Learning at home is more popular than ever, thanks a lot, COVID. So as our children are learning more at home, I wanted to find the best toys under $25. The goal was to find educational toys that allow the kids to learn kinetically, use problem solving, and learn words and numbers. So in no particular order, here's my top five;
5) ZINGO!
LINK: https://amzn.to/32IUsAe Flash cards are always very helpful for young children learning what the things around them are called, the numbers we use, and associating visuals with names. Zingo is a fun take on Bingo that does all of those things. There's even four different options; Zingo (pictured), which is words and pictures, Zingo 1-2-3 Builder which focuses on numbers and correlating images with associated numbers, Zingo Site Words which helps identify words faster, and Zingo Word Builder which helps kids build short words. Push the Zingo slider ahead to reveal two words, numbers or letters respectively, and the fun begins! A couple of the above options come with two levels of play for children at different levels. My daughter is learning the first level, and my son who is a couple years older is crushing the second level. Zingo has received several awards as well! Zingo- Awards including an Oppenheim Gold, Parents' Choice Award, ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award, and is a three time Toy of the Year Nominee, which makes it a great gift for boys and girls ages 4 and up. Zingo 1-2-3 Number- Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year, Oppenheim Gold Award, Parents' Choice Gold Award, Toy of the Year Nominee and more. Zingo Sight Words- Winner of ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award and others, and was a 2013 Toy of the Year Finalist. Zingo Word Builder- Oppenheim Platinum Award, Teachers Choice Award for the Classroom, Parents' Choice Gold Award and more. Not too shabby! From $20-$22, these games are a great candidate for this list. LINK: https://amzn.to/32IUsAe
4) Shapes Puzzles by Likee
LINK: https://amzn.to/34HD8OS
Oh, man! I used to LOVE these games when I was younger. To be honest, I might have an app that I still play from time to time that is this same concept; small shapes that make animals! The Shapes Puzzles by Likee is this same fun past time with new shapes and bright colors. Included in the tin are 36 wooden pieces and 60 pattern cards. My kids like to use the patterns for a little while, but then their imagination takes over and I watch them create tons of other fun images with the provided pieces. It keeps them busy while engaging their minds and imagination- which I love! We've also used the patterns as sight words cards. I've also covered the word on the card and had them build the pattern first, then tell me what they think it is. They don't even know they're learning, because it's fun. It's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers age 3+ years old, but my 6 year old daughter has a similar game on the kid's iPad and she actually prefers touching and moving the physical pieces around. At $21, it makes a great gift or investment for your family! LINK: https://amzn.to/34HD8OS
3) Balance Piggy
LINK: https://amzn.to/31GiVXA
Balance Piggy is a favorite around here! My daughter is a visual learner, like me. So placing all the elements on the scale to balance them out is perfect for her kinetic learning style. Each number weighs the same as that number of piggies. For example, the 6 weighs equal to six piggies. This game easily flows from addition lessons, to subtraction lessons, and works in perfect unity with the included flash cards. My 4 year old son started playing with this the other day, without knowing I was watching. In no time, he picked up on the concept. I imagine once we actually start working with him, he'll pick it up in no time. $18 for this toy makes it a great gift! LINK: https://amzn.to/31GiVXA
2) STEM Master
LINK: https://amzn.to/3hMZBh6
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are all vital to the growth of your kids. The STEM Master hits all of those. What's more fun than building something you see in your mind? Or how about watching a fun superhero cartoon, and then building a repleca the hero's car? I remember using building blocks to recreate my favorite hero's car complete with bat wings on the back. We actually got this for our oldest's upcoming birthday so we haven't actually given it to her yet, but I KNOW she'll love it. She'll be 7 this year, which is right in the middle of this toy's age range (3-10). Although, I know this 37 year old dad will be playing with it too! It comes with a pattern booklet for her to follow, or maybe we'll ditch that and she can make whatever her little heart desires. Coming in at just under $20, the STEM Master set makes this list. LINK: https://amzn.to/2ELT1ZB
1) Count & Match Educational Egg
LINK: https://amzn.to/3hJ44Bu
The other toys have been mainly geared to my two older kids, but this one is perfect for my toddler. It teaches matching, colors, motor skills, and counting. She sits with this toy for a long time each time we get it out for her. She can either pull the eggs a part herself, or we can pull them all a part and scatter them around and she can match them up. Last time she was playing with them, I noticed she had the nine for one side, and the twelve for the other. After trying a couple times to fit them together, she looked at them again, and figured it out. There are different variations of this toy as well. You can get eggs with shapes, numbers, and fruits and vegetables. This variation, as well as the other are all under $25. LINK: https://amzn.to/3hJ44Bu