Menu: Parenting
A Gift Guide to Elevate Your Toy Shopping Game Immediately
by Clara Thompson
Updated: July 8, 2021
Originally Published: Oct. 25, 2019
Photo by Anna Pekunova / Getty Images
The holiday season is a time for family bonding, togetherness, and, of course, presents! Personally, I can’t stand it when someone gifts my child a meaningless toy that just adds to our ever-growing collection of clutter. I’d much prefer a ‘smart toy’ that engages his mind or something he can build and proudly display afterward.
Jenn Choi, a writer focused on learning and play, shares insights on her blog, toysaretools.com. She emphasizes the importance of joint attention skills for early learners, which are crucial for their future learning experiences. “These skills will influence their ability to participate in classroom discussions, express their viewpoints, and navigate conflicting ideas,” she explains. Choi also notes that effective educational toys should facilitate:
- Icebreakers in social environments
- Imaginative play
- Memory enhancement
- Executive functioning skills
- Artistic expression
- Development of scientific reasoning
While “smart toys” often refer to technology-driven options, I like to think of them as “toys that make you smart.” There’s a plethora of choices available today in STEM, robotics, and computer science. Many of these toys are also educational for us parents!
So, let’s dive into some of the best intelligent toys to consider for your little ones this holiday season:
1. Artie 3000
Perfect for Future Geniuses
Price: $62.99 at Amazon
Artie 3000 is a coding robot that allows kids to create their own code and watch it draw! (If only there were a robot that could clean their rooms too!) With beginner and advanced programming options, this little genius is designed for children aged seven and up, making it a smart companion for your young coder.
2. Relay
Ideal for Parents Not Ready to Introduce Smartphones
Price: $49.99 at Amazon
Relay acts as a screen-free smarter phone—essentially a walkie-talkie with nationwide coverage and GPS tracking. There’s a companion app for managing multiple Relays, allowing you to track your child’s location. It works over 4G LTE and WiFi, making it a great alternative to a traditional smartphone.
3. Moving Creations with K’nex
For the LEGO Enthusiast
Price: $39.99 at Amazon
This kit guides budding engineers through nine builds and 18 STEM experiments, offering “Think Bigger” challenges to deepen their understanding of scientific principles. Your child can delve into the worlds of pneumatic and hydraulic science while you brush up on the terminology!
4. Jooki
For the Young Music Aficionado
Price: $199.99 at Amazon
Jooki is a music player tailored for kids, capable of streaming from your phone or Spotify, playing audio files, and even recording messages. Parents can easily add their content, making this a valuable tool for both kids and adults.
5. Boolean Box
For the Future Female Leaders
Price: $159.99 at Amazon
This DIY computer and electronics kit is designed for girls (and boys too!). It includes a Raspberry Pi computer, a mouse and keyboard, and all necessary components to bring coding projects to life. Ideal for ages eight and up, it encourages creativity in art, games, and music.
6. Gumball Machine Maker
For the Budding Physics Teacher
Price: $27.99 at Amazon
Kids can construct their own gumball machines while learning physics concepts. As gumballs navigate the track, they encounter fun physics challenges, ensuring a blend of education and enjoyment.
7. Air-Walker
For Aspiring Astronauts
Price: $27.99 at Amazon
This innovative robot uses suction cups to crawl along smooth, vertical surfaces. Your child can also create four additional models, making it an engaging introduction to engineering and physics.
8. ABCmouse
For Little Bookworms
Available for download
ABCmouse is a digital educational platform for kids aged 2 to 8, designed to enhance early literacy and math skills. Created by educators, it’s a trusted resource found in over 70,000 classrooms and numerous public libraries.
9. KeySmart
For the Teen Ready to Drive
Price: $22.99 at Amazon
This compact key holder is perfect for older kids, featuring space for up to 14 keys along with a handy pocket clip and bottle opener. It also includes a Tile tracker, ensuring keys are never misplaced again!
While we only recommend toys we genuinely believe in, we may earn a commission on any purchases made through links on our site. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, be sure to check out our other articles, like the one found at this link. Also, for valuable insights on nursing mothers, visit this resource. For those exploring family-building options, this site is an excellent resource.
In summary, these smart toys not only provide entertainment but also foster education and creativity, making them perfect gifts for the holiday season!