Which STEM toys should you buy for your kids?
Looking to support your child's learning with some thoughtfully selected STEM toys? Then you're reading the right blog post. Today, we're delving into what you should consider before buying a STEM toy for your kids. Keep reading to see our tips, plus our picks for some of the best STEM toys to buy in 2021.
If you’re a parent or educator—or even a doting aunt or uncle—you know that there are quite a few STEM toys for toddlers and children out there. But which ones teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a way that’s actually fun for kids? There’s a lot to think about when you’re shopping for a quality toy that does more than entertain. So today, we’re compiling our best tips for choosing a great STEM toy for your child, along with our recommendations for some of the best STEM toys you can buy in 2021.
Consider your child’s age
This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Most STEM toys are marked with an age range, so it’s best to choose one that matches your child’s age. Even the best coding robot out there will go unused if its intended age group is older or younger than your child. You’ll save tears and money by going for an educational toy that’s right for your child’s developmental skills.
Choose a toy that’s fun
Learning should never feel boring. And for kids, this is even more important because early learning experiences can set the tone for a lifelong thirst for knowledge. So when thinking about which STEM toys you should buy for your kids, you definitely need to take the toy’s fun factor into account. And luckily, there are a ton of great STEM toys that do just that. Robots that kids can program to draw, microscopes with slides, and science kits with magnets are just a few.
Take your child’s interests into account
Does your son or daughter like to build? Or is he or she fascinated by germs? Ultimately, the best STEM toy for your child is one that relates to something they already enjoy. So if your daughter has a self-currated rock collection, an age-appropriate rock kit with a magnifying glass is something she’ll examine for hours.
Select STEM toys that support creativity
The problem solvers of the future will need to use their creativity to rise to the challenges of their times. So when thinking about which STEM toy you should buy for your kids, it’s best to select one that supports open-ended learning and creative problem-solving. Robots that kids can create themselves and games that lead to more than one solution are some great ones. Now, without further ado, here are our picks for the best STEM toys you can buy in 2021.
Some of the best STEM toys you can buy in 2021
LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Coding Kit
Great for kids ages 10 and up, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Coding Kit combines creativity with coding when your child programs any of the five included robots. Each has its own backstory and includes fun coding and challenging activities to complete with the app. The coding is based on Scratch’s drag-and-drop system and helps anyone learn the technology. And since the set comes with 949 pieces, your child can even build their own creations.
Kontu STEM Blocks Child Development Toy
Designed for children between three and eight years old, the Kontu STEM Blocks Child Development Toy keeps your child learning and having fun. Constructed from sustainably grown rubber tree wood, these beautiful blocks are magnetic and come with number and activity cards that help you start teaching your little one about math concepts early on.
Kano Motion Sensor Coding Kit
Do your kids love screen time? Then they’ll love the Kano Motion SensorCoding Kit. It teaches kids aged eight and over how to build an infrared sensor and detects both the distance and direction of objects. Just set up the detector, and it can make art with a wave of the hand.
Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set
Looking for a coding robot for your five-year-old? Then the Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set is a great choice. This smart toy is screen-free but teaches kids to code with 77 game pieces. And an easy-to-use remote programmer sends commands to get this robot moving. He can even detect objects in front of him and take on obstacle courses.
Makeblock mTiny Early Childhood Robot
Another great robot for younger children is the Makeblock mTiny Early Childhood Robot. It’s a product that’s worth considering if you’re wondering which STEM toy you should buy your child. Ideal for children at least four years old, this panda-shaped robot teaches math, music, and English skills through interactive games.
AniBlock Puzzle Challenger Game
A semi-digital game for ages four and up, the AniBlock Puzzle Challenger Game is similar to Tetris and helps your child solve complex puzzles and earn rewards. There’s more than one solution for each set, so your kids will be encouraged to push their creativity to find more answers. If you’re searching for which STEM toy you should buy for your kids to keep them focused, this one is it.
Little Passports Subscription Boxes
The Little Passports Subscription Boxes ensure your child has fun while learning for months on end. These award-winning activity boxes arrive at your doorstep every 30 days and are filled with hands-on projects, pencil-to-paper activities, and stories related to geography and science.
Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes
Have some outdoor fun with your kids with the Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes. For kids ages 5–12, this cool rocket is 100% kid powered and includes three different stunt planes designed by aeronautical engineers. They do various tricks, and you can change the launch angle, fly with headwind or tailwind, and other options.
It’s easy to keep your child learning and engaged when you choose STEM toys that appeal to their, interests, and sense of fun. And the STEM toys on this do just that. Let us know in the comment section which of these toys you plan on getting for the child in your life or if you have other great ones to recommend.
