Toys That Develop Critical Thinking
Our Top 5 Picks
Twisted Farkel: A Learning Dice Adventure
Twisted Farkel is not just your average dice game; it’s an exhilarating twist on the beloved classic that we can't get enough of! It beautifully combines fun and learning, helping our kids sharpen their math skills and enhance their visual memory while we enjoy quality time together. The easy-to-follow instructions mean that everyone, from youngsters to seasoned players, can join in the excitement. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Twisted Farkel features easy-to-follow instructions, making it a fantastic way for families to bond while sharpening math and strategic thinking skills together.
Farkel Game Set: Fun Learning Awaits
Farkel Game Set with Deluxe Dice Rolling Tray is more than just a game; it's a fantastic opportunity for family bonding and learning! This classic, high-scoring game encourages critical thinking and strategic planning as kids calculate their scores and make crucial decisions on whether to risk rolling again. With the durable rolling tray, they’ll learn about taking turns and sportsmanship while enjoying hours of engaging fun. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Farkel Game Set: Fun Learning Awaits includes a deluxe dice rolling tray that makes family game night a thrilling adventure in math and strategy!
Excellerations Linking Pop Beads for Learning
The Excellerations Early STEM Toy is an engaging set of linking pop beads designed for toddlers 18 months and up. With 28 pieces in vibrant colors and fun shapes, this toy not only sparks imagination but also enhances fine motor skills and coordination. As we watch our little ones create and explore, it’s amazing to see them develop critical thinking and sensory skills, all while having a blast. 18 months+
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Excellerations Linking Pop Beads for Learning includes 28 vibrant pieces that transform playtime into an exploration of creativity and skill development, making learning fun and engaging.
Rory's Story Cubes Voyages Adventure
Rory's Story Cubes Voyages invites families to embark on a storytelling adventure that sparks imagination and creativity! Designed for ages 6 and up, these engaging cubes help children develop vital skills such as language, sequencing, and critical thinking. As we roll the cubes and weave tales of exploration, everyone gets the chance to contribute their unique ideas and enjoy collaborative play. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Rory's Story Cubes Voyages includes engaging storytelling cubes that spark imagination, turning ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures brimming with fun and learning.
Portable Tic Tac Toe for On-the-Go Fun
JA-RU Portable Tic Tac Toe is the perfect way to spark creativity and strategic thinking in our kids! This classic mini board game not only keeps our little ones entertained during long car rides or flights but also fosters essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. It’s compact, durable, and easy to tuck into any travel bag, making it an ideal choice for family outings or as a fun conversation starter at parties. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Portable Tic Tac Toe is compact and durable, making it an ideal travel companion that transforms waiting times into creative strategy sessions and friendly rivalries for the whole family.
Explore the Giant Magnetic Animal Cell
The Learning Resources LER6039 Giant Magnetic Animal Cell is a fantastic tool for engaging young minds in the fascinating world of life sciences. With its vivid, 3D representation of cell structures and raised foam magnets, kids can easily explore and interact with each organelle, enhancing their understanding of biology and promoting critical thinking. This educational toy not only encourages hands-on learning but also fosters collaboration and creativity in the classroom or at home, making it a go-to choice for curious learners. 5+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore the Giant Magnetic Animal Cell features vivid 3D representations that make learning about biology hands-on and interactive, turning every lesson into a colorful adventure!
Apples for Learning: Sort and Match Fun
Learning Resources Attribute Apples is a delightful set that invites our little ones to explore sorting and matching like never before! This engaging collection of 27 vibrant apples helps toddlers develop essential motor skills as they pick up, turn, and study each piece. With opportunities to sort, classify, and compare attributes like size, color, stems, leaves, and even a little friendly worm, our children will dive into a world of exploration and cognitive growth. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Apples for Learning: Sort and Match Fun includes 27 vibrant apples, making sorting and matching a delightful way for toddlers to explore and broaden their cognitive horizons.
Master Elapsed Time with Magnetic Fun!
Learning Resources Magnetic Elapsed Time Set is the perfect tool for demystifying the concept of elapsed time for our young learners! This engaging set encourages a hands-on approach that helps children visualize how time flows, whether it starts in the PM and ends in the AM or vice versa. With magnetic clocks, a segmented timeline, and removable guide numbers, it’s designed to cater to different learning styles, making it ideal for teachers and parents alike. 7+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Master Elapsed Time with Magnetic Fun! includes magnetic clocks that make understanding time as engaging as a game, turning tricky concepts into playful learning adventures.
