It’s no secret that toddlers love toys , but what many parents may not realize is that even at a wee age, certain playthings can set your children on a career path. Toys can be fun and cultivate a healthy interest in STEM subjects ( science, technology, engineering, and math ) at the same time.
And since these are the kids who will supposedly grow up and change the world (or at least never be without job offers), we figured we’d point you to the toys and games that’ll start them down that path. Whether you’re in need of great gifts for Christmas or birthdays or just want to get some tot’s brain cells firing, consider these ideas smart investments in your child’s future.
Wow, game #2 claims kids can learn WHAT at age 3?! We are impressed!
Image © Florian Küttler/Westend61/Corbis
Giant Roller Ramps
Lakeshore Learning
For ages: 3-7 years
Giant Roller Ramps ($39.99, Lakeshore Learning) allow kids to build and experiment with ramps as they ponder irresistible questions: What will make my marble or racecar go faster? What happens during twists and turns? In the process kids learn about the laws of force, mass, motion, and more.
Robot Turtles
Thinkfun
For ages: 4-8 years
Think preschoolers are too young to code? Not with Robot Turtles ($25, Thinkfun), a board game that teaches tots the fundamentals of computer programming. At first glance it looks simple, but there’s a lot going on with this game.
Kids navigate turtles through a maze — all while relying on computer coding tenets like using limited syntax to express complex ideas, and “debugging” when they make mistakes. Designed by Google bigwig Dan Shapiro, the game became the most backed board game in Kickstarter history; some say you can even play this game with your little ones when they’re as young as 3 .
Tiggly Counts
Tiggly
For ages: 3+ years
Admit it: your toddler is obsessed your iPad. But rather than letting him sit there hurling cranky birds, get him learning math with Kidtellect’s Tiggly Counts ($29.95, Tiggly). Inspired by the Cuisenaire rods used in Montessori schools, the blocks are placed on top of the iPad screen and interact with various apps. With Tiggly Chef, for instance, kids prepare crazy recipes while learning how to add, subtract, and other numerical concepts.
Learning Resources Primary Science Mix And Measure Set
Amazon
For ages: 4-6
Root-Vue Farm
Amazon
For ages: 4+ years
‘Bedtime Math’
Amazon
For ages: 3-7 years
Magna-Tiles
Magna-Tiles
For ages: 3+ years
We’ve never met a toddler who doesn’t love Magna-Tiles ($51.50, Magna-Tiles ). And for good reason: they’re not only beautiful, but the magnetic edges keep the pieces stuck together so kids can build ambitious structures with very little risk of them toppling over. Educational experts also say this toy teaches kids the fundamentals of engineering, geometry, and (of course) magnetism, too.
LeapFrog LeapPad3
Amazon
For ages: 3-9
Now You See It, Now You Don’t See-Through Compost Container
Amazon
For ages: 4+ years
Gears! Gears! Gears!
Amazon
For ages: 3-7 years
