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25 educational toys for toddlers and kids to use at home

Yes, there are actually toys that can teach kids important skills.
Pai Technology
/ Source: TODAY

With schools all over the world recently closing for the foreseeable future, parents have to get a little bit more creative when it comes to educating their kids while they're outside of the classroom. One way they can do so is by incorporating educational toys and games into their children's lives.

From periodic table building blocks to a coding kit for kids, we've got plenty of options for every age group that prove learning doesn't have to be boring.

To shop this article by category, simply click on each link below:

Educational toys for toddlers and babies

Melissa & Doug Classic Bead Maze

This bead maze challenges the mind and boosts creativity, making it a great gift for inquisitive toddlers!

Periodic Table Building Blocks

Get a head start on learning the periodic table! This set of 20 blocks contains all the elements. Child development experts also recommend these gifts for 1-year-olds.

"It's a Busload of Pigeon Books!" by Mo Willems

This reading set comes with three picture books from New York Times bestselling author Mo Willems.

Learning Resources Alphabet Soup

These chunky, colorful letter noodles help kids identify colors, learn the alphabet and practice early spelling and word formation.

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Set

Promote problem-solving skills with this set of 18 wooden blocks. Fit the objects in the right slots to learn colors and shapes in no time.

Teach My Toddler Learning Kit

This kit, geared toward toddlers, has it all: posters, flashcards, books and puzzles!

Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm

Babies 18 months and older can learn basic skills such as counting, color identification, sorting and fine motor development.

Educational toys for younger kids (3 to 8 years old)

Pai Technology Botzees Building & Coding Kit for Children

If you want your kids to get a head start on the modern world, this building and coding kit may be the answer! This robotics kit uses augmented reality to bring coding to life.

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register

Have your little ones engage in imaginative play while learning how to count money as they play with this pretend calculator and cash register.

Educational Insights Hot Dots Jr. Phonics Fun

Kids from pre-school through third grade can learn math, spelling, shapes and more with Educational Insights Hot Dots interactive learning activities. They provide your child with instant feedback on right and wrong answers to help make your little one a confident and independent learner.

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Doctor Kit

The doctor is in! Kids will have fun giving wellness checks to Mom and Dad. You can also add a doctor costume dress-up set to complete the look.

Learning Resources Alphabet Island Game

Learning letters is fun with this game! Your preschooler will develop vocabulary skills in a snap while hunting for alphabet treasures.

Think Fun Robot Turtles Board Game

Younger kids can also learn programming fundamentals. This card game lets kids ages 4 and up write programs and learn the basics of coding.

Little Patient Doll

This toy may remind you of that Operation game you played as a kid. Unzip this adorable character and discover all sorts of organs. The included booklet helps kids learn to identify each one. UncommonGoods also offers a boy version of the doll.

Thames & Kosmos Experimental First Botany Kit

Does your child have a green thumb? Grow flowers, beans and cress in these tiny greenhouses and conduct experiments along the way!

furReal Proto Max Interactive Pet

This tech toy helps kids learn to create and code their own futuristic pups.

Elmer’s Glue Deluxe Slime Starter Kit

If your family hasn't tried making slime yet, this kit will get you started! Elmer's starter pack has everything you need to make gooey slime. Your child will learn to follow directions and experiment, too!

Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Card Set

Great for road trips, this educational card set will keep them thinking! Other card sets for older kids are also available.

Educational toys for older kids (8+)

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Game

This maze for kids ages 8 and up uses marbles and puzzles to challenge the mind.

K'NEX 70 Model Building Set

Your little engineer will love to snap-fit all sorts of rods, connectors and pieces together. This kit has more than 700 pieces inside.

Thames & Kosmos Kids First Chemistry Kit

Introduce young minds to the world of chemistry! This set comes with 25 experiments.

SmartLab Lip Balm Boutique

Kids can learn how to create their own lip balm with a little science lesson along the way. Not into lip balm? There's also a Bath Bomb Lab kit.

Thames & Kosmos Candy Chemistry Kit

Little chemists and bakers will love to experiment and create rock candy, chocolate, gummy bears and more!

National Geographic Break Open Geodes

Geologists-in-training will enjoy breaking open these rocks to find beautiful crystals inside! They may also like the Eduscience Lab Gold Dig Science Kit.

Chess Armory Game Board

Older kids will love to test their smarts with a chess kit. It helps boost cognitive and math skills, too.

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