While my toy chest was once full of Barbies and blocks, my kids are stocking up on STEM stuff and robots that teach them how to code. Pretty remarkable. As long as my kids are having fun, I’m all about anything that stimulates their little minds, while keeping them entertained.
Here are 7 toys my kids are befriending this new year. All items have a purpose and encourage littles to develop skills in the core disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This award-winning wooden robot teaches coding to preschoolers. Equipped with Logic Packs, the Cubetto is a fantastic screen-less programming system, powered by a revolutionary coding language that lets children write their first computer programs. Using a friendly robot, a physical programming console, and a set of expandable coding blocks, Cubetto helps children understand basic principles of coding in an age-appropriate manner. Ages 3+, $225
Botley is another coding robot, ready to use right out of the box (no intimidating setup or manual). He introduces kids to the wonderful world of coding in a fun and straightforward way. The adorable little guy comes with cards, detachable arms, interactive obstacles, coding games and more; over 70 pieces! Code him up to 120 steps, loops and beyond. Ages 5+
1-2-3 Build It!™ Rocket-Train-Helicopter
These toys are great, teaching young kiddos problem solving skills by constructing their very own rocket, train or helicopter. Each fun, durable vehicle also doubles as an easy vocabulary lesson, introducing kids to the completed rocket, train, and helicopter, as well as parts ranging from wheels to propellers. In addition to encouraging imaginative and vocabulary skills, the vehicles develop fine motor skills and understanding of early engineering concepts through hands-on building. Made of big chunky pieces for little hands. Ages 2+, $19.99
Haba’s Magnetic Game Box Creature Creations
This magnetic game box is ideal for travel, and fun for creative play. The box is equipped with 3 background images, 4 perforated cards and 51 magnetic ornaments (animals galore!). This toy stimulates your child’s imagination, while teaching them all about animals. 3+, $19.99
Kullerbu Construction Site Set
This build-your-own construction site set teaches kids how to construct and witness cause and effect. Detailed with a loader that can push the ball along the track, a momentum motor, and awaiting dump truck. The set comes ready to play with two construction vehicles, 2 balls, and a sign. $64.99
Design & Drill(R) Power Play Vehicles™ Dump Truck
Create, customize and play! Let your kids engineer their very own monster trucks with this set from Educational Insights. Here’s how it works: snap the pieces together, use the motorized mini-drill to tighten the bolts, and customize your vehicle with colorful stickers. Then…play! The set includes a truck body, snap-on parts, bolts, a motorized mini drill, and decorative stickers. A great introduction to problem-solving scenarios and helps boost self confidence. $21.99
Slide into early learning skills! Place six sortable shapes into matching spots in the tree. Make a match and see the shape slide down the trunk. Excellent for little learners, teaching sorting, matching and early math skills. It develops fine motor skills, introduces cause and effect, and equates to fun and colorful playtime!
Nadine Bubeck is a TV personality, fashion designer, author, blogger, and Scottsdale-based blessed boy mom.
