Top Learning Toys for Kids
In the world of quarantine, we’re all looking for ways to stay busy and sane. That goes for kids as well! If you are a parent, you’re most likely looking for ways to keep your little ones busy all day so you can get things done. There is still work to be done, but now we’re all teachers, personal chefs, cleaners, and more. It’s a lot!
So, in light of our current situation, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite learning toys! These are learning toys that are fun, creative and don’t involve a screen. I’m not saying there aren’t great apps and other learning tools out there that involve screens. That being said, my kids have zoom calls with their teachers throughout the day, so having other things for them to do besides looking at a screen is important to me.
Keep scrolling for some of my top toy picks for kiddos of various ages. My kids are 4 and 6, and I included toys that they’ve used and loved for the last couple of years (and still use). I’ll be sure to post another toy roundup soon, but hopefully this is a helpful start. Enjoy! xo
This particular toy is interactive and a lot of fun! It’s for 3-8 year olds, though I think kids who are 4 and up may be able to do more independent play with it. It has activity cards instead of a screen, which is a big win in my book! There’s a variety of topics which are covered on the 24 different cards included in this set. Math, ABCs, colors, shapes, spelling, body parts, matching games, telling time, opposites, patterns, animals, climates, and more.
Kids can sit and play on their own, but there’s also a way for kids to compete and answer different questions for a score. Siblings would definitely have a blast with this! I know my kiddos do – which makes it more versatile with different kinds of play.
Given how much I need to get done throughout the day, it’s nice to have some learning games, toys and activities that don’t require me to participate. I’m not saying my kids don’t interrupt me with questions still – because they do! That being said, they do it a lot less when they have something in front of them that holds their interest and is easy to use. This fits the bill and is worth looking into!
When I was in elementary school, everyone in my class was in chess club. I have no idea why, but it was all the rage! 🙂 I’m so glad it was! Learning chess is so good for brain development – and it continues to be good for your brain as an adult. This chess set is absolutely perfect for learning how to play chess. It’s made of wood, is lined with velvet and stores all the pieces inside, it is color coded, has reference cards so you can learn as you play, and more. The design of the board is for learning how to play, and the construction is sturdy, so you’ll get years of family fun out of it! Not to mention that playing chess exercises both sides of the brain, raising intelligence and nurturing intellectual and creative development. You read that right! This is a fun game that makes you smarter! 😉 I’m a big fan of this set and I think you will be too!
MindWare Imagination Magnets are so cool! This set comes with 42 wooden magnetic shapes, a carrying case and 50 colorful puzzle cards. Kids can use the puzzle cards to recreate the different patterns (animals, structures, faces, vehicles, flowers, etc.), or they can use their imaginations to play and create their own! Kids can play on their own or with others (taking turns), as they work to master the different I love how kids can play independently or with others, making this super versatile! We’ve brought our set with us on trips, out to dinner, and to friends houses. The carrying case makes this an easy activity to bring with you for fun that doesn’t involve screen time. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Magnetic 3D building tiles are a big win in our house. We’ve had these for years, and the kids are still obsessed with them. I would categorize this as a timeless toy because kids will get so much use out of them, and they won’t go “out of style.” Kids can get creative and build whatever they are interested in. My daughter is 4 and she loves to build castles for her other toys to live in. My son is 6, and he loves to build rockets, cars, and other structures. The same set provides them with the opportunity to play however they want, making what they like best.
This particular set comes with 108 super durable pieces, in a variety of shapes and colors, and a fun idea booklet to use for inspiration. When I checked the link, it was also 10% off (so hurry to snag the coupon). We put ours in a drawstring bag to easily bring it with us places. It’s also been really wonderful when we host friends who have kids, because it is so much fun for children any age! Hours of fun that will last – it’s a win!
Water Beads are a big hit for a variety of ages. These non-toxic beads are so easy to use, and versatile. Just add water and they’ll grow with time (you’ll see a big transformation over an hour up to 4 hours). I linked our favorite set because it comes with 20,000 beads, 2 scoops, and plastic tweezers – for under $20. They’re fun and educational, so it’s a win win! Kiddos can do sorting and matching, develop fine motor skills, work on hand-eye coordination, and more.
They are a soft texture, come in a rainbow of colors, and can be used in so many different ways. Some examples include, putting them into a kiddie pool with water for outdoor fun, adding them to some smaller plastic containers and adding tiny toys (any you have around the house) so kids can dig to find them, having kids sort them by color as a fun learning activity, placing jars in front of them and doing a counting game, and so much more! So many of my friends love these for indoor and outdoor fun, and I’ve seen kids play with them as toddlers all the way up to age 7 (sensory toys are fun)!
If you’re looking for mess free fun, you should look at the Aqua Doodle Mat. This particular set comes with a bonus coloring book – which adds to the fun! My favorite part is that all you need to do is add water to the “pens” and let the fun begin! They can draw, make shapes, use stencils, and more. The drawings disappear after about 5 minutes, so they can keep making new creations and having fun! It’s a super creative activity – and the lack of mess makes is very helpful when indoors. One other thing to note is how well it is for various ages. I believe Gabe was 4 and Sofia was 2 when we got our Aqua Doodle Mat. It was a big hit for a long time. They played well together, making pictures, playing, laughing, and enjoying the freedom of mess free play. Imagine how nice it must feel as a child to play and draw without being told not to make a mess? Pretty fantastic for kids and parents alike! 🙂
Gears Gears Gears! Building with this Gears Set is fun and kids will learn while they play. These gears are easy to snap together and super fun to spin! This particular set comes with 150 pieces and there are endless ways to put them together. I’m a big fan of STEM learning toys, and this set is at the top of my list. Children are able to sort the pieces, group them, count them, make designs, construct different structures, and put physics into play. Kids have the freedom to play and create moving structures and experiment with simple mechanics. This is another winning toy because it works for so many ages, and is great for playing alone or with others.
