Toys That Develop Critical Thinking
Our Top 5 Picks
Name That Tune! Music Trivia Fun
Name That Tune! is an exciting trivia game that transforms family nights into joyful jam sessions! Packed with 50 brain-busting music trivia questions, this compact tin encourages kids and adults to explore their musical knowledge while honing critical thinking skills—all while having loads of fun! 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Name That Tune! includes 50 brain-busting music trivia questions that turn family nights into unforgettable jam sessions, providing laughter and learning with every note.
100 Piece Moon Puzzle Adventure
100 Piece Moon Puzzle is a mesmerizing journey through space that combines fun with learning. As we work together to assemble this stunning circular puzzle, we can explore the wonders of the moon and astronomy. It’s an excellent way to develop problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork while celebrating the legacy of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
100 Piece Moon Puzzle Adventure features a stunning circular design that makes family time feel like a thrilling lunar expedition, all while building essential skills together.
S’Mores Wars: A Deliciously Fun Challenge
Chronicle Books S’Mores Wars: The Campfire Card Game of Snack Attacks is an exciting way for families to enjoy game night while sharpening critical thinking and strategic planning skills! As players collect ingredients and navigate through competitive rounds, kids will not only enhance their decision-making abilities but also engage in healthy competition and teamwork. This fast-paced game is perfect for fostering a love of learning through fun, delicious themes that resonate with kids and adults alike. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
S’Mores Wars: A Deliciously Fun Challenge features competitive rounds that make learning critical thinking and teamwork feel like a deliciously fun family feast.
Funny Fish Go Fish Card Game Fun
Chronicle Books Taro Gomi's Funny Fish Go Fish Card Game for Kids is a delightful way for families to connect while reinforcing essential skills like memory, observation, and social interaction. With vibrant, full-color cards, children will not only enjoy playing but also enhance their cognitive abilities through this timeless game. Perfect for preschool and kindergarten settings, it's an engaging option that brings joy to family game nights and classrooms alike. Preschool
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Funny Fish Go Fish Card Game Fun features vibrant, full-color cards that turn family game night into a joyful learning experience, making memorization feel like a fun fishy adventure.
Four Word Thinking: Lightning-Fast Fun!
Four Word Thinking is an exhilarating way to ignite creativity and quick thinking in our family game nights! This fantastic word race not only makes learning fun but also hones essential skills like vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking through engaging play. With its simple mechanics and a four-letter word limit, even our youngest players can join in on the excitement! 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Four Word Thinking brings the thrill of wordplay to family game night with its simple mechanics and exciting four-letter word races, boosting both learning and laughter.
Explore Space with NASA's Mars Puzzle
Chronicle Books Mars 100 Piece Puzzle invites you to take a thrilling journey to the Red Planet! As we piece together this stunning circular puzzle featuring incredible NASA photography, we're not only bonding as a family but also sparking curiosity about science and space. This engaging activity encourages critical thinking, enhances fine motor skills, and cultivates a love for astronomy in kids aged 6 and up. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore Space with NASA's Mars Puzzle features stunning NASA photography, making family time a chance to learn about our universe while piecing together an awe-inspiring view of the Red Planet.
Celebrate Christmas with a NYC Puzzle
Union Square & Co. 500-Piece New York City Christmas Puzzle invites families to explore the vibrant spirit of holiday gatherings right from home! As we piece together the captivating scene of the bustling Union Square Greenmarket at Christmastime, we not only foster creativity and critical thinking, but also spark conversations about city life and holiday traditions. 12+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Celebrate Christmas with a NYC Puzzle brings families together with 500 captivating pieces that spark conversations about holiday traditions while promoting teamwork and fun problem-solving.
Unleash Creativity with Escape from The Aliens!
Osprey Games Escape from The Aliens in Outer Space: Ultimate Edition is an exhilarating blend of strategy and imaginative role play that sparks creativity and critical thinking. Perfect for ages 13 and up, this game encourages teamwork as players work together to outsmart alien creatures in a thrilling space setting. Each game unfolds uniquely, promoting problem-solving skills and adaptability while also ensuring everyone has a blast. 13+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Escape from The Aliens! features thrilling role play and strategy, making it a fantastic way for families to bond while exercising their brainpower on a cosmic adventure.
