Toys That Develop Cognitive Development
Our Top 5 Picks
Create-A-Scene: Fairies Magnetic Fun
Create-A-Scene — Fairies Magnetic Playset ignites imagination and storytelling in our little ones! As parents and educators, we love how this portable, mess-free activity encourages creativity while developing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. Children can assemble, disassemble, and rearrange vibrant magnets on delightful backgrounds, allowing for endless scenarios and tales. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Create-A-Scene: Fairies Magnetic Fun lets kids assemble and rearrange vibrant magnets, sparking their creativity while keeping mess at bay during quiet playtimes.
Fun & Functional Toy Storage Solution
The Humble Crew Natural/Primary Kids' Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Plastic Bins is a fantastic way for young children to learn organization skills while having fun! Designed at the perfect height for toddlers, this colorful storage system not only encourages independence but also promotes sorting abilities and early cognitive development as kids learn to categorize their toys, books, and games. Parents and educators will appreciate its durable construction and safety features, making it a wise choice for any playroom or bedroom. Preschool
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Fun & Functional Toy Storage Solution features 12 colorful plastic bins that make tidying up feel like a game, teaching kids valuable life skills without the usual fuss.
Crayola Crayon Set for Colorful Learning
Crayola Assorted Color Crayon Set, 24-Count Box is the perfect tool for nurturing creativity and imagination in our little ones! These crayons come in a delightful array of key primary and secondary colors that can help children explore color mixing and basic artistic concepts. As parents and educators, we know how essential it is to support fine motor skills and cognitive development, and coloring provides just that, along with hours of fun. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Crayola Crayon Set for Colorful Learning features 24 vibrant colors that invite our little artists to explore their imagination while developing essential skills—no messy masterpieces, just colorful fun!
Melissa & Doug Farm Puzzle Fun!
Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Cube Puzzle with Storage Tray is a delightful way to engage our little ones in hands-on, screen-free play! With 16 colorful cubes that form six beloved farm animal puzzles, children can develop visual recognition and fine motor skills while having a blast. We love that it encourages problem-solving and cognitive development through interactive play. 3-6 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Melissa & Doug Farm Puzzle Fun! features 16 colorful cubes that transform into six delightful farm animal puzzles, making learning feel like a joyful, hands-on adventure for preschoolers!
Vibrant Crayola Tempera Paint for Creativity
Crayola Premier Tempera Paint for Kids - Green (16oz) is a must-have for any budding artist! As parents and educators, we know that engaging in arts and crafts helps nurture creativity, fine motor skills, and cognitive development. This non-toxic, easy-squeeze bottle makes it a breeze for kids to explore color mixing and blending—perfect for school assignments or rainy day fun. 4+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Vibrant Crayola Tempera Paint for Creativity comes in a non-toxic, easy-squeeze bottle that inspires kids to mix colors and unleash their artistic flair without the mess!
Unlock Creativity with Learn-to-Play Piano
Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano is the perfect introduction to music for young children! With its colorful design and solid wood construction, this delightful piano features 25 keys and two full octaves, beckoning little hands to explore. The easy-to-follow, illustrated songbook not only sparks creativity but also enhances fine motor skills and rhythm recognition as kids learn to play their favorite tunes. 3-5 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Unlock Creativity with Learn-to-Play Piano features 25 keys and a lovely songbook, sparking musical exploration while nurturing both hand skills and a budding love for music.
Colorful Worms for Counting Fun
The Learning Resources Measuring Worms set brings vibrant squishy learning to the forefront! Perfect for kids 3 and up, these worms not only make counting, sorting, and measuring engaging but also support early math skills and cognitive development. With various colors and sizes to explore, you'll find this hands-on toy is a fantastic way to introduce foundational math concepts and spark a love for learning in your little ones. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Colorful Worms for Counting Fun brings vibrant, squishy learning to the forefront, making foundational math concepts a delightful hands-on adventure that sparks curiosity in little learners.
Papo Treasure Chest: Unleash Imagination
Papo Treasure Chest is an enchanting toy designed to stimulate and inspire the imagination of children. This beautifully hand-painted treasure chest invites little ones to engage in imaginative play, fostering creativity and storytelling skills. With extreme care taken in product quality and safety, parents can feel confident letting their children explore this detailed and durable piece. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Papo Treasure Chest is a beautifully hand-painted treasure chest that sparks endless adventures, encouraging kids to weave their own glorious tales while developing vital social skills.
