The holidays are upon us, and for those buying last minute gifts, it can be easy to grab an end-of-aisle toy and move on.  But is it the best idea to grab any toy?  What if you have an aspiring scientist on your list?  Or a kid who geeks out way too much about coding computers?  Will an action figure help expand that interest?  I don’t think “Computer Coder He-Man” has made it to market yet. 

Right now is a fantastic time.  There are a plethora of toys geared towards inspiring children to take an interest in STEAM fields.  And the best part about these toys…they are fun.  You don’t have to be some science enthusiast to find enjoyment.  You might even find yourself wanting to play with them (I know I want to). 

Here are Five Educational Toys that are Actually Fun: 

MudWatt STEM Kit by Magical Microbes

Gone are the days of Sea Monkeys.  Long-live pet microbes!  Especially when the pet microbes can power a light.  This award-winning kit allows kids to grow their own microbes in different types of soil, using different organic materials for fuel (like leftovers).  It raises awareness of physics, engineering, chemistry, microbiology, and sustainability.  Find out more at https://www.magicalmicrobes.com/.

Bit Coding Robot by Ozobot

Who doesn’t want a pet robot?  And you can control it, too?  Sign us up.  This petite robot teaches the basics of coding to kids as young as 6.  Using a color coding system, you don’t even need a computer to code the tiny robot.  As the user learns more, they can transition to a computer or tablet and gain higher levels of coding knowledge.  Learn more at https://ozobot.com/.

Harry Potter Coding Kit by Kano

Do you have a child that is enthralled by the magical world of Harry Potter?  Why not expose them to the magical world of coding through that interest.  The Harry Potter Coding Kit allows you to not only build your own wand but then code its LED lights and a slew of interactive challenges.  Named one of the best inventions of 2018 by Time Magazine, this educational gift is a magical introduction to the world of coding. Learn more at https://kano.me/us.

Drone Builder Kit by Circuit Scribe

Circuit Scribe invented an award-winning pen that uses conductive ink to allow you to draw circuits.  That alone blows us away, but then they put out a kit that allows you to use that pen, along with cardboard and a few other in-kit components to build a drone.  That flies.  This kit can help to teach and inspire anyone interested in electrical conductivity.  Learn more at https://www.circuitscribe.com/.

Minecraft: Raspberry Pi Computer Kit by Piper

Minecraft teamed up with Piper to teach kids how to build an actual, working computer.  This award-winning kit comes complete with everything needed to create a self-contained computer, including the processor, screen, case, mouse, and control switches.  Once built, the interactive learning system teaches you programming and engineering through the world of the video game, Minecraft.  The kit may be rated for ages 8-13, but if I found it under my tree this holiday season, I would not be upset.  Learn more at https://www.playpiper.com/.

In recent years, more and more educational toys have come on the market.  It’s a great time to be a curious kid.  We at Davin Workforce Solutions encourage everyone to help foster children’s creativity.  These are just a few examples, but there are many more fun, educational options out in stores.  Keep that in mind the next time you’re picking up a toy for the children in your life.

Happy holidays.

Note: Davin Workforce Solutions do not endorse any of these projects, but they look like a lot of fun and if anyone wants to send us one, we’d definitely try it out.  We have not received any compensation or endorsement for this blog.