Learning can also be helpful – and this Mellissa and Doug Dust, Sweep and Mop set proves just that. I love that they are colorful, made out of wood, are super cute yet realistic, and just the right size for kids. The dustpan is particularly cute because they can actually clean up little messes and be “big kids.”
This set helps build skills and confidence, as well as coordination and fine motor skills. Something we teach in our house is that we’re all part of the family, so we all help keep our home clean and tidy. There are simple jobs that kids can help out with, like sweeping, wiping the table, folding dish towels, clearing the table (things that won’t break), etc. It’s important to me that my kids know that we all help each other, and even if the mess isn’t ours. An example of this is when it’s time to put toys away, the kids are responsible for helping each other. If Sofia was doing a puzzle, and Gabe was playing with Legos, they need to help each other put the toys away (not just clean up what they were using individually).
This set is hands on and kids can be creative, using these tools for various things. I’m a fan – especially now that we’re all home so much. Talk about a perfect time to show the kids how to be helpers while inspiring playtime using their imaginations!
Cooking and baking are great and fun ways to learn. They are not independent activities, but they are fantastic ways to get kids involved, teach them life skills, and even get them to try new things to eat! This children’s chef kit includes tools that are real and great for getting kids involved. You do need to supervise your kids while using these tools, and teach them the right way to use them. It’s not a large set but it is affordable and has tools that are useful. For a more complete set, check out this one – I love it and so do my little ones! There are some cute MasterChef Jr sets available as well, which are fun if you have a child who is very interested in cooking, and so you can add to their collection of kids cooking/baking tools over time.
Please remember that you know your kids best and know what they are ready for. My kids are 4 and 6 and have been helping me cook and bake for years. I started with things like measuring, dumping ingredients into a bowl, mixing things, etc. Now that they are older, they help me chop things like tomatoes, cheese sticks, fruit, etc. They use a kids knife that is not sharp (and not made of metal), and I am there with them to assist (safety is always important).
Gabe is older so he gets to help me by using the apple slicer, which is great because he feels a real sense of accomplishment, and the kids get to eat the apple slices after he’s done with his task. Sofia helps slice bananas, which gives her that same sense of accomplishment but with a more age appropriate fruit (it’s a softer and safer for her). It’s a win! Cooking tools made for kids are a great learning tool and way to get your kids involved in this that need to get done around the house.
The last learning toy I’m including are the 3 in 1 Lego kits. They are a favorite in our house and have been well worth the money! Sofia isn’t interested in these sets yet (4 may be too young for these), however, Gabriel is 6 and has enjoyed building them since he was about 5 1/2 years old. He is good at them and we love the various things he learns from building with them. There are a couple of kits that are for kids around the age of 6, though I think 5 year olds would be fine with the challenge and may just need a little help. There are several kits for children 7+ and we’ve gotten many of them for Gabe. He builds the 7-12 year old kits and absolutely loves the challenge.
For starters, you can make 3 things from one set of Legos. Each set of 3 in 1 Legos comes with enough pieces and booklets to complete 3 builds. That makes it worth the money right there. One of the things I like best is how it has taught our son to not just leave the Lego built and on a shelf, but that he can take it apart and make something new that he will love just as much. His approach is to build his favorite of the 3 builds first, then take it apart to build the other 2, and then take it apart a final time to rebuild his favorite one last time. That ends up being a total of 4 builds instead of 3, all from the same box of Legos. He gets such a huge sense of accomplishment from going through this process, and it’s so fun to watch!
Legos inspire creativity, help with fine motor skills, engineering, cooperative play (when he builds with his sister or friends), problem solving, patience, better focus and concentration, and more. I know that Legos are not a traditional learning toy in the sense that it’s not teaching him math, reading, geography, or another subject that kids get in school. That being said, it teaches a number of other very important things, and it’s something kids really enjoy! Learning can be done in so many ways, and I wanted to include Legos because I’m a true believer in what they can teach children through play!
This post is mostly focused on toys, but I’m a huge fan of reading so I’m including some favorite books just in case you’re looking. There are a ton of Early Readers available for every age and grade level. Gabe used Bob books when he was 4, and we have been using them with Sofia as well. They are fun and work really well! There are also lots of Early Readers available for a variety of reading levels, and some of our favorites include the ones listed HERE.
We also believe in reading social emotional books that help our kids work through emotions and other important things as they grow and change. We’re big fans of the zones of regulation, which makes it much easier for kids to identify and talk about their feelings. For example, you are in the green zone when you are happy, relaxed, and have control of your body and emotions. You are in the yellow zone when you aren’t able to focus, are anxious, or feeling out of sorts. There’s more to it, but that should give you an idea of the zones, and how talking to kids about being in the green versus the yellow zone can make it easier for them to understand and talk about their feelings and emotions. This book about little monsters, is a great intro into teaching kids about their own zones.
One of my favorite books is What Should Danny Do. There’s a couple versions that are worth looking into (including one about a little girl named Darla), but the important thing is that the books talk about the power of choice. Both of my kids are huge fans of these books, and of the cape that Danny wears. He has the super power of Choice and helps kids learn how to make better choices in their everyday lives. It’ll help them become great adults, but it will also help them make better choices as kids, which can mean less arguments at home, better overall behavior, and happier kids!
That’s it for this post! I hope you find the toys, books, and information helpful as we navigate this new homeschool life during this pandemic. The nice thing about these toys and books is that they will continue to be used after this is all over! Stay healthy, safe and sane out there! Be well!