Survive Together with The Lost Expedition
The Lost Expedition invites players to dive into the thrilling world of survival in the heart of the Amazon jungle! As fellow parents and educators, we appreciate how this game promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic planning. Whether our teens are navigating the challenges solo or collaborating with friends, they cultivate important skills like resource management and problem-solving. 14+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Survive Together with The Lost Expedition offers cooperative play in a thrilling Amazon jungle setting, making it a perfect way for families to bond while sharpening their problem-solving skills.
Multiplication Fun with Flash Cards!
Carson Dellosa 169 Multiplication Flash Cards transform the often-dreaded times tables into an exciting and engaging learning experience! These flash cards encourage our children to practice all multiplication facts up to 12 while playing various math games that foster not just skill retention but also a love for learning. With over 100 math problems and a bonus resource card filled with extension activities, we can easily create fun-filled learning sessions that cater to kids' different learning styles. 8-12 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Multiplication Fun with Flash Cards! features over 100 math problems that turn learning times tables into a lively game, making math feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Discover Electricity: Hands-On Science Fun
Discover Electricity - Book & Science Experiments Kit is the perfect gateway for young explorers into the fascinating world of electrical science. Designed for curious minds, this kit includes a 24-page instructional book and 20 components, enabling children to create their own electrical circuits and gadgets safely at home. By engaging in these exciting experiments, your kids will not only develop essential STEM skills but also cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Discover Electricity includes a 24-page instructional book and 20 components, making it a fun way for kids to tinker and spark their interest in STEM with hands-on experiments.
Mindworks Crossword Puzzles: Brain Boost Fun!
Mindworks: Crossword Puzzles is your new go-to for brain training and entertainment! With 250 large print puzzles that range from easy to difficult, this engaging book not only sharpens vocabulary but also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As parents and educators, we know the importance of keeping our minds active, and this puzzle book is a fantastic way to enjoy some mindful relaxation while still challenging ourselves. Adults
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Mindworks Crossword Puzzles features 250 large print puzzles that turn screen-free time into an engaging brain workout, making every cozy moment a chance for family fun and learning.
Unleash Creativity with Marvel Coloring Fun!
Marvel Super Hero Adventures 128-Page Coloring Book with Paints and Crayons is a treasure trove of creativity just waiting to be explored! As fellow parents, we know how important it is for our little ones to express themselves, and this coloring book does just that while enhancing fine motor skills and concentration. With 128 engaging activity pages bursting with beloved Marvel characters, your child will not only enjoy hours of artistic fun but also build critical thinking and storytelling skills through their creations. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Unleash Creativity with Marvel Coloring Fun! includes 128 engaging activity pages that transform artistic expression into a superpower while building essential skills for our little heroes.
Ignite Creativity with Make-a-Story Journals
Learning Resources Make a Story Writing Journal is the perfect gateway for young writers to dive into the world of storytelling! With engaging prompts and a thoughtful structure, these journals help kids express themselves creatively while honing their language and writing skills. Each set includes ten delightful notebooks, ensuring there's plenty of space for imaginative ideas and stories. 5+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Make-a-Story Journals include ten delightful notebooks packed with engaging prompts, perfect for empowering young storytellers to unleash their creativity while honing essential writing skills.
Dog Man Plush: Heroic Learning Fun
MerryMakers Dog Man Soft Plush Toy is the perfect companion for budding readers and imaginative play! Inspired by the beloved graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, this cuddly plush encourages children to dive into storytelling while developing their love for reading. As they engage in action-packed adventures alongside their crime-fighting canine buddy, kids enhance critical thinking, creativity, and social skills through imaginative role-play. 5-12 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Dog Man Plush: Heroic Learning Fun features a cuddly design that invites kids to embark on adventures, enhancing their love for reading and creativity while snuggling with their favorite character.
Engage in Strategy with Thrones Boardgame
A Game of Thrones Boardgame Second Edition brings the epic battles of Westeros to your family game night! This immersive board game encourages strategic thinking, teamwork, and negotiation skills as players step into the roles of powerful houses vying for control. With updated art and streamlined rules, it’s perfect for sparking family discussions and debates, all while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 14+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engage in Strategy with Thrones Boardgame immerses players into epic battles with streamlined rules that spark family debates and build valuable logic skills while having fun.