Travel Ready Wooden Chess Fun
Sterling Games 16" Solid Wooden Chess Set is the perfect companion for fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in our little ones. This beautifully crafted chess set not only makes learning the game enjoyable but also enhances cognitive development as they navigate through various moves and strategies. The portability of the set, with its felt-lined interior and secure closures, means we can take this enriching experience with us—whether at home or on a family outing to the park. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Travel Ready Wooden Chess Fun features a portable, stylish design that transforms family outings into engaging strategic battles—who knew learning could be this captivating?
Teddy Mix & Match: Learning Made Fun!
Ravensburger Teddy Mix & Match is a delightful game that invites our young ones to explore the colorful world of patterns and shapes! Designed for toddlers and families, this quick 15-minute game ignites cognitive connections as kids engage in matching and mixing cute teddy bear designs. With easy-to-follow instructions, we can dive right into the fun, knowing our children are developing important skills while laughing and playing together. 2+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Teddy Mix & Match features easy-to-follow instructions for a quick 15-minute game, making learning about patterns an engaging family affair with plenty of giggles.
Engaging Learning with WonderFoam Puzzle Mat
WonderFoam Letters and Numbers Puzzle Mat is the perfect interactive tool for fostering early childhood learning! With 72 vibrant pieces, this mat not only provides a safe play area but also encourages creativity and cognitive development as kids form shapes, structures, and even learn their ABCs and 123s. Our non-toxic foam squares promote tactile exploration and fine motor skills while the included zippered storage bag makes clean-up a breeze. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Learning with WonderFoam Puzzle Mat includes 72 vibrant pieces that transform playtime into an exciting journey through letters and numbers—making learning hands-on and oh-so-fun!
Word Families Skill Drill Flash Cards
The Trend Enterprises Word Families Skill Drill Flash Cards are essential tools for helping children aged 6 and up master phonics and word families. With 96 sturdy cards designed for repeated practice, these engaging flashcards enhance reading skills and build vocabulary in a fun and interactive way. Each card features a pronunciation key and multiple example words, making skill building enjoyable and stress-free for both kids and educators alike. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Word Families Skill Drill Flash Cards includes 96 sturdy cards for fun, stress-free reading practice, making learning phonics feel like a game instead of a chore.
Colorful Learning with Match Me Game!
Trend T58103 Trend Colors and Shapes Match Me Game is a delightful way to support early learning while having fun! Designed for ages 3-6, this engaging game helps children develop essential motor skills as they match tiles to boards. With its adaptable two-sided game boards, kids can enjoy various levels of challenge, keeping them intrigued and excited. 3-6 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Colorful Learning with Match Me Game! encourages essential motor skills with its adaptable two-sided game boards, making learning both flexible and entertaining for little hands.
USA Map Sound Puzzle Adventure
The Melissa & Doug USA Map Sound Puzzle is a fantastic way for kids aged 5 to 8 to explore the geography of the United States while having fun! Each time your little one places a piece in the puzzle, they're treated to the name of the capital, bringing learning to life with engaging sound effects. This interactive wooden puzzle not only reinforces knowledge of the 50 states and their capitals but also enhances fine motor skills and cognitive development. 5-8 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
USA Map Sound Puzzle Adventure features engaging sound effects for each state capital, turning geography lessons into a playful and memorable journey across the country.
Scented Stinky Stickers for Learning Fun
Scented Scratch 'N Sniff Stinky Stickers are such a delightful surprise! As parents and educators, we know how important it is to motivate kids, and these stickers are perfect for rewarding accomplishments or boosting morale in the classroom. With 24 whimsical designs, each with its own unique scent, they not only keep children engaged but also promote creativity during craft time. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Scented Stinky Stickers for Learning Fun feature 24 whimsical designs, inspiring creativity while rewarding accomplishments—perfect for turning any project into a fragrant adventure!
Interactive John Deere Toy Lawn Mower
The TOMY John Deere Electronic Toy Lawn Mower invites our toddlers to step into the world of gardening and outdoor play! With its realistic sounds and interactive prompts, children can mimic adult responsibilities while developing crucial skills like imaginative play, fine motor dexterity, and listening comprehension. As they 'check the oil and gas' or marvel at the rotating grass clippings, they're not just having fun—they're absorbing practical life skills and enhancing their cognitive development. 2 years and up
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Interactive John Deere Toy Lawn Mower features realistic sounds that transform yard work into a playful adventure, teaching kids vital life skills while they have a blast!