About The Author
Chirag Diyora
In the world of quarantine, we’re all looking for ways to stay busy and sane. That goes for kids as well! If you are a parent, you’re most likely looking for ways to keep your little ones busy all day so you can get things done. There is still work to be done, but now we’re all teachers, personal chefs, cleaners, and more. It’s a lot!
So, in light of our current situation, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite learning toys! These are learning toys that are fun, creative and don’t involve a screen. I’m not saying there aren’t great apps and other learning tools out there that involve screens. That being said, my kids have zoom calls with their teachers throughout the day, so having other things for them to do besides looking at a screen is important to me.
Keep scrolling for some of my top toy picks for kiddos of various ages. My kids are 4 and 6, and I included toys that they’ve used and loved for the last couple of years (and still use). I’ll be sure to post another toy roundup soon, but hopefully this is a helpful start. Enjoy! xo
This particular toy is interactive and a lot of fun! It’s for 3-8 year olds, though I think kids who are 4 and up may be able to do more independent play with it. It has activity cards instead of a screen, which is a big win in my book! There’s a variety of topics which are covered on the 24 different cards included in this set. Math, ABCs, colors, shapes, spelling, body parts, matching games, telling time, opposites, patterns, animals, climates, and more.
Kids can sit and play on their own, but there’s also a way for kids to compete and answer different questions for a score. Siblings would definitely have a blast with this! I know my kiddos do – which makes it more versatile with different kinds of play.
Given how much I need to get done throughout the day, it’s nice to have some learning games, toys and activities that don’t require me to participate. I’m not saying my kids don’t interrupt me with questions still – because they do! That being said, they do it a lot less when they have something in front of them that holds their interest and is easy to use. This fits the bill and is worth looking into!
When I was in elementary school, everyone in my class was in chess club. I have no idea why, but it was all the rage! 🙂 I’m so glad it was! Learning chess is so good for brain development – and it continues to be good for your brain as an adult. This chess set is absolutely perfect for learning how to play chess. It’s made of wood, is lined with velvet and stores all the pieces inside, it is color coded, has reference cards so you can learn as you play, and more. The design of the board is for learning how to play, and the construction is sturdy, so you’ll get years of family fun out of it! Not to mention that playing chess exercises both sides of the brain, raising intelligence and nurturing intellectual and creative development. You read that right! This is a fun game that makes you smarter! 😉 I’m a big fan of this set and I think you will be too!
MindWare Imagination Magnets are so cool! This set comes with 42 wooden magnetic shapes, a carrying case and 50 colorful puzzle cards. Kids can use the puzzle cards to recreate the different patterns (animals, structures, faces, vehicles, flowers, etc.), or they can use their imaginations to play and create their own! Kids can play on their own or with others (taking turns), as they work to master the different I love how kids can play independently or with others, making this super versatile! We’ve brought our set with us on trips, out to dinner, and to friends houses. The carrying case makes this an easy activity to bring with you for fun that doesn’t involve screen time. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Magnetic 3D building tiles are a big win in our house. We’ve had these for years, and the kids are still obsessed with them. I would categorize this as a timeless toy because kids will get so much use out of them, and they won’t go “out of style.” Kids can get creative and build whatever they are interested in. My daughter is 4 and she loves to build castles for her other toys to live in. My son is 6, and he loves to build rockets, cars, and other structures. The same set provides them with the opportunity to play however they want, making what they like best.
This particular set comes with 108 super durable pieces, in a variety of shapes and colors, and a fun idea booklet to use for inspiration. When I checked the link, it was also 10% off (so hurry to snag the coupon). We put ours in a drawstring bag to easily bring it with us places. It’s also been really wonderful when we host friends who have kids, because it is so much fun for children any age! Hours of fun that will last – it’s a win!
Water Beads are a big hit for a variety of ages. These non-toxic beads are so easy to use, and versatile. Just add water and they’ll grow with time (you’ll see a big transformation over an hour up to 4 hours). I linked our favorite set because it comes with 20,000 beads, 2 scoops, and plastic tweezers – for under $20. They’re fun and educational, so it’s a win win! Kiddos can do sorting and matching, develop fine motor skills, work on hand-eye coordination, and more.
They are a soft texture, come in a rainbow of colors, and can be used in so many different ways. Some examples include, putting them into a kiddie pool with water for outdoor fun, adding them to some smaller plastic containers and adding tiny toys (any you have around the house) so kids can dig to find them, having kids sort them by color as a fun learning activity, placing jars in front of them and doing a counting game, and so much more! So many of my friends love these for indoor and outdoor fun, and I’ve seen kids play with them as toddlers all the way up to age 7 (sensory toys are fun)!
If you’re looking for mess free fun, you should look at the Aqua Doodle Mat. This particular set comes with a bonus coloring book – which adds to the fun! My favorite part is that all you need to do is add water to the “pens” and let the fun begin! They can draw, make shapes, use stencils, and more. The drawings disappear after about 5 minutes, so they can keep making new creations and having fun! It’s a super creative activity – and the lack of mess makes is very helpful when indoors. One other thing to note is how well it is for various ages. I believe Gabe was 4 and Sofia was 2 when we got our Aqua Doodle Mat. It was a big hit for a long time. They played well together, making pictures, playing, laughing, and enjoying the freedom of mess free play. Imagine how nice it must feel as a child to play and draw without being told not to make a mess? Pretty fantastic for kids and parents alike! 🙂
Gears Gears Gears! Building with this Gears Set is fun and kids will learn while they play. These gears are easy to snap together and super fun to spin! This particular set comes with 150 pieces and there are endless ways to put them together. I’m a big fan of STEM learning toys, and this set is at the top of my list. Children are able to sort the pieces, group them, count them, make designs, construct different structures, and put physics into play. Kids have the freedom to play and create moving structures and experiment with simple mechanics. This is another winning toy because it works for so many ages, and is great for playing alone or with others.
