Christmas 2021: Best educational toys for children

With just over a week left until Christmas, our experts reveal their top picks for educational kids toys.

Gone are the days of parents finding batteries for toys as smartphones and digital tablets become the playthings of the 21st century and are bound to be on most kids’ Christmas lists.

While screen time can be helpful in a child’s development, a mix of toys is important to expand imaginations and help younger generations to add up, spell or think for themselves.

Screen time behaviour has changed dramatically during last year’s lockdown, with kids spending almost 27 more hours each week on their screens, a new study by Deakin University has found.

The greatest changes were among children aged between five and 12.

According to KnowBe4 security awareness advocate Jacqueline Jayne, excessive screen use can affect sleep, physical activity and mental and physical health.

“Reducing this excessive use is going to be challenging as it has been constant for nearly two years and habits have set it in,” she says.

“My advice to parents and caregivers is to role model less screen-time and talk to kids about the positive and negative impacts and the steps they will take to make changes in this area.”

With only a week left until Christmas, our experts reveal their top educational toys for kids.

The Original Sea-Monkeys

Pokemon Trading Card Game

RETRO TOY COMEBACK

New data by eBay Australia shows retro toys such as Sea Monkeys and Pokemon will rule this Christmas.

“Barbie, Crayola crayons and books continue to be hot under the tree thanks to sustainable and diverse twists on the classics,” eBay Australia’s Sophie Onikul says.

“We know many parents are fatigued from home-schooling. That’s why it’s no surprise eBay research found only 16 per cent of parents said science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) toys were a priority this Christmas, compared to 42 per cent pre-pandemic.”

Since Covid-19, Moose Toys CMO Belinda Gruebner says the company has continued to see significant growth in parents buying toys that spark imagination.

Scruff A Luvs Cutie Cuts

“After spending such a large percentage of the last year at home, they now want toys that families can play with together, inspire fun and imagination, and toys that educate their children whilst also taking them away from screens,” she says.

“We have seen the appetite increase for our toys that encourage imaginative play, exploration and nurturing such as Magic Mixies, Scruff A Luvs and Kindi Kids.”

An Amazon Australia spokesperson says: “Over the past year, parents have looked for toys that kids can play with but are also educational, ticking both the learning and fun boxes.

Orchard Toys Match & Spell encourages letter recognition and teaches word building. Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Activity Set is a hands-on chemistry kit that includes real laboratory equipment.”

Barbie Loves The Ocean dolls

MAKE TIME FOR PLAY

Paediatric psychologist Amanda Abel says toys encourage children to develop active and inquiring minds, and teach skills such as problem solving, fine motor and gross motor co-ordination.

It also allows children to practise counting, colour and sorting skills.

“When kids learn through play, it increases their engagement in the learning process so they can be more likely to retain information.”

Irma Rinaudo and daughter Allegra. Picture: Julian Andrews

Irma Rinaudo says her daughter Allegra, 5, spends hours playing with Lego and interactive toys that react with play, such as toys she can feed, change nappies or care for.

“Focusing on educational toys over screen time is important for children and their mental and physical development,” she says.

“In a group setting, Allegra shows positive self-esteem and confidence when her interest in educational games are nurtured.”

CLEVER PLAY CHOICES

Paediatric psychologist Amanda Abel provides her top toy choices for kids.

Multi-purpose toys: Wooden blocks, construction materials (like Lego and magnetic tiles) and creative play materials (craft kits) have many ways of being used through imaginary play that can be retained for longer periods of time.

LEGO Dots Multi-Pack Summer Vibes

Themed toys: Finding toys that relate to topics your child is interested in but can be used educationally is a fun way to motivate your child to develop their skills.

Magic Mixies, for example, could help a child who is interested in magic to form a connection with science.

Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron

Science-related toys: Puzzles are a winner – the Genius Square Game as well as traditional jigsaws. Geomag, marble run toys and building robots will keep minds ticking.

Geomag Magicube blocks

Educational toys: Little Live Pets gives kids an opportunity to simply be exposed to concepts related to animals and caregiving. Akedo Battle Arena allows kids to experience “losing” in a social context which is extremely valuable.

Akedo Battle Arena

Originally published as Christmas 2021: Best educational toys for children