Ultimate List of Learning Gifts for Kids of All Ages
For this HUGE list of gifts, I looked for the best learning toys and engaging learning games with an initial wow factor and longevity.
When a celebration rolls around that requires a gift, I feel a mix of emotions.
I want the gift to be exciting for the little one receiving it… but I also want it to get used. It can be tricky to find a toy or game that does both.
Buying gifts for kids is hard.
I’ve included links to the recommended products where it was possible. Those links are Amazon affiliate links, meaning I will receive compensation when you purchase from them. Thanks!
16 Best Learning Toys and Learning Games for Babies and Toddlers.
These toys and games are great for infants, 1-year-olds, and 2-year-olds.
- Board books (Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton, and Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown are great choices).
- Soft Block Set.
- Shape Sort.
- Nesting Cups.
- HABA Magica Rattle.
- A collection of different-sized cardboard boxes, hopefully, one big enough to climb inside.
- Rattle and teething set.
A treasure basket is excellent for a gift that can be changed and enjoyed for months to come.
- Beeswax jumbo crayons
- A baby gym with climbing mats and challenges, crawlers get pleasure from mastering challenges.
- Dolls.
- VTech sit and stand walker.
- Stuff and crinkle sensory toy.
- Rattle socks.
- Activity cube.
- Sandbox you can fill with balls.
24 Best Learning Toys and Games for Preschool-Age Kids
This list of the best learning toys is great for kids three years old, four years old, and five years old.
- Magna-Tiles.
- Mr. Potato Head.
- Play-Doh and accessories. Playdough is great for creativity and fine motor skills.
- Hi Ho Cherry-O.
- Hot Wheels are great for hands-on counting, addition, subtraction, division, and social concepts.
- Barbie Science Lab Playset.
- LEGO Juniors.
For a gift that can be changed and adapted, a water or sand table to use for sensory bins.
- Art Supplies.
- Gears! Gears! Gears!
- Dress up clothes.
- Puzzles. Here are three Solar System Puzzle, Wood Puzzles, Farm Puzzle.
- Block Set. A nice set of wooden blocks can be used for so long and in so many ways… it’s an investment you won’t be sorry you made!
- A step stool so they can help with cooking!
- Easel.
- Kid Size Table and Chairs. YES! YES! YES! We’ve always had one. Now, our creative table is a little bigger, though.
- Magnetic Fishing Puzzle
- Cash Register
Anything related to their current interests (Check out our Minecraft Gifts.)
- Calculator
- Geoboards
- Animal Sets These are great for play dough, playing in the sandpit, in the bath, sorting, counting, memory games, and imaginative play, of course!
- Train Set.
- Wooden car building set.
14 Educational Toys and Games for Kids Ages 6-10.
Keep the fun learning gifts going for the older kids. These gifts are great for elementary age kids.
- Sports equipment for the new favorite sport.
- Children’s Tool Kit (with REAL tools)
- Art Supplies
- Science experiments, even better if you can find a science experiment that matches your little ones’ interests.
- Block Set.
- Puzzle.
A local class or things to learn a new skill like this jewelry-making kit or basic supplies make a great gift.
- Snap Circuits Lights Physics Kit.
- Marble Run.
- Architecto Game.
- Structures Building Set. These wooden building planks would pair great with little creatures, cars, or tiny dolls.
- Kinetic Sand.
- LEGO Bricks.
- Labyrinth Board Game.
13 Educational Toys and Games for Kids Ages 10-14.
- Perplexus Epic.
- ThinkFun Rush Hour.
- Blokus Game.
- LEGO Building and Coding Kit.
- Crystal Growing Experiment.
Some games have versions to grow with, Ticket To Ride is one of those. You can start with the Ticket to Ride First Journey and grow into Rails and Sails.
- LEGO Chain Reactions Kit.
- Loopdeloom Weaving Loom Kit.
- Wood Burning Kit.
- Fashion Plates Design.
- Laser Maze.
- The Earth 3D Puzzle.
- Wingspan.
If there is an educational toy or game that your family loves… add it in the comments!Â
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I’m an art teacher. My personal favorite for the older children is ZOMETOOL and I am honestly surprised that it is absent.
That is so cool! Thanks for adding it to the list. I’ve never seen them before. Here’s a link for anyone else who might be interested – http://zometool.com/
I didn’t see magnets on the list. My 2 year old loves them.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ENW5ZG/ref=mp_s_a_1_sc_2?qid=1384895588&sr=8-2-spell&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
Spot It is a great card game. There are different sets, like a Jr edition, and there are 5 different ways to play with one set of cards.
Not sure where you would like to post this gift idea but, I do believe it is worth mentioning. It’s for the entire family really – and great variety of options on Amazon – search for “Family Conversation Starter cards”! My teenagers loved them and they are a great way for the family to connect !
Such a great idea! Thank you, Kimberly.