Looking for the perfect holiday gifts that combine fun and learning? You’ll want to grab these innovative toys for Santa to place under the tree! As a parent, I often cringe when my son receives another mindless toy that only adds to the clutter. Instead, I prefer “smart toys” that stimulate his intellect or ones that can be built and proudly displayed afterward.
According to Mia Donovan, a blogger who focuses on play and education at playisimportant.com, “Rather than just engaging with devices that talk, young learners should practice joint attention skills.” These abilities are crucial for academic success, communication, and understanding diverse perspectives.
Mia also emphasizes that effective educational toys should encourage:
- Social interactions
- Imaginative play
- Memory enhancement
- Executive functioning skills (which help kids manage their resources to achieve goals)
- Artistic expression
- Scientific reasoning
While “smart toys” often imply tech-savviness, I consider them as “toys that enhance intelligence.” With a myriad of options in STEM, robotics, and coding, many of these toys can even teach us as parents!
Top Smart Toys for the Holiday Season
Here are some of the top smart toys to consider for your little ones this holiday season:
Artie 3000
Best for Aspiring Coders
Price: $62.99 at Amazon
Artie 3000 is a coding robot that allows kids to create code that he draws! With designs for beginners and advanced options for seasoned young coders, this little bot is an honorary Mensa member and your child’s new clever companion.
Relay
Best for Parents Hesitant to Introduce Smartphones
Price: $49.99 at Amazon
Relay is a screen-free smart device that acts like a walkie-talkie, featuring nationwide coverage and GPS tracking. With a companion app for managing devices and tracking locations, it’s perfect for parents not ready to hand over a smartphone.
Moving Creations with K’nex
Best for Little Architects
Price: $39.99 at Amazon
This set guides young engineers through nine builds and eighteen STEM experiments, including challenges that deepen their grasp of the scientific method. Kids will explore pneumatic and hydraulic principles while you may find yourself brushing up on your physics vocabulary!
Jooki
Best for Young Music Enthusiasts
Price: $199.99 at Amazon
Jooki is a kid-friendly music player that offers a variety of functions like streaming audio from phones or Spotify, recording messages, and more. Parents can upload their own content—so this could easily become your new favorite gadget!
Boolean Box
Best for Future Tech Leaders
Price: $159.99 at Amazon
Designed for kids, particularly girls, this DIY computer kit contains everything they need to create projects using a Raspberry Pi. Suitable for ages eight and up, it encourages creativity in coding, art, and games.
Gumball Machine Maker
Best for Young Scientists
Price: $27.99 at Amazon
Kids can construct their own gumball machines while learning physics! Each design teaches mechanical concepts through fun tricks and stunts, making it an engaging way to learn while enjoying a sweet reward.
Air-Walker
Best for Budding Astronauts
Price: $27.99 at Amazon
This innovative robot uses suction cups and pumps to crawl along smooth surfaces, providing a hands-on way to explore engineering and physics. Your little one can even build four different models!
ABCmouse
Best for Young Readers
Available for Download
ABCmouse is a digital learning platform for kids aged 2-8 that enhances early literacy and math skills, ensuring readiness for kindergarten and beyond. Developed by educators, it’s a trusted resource found in over 70,000 classrooms and libraries.
KeySmart
Best for Teens
Price: $22.99 at Amazon
Ideal for older kids, this compact key holder organizes up to 14 keys and includes a clip and bottle opener. It even comes with a Tile to help keep track of their keys—a handy feature for any teenager!
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In summary, the holiday season is a great time to invest in toys that not only entertain but also educate. From coding robots to DIY computers, these smart toys are sure to delight and inspire your kids while keeping their minds engaged.