Explore Plant Life Cycles Magnificently
Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Plant Life Cycle is the ultimate tool for nurturing young minds! With 12 beautifully detailed magnets, kids can visually navigate the fascinating journeys of plants as they model the life cycles of beans and apples right on the whiteboard. This engaging hands-on experience not only enhances their understanding of biology but also strengthens fine motor skills and encourages scientific exploration. 5-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore Plant Life Cycles Magnificently features 12 beautifully detailed magnets that make understanding plant biology as colorful as a garden full of flowers.
Stunning Pearl Swirl Gemstone Globe
The Unique Art Pure Pearl Swirl Ocean Table Top Gemstone World Globe is a captivating educational tool designed to spark curiosity and exploration in children. Perfect for budding geographers, this beautifully crafted globe, featuring semi-gemstones from all over the world, encourages discussions about different cultures, geography, and our planet’s natural wonders. With its durable zinc alloy frame and acrylic resin protection, this globe stands as a robust centerpiece for any classroom or home study, inviting learners to journey beyond their surroundings and discover the beauty of our world. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Stunning Pearl Swirl Gemstone Globe features semi-gemstones that transform geography into an eye-catching world tour, making learning about our planet’s wonders an adventure right in your living room.
Explore with the Unique Art Gemstone Globe
The Unique Art 6-Inch Black Onyx Ocean Mini Table Top Gemstone World Globe is the perfect blend of beauty and education! Crafted from semi-gemstones from all over the world, this stunning globe invites children to discover geography while admiring its sparkling design. With a sturdy gold tripod and a protective acrylic resin surface, it's not just a decorative piece but a hands-on learning tool. 5+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore with the Unique Art Gemstone Globe features a stunning black onyx design that transforms learning geography into a sparkling adventure, perfect for sparking curiosity about our world.
Amberlite Gemstone World Globe
The Unique Art 36-Inch by 13-Inch Floor Standing Amberlite Gemstone World Globe is a stunning educational centerpiece for any home or classroom. More than just a beautiful decoration, this globe invites our children to explore the wonders of geography and the unique gemstones of the world. Handcrafted and covered with protective acrylic resins, it stimulates curiosity and opens up discussions on Earth science, cultural diversity, and geology—all while being a captivating visual display. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Amberlite Gemstone World Globe features a stunning handcrafted design that transforms geography lessons into a vibrant conversation starter about the world’s wonders and cultures.
Amberlite Ocean Gemstone World Globe
The Unique Art 36-Inch by 13-Inch Floor Standing Amberlite Ocean Gemstone World Globe is not just a stunning décor piece; it’s a gateway to exploring our beautiful planet! Crafted from hand-cut semi-gemstones, this globe ignites curiosity about geography, cultures, and the natural wonders of the earth. Ideal for sparking conversations during family game nights or educational moments in the classroom, our globe encourages children to learn about different regions and the importance of preserving our planet. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Amberlite Ocean Gemstone World Globe, hand-cut from semi-gemstones, transforms geography lessons into colorful explorations, making it a stunning centerpiece for sparking family conversations about our planet.
Explore the World with Gemstone Globe
Unique Art 36-Inch by 13-Inch Floor Standing Pearl Ocean Gemstone World Globe is a stunning centerpiece that opens the door to global exploration right from your living room. As parents and educators, we recognize how vital it is for our children to cultivate curiosity about the world around them. This exquisite globe, adorned with semi-gemstones and a beautiful gold stand, sparks conversations about geography, cultures, and the natural wonders of our planet. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore the World with Gemstone Globe boasts stunning semi-gemstones that ignite curiosity and spark conversations about diverse cultures and natural wonders right in our living room.
Explore with Unique Art Gemstone Globe
Unique Art 36-Inch by 13-Inch Floor Standing Blue Lapis Gemstone World Globe is a breathtaking addition to any learning space! As a parent, we appreciate how this beautifully crafted globe can spark curiosity about the world in our children. Not only does it encourage geographical knowledge and cultural appreciation, but it also enhances fine motor skills through its intricate design and handcrafted details. 5+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore with Unique Art Gemstone Globe is a stunning 36-inch handcrafted globe that ignites curiosity and inspires conversations about our beautiful world.
Ravensburger Caribbean Smile Puzzle Adventure
Ravensburger Caribbean Smile is not just a delightful 60-piece jigsaw puzzle; it’s an engaging learning tool that brings the joy of the tropics right into your living room! As we piece together this vibrant, intricate puzzle, we’re not just having fun; we’re nurturing essential skills like concentration, critical thinking, and creativity. Each uniquely crafted piece fits perfectly, ensuring frustration-free play for our little ones. 4-8 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Ravensburger Caribbean Smile Puzzle Adventure is a delightful 60-piece puzzle that turns family time into a vibrant exploration of the tropics while nurturing essential cognitive skills.
