, we are involved in a special playgroup that enjoys playtime in local parks, roller skating, jump centers, and educational field trips. It seems, like many other busy families, we are always on the go and looking for tips to make life easier and less hectic.

Enjoying learning about different species of fish.

Also, as busy homeschoolers, we search for special activities for physical education and fitness that can be a valuable educational experience. We are always coming up with new ways to learn while having fun. We especially love outdoor activities, but that can lead to cuts, scrapes, and allergies.

Dolphin and Manatee hunting in a kayak with Grandpa on the Manatee River.

When you head out for a hike or to go exploring the Manatee River in a kayak, it is important to always have a first aid kit, extra clothes, water bottles, bug spray, and we take allergy meds and Epipens too! Active families need to function like a team and be ready for just about anything. Now, we can take Puracyn® Plus along too. Puracyn® Plus is the first step in first aid. It helps clean wounds and is less irritating than peroxide or alcohol and more effective than soap and water. I find it amazing that it is safe for the eyes, ears, and mouth too! 

Puracyn® Plus is a convenient alternative to the otherwise messy job of cleansing the wound area, can be applied on the spot and on-the-go, and it won’t cause cell damage the way hydrogen peroxide can. It is the perfect addition to your first aid kits saving you the need for several different products.

We needed our Puracyn® Plus during Spring Break. Mayhem was excited about kayaking with Grandpa on the Manatee River. When she ran to the kayak, her clothes got stuck and toppled over a giant, concrete pelican! Then, when she hopped into the kayak, the tear from the pelican incident caught onto something in the kayak and scraped her leg. The pants are beyond repair, but her leg recovered nicely with a little help from Puracyn® Plus.

Getting some swimming in after a long road trip.

Now through March 27th, enter the Play to Win with #TeamPuracynPlus Giveaway on the Puracyn® Plus Facebook page for the chance to be one of three randomly selected winners to receive a Puracyn® Plus Sports Emergency Kit, including a $50 gift card to a sporting goods store of your choice and Puracyn® Plus product. Join us on Pinterest too.

Enter to win a Puracyn® Plus Sports Emergency Kit.

New Puracyn® Plus Duo-Care™ Wound and Skin Cleanser is the next generation first step in first aid for cleansing, debriding and hydrating wounds, and is formulated with a pH balanced, hypochlorous solution, designed to improve the most essential part of the wound treatment process – preparation of the wound bed. If you have diabetes, Puracyn® Plus Foot Wash and Skin Cleanser is essential in helping to make foot care part of your daily self-care routine. To learn more about the brand visit www.puracynplus.com
“This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text, and experiences are my own.”
To learn more about the Puracyn® Plus, LIKE the brand on Facebook and follow the brand on Pinterest. This is a product-sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Puracyn® Plus Duo-Care™ Wound and Skin Cleanser. The opinions and text are all mine.


Recommended:

Throw a Birthday Party for Teen Girls with these 5 Fun Ideas

5 Fun Birthday Party Ideas for Teenage Girls

Are you all out of fresh ideas for a Girls' Teen Birthday Party? We searched Pinterest and found some fun ideas that your teen daughter will love. It isn't a party without games, favors, and a fun theme! 

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

These kids played soccer with our giant volleyball. Grab a net, a truck load of sand, and turn your backyard into a beach volleyball court!

We found this very stylish Volleyball theme party idea at Kara's Party Ideas. I particularly like the chocolate fuel candy bars!

Throw a volleyball theme party for your daughter
like this one from Kara's Party Ideas.

Volleyball! With this party theme, make sure you schedule time to play a game of their favorite sport, but change it up a notch with giant, inflatable volleyballs. If you're really cool, and really want to impress, truck in a load of sand! Change the sport for an athletic teen boy's birthday party theme.

Afterward, chill out with volleyball cupcakes and healthy (or not so healthy snacks). It is a birthday party, you can take a little break!

Sports and Volleyball cupcakes from Cake Central.

Beach or Pool Party! I know, it has been done before. Really a pool party? But, you can make it your own! You've got leftover sand from last year's volleyball party, so use it! Bring on the sandals and fruity mocktails. Give the girls colorful beach towels in your daughter's favorite beach party colors. To make it extra spectacular, make sand castle cupcakes like these from Confections of a Sugarholic blog.

Sandcastle cupcake from Confections of a Sugarholic.

Give each girl a party favor - fill a sand pail with girly goodies and treats! You can also make some permanent moon sand style castles as a fun birthday party activity for teens.

Use sand from your vacation to make a permanent keepsake sandcastle memento.

