Are you looking for the best educational toys for kids that will engage and encourage their creative minds? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the top-rated educational toys for 2024, designed for toddlers through 6 years old.
Furthermore, this comprehensive guide presents the perfect STEM toys for primary schoolers and enjoyable options for preschoolers. So, dive into our guide now and find the ideal educational toy to enrich your child's development. For quick and easy access, we've chosen the majority of the products from the Small Smart UK educational toy for kids collections.
1. Wooden Tray Puzzle Set from Wee Gallery
The Wee Gallery wooden tray puzzle set is an ideal toy for toddlers as it promotes fine motor functions and hand-eye coordination. This toy is a great educational toy for 2-year-olds, with its rounded animal shapes and plenty of problem-solving fun for little ones.
2. Janod Magnetic Book - Mix & Match Animals
This educational matching game will delight young children and be a firm favorite in 2024. The matching element of the Janod Magneti Book promotes problem-solving skills that are key for cognitive development. The book is also perfect for taking out and about, thanks to its compact design.
3. Wooden Educational Weather Watch by Tender Leaf
Engage your child in these nature toys that encourage connecting with the outside world, as well as play weather games. The Tender Leaf educational weather watch is a great toy for future meteorologists, who can enjoy learning about the weather and the moon's phases with this interactive toy.
4. Tricky Words Flashcards - Reception & Year 1
These educational flash cards are perfect for children at school who are learning to read and discovering English literacy rules. The Tricky Words Flashcards teach children aged 4 to 6 how to pronounce ‘tricky’ words that need to be memorised in a fun and engaging way. Furthermore, the compact design also makes the flashcards ideal for taking out and about.
5. Wooden Toy Clock from Tender Leaf
These educational flash cards are perfect for children at school who are learning to read and discovering English literacy rules. Children aged 4 to 6 can learn how to pronounce 'tricky' words, which require memorization, through the fun and engaging Tricky Words Flashcards. Furthermore, the compact design also makes the flashcards ideal for taking out and about.
6. Sensory Wooden Rainbow Blocks
Building blocks are a classic educational toy as they promote fine motor functions and problem-solving skills. These brightly colored blocks are a great educational toy for toddlers, but they will also appeal to older children, making them a long-lasting toy that allows for open-ended play.
7. Micador Sensory Drawing Pack - early stART
Let your little ones explore their creative side with this sensory drawing kit from Micador. The no-drip finger paints, chalks, and textured papers will appeal to children of various ages, allowing them to creatively have fun. Additionally, art supplies are a great educational tool, as they help children develop their fine motor skills and express their emotions.
8. Touch & Match Board
These textured counters are an ideal educational toy for toddlers and preschoolers that will engage them in sensory play. This interactive match-boarding toy has 12 counters, each with a different tactile surface to explore. It will encourage children to count, match, and sort while making connections between textures and colors.
9. Pocket Microscope from Natural History Museum Shop
Encourage your child to get outdoors with this interactive, portable handheld microscope that is perfect for exploring nature. Its portable size makes it ideal for popping in your pocket for a walk in the woods, where your little one can examine insects and plants, developing their connection with the natural world.
10. Code & Go Robot Mouse from Science Museum Shop
In 2024, coding toys will gain popularity, and the Code & Go Robot serves as an excellent educational toy for older children. This award-winning Robot Mouse toy is the perfect way to introduce children to STEM toys and coding concepts.
Final thoughts on educational toys for kids
The best way to engage children in learning is through the act of play. The National Institute of Health emphasises that playing is vital to the development of cognitive, motor, and psychosocial, emotional, and linguistic skills. Therefore, by investing in interesting educational toys, you will be able to naturally support your child’s development.
The above list offers a great selection of toys that nurture children’s creativity and cognitive skills. For example, puzzles help children learn to recognise patterns and deduce solutions, whereas sensory toys help children manage their emotions and reactions through play.
With this informative list of educational toys, you will be able to find something that piques your child's interest. Additionally, these toys encourage learning, fostering their development through play in a natural and enjoyable manner. Explore more in our Montessori Toy Collection!
References:
1. Cetin Dag, N. (2020). Children’s Only Profession: Playing with Toys. Northern Clinics of Istanbul, [online] 8(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2020.48243.
2. Educational Toys Collection - Small Smart UK
3. Kumon UK. (n.d.). A number of skills are acquired through playing games. [online] Available at: https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/how-games-and-puzzles-help-a-childs-development
4. Palumbo, J. "Jay (n.d.). The Power Of Sensory Play In Childhood Development. [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2023/10/10/the-power-of-sensory-play-in-childhood-development/ [Accessed 3 Jun. 2024].
