Choosing the perfect gift for kids can be both fun and a little overwhelming - especially with so many options out there. But don’t worry! Today, our goal is to make life easier for you by simplifying this.
We’ve put together a list of the best educational toys, broken down by age, so you can easily find a gift that’ll inspire and entertain your little one, providing hours of fun. From robots to drones and creative play sets, here are the best educational gifts for Christmas.
How Educational Toys Benefit Young Minds
Educational toys don’t just entertain. They help children grow and learn in several important and interesting ways:
- Boosts problem-solving skills: Toys that present challenges encourage kids to think critically and come up with creative solutions. These kinds of activities help children develop the ability to tackle problems in all areas of life, from school to everyday situations.
- Improves motor skills: Hands-on activities like stacking, building or playing with small parts are great for helping kids improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. As they manipulate objects, for example, they're not only strengthening their hands and fingers, but also developing their overall physical abilities.
- Encourages creativity: Open-ended toys that let kids explore, design and create are fantastic for sparking their imagination. These kinds of toys make learning feel like an adventure, keeping things fun while encouraging curiosity.
Educational Christmas gifts for Kids 3-6
At ages 3-6, children are at a critical stage of development, and the right educational toys can make a huge difference.
By engaging with toys that challenge and inspire, children at these ages get to explore and experiment in fun and interactive ways. Here are some fantastic educational toys for young explorers:
Tale-Bot Pro
The Tale-Bot Pro is an interactive toy that makes learning coding fun! With features like voice command and an interactive LED display, it sparks kids' creativity and encourages them to express their ideas in exciting ways.
With over 50 stories and activities, the Tale-Bot Pro offers a fun, engaging way for kids to learn. It’s a fantastic introduction to robotics - helping children develop problem-solving and motor skills along the way.
LEGO® Education Tech Machines
The LEGO® Education Tech Machines set is a fantastic way for kids aged 3-6 to dive into the world of building and mechanics. Using colourful DUPLO bricks and real screwdrivers, little ones can explore how machines work by creating their own.
Featuring more than 25 engaging activities and a range of inspiration cards, kids can create everything from cars to cranes—or whatever their imagination brings to life! It’s a hands-on experience that not only boosts fine motor skills but also encourages problem-solving and creativity, making learning feel like pure play.
Makedo Discover
Makedo Discover is an open-ended construction toy that encourages creativity and imagination. With this play set, children can build whatever they dream up using everyday materials like cardboard, fabric, and plastic. The kit includes connectors, tools, and a variety of materials to help them get started.
Makedo Discover also helps children develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think critically and find solutions to challenges. Plus, it boosts motor skills as they use their hands to build and manipulate the materials.
Must-have educational Christmas gifts for 6-9 year olds
As children grow older, their learning needs evolve. For kids aged 6-9, educational toys can support their growth by sharpening their critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity skills.
These toys not only keep kids engaged, but they also help them build key skills that will set them up for academic success in the school year ahead—whether it's tackling tricky maths problems or thinking creatively on school projects.
Here’s a fantastic range of educational toys, perfect for encouraging deeper exploration of subjects like science, technology and engineering in fun and engaging ways:
Intelino Smart Train
The Intelino Smart Train is an innovative, interactive toy perfect for kids aged 6-9. It combines fun with learning by engaging children in problem-solving and motor skill development.
The set includes a track, a bridge, and a train that children can program using simple colour codes, along with a remote to control its speed and direction.
With features like interactive lights and sound effects, kids can also program the train to follow tracks, stop at stations, and even reverse.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Using the Intelino app, kids can design their own tracks and embark on unique adventures. The Intelino Smart Train offers an exciting way for children to play while building essential skills.
Makey Makey
Makey Makey is a circuit board that allows kids to connect everyday objects to a computer and turn them into touchpads and keyboards.
With this learning toy, children can play interactive games and create art - even invent new instruments! It's an excellent way for kids to explore and learn about electronics, engineering and programming.
Connecting objects to the board and programming them with Makey Makey does a whole lot more than spark creativity. It also enhances kids' problem-solving and motor skills. This hands-on process encourages exploration and innovative thinking, making Makey Makey a standout STEM educational toy for young learners.
Educational Christmas gifts every 9-12 year-old will love
Educational toys for ages 9-12 play a crucial role in bridging the gap between fun and learning during these formative years. At this stage, kids are honing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, all while exploring more complex concepts.
For example, toys like the VinciBot help children think critically as they program the robot to navigate obstacles. While the BBC micro:bit encourages them to design their own apps or build simple gadgets.
With the right toys, you can spark a world of curiosity in 9-12 year-olds, so let’s explore your best gift options:
VinciBot
The VinciBot is a fantastic toy for children aged 9-12. With its user-friendly remote control, children can customise their VinciBot to perform different tasks.
Packed with features like obstacle avoidance, light and sound effects, and LEGO compatibility, this robot offers endless fun. Kids can program it to move in different directions or follow a pre-set path, making learning both interactive and exciting.
Sphero bolt+
The Sphero Bolt+ is a high-tech, programmable robot that’s perfect for children aged 9-12. Combining fun with learning, this interactive toy introduces coding and STEM concepts in highly engaging ways.
For instance, with a vibrant LED matrix and built-in sensors, Sphero Bolt+ allows kids to create their own programs, solve challenges and explore endless possibilities.
Whether they’re designing custom apps or racing their robot, Sphero Bolt+ is an exciting way to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking.their passion for coding.
BBC micro:bit
The BBC micro: bit is an exciting and versatile learning tool designed for children aged 9-12. This pocket-sized computer encourages kids to explore the world of coding and electronics through hands-on projects.
With its user-friendly design, built-in sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity, the BBC micro:bit makes learning to code fun and interactive.
Plus, it gives kids the power to create everything from simple games to complex inventions, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills - all while building a strong understanding of technology along the way.
Exciting Educational Christmas gifts for children aged 12+
As children reach their teenage years, educational toys continue to play a huge role in supporting their growth and development.
Educational toys for kids in this aged group offer excellent opportunities to deepen their knowledge and explore new interests. Here are two standouts for those aged 12 and above:
MakeCode Arcade
The MakeCode Arcade is an excellent game-building platform that lets kids create their own games while learning to code. With its simple drag-and-drop programming blocks, children can easily design unique games and levels.
It also offers a variety of game templates to help them get started quickly. Overall, MakeCode Arcade is a fantastic tool for introducing programming concepts to young minds and igniting their passion for coding.
CoDrone EDU
Imagine learning to code while flying drones! This is exactly what the CoDrone EDU offers, giving kids aged 12 and up an educational toy that combines the thrill of drone piloting with the challenge of programming.
With its easy-to-follow lessons and interactive features, children can develop coding skills and problem-solving abilities as they control the drone’s flight path, speed, and tricks.
Whether they’re learning through block-based or Python coding, CoDrone EDU is a perfect way to engage curious minds and spark an interest in STEM.
Give the gift of learning with CD-Soft
With Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better time to give your little one the perfect gift that’s both educational and fun.
We have all the toys mentioned above, plus more! For more amazing Christmas gift ideas, check out our festive favourites.
Don't wait! Start exploring our range of educational toys and discover great discounts all year round! For more information on each product, feel free to contact the team at CD-Soft. We can go through all the features and help you find the perfect gift for your little one.
