STEM Toys

Introduce your child to science, technology, engineering and mathematics with STEM toys and watch him or her improve skills and learn critical thinking and problem-solving. These toys are available for three-year-olds and above and help teach math, coding, science, coordination and motor skills. Simple puzzle cubes, building blocks and other interactive toys for toddlers build coordination and help kids grow more confidently. Microscopes and electricity-based toys build an interest in science. Look for coding robots that offer construction and program-writing experience that help teach cause and effect by changing coded lines for different outcomes.

Help Build Hand-Eye Coordination

Building blocks, puzzles and similar educational toys for toddlers help build eye-hand coordination, and teach young children about matching shapes and colors. Alphabet-based toys introduce letters while helping young children begin learning the proper order. Look for learning toys that combine bright colors, sounds and music that engage toddlers and younger children to keep them interested. Toys with different triggers introduce pushing buttons, flipping switches and other actions, developing motor skills and building coordination. Interactive toys for toddlers offer varied experiences that reward children with different sounds, lights and other simulations when they touch specific triggers or move certain parts. Activity centers and similar play areas let younger children explore water, sand and other natural options.

Encourage Critical Thinking and Creativity

Introduce toddlers and older children to learning and educational toys to help them learn decision-making and creativity skills. Science-based options include electricity-based components that teach cause and effect. Robotic STEM learning toys let kids build different types of interactive toys. Some offer a variety of program-writing opportunities that teach coding basics, and allow changes for creating different movements and actions. Biology toys teach about ecosystems, animals, plants and the human body, and give children experiments and data-gathering projects. Look for building sets that include both building components and coding plans that keep older children interested, and let them explore and program different builds in a single set. Add balls, bounce houses, swings and other outdoor toys to maintain healthy exercise levels and interest in activity.

Improve Math and Science Skills

Math and science STEM learning toys introduce children to numbers and science-related activities starting at young ages. Early immersion in these play-based activities may help kids enjoy these subjects prior to the classroom, facilitating broader interests as they grow older. Simple toys teach number forms and counting. More advanced math STEM toys add problem-solving with ideas that are easier for younger children to understand.

Introduce Electronics and Circuitry

Electronic STEM toys provide older children with opportunities to experiment with circuitry and programming languages. Some kits include small computer boards, relays and connections for building entire programs that control lights, sound and other external devices. Many electronic toys combine with Apple™ and Android® apps for additional interaction. Simple experiment-based toys include LED lights, cans, light bulbs and other everyday items so children can play with known objects.