Toys That Develop Critical Thinking
Our Top 5 Picks
Modarri Delux S2: Build Your Dream Car!
The Modarri Delux S2 Muscle Car Build Your Car Kit is an engaging toy that empowers children to design, build, and drive their very own cars. As they explore thousands of possible designs and mechanics, kids develop critical thinking, creativity, and fine motor skills while learning the fundamentals of engineering and physics in a fun, hands-on way. This is a fantastic choice for parents and educators looking to spark a child's imagination and foster a love for learning through play. 6+ years
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Why we love it:
Modarri Delux S2 lets kids design and build their own cars with a hands-on approach, making learning engineering and physics feel like pure fun on wheels.
WikkiStix Birthday Fun Favors
WikkiStix Birthday Fun Favors are the ultimate party addition that turns celebrations into creative adventures! With a delightful pack of 20 individual sets, each with 12 Wikki Stix and a birthday-themed dot-to-dot activity sheet, kids will not just enjoy a fun favor but also develop their fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. These easy-to-use, mess-free craft activities spark imagination as children twist and shape their Wikki Stix into endless creations. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
WikkiStix Birthday Fun Favors include 20 individual sets with twistable Wikki Stix that transform birthday celebrations into imaginative play while sneaking in fine motor skill development.
Strategic Fun with Scythe Board Game
Scythe is a captivating board game that invites our families to step into an alternate-history 1920s Europe filled with intrigue and strategy. As we navigate through this world of dieselpunk, players will enhance critical thinking skills and develop strategic planning as they control factions vying for dominance. Each game is unique with asymmetric powers, encouraging adaptability and teamwork as we blend mechanics and strategies. 14+ years
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Why we love it:
Strategic Fun with Scythe Board Game invites families into a world of strategy with unique asymmetric powers, making every game a fresh adventure that sparks rich conversations.
Rudolph Red-Nosed Reindeer Board Game
The AQUARIUS Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Board Game is an exciting holiday activity built for family fun and learning! Designed for ages 12 and up, this game not only entertains but also enhances critical thinking, strategy, and teamwork skills as players collect, match, and outsmart their opponents on a whimsical board filled with beloved holiday imagery. It's a fantastic way to engage our older kids and adults alike, fostering social interaction and cooperation during the festive season, making it an ideal addition to family game nights or holiday gatherings. 12+ years
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Why we love it:
Rudolph Red-Nosed Reindeer Board Game features beloved holiday imagery that draws families together for laughter, learning, and a dash of competitive fun during festive gatherings.
Explore Bones with Animal X-Rays!
Roylco R5910 Animal X-Rays is an innovative educational toy that beautifully blends fun with learning! With real x-ray images, your little ones will dive deep into the fascinating world of animal anatomy, enhancing their understanding of bone structures in an engaging way. The sturdy 8” x 10” pieces are perfect for group activities or individual exploration, while the matching picture cards encourage critical thinking and visual recall. 5-12 years
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Why we love it:
Explore Bones with Animal X-Rays! features real x-ray images that invite kids to discover animal anatomy while sparking curiosity—it's science that truly comes to life!
Bunny Kingdom Strategy Board Game
Bunny Kingdom combines strategic thinking and creative problem-solving in an adorable, engaging way! Designed for players aged 14 and up, this game encourages teamwork and negotiation skills as we expand our fief and outwit fellow bunnies with card drafting and territory control. It’s not just a fun pastime, but also a powerful educational tool that nurtures critical thinking and strategic planning, making it an excellent choice for family game nights. 14+ years
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Why we love it:
Bunny Kingdom Strategy Board Game encourages teamwork and negotiation skills, transforming family game night into a fun-filled learning adventure that’s just as strategic as it is adorable.
Discover with Tegu Pip Magnetic Blocks
Tegu Pip Magnetic Wooden Block Set invites your little ones into a world of creativity and imagination! With Pip and his lively pals, children engage in open-ended play that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As they experiment with different structures and explore magnetic properties, they'll boost their fine motor skills and learn about balance and gravity in a fun, interactive way. 1-99 years
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Why we love it:
Discover with Tegu Pip Magnetic Blocks features safe, high-quality materials that encourage open-ended play and spark curiosity, making learning an exciting adventure for little builders.
Christmas Eve in New York City Puzzle
Christmas Eve in New York City is the perfect 1000-piece puzzle that combines fun and education. As we gather around the table to piece together this stunning scene, we can also nurture important skills like problem-solving, patience, and spatial awareness. This beautifully crafted puzzle, made with the highest quality blue board in the USA, provides a wonderful opportunity for family bonding as we work together to complete the vibrant holiday image. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Christmas Eve in New York City Puzzle features 1000 beautiful pieces that bring our family together for a holiday bonding experience while honing our problem-solving skills.
Engaging Base Ten Blocks for Math Mastery
hand2mind Blue Plastic Base Ten Blocks Rods Set is a fantastic way for our children to grasp the foundational concepts of math! These manipulatives allow kids to physically engage with the Base Ten number system, enhancing their understanding of place value, addition, and beyond. As our little learners build and explore, they develop critical problem-solving skills and a strong visual comprehension of numbers. 6-10 years
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Why we love it:
Engaging Base Ten Blocks for Math Mastery includes colorful manipulatives that turn math into a tactile adventure, helping kids build confidence while they play with numbers.
