We all want the best for our kids, don’t we? We want to give them the educational tools necessary to help them thrive in life. Thankfully, there are educational toys out there that can help give our children the skills they need. All these skills will help our children succeed in a fun and engaging way.
But with so many toys on the market, it can be tough to determine which ones are really worth your time (and money). That’s why we’re here! While researching the best educational toys of 2023, we have compiled a list of what I consider to be the cream of the crop.
From Montessori-inspired play sets to robotics and coding kits and scientific instruments for toddlers, this article will provide you with all you need to know about this year’s top educational toys. Read on for more information and check out these selections!
List Of The Best Educational Toys 2023
- Enjoy Learning With Toys Weather Science Lab
- Unlock Early Learning With LeapFrog 100 Words Book
- VTech Touch & Teach Word Book
- Make Reading Fun With Sentence Building Resource
- national.geographic marble run Science Kit
- Geosafari talking microscope
- Discover About melissa and doug pattern block
- Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube
- Bringing Fun on the Go: The Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy
- Gooey Goodness: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab
- i spy games Travel Card for Kids
- Learn and Explore With Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit
- Building Bigger & Better: Magna-Tiles Metropolis Sets!
- LEXiBOOK Powerman Max: remote control toys
Enjoy Learning With Toys Weather Science Lab
Introducing the Weather Science Lab – an interactive best educational toys that brings your child’s study of meteorology to life! This kit comes with a variety of activities and experiments, allowing your child to experiment with weather processes like pressure systems, tornadoes, and tropical storms. With this toy, they can discover the world around them while having fun and learning at the same time.
Specification
Let’s dig into the details. This one-of-a-kind lab includes a number of key features. The Enjoy Learning With Toys Weather Science Lab provides an opportunity for children to learn about weather and its effects in an engaging way. The lab includes a realistic terrarium environment where kids can build their own simulated landforms and explore a variety of plants.
Additionally, the interactive weather display shows real-time weather conditions like temperature, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. Children can also conduct several experiments. This will help them see how their environment influences weather conditions around them. This kit encourages children to explore and ask questions about the world around them. Also, it will help in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in them.
PROS
- Hands-on learning experience for children in science
- Detailed instruction manual included for guidance
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Engages children in asking questions and exploring the world
CONS
- Materials may not be enough for multiple uses
- May not appeal to all children or age groups
- Higher cost compared to other science kits
The kit is designed with safety in mind, so your little ones can explore without getting hurt. Plus, it helps your kid understand basic concepts in meteorology through hands-on exploration. The cons? This lab is probably not suited for very young children due to the complexity of some of the experiments included in it.
Unlock Early Learning With LeapFrog 100 Words Book
Help your child learn to read and become familiar with the English language with the LeapFrog 100 Words Book. This educational toy enables your little one to match words with pictures, developing early reading skills while building their core vocabulary. It also features fun stories, music and activities to engage your child even further.
This educational toy is a fun way for preschoolers to learn about letters, sounds and word meanings. It includes two modes of use, teaching mode and quiz mode, so that your little one can choose which one fits them best. With its big-button page-turns, bright colors and friendly characters, your child will love having hours of interactive playtime exploring each page in this book!
Specification
The LeapFrog 100 Words Book is a learning tool designed to help young children develop their vocabulary and reading skills. It features bright colors and engaging characters to captivate the child’s attention. The book includes two modes of use, allowing children to explore words and pictures at their own pace or hear the words read aloud. Big-button page turns make it easy for kids to navigate the book on their own. The book helps children build a core vocabulary by matching words with pictures and encouraging repetition and recognition of common words.
PROS
- Fun and interactive way for children to learn new words
- Bright and colorful illustrations
- Audio feature aids in language development
- Covers a wide range of topics and vocabulary words
- Durable and well-made
CONS
- Audio feature may be distracting for some children
- May not be suitable for advanced learners
- Expensive compared to other learning toys
- Only available in English
VTech Touch & Teach Word Book
Are you looking for an best educational toys to help teach your child the basics of reading? If so, you should take a look at the VTech Touch & Teach Word Book. This device was created to inspire a love of reading and learning in preschoolers, and is one of the best educational toys of 2023.
