Benefits of Building and Engineering Toys for Kids
Engineers are some of the most revered people in our society.
So it’s natural that an engineering toy promotes the traits and characteristics of these shapeshifters.
But what are these traits that engineering toys promote?
Critical thinking and reasoning. The ability to ask how does that work and get to the bottom of it to discover an answer. You could argue that’s partly up to the individual, but the toy needs to provide the runway.
Flow and focus. Gaining traction through a deep interest in what you are doing. Become submerged in the experience. That benefits parents, too, as you’ve delegated supervision for a good couple of hours. Sounds like a win-win.
Patience paired with perseverance. In order to access flow and critical thinking, it will take some patience to push through challenges.
Toys that are open-ended offer space for creativity. Less about rule-following and more about creating new and alternative solutions.
That feeling once you push through that challenge. Do you know what it’s called? Accomplishment and when you accomplish a task you set out to do, that builds confidence.Â
Lastly, when you package up all these traits, you ended up with a problem-solving or solution-finding engineer.
When you get your child an engineering toy, you’re promoting these positive habits of trait.
What to Look for in STEM Toys
You know the benefits. Now, which toy is going to promote these traits? Most of the toys in this list will do the heavy lifting, but you’ll have to make a finer-tuned judgement call.
Recommended Age
Consider the recommended age of the toy. If the toy is pitched for an age that is older than your child, then their fine motor skills may not be ready for the task. In other words, they may not be able to tinker with the parts as they’re too small.
What’s their attention span like?
If your child is easily distracted, then set out with a fully customisable kit or toy may overwhelm instead of encouraging. Start with where they are at.Â
Safety
Be sure to follow the instructions. Take note of any electrical components, chemical solutions or hazardous parts. It’s unrealistic to expect your child to know or look for these out of the box.
But this is a great opportunity to model and speak about these risks to your child.
Supervision
Linked to safety is supervision. Most toys are supervision-free but you must consider your tolerance. How autonomous are your kids? If they aren’t quite ready for independent work, then get them something less complicated for the moment until they’ve demonstrated more competency.
Add-ons
Do the kits require anything else? Batteries? Craft items?
Don’t be that parent who doesn’t look out for these things to halt the momentum when the gift is given. Reduce the friction barrier and discover what additional requirements the toy or kit may have.
Waste
More and more we’re trending towards more sustainable products. The strongest daily vote we can cast is how we choose to spend our money. So back those toys that promote longevity.
Avoid single-use toys. Repurpose. Reinvent and reuse.
Coding Charms
Introducing hand2mind’s newest product: Coding Charms! Coding Charms teaches kids the fundamentals of coding. Kids will not only learn about complex topics such as algorithms, encryption, puzzling, sequencing, variables, and more – they’ll be doing it!
Snap Circuits Light
We all know that electronics is a big and complex field, and that it can be hard to explain. Luckily, we have the perfect introduction to the field: LIGHT Electronics Kit! Kids of all ages will be able to create working circuits with Elenco Electronics Snap Circuits Light. This kit contains over 55 color-coded, real circuit components that snap together to create working electronic circuits. Best of all, this kit is perfect for
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Glowing Marble Run
Finally, a marble run that won’t fall apart! Our marble maze is designed with the highest quality of materials available. Helps to develop spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and more. Let your imagination run wild with configurations of our puzzle!
Sphero Indi At-Home Learning Kit
The perfect way for kids to learn STEM concepts, at home with Sphero’s new Indi At-Home Learn. Start them on the path of engineering greatness with more than 30+ hours of content and more than 100 engineering challenges, or use the simplified drag-and-drop blocks to teach programming basics.
K’NEX STEM Swing Ride
This construction set is perfect for anyone who loves amusement parks, and wants to recreate their favorite rides at home. Kids can build and experience a swing ride and two other amusement park rides with this package. It comes with a battery-powered motor that’s powered by two AA batteries.
