Toys That Develop Critical Thinking

NASA Space Shuttle Mastercraft Model

Mastercraft Collection NASA Space Shuttle F/S Full Stack Discovery (S) Model is not just a stunning display piece; it's an incredible educational tool! As parents and educators, we know that engaging with models like this can spark an interest in STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and math. Each meticulous detail showcases the brilliance of NASA's design and history, providing a perfect springboard for discussions about space exploration and aerospace engineering. 10+ years
Why we love it:
NASA Space Shuttle Mastercraft Model is a handcrafted piece that sparks conversations about space exploration, encouraging curiosity and inspiring future astronauts in your home.

Build & Explore with E-Z Track Pier Set

Bachmann Trains 14 PC. E-Z TRACK GRADUATED PIER SET will ignite your child’s imagination while learning about engineering and design! This engaging set allows little builders to create their own dynamic HO Scale train layouts, fostering spatial awareness and critical thinking. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Build & Explore with E-Z Track Pier Set includes 14 pieces for creating dynamic train layouts that transform engineering concepts into exciting hands-on playtime.

Snap-Fit E-Z Track Fun for Kids

Bachmann Trains - Snap-Fit E-Z TRACK 9” STRAIGHT TRACK is the perfect gateway to a world of imaginative play and engineering for our little ones! This track system not only makes set-up a breeze—snapping together effortlessly without the need for nails or tools—but it also encourages spatial awareness and problem-solving skills as they design their own layouts. With durable steel alloy rails and a realistic black roadbed, children aged 8 and up can dive into the fascinating world of model trains, developing critical thinking and fine motor skills along the way. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Snap-Fit E-Z Track Fun for Kids allows for effortless assembly without tools, igniting our children's imagination and engineering skills as they build their own train layouts.

Engaging Lionel FasTrack Figure-8 Set

Lionel FasTrack Figure-8 Add-On Track Pack is a fantastic addition to expand your little one's railway world! Perfect for young engineers, this set not only enhances creativity but also encourages critical thinking as they design their figure-8 layout. As parents, we appreciate the easy assembly and flexible design options, allowing our kids to explore countless configurations with the snap-together locking mechanism. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Engaging Lionel FasTrack Figure-8 Set allows kids to explore countless configurations, making problem-solving feel like play as they design their own railway adventures!

Swift Rocket-Building Adventure!

The Estes 810 220 Swift Rocket-Building Kit is a fantastic way to spark your child's interest in science and engineering! With parts that are easy to assemble and a mini-engine that propels the rocket up to an astonishing 850 feet, kids not only get to build but also watch their creation soar. This hands-on experience fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it an engaging project that encourages teamwork and creativity. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Swift Rocket-Building Adventure! includes easy-to-assemble parts and a mini-engine that launches rockets up to 850 feet, transforming science into an exhilarating outdoor experience.

Launch into Learning with Estes 2238 Portal E

Estes 2238 Portal E Launch Pad is not just a launch pad; it's an exciting gateway into the world of science, engineering, and aerodynamics! Perfect for budding rocket enthusiasts aged 10 and up, this robust launch pad offers the essential support needed to explore the amazing mechanics behind rocket launching. As parents and educators, we know how vital it is to blend fun with learning, and this model helps children develop important skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation while they watch their rockets soar into the sky. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Launch into Learning with Estes 2238 Portal E features a robust design that supports kids as they explore the thrilling science of rocket launching and aerodynamics!

Soar Higher with the Patriot Rocket!

Estes 2056 U. S. Army Patriot Flying Model Rocket Kit is an exciting gateway into the world of rocketry for young enthusiasts! 10-14 years
Why we love it:
Soar Higher with the Patriot Rocket! is a thrilling kit that lets kids build and launch their very own rocket, igniting curiosity about science and engineering.

Discover Flight with Baby Bertha Rocket

Estes 1261 Baby Bertha Flying Model Rocket Kit is the perfect gateway to the wonders of science and engineering for our little ones! Not only does it spark an interest in aerodynamics, but assembling this model enhances fine motor skills and critical thinking. As it soars over 575 feet into the sky, kids can witness firsthand the magic of physics and make connections to the world around them. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Discover Flight with Baby Bertha Rocket includes everything needed to ignite curiosity and watch as kids learn the wonders of physics while launching a rocket over 575 feet high!