Learning can also be helpful – and this Mellissa and Doug Dust, Sweep and Mop set proves just that. I love that they are colorful, made out of wood, are super cute yet realistic, and just the right size for kids. The dustpan is particularly cute because they can actually clean up little messes and be “big kids.”
This set helps build skills and confidence, as well as coordination and fine motor skills. Something we teach in our house is that we’re all part of the family, so we all help keep our home clean and tidy. There are simple jobs that kids can help out with, like sweeping, wiping the table, folding dish towels, clearing the table (things that won’t break), etc. It’s important to me that my kids know that we all help each other, and even if the mess isn’t ours. An example of this is when it’s time to put toys away, the kids are responsible for helping each other. If Sofia was doing a puzzle, and Gabe was playing with Legos, they need to help each other put the toys away (not just clean up what they were using individually).
This set is hands on and kids can be creative, using these tools for various things. I’m a fan – especially now that we’re all home so much. Talk about a perfect time to show the kids how to be helpers while inspiring playtime using their imaginations!
Cooking and baking are great and fun ways to learn. They are not independent activities, but they are fantastic ways to get kids involved, teach them life skills, and even get them to try new things to eat! This children’s chef kit includes tools that are real and great for getting kids involved. You do need to supervise your kids while using these tools, and teach them the right way to use them. It’s not a large set but it is affordable and has tools that are useful. For a more complete set, check out this one – I love it and so do my little ones! There are some cute MasterChef Jr sets available as well, which are fun if you have a child who is very interested in cooking, and so you can add to their collection of kids cooking/baking tools over time.
Please remember that you know your kids best and know what they are ready for. My kids are 4 and 6 and have been helping me cook and bake for years. I started with things like measuring, dumping ingredients into a bowl, mixing things, etc. Now that they are older, they help me chop things like tomatoes, cheese sticks, fruit, etc. They use a kids knife that is not sharp (and not made of metal), and I am there with them to assist (safety is always important).
Gabe is older so he gets to help me by using the apple slicer, which is great because he feels a real sense of accomplishment, and the kids get to eat the apple slices after he’s done with his task. Sofia helps slice bananas, which gives her that same sense of accomplishment but with a more age appropriate fruit (it’s a softer and safer for her). It’s a win! Cooking tools made for kids are a great learning tool and way to get your kids involved in this that need to get done around the house.
The last learning toy I’m including are the 3 in 1 Lego kits. They are a favorite in our house and have been well worth the money! Sofia isn’t interested in these sets yet (4 may be too young for these), however, Gabriel is 6 and has enjoyed building them since he was about 5 1/2 years old. He is good at them and we love the various things he learns from building with them. There are a couple of kits that are for kids around the age of 6, though I think 5 year olds would be fine with the challenge and may just need a little help. There are several kits for children 7+ and we’ve gotten many of them for Gabe. He builds the 7-12 year old kits and absolutely loves the challenge.
For starters, you can make 3 things from one set of Legos. Each set of 3 in 1 Legos comes with enough pieces and booklets to complete 3 builds. That makes it worth the money right there. One of the things I like best is how it has taught our son to not just leave the Lego built and on a shelf, but that he can take it apart and make something new that he will love just as much. His approach is to build his favorite of the 3 builds first, then take it apart to build the other 2, and then take it apart a final time to rebuild his favorite one last time. That ends up being a total of 4 builds instead of 3, all from the same box of Legos. He gets such a huge sense of accomplishment from going through this process, and it’s so fun to watch!
Legos inspire creativity, help with fine motor skills, engineering, cooperative play (when he builds with his sister or friends), problem solving, patience, better focus and concentration, and more. I know that Legos are not a traditional learning toy in the sense that it’s not teaching him math, reading, geography, or another subject that kids get in school. That being said, it teaches a number of other very important things, and it’s something kids really enjoy! Learning can be done in so many ways, and I wanted to include Legos because I’m a true believer in what they can teach children through play!
This post is mostly focused on toys, but I’m a huge fan of reading so I’m including some favorite books just in case you’re looking. There are a ton of Early Readers available for every age and grade level. Gabe used Bob books when he was 4, and we have been using them with Sofia as well. They are fun and work really well! There are also lots of Early Readers available for a variety of reading levels, and some of our favorites include the ones listed HERE.
We also believe in reading social emotional books that help our kids work through emotions and other important things as they grow and change. We’re big fans of the zones of regulation, which makes it much easier for kids to identify and talk about their feelings. For example, you are in the green zone when you are happy, relaxed, and have control of your body and emotions. You are in the yellow zone when you aren’t able to focus, are anxious, or feeling out of sorts. There’s more to it, but that should give you an idea of the zones, and how talking to kids about being in the green versus the yellow zone can make it easier for them to understand and talk about their feelings and emotions. This book about little monsters, is a great intro into teaching kids about their own zones.
One of my favorite books is What Should Danny Do. There’s a couple versions that are worth looking into (including one about a little girl named Darla), but the important thing is that the books talk about the power of choice. Both of my kids are huge fans of these books, and of the cape that Danny wears. He has the super power of Choice and helps kids learn how to make better choices in their everyday lives. It’ll help them become great adults, but it will also help them make better choices as kids, which can mean less arguments at home, better overall behavior, and happier kids!
That’s it for this post! I hope you find the toys, books, and information helpful as we navigate this new homeschool life during this pandemic. The nice thing about these toys and books is that they will continue to be used after this is all over! Stay healthy, safe and sane out there! Be well!
