Toys That Develop Critical Thinking

The Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit opens the door to a world of creativity and engineering for kids ages 8-12. With this hands-on kit, your children will construct 8 brilliant kinetic creatures using LEGO Technic bricks and papercraft, all while diving into the science of physics and mechanics. The 64-page instructional book is packed with engaging explanations about axles, cams, cranks, and the engineering principles behind everyday machines, making learning a fun experience. 8-12 years

Klutz Mini Clay World Pet Adoption Truck Craft Kit is a delightful way for children aged 8-12 to unleash their creativity while developing fine motor skills and imaginative play. With the ability to sculpt up to 15 charming animals from colorful oven-bake clay, kids get hands-on experience that empowers them to express their personalities through art. This kit not only enhances artistic abilities but also fosters nurturing behaviors as they pretend to care for their furry and feathered friends. 8-12 years

Klutz Light Up Rock & Gem Collection is an exciting journey through earth science, perfect for curious minds! This Maker Lab STEM kit features a 32-page book filled with fascinating details about 29 unique rocks, gems, and minerals, inspiring a love for geology and hands-on learning. With 6 engaging activities, kids will develop critical thinking skills while creating their very own shining crystal agate lamp using the color-changing display light. 8+ years

KLUTZ Mini Clay World Puppy Treat Truck Craft Kit is a delightful way for kids to dive into creativity and develop essential skills! This engaging kit not only encourages artistic expression through custom puppy designs but also hones fine motor skills as children learn to roll, shape, and assemble clay. With step-by-step illustrated instructions and a vibrant truck for imaginative play, your young crafters will be captivated as they create their own puppy-themed treats while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 8+ years

KLUTZ Gross Nose Science STEAM Lab Activity Kit invites young minds to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of our noses! Packed with a 32-page book of engaging experiments and fascinating facts, this kit empowers children to dive deep into the science of noses, germs, and even germ prevention. Through ten hands-on activities, kids will develop critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of biology while having a blast with squishy noses and snot-making materials. 8-12 years

KLUTZ Lego Minifigure Photography Activity Kit is an exciting way for our kids to dive into the world of photography! With LEGO minifigures as their star models, this kit offers a hands-on approach to learning about perspective, scale, angles, and lighting. As they snap creative shots using the included props and backgrounds, they’re not just having fun; they’re developing critical thinking and artistic skills. 8+ years

The A to Z of Cats Puzzle is a delightful way for kids and parents to engage with the wonderful world of felines! This uniquely shaped puzzle not only captures the charm of 26 different cat breeds but also nurtures essential skills like problem-solving and fine motor dexterity in young hands. As we piece together this stunning 80 cm cat, we’ll spark conversations about our furry friends, helping children build their vocabulary and learn about each breed’s characteristics in a playful, interactive way. 4+ years

The World of King Arthur 1000 Piece Puzzle is more than just a jigsaw; it's a vibrant journey into the age of chivalry and the legendary figure of King Arthur! As we piece together this intricate illustration by Adam Simpson, we not only engage in a delightful challenge but also immerse ourselves in rich history and literature. Spotting characters like Guinevere and Lancelot while discovering references from Disney to Tennyson sparks curiosity and conversation, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 12+ years

The World of Oscar Wilde 1000-Piece Puzzle is a delightful way to dive deep into the literary genius of Wilde while engaging our minds and hands! As we piece together this intricate jigsaw, we not only embrace the art of patience and problem-solving but also spark conversations about his captivating characters and timeless stories. This puzzle comes with a pull-out poster to help us identify characters and understand their narratives, making it a wonderful educational tool for book lovers of all ages. 12+ years

Around The World in 50 Birds 1000 Piece Puzzle is a captivating journey that allows families to discover the beautiful diversity of birds from every corner of the globe. As we piece together this stunning artwork by Ryuto Miyake, we not only challenge our problem-solving skills but also immerse ourselves in the fascinating stories and cultural significance of these incredible creatures thanks to Mike Unwin's insightful text. This puzzle is perfect for sparking curiosity and encouraging discussions around nature, history, and art—making learning both fun and enriching for all ages. 8+ years

A Book Lover's Christmas is the perfect jigsaw puzzle for families who adore literature and the magic of Christmas! As we piece together this beautifully illustrated 1000-piece set, we can spark conversations about our favorite holiday stories and characters, enhancing our storytelling skills and creativity. It’s a fantastic way for us to engage our little ones in critical thinking and problem-solving, all while soaking in the festive spirit. 8+ years

