Christmas is just around the corner, and parents everywhere are starting to think about what gifts will spark joy—and provide some educational value—for their kids. If you’re shopping for children between the ages of 8 and 12, you’re in luck! This age group is full of curiosity and creativity, and the right educational toys can help foster those qualities.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 Educational Toys for Kids Ages 8-12 this Christmas that are not only fun but also help kids develop important skills. These toys promote learning in areas like science, math, engineering, and critical thinking, all while keeping kids entertained. Plus, they’re available on Amazon, so you can easily grab them before the holiday rush!
1. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
Why Parents Should Buy It: If your child loves building with LEGO, this is the perfect gift. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox goes beyond just building; it teaches kids how to program and code with fun and interactive projects.
What Kids Love Most: Kids will love the ability to build and then make their creations come to life with simple coding commands. They can make robots move, play instruments, and even perform tricks!
How It Helps Kids Learn: The LEGO Boost set promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills by introducing kids to basic robotics and coding concepts. It helps develop problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and creativity.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
2. Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit
Why Parents Should Buy It: This kit is perfect for young kids interested in learning how electronics work. It’s an easy way to introduce children to the basics of electrical circuits in a fun and safe environment.
What Kids Love Most: Kids love the hands-on experience of building real circuits and seeing their creations light up or produce sound. It’s a fun way for them to experiment and see immediate results.
How It Helps Kids Learn: Snap Circuits teach the fundamentals of electrical engineering. Kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while learning about circuit design, electricity, and magnetism.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
3. Osmo Genius Starter Kit for iPad
Why Parents Should Buy It: Combining physical play with digital learning, the Osmo Genius Starter Kit is a perfect educational toy for tech-savvy kids. It encourages learning through interactive play that involves drawing, problem-solving, and word games.
What Kids Love Most: The interactive nature of the game keeps kids engaged. They love how the iPad can interact with their real-world drawings or manipulations on the Osmo base, making learning feel like a game.
How It Helps Kids Learn: The Osmo system helps with math, reading, spelling, and drawing. It promotes creativity, logical thinking, and hands-on learning. Plus, the interactive nature fosters focus and concentration.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
4. National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit
Why Parents Should Buy It: If your child loves rocks and gemstones, this kit is a great way to foster that interest while teaching them the science behind rock formations and geology.
What Kids Love Most: Kids love the anticipation of watching rough rocks turn into smooth, polished stones. They also enjoy learning about the different types of rocks and the process of tumbling.
How It Helps Kids Learn: This toy introduces kids to geology and the scientific process. It teaches patience, as it takes a few days to complete the tumbling process, and encourages scientific observation and exploration.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
5. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game
Why Parents Should Buy It: Gravity Maze is an award-winning marble run that combines a maze and a logic puzzle. It’s a fun way to get kids thinking strategically and using their spatial reasoning skills.
What Kids Love Most: Kids love the challenge of finding the right path for the marble to travel through the maze. They’ll enjoy the hands-on manipulation of the pieces and the satisfaction of solving each puzzle.
How It Helps Kids Learn: This toy helps children with logic and spatial reasoning, as well as patience and persistence. It’s great for boosting problem-solving skills and thinking critically to reach a goal.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
6. Kano Computer Kit
Why Parents Should Buy It: The Kano Computer Kit allows kids to build their own computer and learn about coding in the process. It’s an excellent way to introduce children to the world of technology and computer science.
What Kids Love Most: Kids love the hands-on experience of putting together their own computer, and the feeling of accomplishment when it’s working. The included coding challenges keep them engaged and excited about learning.
How It Helps Kids Learn: The Kano kit teaches basic computer-building skills and coding through an interactive, step-by-step process. Kids develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while learning to code.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
7. Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 100-Piece Set
Why Parents Should Buy It: Magna-Tiles are classic educational toys that encourage open-ended play, helping kids develop a variety of skills. This set offers endless possibilities for constructing three-dimensional structures.
What Kids Love Most: The magnetic pieces are easy to connect and rearrange, giving kids the freedom to design buildings, vehicles, and more. They love how quickly they can create large, impressive structures.
How It Helps Kids Learn: Magna-Tiles help with spatial awareness, geometry, and fine motor skills. They also encourage imaginative play, as kids can create their own designs and explore engineering concepts.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
8. SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body
Why Parents Should Buy It: This interactive model of the human body is a fun, hands-on way to learn about anatomy. It comes with squishy, removable organs, and includes educational guides that explain how each part of the body functions.
What Kids Love Most: Kids are fascinated by the squishy organs and the opportunity to “build” the body while learning about each system. They’ll love the tactile experience of exploring the human body in a way that feels like play.
How It Helps Kids Learn: This toy introduces children to biology, anatomy, and health science. It’s a great way to make science fun and accessible, teaching kids about the human body’s complex systems in an engaging way.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
9. STEM Robotics Kit by Elenco
Why Parents Should Buy It: This robotics kit is ideal for kids who are curious about how machines work. It allows kids to build their own robot while learning about the basics of engineering, coding, and mechanical design.
What Kids Love Most: Kids love the hands-on experience of assembling and programming their robot. They’ll enjoy the challenge of making it move and perform different tasks, giving them a sense of accomplishment.
How It Helps Kids Learn: The STEM Robotics Kit teaches important STEM skills, including coding, robotics, and mechanical engineering. It helps foster creativity, problem-solving, and logical thinking.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
10. Crayola Light-up Tracing Pad
Why Parents Should Buy It: The Crayola Light-up Tracing Pad is a great way to encourage creativity and artistic expression in children while improving their hand-eye coordination.
What Kids Love Most: Kids love the glowing tracing surface and the opportunity to trace fun designs. The pad makes drawing feel like a magical experience, helping kids unleash their inner artists.
How It Helps Kids Learn: This toy improves fine motor skills and helps children develop an appreciation for art. It also enhances hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness as they trace and create their own masterpieces.
Where to Purchase It: BUY IT ON AMAZON
Why Kids Need Educational Toys
Educational toys are essential because they provide a way for children to learn through play. These toys not only entertain but also stimulate brain development, critical thinking, and creativity. For kids ages 8-12, educational toys encourage exploration, foster curiosity, and develop skills that will serve them well in school and life.
Educational toys also help children improve cognitive skills like problem-solving, spatial awareness, and logical thinking. They can enhance subjects such as math, science, and reading by making abstract concepts more concrete and engaging. Plus, when kids are actively engaged in learning through play, they are more likely to retain information and develop a love for learning.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, why not give your kids the gift of fun and learning? These top 10 educational toys for kids ages 8-12 are sure to bring excitement and curiosity into your home. Not only will they keep your kids entertained, but they’ll also help them build valuable skills in science, math,