Explore Space with the Ultimate Shuttle Set!

Space Shuttle with Kennedy Space Center Sign 28 Piece The Ultimate Space Playset is the perfect launchpad for your little astronaut's imagination! This engaging set not only sparks curiosity about our universe, but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills while children navigate through the stars. With die-cast shuttles featuring authentic NASA details and customizable stickers, kids can create their very own space missions. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Explore Space with the Ultimate Shuttle Set! features 28 pieces, making it an exciting way to ignite a passion for science while encouraging imaginative space missions—Houston, we have a blast!

Build and Blast Off with Alpha Rocket!

Estes 1225 Alpha Rocket-Building Kit is an exhilarating way to spark an interest in STEM for kids ages 10 and up! As parents and educators, we know that building this beginner-friendly rocket model fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for science. With its impressive ability to soar up to 1,000 feet, kids will experience the thrill of launching their own creation while learning about aerodynamics and engineering principles. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Build and Blast Off with Alpha Rocket! is an exhilarating rocket-building kit that teaches kids about aerodynamics while launching their creativity up to 1,000 feet into the sky.

Unleash Creativity with the Bull Pup Rocket!

Estes 7000 Bull Pup 12D Rocket-Building Kit is the perfect blend of fun and education for kids aged 10 and up. As fellow parents, we know how crucial it is for our children to engage in hands-on activities that sharpen their critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. This advanced building kit allows aspiring engineers to bring the USAF AGM-12D Bull Pup air-to-ground missile to life, teaching them fundamentals of aerodynamics and engineering principles. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Unleash Creativity with the Bull Pup Rocket! comes with an advanced building kit that not only fosters STEM skills but also offers the excitement of launching a rocket up to 675 feet.

Essential Recovery Wadding for Rocket Fun

Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding is a vital component for any aspiring rocket scientist! This flame-resistant wadding ensures the safe return of your model rocket after an exhilarating launch, protecting both the rocket and its parachute from heat damage. At home, this is a fantastic opportunity for kids aged 10+ to develop practical skills in physics, engineering, and teamwork as they prepare for their launches. 10+ years with adult supervision for ages 12 and under
Why we love it:
Essential Recovery Wadding ensures the safe return of model rockets, making backyard science a thrilling adventure that also teaches kids about safety and physics.

Ignite Imagination with Viking Rocket!

Estes 1949 Viking Rocket is the ultimate educational toy that ignites curiosity and imagination! With 48 possible fin configurations, kids can explore the science of aerodynamics and engineering as they design their own rockets. It’s not just about launching; it’s about learning! 8+ years
Why we love it:
Ignite Imagination with Viking Rocket! comes with 48 possible fin configurations, making learning about aerodynamics a thrilling adventure that soars over 1600 feet.

Mean Machine Rocket Building Adventure

Estes 1295 Mean Machine Rocket-Building Kit is a thrilling way to ignite curiosity and foster learning in advanced young builders. As they assemble this impressive 80-inch rocket, they'll develop problem-solving skills, enhance fine motor abilities, and learn about aerodynamics and physics concepts in an engaging way. It's not just about launching a rocket; it's about inspiring a lifelong passion for science and engineering! 10+ years
Why we love it:
Mean Machine Rocket Building Adventure includes an impressive 80-inch rocket that not only ignites curiosity but also inspires confidence as they watch their creation soar almost 900 feet into the sky.

Transform Trains with Large Metal Wheels

Bachmann Industries Large "G" Scale 31. 0mm Large Metal Wheel Set is a fantastic way to enhance your model train setup! As parents and educators, we know how building these intricate models fosters creativity and critical thinking in our young builders. 14+ years
Why we love it:
Transform Trains with Large Metal Wheels features robust all-metal wheels that not only enhance durability but also spark curiosity in engineering and physics for aspiring young builders.