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In the world of quarantine, we’re all looking for ways to stay busy and sane. That goes for kids as well! If you are a parent, you’re most likely looking for ways to keep your little ones busy all day so you can get things done. There is still work to be done, but now we’re all teachers, personal chefs, cleaners, and more. It’s a lot!
So, in light of our current situation, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite learning toys! These are learning toys that are fun, creative and don’t involve a screen. I’m not saying there aren’t great apps and other learning tools out there that involve screens. That being said, my kids have zoom calls with their teachers throughout the day, so having other things for them to do besides looking at a screen is important to me.
Keep scrolling for some of my top toy picks for kiddos of various ages. My kids are 4 and 6, and I included toys that they’ve used and loved for the last couple of years (and still use). I’ll be sure to post another toy roundup soon, but hopefully this is a helpful start. Enjoy! xo
This particular toy is interactive and a lot of fun! It’s for 3-8 year olds, though I think kids who are 4 and up may be able to do more independent play with it. It has activity cards instead of a screen, which is a big win in my book! There’s a variety of topics which are covered on the 24 different cards included in this set. Math, ABCs, colors, shapes, spelling, body parts, matching games, telling time, opposites, patterns, animals, climates, and more.
Kids can sit and play on their own, but there’s also a way for kids to compete and answer different questions for a score. Siblings would definitely have a blast with this! I know my kiddos do – which makes it more versatile with different kinds of play.
Given how much I need to get done throughout the day, it’s nice to have some learning games, toys and activities that don’t require me to participate. I’m not saying my kids don’t interrupt me with questions still – because they do! That being said, they do it a lot less when they have something in front of them that holds their interest and is easy to use. This fits the bill and is worth looking into!
When I was in elementary school, everyone in my class was in chess club. I have no idea why, but it was all the rage! 🙂 I’m so glad it was! Learning chess is so good for brain development – and it continues to be good for your brain as an adult. This chess set is absolutely perfect for learning how to play chess. It’s made of wood, is lined with velvet and stores all the pieces inside, it is color coded, has reference cards so you can learn as you play, and more. The design of the board is for learning how to play, and the construction is sturdy, so you’ll get years of family fun out of it! Not to mention that playing chess exercises both sides of the brain, raising intelligence and nurturing intellectual and creative development. You read that right! This is a fun game that makes you smarter! 😉 I’m a big fan of this set and I think you will be too!
MindWare Imagination Magnets are so cool! This set comes with 42 wooden magnetic shapes, a carrying case and 50 colorful puzzle cards. Kids can use the puzzle cards to recreate the different patterns (animals, structures, faces, vehicles, flowers, etc.), or they can use their imaginations to play and create their own! Kids can play on their own or with others (taking turns), as they work to master the different I love how kids can play independently or with others, making this super versatile! We’ve brought our set with us on trips, out to dinner, and to friends houses. The carrying case makes this an easy activity to bring with you for fun that doesn’t involve screen time. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Magnetic 3D building tiles are a big win in our house. We’ve had these for years, and the kids are still obsessed with them. I would categorize this as a timeless toy because kids will get so much use out of them, and they won’t go “out of style.” Kids can get creative and build whatever they are interested in. My daughter is 4 and she loves to build castles for her other toys to live in. My son is 6, and he loves to build rockets, cars, and other structures. The same set provides them with the opportunity to play however they want, making what they like best.
This particular set comes with 108 super durable pieces, in a variety of shapes and colors, and a fun idea booklet to use for inspiration. When I checked the link, it was also 10% off (so hurry to snag the coupon). We put ours in a drawstring bag to easily bring it with us places. It’s also been really wonderful when we host friends who have kids, because it is so much fun for children any age! Hours of fun that will last – it’s a win!
Water Beads are a big hit for a variety of ages. These non-toxic beads are so easy to use, and versatile. Just add water and they’ll grow with time (you’ll see a big transformation over an hour up to 4 hours). I linked our favorite set because it comes with 20,000 beads, 2 scoops, and plastic tweezers – for under $20. They’re fun and educational, so it’s a win win! Kiddos can do sorting and matching, develop fine motor skills, work on hand-eye coordination, and more.
They are a soft texture, come in a rainbow of colors, and can be used in so many different ways. Some examples include, putting them into a kiddie pool with water for outdoor fun, adding them to some smaller plastic containers and adding tiny toys (any you have around the house) so kids can dig to find them, having kids sort them by color as a fun learning activity, placing jars in front of them and doing a counting game, and so much more! So many of my friends love these for indoor and outdoor fun, and I’ve seen kids play with them as toddlers all the way up to age 7 (sensory toys are fun)!
If you’re looking for mess free fun, you should look at the Aqua Doodle Mat. This particular set comes with a bonus coloring book – which adds to the fun! My favorite part is that all you need to do is add water to the “pens” and let the fun begin! They can draw, make shapes, use stencils, and more. The drawings disappear after about 5 minutes, so they can keep making new creations and having fun! It’s a super creative activity – and the lack of mess makes is very helpful when indoors. One other thing to note is how well it is for various ages. I believe Gabe was 4 and Sofia was 2 when we got our Aqua Doodle Mat. It was a big hit for a long time. They played well together, making pictures, playing, laughing, and enjoying the freedom of mess free play. Imagine how nice it must feel as a child to play and draw without being told not to make a mess? Pretty fantastic for kids and parents alike! 🙂
Gears Gears Gears! Building with this Gears Set is fun and kids will learn while they play. These gears are easy to snap together and super fun to spin! This particular set comes with 150 pieces and there are endless ways to put them together. I’m a big fan of STEM learning toys, and this set is at the top of my list. Children are able to sort the pieces, group them, count them, make designs, construct different structures, and put physics into play. Kids have the freedom to play and create moving structures and experiment with simple mechanics. This is another winning toy because it works for so many ages, and is great for playing alone or with others.