Colorful Skills with Stack and Sort Fun
The Melissa & Doug Stack and Sort Board is an engaging wooden educational toy that makes learning vibrant and exciting for children. Designed for little hands, it helps develop essential skills such as color and shape recognition, fine motor abilities, and hand-eye coordination, turning playtime into valuable learning moments. As parents and educators, we can appreciate how this toy supports cognitive growth while keeping our little ones entertained and inspired. 2-4 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Colorful Skills with Stack and Sort Fun features vibrant wooden pieces that make shape sorting not just educational, but a delightful way to spark curiosity and creativity.
Color-Coordinated Painting Fun for Kids
Chenille Kraft Creativity Street Color-Coordinated Painting Set Craft Kit is the perfect way to spark creativity in young artists! With its beautifully organized, colorful cups and brushes, this set encourages kids to explore color theory and develop fine motor skills. The thoughtful design helps prevent spills, making cleanup a breeze, so we can focus on the fun of painting. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Color-Coordinated Painting Fun for Kids features beautifully organized, colorful cups that make messy fun manageable, allowing little artists to paint without the usual chaos.
Crayola Watercolor Wonder Set
The Crayola Watercolor Paint Set (16 Count) invites young artists aged 4 and up to dive into a vibrant world of color and creativity. This user-friendly watercolor set promotes fine motor skills, color recognition, and artistic expression, making it an ideal choice for enriching your child's cognitive and sensory development. With minimal cleanup, parents can enjoy stress-free painting sessions that inspire endless imaginative projects. 4+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Crayola Watercolor Wonder Set includes 16 vibrant colors that spark creativity without the mess, ensuring we can encourage artistic expression while maintaining a clean home.
Engaging Math Games for Kids
Learning Resources Head Full Of Numbers brings the joy of math to life through playful engagement! Designed for children aged 7 and up, this 13-piece set cultivates essential skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With an exciting timer challenge, kids will race to create unique equations, enhancing their mathematical fluency while having fun. 7+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Math Games for Kids features a thrilling timer challenge that transforms math practice into a race, making learning feel like an exhilarating adventure for all!
Crayola Washable Green Tempera Paint
Crayola Washable Tempera Paint for Kids is the perfect way to unleash creativity in our little artists! This rich green paint not only provides vibrant colors but also offers a world of educational possibilities. By engaging in arts and crafts, children enhance their fine motor skills, express their individuality, and explore their imaginations. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Crayola Washable Green Tempera Paint features a non-toxic formula that allows kids to unleash their creativity while parents relax, knowing cleanup is just a rinse away.
Dollhouse Furniture for Imaginative Play
The Le Toy Van Daisylane Sitting Room Dollhouse Furniture set is a vibrant and beautifully crafted 22-piece ensemble that elevates imaginative play for children. This interactive wooden play set not only encourages creativity but also nurtures social skills like turn-taking and cooperation as kids engage in scenario role play. Parents and educators will appreciate how it promotes fine motor skills and cognitive development through hands-on exploration and storytelling. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Dollhouse Furniture for Imaginative Play includes 22 beautifully crafted pieces that spark creativity while promoting essential social skills like cooperation and turn-taking.
Deluxe Jumbo Knob Puzzle for Learning
The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle - Geometric Shapes is a delightful way to engage your little ones in hands-on learning! With its colorful geometric artwork and sweet illustrations, this puzzle captivates children’s imaginations while enhancing their fine motor skills and shape recognition. The extra-thick wooden pieces feature jumbo knobs that are easy for tiny fingers to grasp, making it perfect for both play and early educational experiences. 2-4 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Deluxe Jumbo Knob Puzzle for Learning features extra-thick wooden pieces with jumbo knobs, making shape recognition a colorful adventure that also strengthens those tiny fingers.
Interactive Alphabet Nesting Blocks
Melissa & Doug Deluxe 10-Piece Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks are a delightful way to introduce the world of letters to our little ones, ages 2 to 4. Each sturdy cardboard block showcases not only vibrant letters but also familiar pictures that spark curiosity and conversation. As kids stack and nest these blocks, they improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while diving into creative play. 2-4 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Interactive Alphabet Nesting Blocks showcase vibrant letters and familiar pictures, making building skills in literacy feel like an exciting adventure—no screens required!