The best STEM toys for little learners
It’s never too early to introduce children to the wonders of science, tech, engineering and math. In this article, we look at what exactly STEM toys are and share our favorite picks!
In a world that’s evolving at an increasingly fast pace, a growing number of educators and parents are highlighting the importance of STEM education.
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – subjects that equip young minds with the ability to think critically, make sense of complex information and solve difficult problems. These skills are essential for young people to be successful in our modern society.
Benefits of STEM Toys
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving
- Helps build confidence
- Hones fine motor skills
- Provides an experience that allows children to engage, rather than observe
- Improves memory
- Teaches the principles of math, science, engineering and technology
STEM toys can introduce young children to these important concepts from a young age in a fun and engaging manner. But how can you tell STEM toys that are truly beneficial apart from second-rate versions made by companies who are just trying to make a buck?
According to a report released by market-research firm Technavio, educational toys can be divided into three categories: academic, cognitive thinking and motor skills. Good academic toys include math and science kits, as well as language-learning toys. Cognitive-thinking toys include puzzles, activity sets and construction sets. And examples of toys that build motor skills are workbench sets, building blocks and shape stackers.
The most important thing to look for when choosing a STEM toy is that it requires children to think, interact or manipulate ideas. They should be actively engaged in learning rather than being passive observers.
Scroll down to discover our favorite STEM toys.
The Best STEM Toys For Kids Age 3 to 8
PlanToys 50 Unit Blocks
Stacking and building possibilities are endless with this 50-piece block set. Made from sustainable rubber wood this block set encourages creativity as well as the development of math, fine motor and language skills. Age recommendation: 3 years +
PlanToys 50 Unit Block Set
$70
Hape Master Workbench
Want to help your tot sharpen their fine motor skills while learning the basics of Workshop 101? Hape’s Master is just the size tot’s need to tinker away, while discovering how cogs work, vices clamp and bolts secure! Age recommendation: 3 years +
Hape Master Workbench
$119.99
HAPE DELUXE SCIENTIFIC WORKBENCH
Made of FSC certified wood and water-based paints, the Hape Deluxe Scientific Workbench is designed to give your child the safe space they need to conduct exciting and fun scientific experiments. Age recommendation: 4 years +
HAPE DELUXE SCIENTIFIC WORKBENCH
$119
Tender Leaf Toys Blue Bird Service Station
When it comes to understanding how to engineer buildings, bridges and ramps, activity toys like Tender Leaf Toys’ Blue Bird Service Station is the perfect introduction. Age recommendation: 3 years +
Tender Leaf Toys Blue Bird Service Station
$115
PlanToys Crane Set
Another fantastic construction set is PlanToy’s colorful crane! Made of child safe wood and water-based paints, it will help demonstrate how humans have learned to lift and re-locate heavy loads with ease! Age recommendation: 3 years +
PlanToys Crane Set
$90
Hape Four Stage Rocket Ship
3…2…1… blast off! While the Hape Four Stage Rocket Ship will encourage imaginative play, it will do double time introducing your tot to the concept of space exploration! Age recommendation: 3 years +
Hape Four Stage Rocket Ship
$99.99
LUNII MY FABULOUS STORYTELLER
A wonderful alternative to screens, the Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller is an interactive way for kids to listen to engaging stories! Suitable for use with headphones (thank goodness!), the device lets your tot choose the hero, setting, second character and object of their story and then voile: story time! Age recommendation: 3 – 8 years
LUNII MY FABULOUS STORYTELLER
$79.90
Modular Robotics Discovery Set
The Cubelets Discovery Set is the perfect introduction to the world of Cubelets® robot blocks. The Discovery Set encourages kids to flex their coding skills early on. Open a box of little robot blocks that will intrigue, fascinate, and inspire builders for hours on end. Snap together the magnetic faces to build hundreds of robot constructions. Age recommendation: 4 years +
Modular Robotics Discovery Set
$139.95
MODULAR ROBOTICS CURIOSITY SET
The Curiosity Set by Modular Robotics is a fun activity for the whole family. It encourages kids to develop their understanding of computer science using Tactile Coding. The little robot blocks will intrigue, fascinate, and inspire builders for hours on end. Age recommendation: 4 years +
MODULAR ROBOTICS CURIOSITY SET
$249
Habbi Habbi Starter Set – Language Books
Learning a second language has been shown to help increase a child’s ability to retain information, build empathy and hone communication skills. Habbi Habbi makes it interactive and fun to learn Spanish and Chinese with their book and electronic reading wand set!
Habbi Habbi Starter Set + Reading Wand – Spanish
$99
Habbi Habbi Starter Set + Reading Wand – Chinese
$99
Kid O 0-9 Numbers Magnatab
Kid O’s clever magnetic stylus and tablet set will teach your child number recognition, while encouraging correct pencil grip and numerical formation. Age recommendation: 3 years +
Kid O 0-9 Numbers Magnatab
$24.99
Continue exploring
- Ride on toys may just seem like fun and games, when in fact, they are an important step in your child’s learning, growth and development.
- Use these 5 simple tips to help your tot develop rich language from the start.