As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think about the gifts that not only bring joy but also enrich our children’s minds. I can’t stand it when someone gives my son a mindless toy that just contributes to the clutter. I prefer a “smart toy” that stimulates his intellect or something he can create and proudly display afterward.
According to Mia Thompson, who writes about play and education on her blog toysaretools.com, “Young learners should focus on developing joint attention skills rather than just engaging with machines that talk,” she notes. “These skills are crucial for success in classrooms and social interactions.”
Mia emphasizes that effective educational toys should facilitate:
- Social interactions
- Imaginative play
- Memory enhancement
- Executive functioning skills (which help in managing oneself to reach goals)
- Artistic creativity
- Scientific reasoning
While “smart toys” can often refer to tech gadgets, I prefer to think of them as toys that enhance intelligence. The market is filled with STEM, robotics, and computer kits that offer learning opportunities for both kids and their moms.
Here’s a selection of the top intelligent toys to consider for your little ones this holiday season:
Artie 3000
Best for Aspiring Coders
$62.99 at Amazon
Artie 3000 is an engaging coding robot that allows kids to create code that translates into drawings! It offers pre-set designs for beginners, while advanced users can start from scratch. Designed for kids ages seven and up, this little guy is an honorary member of Mensa—perfect for your child’s future friendships.
Relay
Best for Parents Not Ready for Smartphones
$49.99 at Amazon
Relay is a screen-free smart phone that functions like a walkie-talkie with nationwide coverage and GPS tracking. There’s a companion app for managing devices and tracking locations. If you’re hesitant about giving your child a smartphone, Relay serves as an excellent alternative.
Moving Creations with K’nex
Best for LEGO Enthusiasts
$39.99 at Amazon
Moving Creations guides junior engineers through nine build projects and eighteen STEM experiments. With “Think Bigger” challenges, it deepens their understanding of the scientific method and concepts like pneumatics and hydraulics.
Jooki
Best for Young Music Lovers
$199.99 at Amazon
Jooki is a multifunctional music player for kids that streams music and stories from your phone or Spotify. It allows for audio recording and playback, while parents can add their own content. It’s a fantastic gift that you might end up borrowing!
Boolean Box
Best for Future Tech Innovators
$159.99 at Amazon
Targeted toward girls (who run the world!), this DIY computer and electronics kit contains a Raspberry Pi, mouse, keyboard, and all essential components for bringing coding projects to life. Suitable for ages eight and older, this kit empowers both girls and boys to create games, art, and more.
Gumball Machine Maker
Best for Future Physicists
$27.99 at Amazon
Kids can construct their own gumball machines while learning physics. Each segment of the track teaches a different lesson in mechanical physics through fun stunts and tricks. Plus, they get a sweet treat at the end!
Air-Walker
Best for Budding Astronauts
$27.99 at Amazon
This innovative four-legged robot crawls along smooth, vertical surfaces using suction cups and pumps. Kids can also build four other models, making it a hands-on way to explore engineering and physics.
ABCmouse
Best for Little Bookworms
*Download at Amazon
ABCmouse is a digital learning platform for children aged 2-8 that enhances early literacy and math skills. Designed by educators, it’s used in over 70,000 classrooms and nearly half of all public libraries in the U.S.—a trusted resource for kindergarten and third-grade readiness.
KeySmart
Best for Teenagers
$22.99 at Amazon
This durable compact key holder is perfect for older kids, holding up to 14 keys and featuring a pocket clip and bottle opener. It includes a Tile tracker, so they’ll never misplace their keys again!
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In summary, these intelligent toys not only provide entertainment but also foster essential skills that will benefit children as they grow. Consider these options when shopping for gifts this holiday season.