Specification
The LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch is an interactive learning toy designed for young children. Featuring 11 double-sided interactive learning pages, this toy offers 80+ vocabulary words and 14 different activities to engage and challenge your child. With 4 modes of play and 2 levels of difficulty, the LeapTop Touch grows with your baby’s skills, providing age-appropriate learning opportunities.
The toy also features music and sound effects to attract your child’s attention and keep them engaged in their learning experience. Whether your child is just starting to explore language and basic concepts or is ready for more advanced challenges, the LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch offers a fun and engaging way for them to learn and grow.
PROS
- Interactive way for children to learn new words
- Features bright and colorful illustrations
- Teaches phonics and basic language skills
- Durable and well-made
- Sufferers that relax main back muscle.
CONS
- Limited vocabulary compared to other learning resources
- Audio may not be clear or easy to understand for some children
- Only available in English
Make Reading Fun With Sentence Building Resource
Sentence building resources are perfect for making reading fun, as they help kids recognize individual words and learn how to combine them into sentences. The use of specialized blocks also encourages creativity and problem-solving skills while learning their language structure. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for sentence building toys:
Specifications
Sentence building toys vary in the level of complexity, ranging from early language stages such as rhyming words to more advanced sentence structures like conjunctions and prepositions. Make sure to check the age range, level of difficulty and type of content that the toy offers before making your purchase.
PROS
- Teaches correct word order and different tenses
- Increases interest in reading and writing
- Improves communication skills
- Offers fun opportunities to craft compelling stories
- Provides a wide range of benefits
CONS
- May offer limited interactions
- Kids may get bored after a while
National Geographic Marble Run Science Kit
Another cool educational toy, which is perfect for children aged 8 and above, is the National Geographic Marble Run Science Kit. With this kit, your kid can learn all about the basics of physics. They can also build their very own marble run. Let’s take a look at this marble run:
Specification
The National Geographic Marble Run Science Kit is an educational and engaging toy for kids. The kit contains 150 pieces that can be used to build a run up to 8 feet in length, as well as 12 marbles, an activity booklet, and an exclusive poster. With this kit, children can enjoy hands-on learning as they build their own marble run and explore basic physics concepts such as gravity, speed, and momentum. The activity booklet and poster provide additional learning resources and inspiration for building even more elaborate runs.
PROS
- Introduces kids to basic physics
- Teaches about gravity, speed, and momentum
- Provides hands-on learning experience
- Encourages creativity and problem-solving skills
CONS
- May be difficult for some children to assemble without assistance
- Limited replay value for some children
- Potential for pieces to get lost or misplaced
If you’re on the hunt for a good educational toy for your kid then check out the National Geographic Marble Run Science Kit!
Geosafari talking microscope
For the junior scientist in your life, the Geosafari talking microscope takes the traditional microscope and amps up the fun factor with audio feedback.
Specification
The Geosafari Talking Microscope is an interactive and educational toy. It offers children the opportunity to explore science and nature up close. With 5x magnification, the microscope allows children to examine specimens in detail. The toy comes with 12 prepared slides and 60 slide images. It also has variety of samples for children to examine.
The talking microscope has fact and quiz modes, which challenge and engage children to learn more about the specimens they are viewing. However, it requires 3 C batteries. These batteries are not included, and some users may find the talking feature to be distracting. While the 5x magnification may be limited compared to other microscopes, the Geosafari Talking Microscope offers a fun and interactive way for children to learn about the world around them.
PROS
- Encourages curiosity and exploration
- Enhances knowledge of science and nature
- Offers both fact and quiz modes to challenge and engage children
- Comes with prepared slides and slide images to get started right away
CONS
- Requires batteries that are not included
- May be fragile and need careful handling
Discover About Melissa and Doug pattern block
The Geosafari Talking Microscope is an interactive and educational toy that offers children the opportunity to explore science and nature up close. With 5x magnification, the microscope allows children to examine specimens in detail.