Glamping! Oh the fun that the girls can have while camping! S'mores, bonfire, and ghost stories in luxury.  Set up a nail painting tent, a food tent, and a movie tent! The girl's can travel from glamorous tent to glamorous tent. Add a fuzzy rug in each tent and gather your beautician to do their hairs and nails, then visit the food tent and place an order. Let Dad in on the act, he can be a fancy concierge/delivery boy (make him wear a tux). 

We Heart Parties has this beautiful party food setup with an owl theme.
Don't let those hoots scare you when you are sleeping in the tent!

A Night on the Red Carpet! Have the guests wear prom-style party dresses for this Oscar party theme birthday. Roll out a "red carpet" leading to your front door, for party favors the girls can create Oscar sculptures, then practice their thank you speech at a mic stand as their friends present them with a handmade Oscar. Celebrate with a golden slice of birthday cake. For more Oscar Party Ideas visit DesignDazzle.com

Spa! Bring on the sliced cucumbers, body scrubs, nail polish, sleeping masks, and special fruit water. Did you know you can add glow sticks to clear nail polish to make them glow-in-the-dark?

Glow-in-the-dark nail polish.

Spa Fruit Water Recipe 

1 orange

1 lemon

3 to 4 strawberries.

Slice the fruits and put in water. 

Chill for a couple of hours prior to serving.

Recommended Reading:

Slumber Party Wars

The Best Christmas Party Ever

Wondering How to Save Money on Kids' Activities?

How to do Kids’ Activities Without Breaking the Bank

Offering enriching activities to your children is great for their long term growth. However, it might not be fantastic for your pocket. Although you’ll want to make sure your kids get the best opportunities available to them, you don’t want to spend a small fortune on kids' activities, especially if you're learning that your child quickly loses interest. So, how do you do activities with your kids without spending a lot of money?

This post contains affiliate links.

It's a tough decision, you want to give your kids the best; but you don't want to waste your money or time. As a parent, you've got options. Your children don’t have to miss out on that activity they desperately want to try just because you're on a tight budget. Here are some helpful tips which will allow your kids to enjoy some fun, enriching kids' activities without breaking the bank.

Tips to Save Money on Activities for Kids

Enroll in One Activity at a Time

Your kids don’t have to do it all, it’s a good idea to pick one activity each season. If you have more than one child, enroll them all in the same activity. Not only will enrolling your kids together save time and stress, but it can save money. There are a number of places that offer sibling discounts and siblings can often share items too. Be sure to ask, even if you don’t see such a discount or offer advertised.

Purchase Fun Equipment for Home Use

There are various toys and equipment that allow different activities without spending too much. You can install a gaga ball pit to provide an exhilarating experience for kids. The pit can be set up outdoors or in a large spare room. You can also dismantle and stored the ball pit between uses. The best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money on pricey play venues. This ball pit gives your kids one more choice for fun and beneficial sensory play activities.

Pay Ahead

See if there are any discounts available for paying ahead or in cash. Some businesses will give a price cut if you pay for the whole year up front, or they may even offer a discount once a year if you pay a few months in advance.

Buy Second-Hand

You might find it surprising just how easy it is to find kids' equipment that’s barely been used. So, before you go about buying a new instrument or sports equipment, have a look at places such as eBay, Craigslist, Play it Again Sports or thrift stores. You can even ask other parents! Kids often lose interest in an activity or outgrow their clothes quickly, which means you can find items in good condition for a fraction of the cost.

Go DIY with Crafts

One way to save money on activities for your children is to do it yourself with games and crafts. There are some great, inexpensive DIY craft ideas to try out, and you can always create activities for kids with free print-outs. Of course, some stores even provide coupons that help cover the costs of kids' activities. For instance, take a look at Target Coupons to see what discounts are available.

Volunteer

If you can manage a team, do coaching, record scores, or sell refreshments, you may be able to cut the cost of some activities. Have a chat with whoever oversees the kids' program to discuss how you can donate your time to work off any fees or equipment costs.

Barter

Bartering is always a good choice. When you offer a service or trade in return for another, instead of paying cash, it benefits both parties and if often an acceptable way to pay for your kids' extra-curricular activities. Services may vary based on your abilities and skills, but it might include cleaning or clerical work- just to give you some ideas.


Recommended:

Things to do in Indiana with Kids

Tips on Making and Selling Crafts and Things for Extra Income

Introducing Angie's Blog Posts

Today ~ I'd like to introduce Angie as a contributor to Kid's Creative Chaos.  She has been posting recipes for several weeks now and I felt it was time to bring her in as a true blogger. I thought it might be fun to bring a new perspective on living life in true mommy chaos. Don't fret, she'll still post those yummy recipes on Tuesdays, but on Thursdays she'll share some of the fun activities she and her family do together. Angie's kids are into sports and lots of recreational fun.