The Where's Wally 8 Books Collection invites kids and families to embark on a thrilling quest of observation and critical thinking. As children dive into these vibrant scenes filled with delightful distractions, they sharpen their visual discrimination, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail—all while enjoying the thrill of the search. This beloved series is not just a fun way to pass the time; it's an engaging educational tool that encourages teamwork and patience as all ages come together to find Wally and discover his quirky friends. 5+ years

I Have, Who Has? : Language Arts Game is the perfect addition to our classroom activities! This fun and interactive game makes learning language arts a delightful experience, helping our kids strengthen their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. 6-8 years

National Parks Puzzle 1000 Piece invites families to embark on a vibrant journey through America's breathtaking landscapes! As we work together to piece together this beautiful panorama, we not only foster teamwork and patience but also ignite curiosity about geography and environmental conservation. This engaging puzzle enhances critical thinking skills and encourages discussions about the wonders of our national parks, making it a perfect blend of fun and education. 10+ years

Hervé Tullet's Press Here Game is a vibrant, interactive experience designed for children ages 2 to 6. This engaging game not only enhances memory skills and color recognition but also sparks creativity, encouraging kids to think outside the box while they enjoy quality playtime with friends and family. With its award-winning design, this game perfectly complements Tullet's beloved books, making it an ideal addition to any educational playroom. 2-6 years

Darth Vader™ and Friends Four Mini Eco-Journals are perfect for inspiring young imaginations while they engage with the beloved Star Wars universe. These pocket-sized, eco-friendly journals not only encourage creative writing and drawing but also foster organizational skills as kids learn to express their thoughts and ideas. Featuring whimsical illustrations by Jeffrey Brown, they offer a fun and interactive way for children to build literacy and creativity in a format that’s as exciting as a galaxy far, far away! 6+ years

Chronicle Books Quicktionary is an exciting, lightning-fast wordplay game that challenges players to think creatively while honing their language skills. Designed for ages 12 and up, it encourages critical thinking, boosts vocabulary, and enhances collaboration as players work together to find words that fit unique prompts. Perfect for family game nights or classroom activities, this card game creates a fun, interactive environment that makes learning engaging and enjoyable! 12+ years

Chronicle Books Donner Dinner Party: A Rowdy Game of Frontier Cannibalism! is an engaging game that invites players aged 12 and up to sharpen their social deduction and critical thinking skills. As pioneers navigate a treacherous mountain landscape full of cannibalistic intrigue, they’ll learn to read body language, analyze group dynamics, and develop strategic decision-making—all while having a blast with friends and family. 12+ years

Get Smart: 50 Trivia Questions is the ultimate card game that turns after-dinner conversations into a delightful learning experience! This charming tin is packed with 50 thought-provoking questions spanning history, geography, and pop culture, making it a fantastic resource for sparking curiosity and discussion among family members. We love how it challenges our critical thinking skills and encourages teamwork, as we all rally together to solve these brain-busters. 8+ years

Chronicle Books Peace: A Card Game offers a delightful twist on the classic game of War by challenging players to showcase acts of kindness. This educational card game promotes social-emotional learning as children and families engage in discussions about generosity, empathy, and the impact of kind gestures on relationships. It's a wonderful way to encourage positive behavior and foster a caring mindset among kids, all while having fun together! 6+ years

Chronicle Books Vampyre Hearts: A Trick-Taking Game brings an innovative and thrilling twist to the classic card game of Hearts. This game not only encourages strategic thinking and decision-making as players outsmart each other, but also strengthens social skills through interaction and friendly competition. Parents and educators will appreciate how this spooky game makes learning essential skills fun for everyone involved! 8+ years

Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon is the perfect blend of tradition and fun for family outings or evenings around the campfire. As educators and parents, we know games like backgammon develop critical thinking, strategic planning, and social skills, making this iconic game a fantastic learning tool. With its travel-ready, roll-up design, it’s not just easy to pack but also encourages family bonding outside of screens. 8+ years

The Chronicle Books Bright Games 2-Deck Set of Playing Cards brings a fresh and colorful twist to a classic pastime. Not only do these high-quality cards enhance visual recognition and color differentiation, but they also support critical thinking and strategic skills through engaging gameplay. Ideal for family game nights, this vibrant set is perfect for parents and educators looking to combine fun with learning in a dynamic way. 4+ years

Chronicle Books We Rate Dogs! The Card Game invites families and friends to dive into a fast-paced, dog-loving showdown where players enhance their strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Kids will not only learn about friendly competition but also develop creativity as they choose their favorite dogs to showcase and delight in playful banter about dog traits like Floof and Sass. 8+ years