Learning can also be helpful – and this Mellissa and Doug Dust, Sweep and Mop set proves just that. I love that they are colorful, made out of wood, are super cute yet realistic, and just the right size for kids. The dustpan is particularly cute because they can actually clean up little messes and be “big kids.”
This set helps build skills and confidence, as well as coordination and fine motor skills. Something we teach in our house is that we’re all part of the family, so we all help keep our home clean and tidy. There are simple jobs that kids can help out with, like sweeping, wiping the table, folding dish towels, clearing the table (things that won’t break), etc. It’s important to me that my kids know that we all help each other, and even if the mess isn’t ours. An example of this is when it’s time to put toys away, the kids are responsible for helping each other. If Sofia was doing a puzzle, and Gabe was playing with Legos, they need to help each other put the toys away (not just clean up what they were using individually).
This set is hands on and kids can be creative, using these tools for various things. I’m a fan – especially now that we’re all home so much. Talk about a perfect time to show the kids how to be helpers while inspiring playtime using their imaginations!
Cooking and baking are great and fun ways to learn. They are not independent activities, but they are fantastic ways to get kids involved, teach them life skills, and even get them to try new things to eat! This children’s chef kit includes tools that are real and great for getting kids involved. You do need to supervise your kids while using these tools, and teach them the right way to use them. It’s not a large set but it is affordable and has tools that are useful. For a more complete set, check out this one – I love it and so do my little ones! There are some cute MasterChef Jr sets available as well, which are fun if you have a child who is very interested in cooking, and so you can add to their collection of kids cooking/baking tools over time.
Please remember that you know your kids best and know what they are ready for. My kids are 4 and 6 and have been helping me cook and bake for years. I started with things like measuring, dumping ingredients into a bowl, mixing things, etc. Now that they are older, they help me chop things like tomatoes, cheese sticks, fruit, etc. They use a kids knife that is not sharp (and not made of metal), and I am there with them to assist (safety is always important).
Gabe is older so he gets to help me by using the apple slicer, which is great because he feels a real sense of accomplishment, and the kids get to eat the apple slices after he’s done with his task. Sofia helps slice bananas, which gives her that same sense of accomplishment but with a more age appropriate fruit (it’s a softer and safer for her). It’s a win! Cooking tools made for kids are a great learning tool and way to get your kids involved in this that need to get done around the house.
The last learning toy I’m including are the 3 in 1 Lego kits. They are a favorite in our house and have been well worth the money! Sofia isn’t interested in these sets yet (4 may be too young for these), however, Gabriel is 6 and has enjoyed building them since he was about 5 1/2 years old. He is good at them and we love the various things he learns from building with them. There are a couple of kits that are for kids around the age of 6, though I think 5 year olds would be fine with the challenge and may just need a little help. There are several kits for children 7+ and we’ve gotten many of them for Gabe. He builds the 7-12 year old kits and absolutely loves the challenge.
For starters, you can make 3 things from one set of Legos. Each set of 3 in 1 Legos comes with enough pieces and booklets to complete 3 builds. That makes it worth the money right there. One of the things I like best is how it has taught our son to not just leave the Lego built and on a shelf, but that he can take it apart and make something new that he will love just as much. His approach is to build his favorite of the 3 builds first, then take it apart to build the other 2, and then take it apart a final time to rebuild his favorite one last time. That ends up being a total of 4 builds instead of 3, all from the same box of Legos. He gets such a huge sense of accomplishment from going through this process, and it’s so fun to watch!
Legos inspire creativity, help with fine motor skills, engineering, cooperative play (when he builds with his sister or friends), problem solving, patience, better focus and concentration, and more. I know that Legos are not a traditional learning toy in the sense that it’s not teaching him math, reading, geography, or another subject that kids get in school. That being said, it teaches a number of other very important things, and it’s something kids really enjoy! Learning can be done in so many ways, and I wanted to include Legos because I’m a true believer in what they can teach children through play!
This post is mostly focused on toys, but I’m a huge fan of reading so I’m including some favorite books just in case you’re looking. There are a ton of Early Readers available for every age and grade level. Gabe used Bob books when he was 4, and we have been using them with Sofia as well. They are fun and work really well! There are also lots of Early Readers available for a variety of reading levels, and some of our favorites include the ones listed HERE.
We also believe in reading social emotional books that help our kids work through emotions and other important things as they grow and change. We’re big fans of the zones of regulation, which makes it much easier for kids to identify and talk about their feelings. For example, you are in the green zone when you are happy, relaxed, and have control of your body and emotions. You are in the yellow zone when you aren’t able to focus, are anxious, or feeling out of sorts. There’s more to it, but that should give you an idea of the zones, and how talking to kids about being in the green versus the yellow zone can make it easier for them to understand and talk about their feelings and emotions. This book about little monsters, is a great intro into teaching kids about their own zones.
One of my favorite books is What Should Danny Do. There’s a couple versions that are worth looking into (including one about a little girl named Darla), but the important thing is that the books talk about the power of choice. Both of my kids are huge fans of these books, and of the cape that Danny wears. He has the super power of Choice and helps kids learn how to make better choices in their everyday lives. It’ll help them become great adults, but it will also help them make better choices as kids, which can mean less arguments at home, better overall behavior, and happier kids!
That’s it for this post! I hope you find the toys, books, and information helpful as we navigate this new homeschool life during this pandemic. The nice thing about these toys and books is that they will continue to be used after this is all over! Stay healthy, safe and sane out there! Be well!