If you’re looking for a great educational toy for your young one, you can’t go wrong with Melissa and Doug pattern blocks. This classic toy is designed to help children with problem solving and thinking skills.
Specifications
When it comes to the specs, this set of pattern blocks come with 60 wooden pieces in 6 different shapes and colors. It also comes with 5 double-sided boards and a handy storage tray, making it easy to store away once playtime is over.
The Geosafari Talking Microscope is an interactive and educational toy with 5x magnification, 12 prepared slides, and 60 slide images. The talking microscope offers fact and quiz modes to challenge and engage children, but requires 3 C batteries (not included). While the magnification is limited, this toy provides a fun way for children to explore science and nature up close.
PROS
- Durable and long-lasting wooden pieces
- Bright colors that look great in any space
- Open-ended nature suitable for all ages
- Included storage tray for easy storage
CONS
- Assembly may be difficult for some parents, but easy for most children once assembled
Overall, Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks is a great educational toy that will help your child develop their problem solving skills while also having fun!
Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube
When talking about best educational toys for toddlers, you’d be remiss not to mention the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube. This classic shape sorting cube has been around for decades and with good reason. It’s well-made, durable, and helps toddlers develop hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills.
Specification
The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube is a classic toy designed to engage and educate young children. With its bright colors and simple cube design, it features 12 geometric shapes and 3 built-in slots to help children develop shape and color recognition skills.
Made with durable wooden construction, this toy is built to last and withstand even the most active playtime. Its compact size and sturdy design make it perfect for use at home or on the go. Overall, the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube offers a fun and educational way for children to learn about shapes and colors.
PROS
- It’s one of the few toys that can hold a baby’s attention for long periods of time
- It can be used alone or in groups
- Helps develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination
CONS
- It is a bit too big for a very small space
Bringing Fun on the Go: The Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy is an amazing educational toy that you can take with you on the go. It’s a great choice for toddlers and preschoolers who love to play on the go.
This barn set comes with 4 animals — a cow, a sheep, a pig and a horse — as well as two figures of people, several pieces of fence, and a barn with doors that open. With this set, your little one will learn about life on the farm while having tons of fun playing.
Specifications
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy is a portable and interactive playset made from high-quality materials. It is designed for children aged 2 years and above and features a classic red barn design with a swinging gate and a carrying handle. Inside the barn, there are seven different farm animals that can be played with and placed in various areas around the barn. This toy encourages imaginative play and helps develop creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. Its durable construction makes it suitable for rough play, while its portable nature makes it ideal for travel or playtime on the go.
PROS
- Durable and strong wooden figures
- Inspires imagination with life-like farm animal characters
- Easily fits in a backpack for on-the-go playtime
CONS
- Plastic fencing isn't as durable as the wooden pieces
Overall, The Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy is an excellent educational toy for any toddler or preschooler — it offers hours of interactive fun while teaching them about life on the farm!
Gooey Goodness: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab
For the aspiring scientist in your family, check out the National Geographic Gross Science Lab. This educational toy offers an incredibly hands-on experience, allowing your little one to explore topics such as energy and motion, states of matter and chemical reactions. Think of it as a science project in a box!
Specification
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab is a fun and educational science kit that allows children to explore the gross and slimy side of science. The kit includes everything needed to conduct 6 different experiments, including test tubes, a petri dish, and a dropper. The experiments cover a variety of topics, such as creating fake snot and making a stinky intestine model. Additionally, the kit includes a learning guide with step-by-step instructions and explanations of the science behind each experiment. This kit is recommended for children aged 8 and up and is a great way to get children excited about science and learning.
PROS
- Engaging hands-on learning experience
- Includes various experiments to explore
- Comes with a detailed instruction manual
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills
CONS
- Some experiments require adult supervision
- Materials may not be enough for multiple uses
- Some parents may find the "gross" factor off-putting
On the downside, some parents have said that this set is expensive compared to others on the market—but for something that allows for twice as much experimentation, it may be worth the extra money. And depending on what your child wants to learn more about, you may need to purchase additional materials; there are only 10 experiments that come with this lab set.