Innovation Academy – Pinball Game
Pinball is the perfect game for kids, but it can’t be played with just one ball. Now your child can explore the Physics of Pinball while making their own 1- or 2-player pinball game. The Melissa & Doug Innovation Academy Pinball Game includes two pins, one ball, and all the parts for building a 1- or 2-player game. With over 15 projects to create, it’s perfect for children who are old enough
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
Gravity Maze is a unique take on the marble run, with a focus on building and engineering. As you progress through the challenges, you’ll develop essential skills like spatial reasoning and problem solving. Finally, you’ll design and create your own marble run and challenge your friends to beat your score.
LEGO Chain Reactions (Klutz Science/STEM Activity Kit)
With this kit, you can build Ten awesome machines that can be combined to make dozens of different chain reactions. With the stuff in this kit, you’ll experience some of the coolest scientific principles at work. You’ll also learn how to problem solve with the help of 27 detailed building instructions. Keep on creating new models and learning with your own unique take on these amazing creations.
Snap Circuits PRO SC-500 Electronics Discovery Kit
Help your child develop a fundamental understanding of electronics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts while having fun! This engaging and educational kit will keep them occupied for hours and is ideal for classroom or after-school programs.
Wonder Workshop Dash – Coding Robot for Kids
Dash is a friendly robot that teaches kids to code in a kid-friendly way, with no typing! Dash is a powerful teaching tool for kids who are just starting to learn how to code and all kids who want a friend to help them explore the power of programming. Dash is perfect for hands-on learning in classrooms or at home.
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Building and Coding Kit
If you’re looking for an engaging and educational STEM toy for your kids, then look no further. With Boost Creative Toolbox, you’ll have access to the best educational robots that will have your child designing, building, and programming their way to a lifelong love of coding. Our set of five robots is the only one that includes everything needed for teaching creativity and tech skills in one box.
LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 31313 Robot Kit for Kids
Introducing LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 for kids! No previous robotics experience required! This smart robot kit lets you build, program, and command your own robot in just 20 minutes. Use the intuitive app to walk, talk, and do fun things like play games or complete tasks. Put your engineering skills to the test in no time with this awesome kit that anyone can use!
Piper Computer Kit| Educational Computer
The Piper Computer Kit is the first and only computer kit that lets you build and code your own Raspberry Pi! It’s like a real-life version of Minecraft! With StoryMode, kids are guided through a secret missions, attaching wires and connecting electronic components to move around an immersive world and control the outcome.
Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment & Model Building Kit
Build a world of possibilities with Thames & Kosmos’ Model Building Kit! This construction system is compatible with building pieces in other Thames & Kosmos kits, so you can create complex structures. You’ll never know what to expect from our diverse selection of pieces. Our engineering kits teach children about simple machines, including how they’re used to make complex tasks easier to do!
Cozmo Toy Robot for Kids
Cozmo is a toy robot that has a mind of its own. He’s really intelligent and has a lot of personality, and he evolves as you spend time with him. You’ll love his witty personality, and he’ll love your attention. His got a lot of tricks up his sleeve, and can even recognize faces!
SmartLab Squishy Human Body
It’s biology, but not as you know it! With Squishy Human Body, you’ll get an amusing and informative look inside the human body. We’ll show you what happens to food after it goes down somebody’s throat, why your stomach might make weird noises, and how oxygen gets into your blood.
Math for Love Prime Club
Want a deeper math learning experience for your pre-teen or teen? Math for Love Prime Climb is an innovative family board game that challenges players to explore the world of mathematics. In this classic game, you’ll need to calculate the prime numbers as you climb up a 3D spiral. Grab a friend and have fun as you challenge one another with questions and equations!
Code Master Programming Logic Game
Ever wonder how computer games are created? Your kid can learn with this STEM toy! Program Logic’s high quality instruction manual breaks down the steps of creating a game, starting with programming basics. The kit includes everything your child needs to get started – even a block of wood, so they can make their own controller!
Green Science Weather Station Kit
Science Weather Station is a fun, hands-on way to experience the scientific method in action. Now you can be a part of the next great scientific breakthrough with this clever kit!
Makey Makey an Invention Kit for Everyone from JoyLabz
You’ve never seen anything like this before. With Makey Makey, the world is your play ground! Whether you want to make music, create art, or even learn about science, this invention kit has it all. This is the perfect gift for any child that loves tinkering with things or enjoys making new discoveries.
A+ Kids Chemistry by Playz