Launch Into Learning with Firehawk Rocket

Estes 804 Firehawk Rocket-Building Kit opens up a world of creativity and scientific exploration for kids aged 10 and up. As parents and educators, we know the importance of hands-on learning, and this engaging kit allows children to build their very own mini rocket, enhancing fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep fascination with aerodynamics. With the ability to customize their rocket and watch it soar up to 550 feet, it captures the imagination and nurtures a passion for STEM in a fun and exhilarating way! 10+ years
Why we love it:
Launch Into Learning with Firehawk Rocket allows kids to build and customize their own rocket, making science feel like a thrilling adventure while exploring the sky.

Hundred Pocket Chart for Engaging Learning

Learning Resources Hundred Pocket Chart is a fantastic classroom tool that brings numbers to life for our little learners! With 100 clear pockets and 120 vibrant, numbered cards, this chart transforms counting into an interactive experience. Perfect for teaching skip counting, odds, evens, and basic operations, it helps kids develop essential math skills in a fun, visual way. 5+ years
Why we love it:
Hundred Pocket Chart for Engaging Learning features 100 clear pockets and 120 vibrant cards, turning math practice into a colorful, interactive adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated.

Exploring Science with Microscope Slides

The Learning Resources Prepared Slides Combo Set is an exciting way to spark curiosity in young scientists aged 8 and up! With 48 meticulously prepared specimen slides, kids can dive into the fascinating world of biology—viewing everything from intricate plant structures to diverse insect specimens under the microscope. This hands-on approach doesn't just enhance observation skills; it fosters critical thinking as students analyze their findings. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Exploring Science with Microscope Slides comes with 48 meticulously prepared specimen slides, turning any budding scientist into a mini explorer of the biological world right at home.

Sorting Fun with Three Bear Bowls

Learning Resources Three Bear Family Sorting Bowls turn sorting into an adventure! These vibrant, 6-inch bowls inspire children to explore colors, shapes, and quantities while fostering fine motor skills and critical thinking. Perfect for imaginative play or structured learning, these bowls easily match the colorful Three Bear Family Counters set, making them ideal for engaging activities. 4+ years
Why we love it:
Sorting Fun with Three Bear Bowls includes vibrant 6-inch bowls that transform sorting into an exciting adventure, turning lessons into playful experiences that little learners will cherish.

Engaging Learning Pocket Chart

The Learning Resources Standard Pocket Chart is a fantastic tool for kids aged 3 and up, designed to spark curiosity and interactive learning! With 10 giant see-through pockets, this chart allows children to visualize their ideas, enhance their storytelling abilities, and develop critical literacy skills. It's a staple for classroom and homeschool settings alike, offering structured ways to make learning fun and engaging, all backed by nearly 40 years of trusted educator support. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Engaging Learning Pocket Chart features 10 giant see-through pockets, turning learning into a colorful visual experience that brings storytelling and creativity to life.

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
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.

Rhyming Bingo Fun for Everyone

Rhyming Bingo Game is an exhilarating way for our little learners to grasp the joy of language through play! It sparks phonemic awareness and enhances vocabulary as children identify rhymes in a fun, interactive setting. Perfect for both classrooms and cozy home environments, this game invites flexibility with six exciting ways to play, allowing for endless engagement among 2 to 36 players. 4+ years
Why we love it:
Rhyming Bingo Fun for Everyone includes six exciting ways to play, making it a versatile tool that transforms language learning into a lively, inclusive event for all ages.

BIC Intensity Black Dry Erase Markers

BIC Intensity Black Low Odor Dry Erase Markers are the perfect tools for sparking creativity and learning! With their chisel tip design, these markers encourage children to practice their writing, drawing, and fine motor skills while ensuring neat, precise lines. The low-odor ink keeps the environment pleasant, making each session enjoyable for little ones. 5+ years
Why we love it:
BIC Intensity Black Dry Erase Markers feature a chisel tip design for neat, precise lines, making every scribble and doodle a mini masterpiece in the making.

Explore Community Careers Flash Cards

Community Helpers & Careers Pocket Flash Cards offer a vibrant way to engage children in learning about various occupations that shape our communities. With 27 unique jobs represented, these cards introduce kids to important concepts in language arts while promoting diversity and inclusion through varied imagery. They are not just fun and informative; they help develop crucial skills like critical thinking and communication as children discuss and explore each profession. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Explore Community Careers Flash Cards feature 27 unique jobs, turning learning about professions into a colorful adventure that sparks discussions on diversity and inclusion in our communities.