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Cheapism.com
Kids’ holiday wish lists these days practically require a pocket translator: Zoobles, Fijit Friends, Moshi Monsters Moshlings — and what in the world is a Squinkie? If parents have to master a new vocabulary, it might be nice if the kids learned something too. Educational toys are a budget-friendly antidote to zone-out-in-front-of-a-screen games.
An expert at Washington University in St. Louis recommends gifts such as chemistry sets and educational games for children 6 and older, who are far enough along in their development to learn specific subject matter. Admittedly, such toys may not be the most exciting things to open. That’s why we subjected highly rated educational toys to the scrutiny of our resident expert: an 8-year-old girl. In video reviews, we tested toys that target elementary-schoolers of both genders to see if they could hold our young reviewer’s interest and earn a spot under the tree.
Below is a primer on Cheapism’s top picks for educational toys under $20.
- The Mind Blowing Science kit (starting at $15) may not quite live up to its name, but our 8-year-old reviewer relished showing off results such as test tubes full of colorful crystals. Her only complaint: She had to wear an apron to shield her clothes from experiments such as an underwater volcano. (Where to buy)
- The Scrambled States of America game (starting at $12) helps children of all ages keep their Missouris and Mississippis straight. Parents and teachers posting reviews report improvement in kids’ knowledge of geography. Our own 8-year-old reviewer was enthusiastic about this low-cost option for family game night. (Where to buy)
- The Rainbow In My Room (starting at $19) uses LED lights to cast a rainbow on a dark wall or ceiling. It may be a stretch to call this an educational toy, but it’s a charming visual aid for introducing children to Roy G. Biv (aka red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). It also makes an enchanting nightlight, but our reviewer warns that it goes dark after 10 minutes to conserve batteries. (Where to buy)
- Spot It (starting at $12) is a card game that asks players to find the matching images on a pair of cards. That’s often harder than it sounds, according to our reviewer, because the images are different sizes. Spot It may not have the “wow” factor you’re looking for in a gift, but keep it in mind for long car rides if you plan to visit friends and family over the holidays. (Where to buy)
OK, so maybe even the most expensive educational toy isn’t going to buy happiness the moment the wrapping is ripped off. In that case, here are a couple of affordable toys that are more likely to elicit “Just what I wanted!” than “What is it?” First, a vocab lesson: Moshi Monsters Moshlings (starting at $6) are in demand among kids who play the Moshi Monsters game online. The tiny collectibles delighted our 8-year-old reviewer. Finally, the Nerf Vortex Vigilon (starting at $16) makes an impressive addition to any arsenal of foam-slinging firearms. It thrilled even our reviewer, who wondered aloud if it was for girls before gleefully peppering a patio cushion.
More from Cheapism:
Best Educational Toys
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Cheap LCD TVs
Cheap Multifunction Printers
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Whatever the reason these printable coupons or Printapons exist and it is valid to use them, although it can skew the marketing research for which they were intended.
Yes, I get it. educational toys are good video games are obviously evil. Why not use both? Games taught me puzzle-solving skills, made me interested in fantasy novels, and can influence writing (used games to help with some college writing assignments). Toys can help with the areas games can't:L imagination, physical interaction, etc. I think a combo of outside play, toy play, and game play is pretty darn helpful (as long as the parent makes an effort in all areas and doesn't just buy the kid the new Call of Duty then be angry when they find out about the Mature rating)
The TickleMe Plant Greenhouse is both educational and fun. Many articles are saying this is a must have and I have to agree. Growing a pet like plant from seeds and watching how the leaves fold up and the branches fall down
is nothing short of breath taking.
You can order The TickleMe Plant kits and book at
I had a rock and a stick for toys and I was happy.
Rock and a stick, you brag too much.
dang you were lucky...all i had was a stick :P
I have a puzzle of the United States with all the state capitals that I bought for my daughter. At $5 on eBay, it was a much better buy than this.
Educational toys are great because kids can play while they are learning. I think some of the most simple toys are the best, not necessarily the ones with the most lights and buttons. Educational toys can be expensive too. If you are going out on Black Friday use these tips to save! http://www.bestblackfridaysecrets.blogspot.com/
I do miss my electric Merlin though. I loved that toy as a kid.
How about an article about what actually toys are made here? I am against buying from other countries this year and it is quite difficult to find things made here in the USA-don't want to give my kids something that could be unsafe (got to love ALL those recalls)
I think puzzles are a great gift, especially the Melissa and Doug ones. That scrambled US toy sounds great. Educational toys are the best kind of toys to give.
neat ideas for baby toys renting at spark box toys