I spy games Travel Card for Kids
Sometimes the best education comes in the form of a game. Take I spy games Travel Card for Kids, for example. This travel game comes with a deck of illustrated cards that are designed to boost kids’ language, reading and problem-solving skills as they make their way through the 30+ puzzles included.
Here’s what you need to know:
Specifications
- Comes with 30+ puzzles, 72 illustrated cards and 1 spinner
- For ages 4 and up
- Comes in an eye-catching box that’s perfect for traveling
PROS
- Fun way to stimulate your child's mental growth while also keeping them entertained
- Great for both long car rides or for quiet time at home
- Provides an interactive educational experience for multiple players or just one person.
CONS
- No volume option when playing - may be too loud for those with sensitive ears
So if you’re looking for a fun way to introduce your child to the world of learning, I spy games Travel Card is definitely worth considering. With its bright colors, fun illustrations and challenging puzzles, it has something to offer every kid – whether they’re a novice or an expert at problem-solving.
Learn and Explore With Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Kit
The Learn and Explore With Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit is a great way to bring nature indoors and teach your little ones about the environment. It comes with everything you need to create and maintain your own terrarium – plastic aquarium, clear cover, potting mix, plant seeds, decorative rocks, soil activator, and plastic animals.
Specifications
This kit is suitable for children aged 5 years or older. It has a plastic aquarium with lid (measuring 11 inches wide x 5 inches high) that can be used as an outdoor habitat when the weather allows it.
PROS
- Encourages exploration of different ecosystems and learning about the cycle of life
- Provides interactive and creative play while connecting kids with nature
- Low maintenance, only requiring once-a-week watering
CONS
- No live plants or animals included, limiting first-hand experiences
- Limited size of the aquarium restricts the number of plants and decorations that can be added
Building Bigger & Better: Magna-Tiles Metropolis Sets!
Let’s talk about Magna-Tiles Metropolis Sets—the educational toy of 2023!
These sets are perfect for budding architects and city planners, as they provide a unique opportunity to develop creativity and problem solving skills in the format of an interactive cityscape. Kids can build their own cityscape with these tiles, which will no doubt be a source of inspiration for future generations.
Specification
Magna-Tiles Metropolis Sets are a type of magnetic building toy designed for children aged 3 years and above. The sets include a variety of shapes and colors of magnetic tiles that can be combined to create buildings, vehicles, and other structures. The tiles are made from high-quality plastic and the magnets are securely embedded in the edges of the tiles, ensuring a strong connection. The sets come in a portable carrying case for easy storage and transportation.
PROS
- Encourages imagination and creativity
- Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Strong magnetic connection for stable structures
- Durable and long-lasting
CONS
- Not suitable for younger children
- No instructions or design ideas included
- Magnets can be easily lost
In short these sets are versatile enough to create both small and large projects, give children a chance to get creative and learn at the same time — plus they’re fun! With the help of parents or teachers, kids will learn valuable skills like counting and shapes while building projects they can be proud of.
Remote Control Walking Talking Robot Toy
Who doesn’t love remote-control toys? The LEXiBOOK Powerman Max is one of the best educational toys for kids in 2023. With its realistic design and powerful RC motor, it’s the perfect way to teach your child about physics, engineering, and mechanics.
Specifications
The LEXiBOOK Powerman Max has a rechargeable battery with a range up to 30 meters and can run up to 15 minutes on one charge. It’s powered by two motors which can rotate 90 degrees and are capable of reaching speeds up to 10 km/h.
PROS
- Comes with a detailed instruction manual
- Encourages children to ask questions and think critically
- Develops problem-solving skills
CONS
- Materials may not be enough for multiple experiments
- May not be suitable for all age groups
- Requires additional materials not included in the kit
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for something to get your children to use their imagination or learn something new, nowadays you can find a toy that will do just that! The best educational toys in 2023 are designed to help children explore the world around them while having fun. From interactive robots to coding kits to STEM toys, there’s something that’s sure to spark an interest with your child that could potentially make a lasting impact on their development. So, make sure to do your research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations when shopping for the best in educational toys this year. Your child’s educational journey starts here!