Creative Faces Sticker Adventure
The Melissa & Doug Make-a-Face Sticker Pad - Crazy Characters invites children to dive into a world of creativity and self-expression. With over 160 fun stickers and 20 vibrant background pages, kids not only boost their fine motor skills as they position each feature but also explore imagination and storytelling. Ideal for parents and educators seeking a delightful way to support artistic development and encourage playful learning! 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Creative Faces Sticker Adventure comes with over 160 fun stickers, allowing kids to unleash their imagination while honing their fine motor skills and storytelling abilities.
Stunning Blue Lapis Gemstone Globe
The Unique Art 36-Inch by 13-Inch Floor Standing Blue Lapis Gemstone World Globe is a captivating addition to any home or classroom! Handcrafted with care, this stunning globe not only serves as a beautiful decorative piece but also ignites curiosity about our world. As kids explore the beautifully detailed gemstone continents, they develop map-reading skills and gain an appreciation for geography. 5+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Stunning Blue Lapis Gemstone Globe is a handcrafted work of art that brings geography lessons to life, inspiring kids to explore the world beyond their backyard.
Radiant Gemstone World Globe
The Unique Art 36-Inch by 13-Inch Floor Standing Red Lapis Ocean Gemstone World Globe is not just a stunning decorative piece; it’s a treasure trove of educational opportunities for curious minds. As parents and educators, we know how important it is to inspire our children’s love for geography, culture, and the natural world. This beautifully crafted globe, made from semi-gemstones and adorned with a magnificent gold stand, encourages exploration and storytelling about different countries and their unique gems. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Radiant Gemstone World Globe features semi-gemstones and a stunning gold stand, sparking curiosity about geography and culture while filling our homes with color and inspiration.
Handcrafted Gemstone World Globe
The Unique Art Floor Standing Black Onyx Ocean Gemstone World Globe is more than just a decoration—it's a gateway to global exploration for curious minds! Measuring 36 inches tall and adorned with stunning gemstones sourced from around the world, this globe delights the senses while igniting a love for geography in children and adults alike. Each handcrafted piece sparks imaginations and provides valuable lessons in cultural awareness, environmental insights, and the beauty of Earth's resources. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Handcrafted Gemstone World Globe features stunning gemstones sourced from around the world, turning geography lessons into a tactile adventure that inspires curiosity and global citizenship.
Magnetic Tic Tac Toe for Fun Learning
Goplay Magnetic Tic Tac Toe turns a classic game into an educational adventure! Not only does it provide endless fun, but it also helps kids develop critical thinking and strategy skills as they plan their moves. The magnetic pieces ensure that the game stays intact even during travel, making it a perfect companion for family road trips or playdates. 6 years and up
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Magnetic Tic Tac Toe features durable pieces that stay put during travel, making strategy and logic a fun family bonding experience wherever you go.
Munchkin 8: Exciting Fantasy Adventures Await
Munchkin 8 – Half Horse, Will Travel Card Game expands the delightful chaos of family game night! By introducing new races like Centaurs and Lizard Guys, this expansion invites kids and adults alike to step into imaginative roles and cultivate creativity while strategizing against friends and family. Everyone develops critical thinking and teamwork skills as they plan their next move, battle monsters, and secure treasures! 10+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Munchkin 8: Exciting Fantasy Adventures Await introduces new races like Centaurs, making family game night a hilarious battlefield for creativity and strategic planning.
Pop for Addition and Subtraction Math Game
The Learning Resources Pop For Addition and Subtraction Math Game turns math practice into an exciting and engaging activity for kids! Perfect for grades 1 and up, this game not only makes learning basic addition and subtraction fun but also helps increase fluency and confidence in math skills. With two levels of play and multiple game variations, it's ideal for home or classroom settings, encouraging friendly competition among 2 to 4 players. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Pop for Addition and Subtraction Math Game features multiple game variations that make learning math a fun competition, turning practice into family bonding time without the fuss.
Soar High with Mini Mosquito Rocket!
Estes 1345 Mini Mosquito Rocket-Building Kit is an exciting gateway into the world of science and engineering for kids ages 10 and up! This engaging, hands-on experience encourages creativity and critical thinking as your budding rocket scientist constructs their own mini-engine-powered rocket. Not only will they develop valuable skills in problem-solving and persistence as they launch their creation sky-high, but they’ll also learn about aerodynamics and the principles of flight. 10+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Soar High with Mini Mosquito Rocket! is a hands-on rocket-building kit that teaches kids the thrill of flight while igniting their passion for STEM in a fun, engaging way.