Age Appropriate Chores for Kids
In the world of quarantine, we’re all looking for ways to stay busy and sane. That goes for kids as well! If you are a parent, you’re most likely looking for ways to keep your little ones busy all day so you can get things done. There is still work to be done, but now we’re all teachers, personal chefs, cleaners, and more. It’s a lot!
So, in light of our current situation, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite learning toys! These are learning toys that are fun, creative and don’t involve a screen. I’m not saying there aren’t great apps and other learning tools out there that involve screens. That being said, my kids have zoom calls with their teachers throughout the day, so having other things for them to do besides looking at a screen is important to me.
Keep scrolling for some of my top toy picks for kiddos of various ages. My kids are 4 and 6, and I included toys that they’ve used and loved for the last couple of years (and still use). I’ll be sure to post another toy roundup soon, but hopefully this is a helpful start. Enjoy! xo
This particular toy is interactive and a lot of fun! It’s for 3-8 year olds, though I think kids who are 4 and up may be able to do more independent play with it. It has activity cards instead of a screen, which is a big win in my book! There’s a variety of topics which are covered on the 24 different cards included in this set. Math, ABCs, colors, shapes, spelling, body parts, matching games, telling time, opposites, patterns, animals, climates, and more.
Kids can sit and play on their own, but there’s also a way for kids to compete and answer different questions for a score. Siblings would definitely have a blast with this! I know my kiddos do – which makes it more versatile with different kinds of play.
Given how much I need to get done throughout the day, it’s nice to have some learning games, toys and activities that don’t require me to participate. I’m not saying my kids don’t interrupt me with questions still – because they do! That being said, they do it a lot less when they have something in front of them that holds their interest and is easy to use. This fits the bill and is worth looking into!
When I was in elementary school, everyone in my class was in chess club. I have no idea why, but it was all the rage! 🙂 I’m so glad it was! Learning chess is so good for brain development – and it continues to be good for your brain as an adult. This chess set is absolutely perfect for learning how to play chess. It’s made of wood, is lined with velvet and stores all the pieces inside, it is color coded, has reference cards so you can learn as you play, and more. The design of the board is for learning how to play, and the construction is sturdy, so you’ll get years of family fun out of it! Not to mention that playing chess exercises both sides of the brain, raising intelligence and nurturing intellectual and creative development. You read that right! This is a fun game that makes you smarter! 😉 I’m a big fan of this set and I think you will be too!
MindWare Imagination Magnets are so cool! This set comes with 42 wooden magnetic shapes, a carrying case and 50 colorful puzzle cards. Kids can use the puzzle cards to recreate the different patterns (animals, structures, faces, vehicles, flowers, etc.), or they can use their imaginations to play and create their own! Kids can play on their own or with others (taking turns), as they work to master the different I love how kids can play independently or with others, making this super versatile! We’ve brought our set with us on trips, out to dinner, and to friends houses. The carrying case makes this an easy activity to bring with you for fun that doesn’t involve screen time. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Magnetic 3D building tiles are a big win in our house. We’ve had these for years, and the kids are still obsessed with them. I would categorize this as a timeless toy because kids will get so much use out of them, and they won’t go “out of style.” Kids can get creative and build whatever they are interested in. My daughter is 4 and she loves to build castles for her other toys to live in. My son is 6, and he loves to build rockets, cars, and other structures. The same set provides them with the opportunity to play however they want, making what they like best.
This particular set comes with 108 super durable pieces, in a variety of shapes and colors, and a fun idea booklet to use for inspiration. When I checked the link, it was also 10% off (so hurry to snag the coupon). We put ours in a drawstring bag to easily bring it with us places. It’s also been really wonderful when we host friends who have kids, because it is so much fun for children any age! Hours of fun that will last – it’s a win!
Water Beads are a big hit for a variety of ages. These non-toxic beads are so easy to use, and versatile. Just add water and they’ll grow with time (you’ll see a big transformation over an hour up to 4 hours). I linked our favorite set because it comes with 20,000 beads, 2 scoops, and plastic tweezers – for under $20. They’re fun and educational, so it’s a win win! Kiddos can do sorting and matching, develop fine motor skills, work on hand-eye coordination, and more.
They are a soft texture, come in a rainbow of colors, and can be used in so many different ways. Some examples include, putting them into a kiddie pool with water for outdoor fun, adding them to some smaller plastic containers and adding tiny toys (any you have around the house) so kids can dig to find them, having kids sort them by color as a fun learning activity, placing jars in front of them and doing a counting game, and so much more! So many of my friends love these for indoor and outdoor fun, and I’ve seen kids play with them as toddlers all the way up to age 7 (sensory toys are fun)!
If you’re looking for mess free fun, you should look at the Aqua Doodle Mat. This particular set comes with a bonus coloring book – which adds to the fun! My favorite part is that all you need to do is add water to the “pens” and let the fun begin! They can draw, make shapes, use stencils, and more. The drawings disappear after about 5 minutes, so they can keep making new creations and having fun! It’s a super creative activity – and the lack of mess makes is very helpful when indoors. One other thing to note is how well it is for various ages. I believe Gabe was 4 and Sofia was 2 when we got our Aqua Doodle Mat. It was a big hit for a long time. They played well together, making pictures, playing, laughing, and enjoying the freedom of mess free play. Imagine how nice it must feel as a child to play and draw without being told not to make a mess? Pretty fantastic for kids and parents alike! 🙂
Gears Gears Gears! Building with this Gears Set is fun and kids will learn while they play. These gears are easy to snap together and super fun to spin! This particular set comes with 150 pieces and there are endless ways to put them together. I’m a big fan of STEM learning toys, and this set is at the top of my list. Children are able to sort the pieces, group them, count them, make designs, construct different structures, and put physics into play. Kids have the freedom to play and create moving structures and experiment with simple mechanics. This is another winning toy because it works for so many ages, and is great for playing alone or with others.
