You might want the best for your child, as far as giving them learning aid at home, but there’s no use if it just isn’t any fun. This is where educational toys come in. There’s loads on the market these days and it’s just a matter of working out which are the most cost effective, are entertaining and will actually keep your child’s mind flowing with thoughts. Here’s a quick rundown of 10 of today’s best and why you should decide to pick them up while they’re getting the people talking.
1. Melissa & Doug Wooden Hands Counting Peg Puzzle. Age: 2-4. This is the sort of puzzle to get you thinking too, as you have to try to work out which of the wooden blocks is for which hand and how it fits into the coloured designed.
2. Playskool Alphie. Age: 3-5. This is a fun robot which does it all. Get one and you’ll understand.
3. LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Tablet. Age: 4-9. With eBooks, learning games and more, this is like a child’s version of an iPad and does everything you’d expect of such a device.
4. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Screen Laptop. Age: 2-4. This is a handheld device made to help with the alphabet and more.
5. Fisher-Price Brilliance Basics Baby’s First Blocks. Age: 6 months-3 years. You know exactly what to expect here and it’ll keep them entertained, at a time when they’ll enjoy learning more than ever.
6. Vtech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker. Age: 9 months-3. This one is a proper mish-mash of everything. It acts as a walker, but is filled with lots of little extra additions to keep your child playing and learning whilst on the move.
7. LeapFrog Scribble and Write. Age: 3-5. Made to teach letters, this will get them ahead in class in no time.
8. Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100. Age: 8-12. Giving your child a boost as they move into the double digits and prepare themselves for their SATs, this gives kids the chance to build gadgets of their own.
9. Vtecvh InnoTab Learning Tablet. Age: 4-9. This is a touch screen device which acts as a very complete and robust portable entertainment centre. You’ve got eBooks, as well as many creative activities to keep your child learning.
10. LeapFrog My Own Laptop. Age: 36 months. Give your toddler a trip into your world, with their own little laptop.