Sentence Building Fun for Kids
Key Education Sentence Building Game is the ultimate resource we’ve been searching for to ignite our children’s love for reading and writing! This interactive set provides a playful way to master essential skills like sentence structure, punctuation, and parts of speech using colorful, engaging materials. With 55 word cards, punctuation resources, and vivid photo cards, our kids will enjoy hours of collaborative learning, whether at home or in the classroom. 6-8 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Sentence Building Fun for Kids includes 55 word cards and punctuation resources, making grammar feel like a game while nurturing a love for reading and writing together.
Exciting ABC Sounds Learning Lotto Game
Key Education ABC Letter Recognition and Sounds Listening Lotto Game transforms letter learning into an exciting adventure! This engaging board game allows our preschoolers and early learners to practice essential listening and reading skills through matching sounds with letters. With its versatile gameplay and 12 colorful game cards, children can experience a fun, new challenge each time they play. 4+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Exciting ABC Sounds Learning Lotto Game includes 12 colorful game cards that turn letter learning into a dynamic match-up adventure, making phonics fun and interactive for our little learners.
Eldritch Horror: Forsaken Lore Expansion
The Eldritch Horror Forsaken Lore Board Game Expansion invites players aged 14 and up into a world of thrilling mystery and critical thinking. This cooperative game enhances problem-solving skills, teamwork, and creativity as players explore rich narratives and research ancient evils. It's an engaging way for families and friends to strengthen bonds while sharpening their strategic abilities and immersing themselves in captivating lore. 14+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Eldritch Horror: Forsaken Lore Expansion is packed with immersive narratives that turn game night into a cooperative journey of critical thinking and teamwork, where ancient evils await.
Star Wars Imperial Assault: Strategy and Adventure
Star Wars Imperial Assault Core Set invites you to dive deep into the intergalactic saga where strategy meets creativity! As parents and educators, we know that games like these foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. With its engaging narrative missions and tactical skirmishes, players not only have fun but also develop their planning and decision-making abilities. 14+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Star Wars Imperial Assault: Strategy and Adventure is packed with engaging narrative missions that transform strategic gameplay into a galaxy of fun and creative exploration.
Engaging Time Telling Adventures
Carson Dellosa What Time Is It? Judy Clock Board Game Set turns learning to tell time into a thrilling adventure! As parents and educators, we know that kids learn best when they can play and explore, and this set brings that fun to life with four captivating themes: a safari, under the sea, on the farm, and with furry friends. 5+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Time Telling Adventures includes four captivating themes that make learning to tell time feel like an exciting journey, turning practice into playful exploration.
Engaging Learning with Task Cards for Grade 2
Carson-Dellosa Task Cards are the perfect tool for igniting a love of learning in second graders! This fantastic set features 50 language arts and 50 math cards designed to boost critical thinking and skill development. With the convenience of write-on/wipe-away cards, we can easily adapt activities for whole, small, or individualized groups, meeting each child’s unique needs. 6-8 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Learning with Task Cards for Grade 2 features 100 versatile write-on/wipe-away cards, making it easy to customize learning for each child while keeping them engaged.
Unlock Learning with Carson Dellosa Flash Cards
Carson Dellosa 3rd Grade Task Flash Cards are a fantastic resource that transforms learning into an engaging adventure for our kids! These versatile dry-erase mathematics and ELA flashcards provide a hands-on approach to mastering critical skills aligned with Common Core standards. Packed with 50 language arts and 50 math cards, they support both group and individualized instruction, making skill differentiation a breeze. 8-9 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Unlock Learning with Carson Dellosa Flash Cards provides 50 math and 50 language arts cards that turn skill mastery into an engaging adventure for our little learners!
Master Tactics with Han Solo's Adventure!
Star Wars Imperial Assault Board Game Han Solo Scoundrel ALLY PACK invites players into an epic world of strategy and imagination! As educators and parents, we appreciate how this game fosters critical thinking and teamwork among players aged 14 and up. With the iconic Han Solo and new missions, everyone can deepen their problem-solving skills while engaging in thrilling sci-fi scenarios. 14+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Master Tactics with Han Solo's Adventure! immerses players in thrilling sci-fi scenarios, making critical thinking and teamwork as exciting as a space battle with everyone's favorite scoundrel.