Learning can also be helpful – and this Mellissa and Doug Dust, Sweep and Mop set proves just that. I love that they are colorful, made out of wood, are super cute yet realistic, and just the right size for kids. The dustpan is particularly cute because they can actually clean up little messes and be “big kids.”
This set helps build skills and confidence, as well as coordination and fine motor skills. Something we teach in our house is that we’re all part of the family, so we all help keep our home clean and tidy. There are simple jobs that kids can help out with, like sweeping, wiping the table, folding dish towels, clearing the table (things that won’t break), etc. It’s important to me that my kids know that we all help each other, and even if the mess isn’t ours. An example of this is when it’s time to put toys away, the kids are responsible for helping each other. If Sofia was doing a puzzle, and Gabe was playing with Legos, they need to help each other put the toys away (not just clean up what they were using individually).
This set is hands on and kids can be creative, using these tools for various things. I’m a fan – especially now that we’re all home so much. Talk about a perfect time to show the kids how to be helpers while inspiring playtime using their imaginations!
Cooking and baking are great and fun ways to learn. They are not independent activities, but they are fantastic ways to get kids involved, teach them life skills, and even get them to try new things to eat! This children’s chef kit includes tools that are real and great for getting kids involved. You do need to supervise your kids while using these tools, and teach them the right way to use them. It’s not a large set but it is affordable and has tools that are useful. For a more complete set, check out this one – I love it and so do my little ones! There are some cute MasterChef Jr sets available as well, which are fun if you have a child who is very interested in cooking, and so you can add to their collection of kids cooking/baking tools over time.
Please remember that you know your kids best and know what they are ready for. My kids are 4 and 6 and have been helping me cook and bake for years. I started with things like measuring, dumping ingredients into a bowl, mixing things, etc. Now that they are older, they help me chop things like tomatoes, cheese sticks, fruit, etc. They use a kids knife that is not sharp (and not made of metal), and I am there with them to assist (safety is always important).
Gabe is older so he gets to help me by using the apple slicer, which is great because he feels a real sense of accomplishment, and the kids get to eat the apple slices after he’s done with his task. Sofia helps slice bananas, which gives her that same sense of accomplishment but with a more age appropriate fruit (it’s a softer and safer for her). It’s a win! Cooking tools made for kids are a great learning tool and way to get your kids involved in this that need to get done around the house.
The last learning toy I’m including are the 3 in 1 Lego kits. They are a favorite in our house and have been well worth the money! Sofia isn’t interested in these sets yet (4 may be too young for these), however, Gabriel is 6 and has enjoyed building them since he was about 5 1/2 years old. He is good at them and we love the various things he learns from building with them. There are a couple of kits that are for kids around the age of 6, though I think 5 year olds would be fine with the challenge and may just need a little help. There are several kits for children 7+ and we’ve gotten many of them for Gabe. He builds the 7-12 year old kits and absolutely loves the challenge.
For starters, you can make 3 things from one set of Legos. Each set of 3 in 1 Legos comes with enough pieces and booklets to complete 3 builds. That makes it worth the money right there. One of the things I like best is how it has taught our son to not just leave the Lego built and on a shelf, but that he can take it apart and make something new that he will love just as much. His approach is to build his favorite of the 3 builds first, then take it apart to build the other 2, and then take it apart a final time to rebuild his favorite one last time. That ends up being a total of 4 builds instead of 3, all from the same box of Legos. He gets such a huge sense of accomplishment from going through this process, and it’s so fun to watch!
Legos inspire creativity, help with fine motor skills, engineering, cooperative play (when he builds with his sister or friends), problem solving, patience, better focus and concentration, and more. I know that Legos are not a traditional learning toy in the sense that it’s not teaching him math, reading, geography, or another subject that kids get in school. That being said, it teaches a number of other very important things, and it’s something kids really enjoy! Learning can be done in so many ways, and I wanted to include Legos because I’m a true believer in what they can teach children through play!
This post is mostly focused on toys, but I’m a huge fan of reading so I’m including some favorite books just in case you’re looking. There are a ton of Early Readers available for every age and grade level. Gabe used Bob books when he was 4, and we have been using them with Sofia as well. They are fun and work really well! There are also lots of Early Readers available for a variety of reading levels, and some of our favorites include the ones listed HERE.
We also believe in reading social emotional books that help our kids work through emotions and other important things as they grow and change. We’re big fans of the zones of regulation, which makes it much easier for kids to identify and talk about their feelings. For example, you are in the green zone when you are happy, relaxed, and have control of your body and emotions. You are in the yellow zone when you aren’t able to focus, are anxious, or feeling out of sorts. There’s more to it, but that should give you an idea of the zones, and how talking to kids about being in the green versus the yellow zone can make it easier for them to understand and talk about their feelings and emotions. This book about little monsters, is a great intro into teaching kids about their own zones.
One of my favorite books is What Should Danny Do. There’s a couple versions that are worth looking into (including one about a little girl named Darla), but the important thing is that the books talk about the power of choice. Both of my kids are huge fans of these books, and of the cape that Danny wears. He has the super power of Choice and helps kids learn how to make better choices in their everyday lives. It’ll help them become great adults, but it will also help them make better choices as kids, which can mean less arguments at home, better overall behavior, and happier kids!
That’s it for this post! I hope you find the toys, books, and information helpful as we navigate this new homeschool life during this pandemic. The nice thing about these toys and books is that they will continue to be used after this is all over! Stay healthy, safe and sane out there! Be well!