Samlabs kits are the LEGOS of the future. Forget clicking plastic blocks together, we’re talking about bluetooth connected, programmable blocks that feature buzzers, motors, sensors. If you have a child who is STEM inclined or is at least interested in how things work. We found the interface (simple bluetooth connected bricks that are wirelessly connected by lines you can drag between them on the screen) is intuitive and quickly rewards any effort with fun. The great thing is that the limitations of how you connect them to each other and what you make them do, is really only held by your imagination. This is a wonderful gift for children, and we even know a few grown ups that would be begging for one.
Get yours today at: Samlabs
Where the Samlabs kit is great for the experience of the bluetooth connectivity and how it can help with creation new devices, the Little Bits: Rule Your room kit is more about traditional engineering. The modules are really easy to put together (they all snap in place with magnets), and the whole kit is based around the theme of becoming the ruler of your bedroom. That means protection for your piggy bank, mechanical keep out signs, and even a catapult that flings stuff at intruders. We found the instructions really clear and we loved that there were multiple projects included that increased in skill level as you progressed. If you want your kid to know that engineering and science can be cool, this is another great kit for you to consider.
Get yours today at: Littlebits
There are a ton of great subscription services out there, but let’s face it, you can only fit so many Funko Pop! Figures on the shelf. We tried out Tinker Crate from Kiwi Crate and felt it was perfect for kids who are into science and engineering, and also a great way to get kids who aren’t, to give them a second chance. Each new kit arrives with a beautifully constructed project or experiment. Our trial kit was a Trebuchet that we put together from a wooden kit. When we were done, it was over a foot tall and it flung the included ping pong ball several feet. If we were kids, we’d be waiting for the new kit to arrive every month. If you want a gift for a child that’s going to last them all year long, this is a great one!
Get yours today at: Tinker Crate
We loved the original Anki set that came out a couple years ago, but the new one is something truly great. Gone is the roll out single track. It’s been replaced with a modular track that can be put together in 8 different configurations. You can even buy more pieces and expand the track. That combined with the better and expanded assortment of cars (you can even race with super trucks now!), the seemingly more responsive control and overall better gameplay through the app… this isn’t just a great toy for kids. It’s pretty much perfect for anyone who loves cars!
Get yours today at: Anki
We have a tendency to focus on tech based toys and kids for kids, but there’s a lot to be said for toys that embrace a child’s artistic side in a non-digital way. One of the toys we liked for that this year is Kahootz Games’ Action Plates. While simple in concept, Action Plates are a lot of fun. Kids just swap out from the 18 double sided plates of different super heroes’ heads, bodies, and legs, and then they place a sheet of paper over them and rub. The result is a unique hero that they can then color in or use to create their own comic books. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it doesn’t need batteries. This is a winner for us!
Get yours today at: Kahootz
We loved Rotodraw for it’s creativity and for the surprise factor that it presents to kids. The Rotodraw is essentially a really neat tracing kid for children, but with a twist. You don’t know what you are tracing until you are done. You just follow the lines and then turn the crank for the next set of lines. By the time you’ve moved all the way through the roto disc, you’ve got a fun drawing you can color in of a monkey or something like that!
Get yours today at: Kahootz
Pirograph needs no introduction. It’s an iconic drawing toy that was just as fun to play with today as when we were kids. What we loved here was that it isn’t just a regular set. The quality and construction of the die cast metal piece makes this feel like the kind of set that you’ll still have 20 years from now!
Get yours today at: Kahootz
It’s hard to get kids interested in Math. We are pretty sure that Prime Climb does it. We tested it with some kids and they were having so much fun that they didn’t even really think about the fact that they were learning stuff! The game let’s you use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to try and race your pieces to the center of the board faster than your opponents. This game is a lot of fun for the whole family!
Get yours today at: Math4Love
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