'Day in the life with two spirited kids'

by Angie of Kids Creative Chaos (the mind behind Angie's Recipes)

Tweet

Yes, normally on Tuesday's and Thursday's I put up recipes but I was asked if I would like to post what we do with our kids on Thursday's to switch it up.  I have never actually done a blog of any sort before so please bare with me as I stumble through this. :-)

I will just do a quick introduction of my family today, only because the only things we have done together as a family of late is homework, and I don't think my kids would appreciate me taking their picture during full on "Homework Meltdown". lol.

I am a stay at home with 2 very spirited kids, a daughter 9 soon to be 10 (but thinks she is going on 16 sometimes. lol) and a son that just turned 6 (with the personality and charm that could make him sly like a fox as he gets older. lol).  But, both are extremely sensitive and caring kids who make sure they don't purposely hurt the feelings of others.

Right now, we haven't gone and done much together, well because up until recently it has been cold and we tend to go into "hibernation" of sorts over the winter.  My kids do bowl on a Saturday Youth League so that is where you will find us on Saturday mornings.  My daughter does tournaments where she can earn College scholarships and my son is in a different league for younger kids, but next year he moves up to his sister's league where he can start bowling tournaments. Bowling ends the beginning of May, and then my daughter starts up fast pitch softball and my son wants to attempt football.

As a family we like to camp, attempt gardening, (we start out great and by late summer it all goes down hill) and visit places- even if they are quick, weekend getaways. Spring Break is coming and I have a couple of places I would like to take the kids. Crossing my fingers they will get along and have a good time- periodically our outings end up with one or both kids going into a meltdown over something and ends with my husband or I mad and disappointed the trip didn't go the way we had envisioned it would when we planned it.

Stay tuned as we share our camping, 4-H, and sports activities with you each Thursday.

Best Things to Do in LA with Kids

What are the Best Things to Do in LA with Kids?

The City of Angels is best known for being a glamorous and glitzy destination where the world’s rich and famous live and work. It’s not necessarily advertised as family-friendly, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. LA has a vast range of attractions and activities which will delight both kids and adults of all ages. From entertainment and adventure to education and relaxation, this Los Angeles has everything a family could want from a vacation. If you are heading to LA with kids this year, check out this helpful guide for the best things to do in LA with kids.  

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

List of Best Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids:

Universal Studios Hollywood

A family vacation in LA has to include a visit to the Universal Studios theme park and working studio in Hollywood. There are incredible rides with special effects from some of the world’s best-loved movie franchises, including the Harry Potter series, Transformers, Jurassic Park, Shrek, The Mummy and Despicable Me. 

LEGOLAND California

Your kids can see their favorite LEGO toys and characters in real life at California’s LEGOLAND theme park. The 50 rides and attractions are aimed at children, but adults will love the Miniland USA, which is a LEGO re-creation of 7 areas in the USA. There are many things to do including screenings of exclusive LEGO movies and a special area devoted to the hugely popular LEGO Ninjago. 

Watch an LA Rams Football Game 

If your kids like a bit of excitement at a sports game, then make sure you plan in some time to see the LA Rams play American Football at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Join in the chants and the electric atmosphere with good food and drink as you cheer the team to victory as a family. Find tickets for a game here at www.ticketsales.com.

Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood

You may see some Hollywood stars while you’re out and about in LA, but the next best thing to do is take a trip to Madame Tussaud’s in Hollywood. Take pictures with realistic waxwork figures  Hollywood actors and characters from movies and comics including the Marvel superheroes. 

California Science Center & IMAX Theater

For a bit of learning as well as fun thing to do with the family, head to the California Science Center and IMAX Theater. Kids can learn about the most fascinating aspects of our world and science with exhibits which tie education to popular movies and other pop culture. It’s a hands-on experience with plenty of demonstrations, 7-story IMAX Theater and the opportunity to see and stand inside the Space Shuttle Endeavor. 

K1 Speed Indoor Karting

The K1 Speed Indoor Karting track gives you the chance to race your family in safe, zero-emissions electric karts. Let your competitive sides shine through with an hour or 2 of racing followed by some tasty snacks and drinks at the Pit Café. 

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

From eels and fish to sharks and octopi, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is home to over 100 species of sea creatures. As one of the best things to do in LA, it offers its visitors an interactive experience including being able to touch sea stars, urchins, anemones and much more. 

Los Angeles Zoo

If you’re a family of animal lovers, you can’t miss the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens. There are over 1,000 animals from all over the world, and the gardens have over 7,000 plant species. This is a big family favorite, and it can take a whole day to get the most from your visit to LA Zoo.

Recommended:

More Things to do with Kids from Kids Creative Chaos

Get Kids Travel Journal for Road Trips