Engage with Fractions: Fun Fraction Dominoes!
hand2mind Fraction Dominoes Set is the perfect way to bring excitement into learning about fractions! As parents and educators, we know how challenging it can be for kids to grasp the concepts of fractions and decimals, but with these colorful tiles, they’ll be eagerly practicing their skills. From comparing and ordering fractions to exploring improper fractions and mixed numbers, this set transforms abstract math into hands-on fun. Elementary to Middle School
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Why we love it:
Engage with Fractions: Fun Fraction Dominoes! includes colorful tiles that turn tricky math concepts into playful challenges, making learning fractions feel like a game rather than a chore.
PartyPong: Fun, Learning, and Glow!
PartyPong 8-Foot Black Dry Erase Beer Pong Table w/Cup Holes is an exciting twist on a classic game, perfect for gatherings that also sneak in some educational fun! This interactive table encourages coordination, teamwork, and critical thinking as everyone strategizes their shots. We love that it comes with erasable markers that not only spark creativity but also promote cognitive skills like planning and logic. Ages 12 and up
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Why we love it:
PartyPong's customizable design with erasable markers turns learning into a strategic game night, blending education and fun while glowing with excitement.
Explore Glacier with Our Puzzle Adventure
MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Map for Adults, Family, Or Kids - Glacier invites our families to embark on a scenic journey through the breathtaking Glacier National Park. This beautifully hand-drawn map not only captivates the eye but also engages our brains, enhancing critical thinking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills as we fit together each unique piece. Puzzling together is a wonderful opportunity for bonding, sparking curiosity about geography, wildlife, and environmental conservation. 12+ years
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Why we love it:
Explore Glacier with Our Puzzle Adventure includes a beautifully hand-drawn map that turns family time into a journey of discovery while sharpening our minds piece by piece.
LEGO Architecture London Skyline Set
The LEGO Architecture London Skyline Collection 21034 Building Set is a delightful journey into the heart of one of the world's most iconic cities! Designed for ages 12 and up, this captivating model encourages creativity and critical thinking as we piece together famous landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye. Not only does it enhance spatial awareness and architectural appreciation, but the included collectible booklet takes us deeper into the history and design behind these structures. 12+ years
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Why we love it:
LEGO Architecture London Skyline Set includes a collectible booklet that dives into the fascinating history of iconic landmarks, blending building fun with cultural lessons for all ages.
Barrington Billiards Poker Table Magic
The Barrington Billiards 10 Player Classic Poker Table is not just about card games; it's a fantastic educational tool for fostering critical thinking and social interaction among players. With its vibrant Texas Holdem layout, children and adults alike can engage in strategic thinking, math skills, and teamwork while enjoying quality time together. This versatile table encourages family bonding and helps develop valuable life skills, making it a perfect addition to any game room or gathering. 12+ years
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Why we love it:
Barrington Billiards Poker Table Magic features a vibrant Texas Holdem layout that turns strategy and socializing into a family affair, proving that fun and learning can go hand in hand.
WikkiStix Sea Life Adventure Paks
WikkiStix Sea Life Pak is a delightful blend of creativity and education, making learning about the ocean incredibly fun! Each mini-play pak introduces children to enchanting sea creatures through engaging connect-the-dot activities and fascinating facts. As we work through the colorful Wikki Stix, our little ones not only enhance their fine motor skills but also pique their curiosity about the marine world. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
WikkiStix Sea Life Adventure Paks come with engaging connect-the-dot activities that make learning about ocean life a hands-on joy, perfect for fun on the go!
Neuschwanstein Castle Adventure Puzzle
The Neuschwanstein Castle 1000-piece Puzzle invites families to embark on a delightful journey through history and geography. As we piece together this stunning design, we not only develop problem-solving skills and patience but also encourage an appreciation for cultural landmarks and architecture. It's a perfect educational tool for fostering critical thinking and collaboration among older kids and adults alike! 10+ years
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Why we love it:
Neuschwanstein Castle Adventure Puzzle features 1000 beautiful pieces that transform family time into an enchanting mix of history and teamwork, all while honing those valuable problem-solving skills.
Jurassic World Jeep Wrangler Adventure
Jurassic World 1:24 1992 Jeep Wrangler Jurassic World Die-Cast Car is more than just a collectible; it’s a fantastic way to ignite your child's imagination! This detailed vehicle inspires kids and adults alike to dive into the thrilling world of dinosaurs and storytelling, promoting creative play and critical thinking. The intricacies of the die-cast design, combined with the educational aspects of vehicle mechanics and history, can spark meaningful conversations about science and nature. 6+ years
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Why we love it:
Jurassic World Jeep Wrangler Adventure features detailed die-cast design that sparks thrilling dinosaur storytelling and encourages meaningful conversations about both science and imagination.
Engaging Sequencing Flash Cards for Learning
Stages Learning Materials Language Builder Sequencing Flash Cards are an exciting educational tool for young learners! We love how these vibrant, realistic photo cards not only entertain but also teach essential skills. With a range of difficulty levels, kids can explore storytelling, sequencing events, and developing self-help skills through everyday activities. 3-8 years
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Why we love it:
Engaging Sequencing Flash Cards for Learning feature vibrant, realistic photo cards that turn the art of storytelling into an interactive adventure while celebrating our world's diverse cultures.
Holiday Fun with Thomas Kinkade Puzzle
Ceaco - Thomas Kinkade - Christmas Light Express is the perfect way to bring family together during the festive season! This delightful 500-piece jigsaw puzzle not only encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also offers an opportunity for engaging conversations about the beautiful imagery and holiday traditions. As we piece together the vibrant scenes, we foster patience and teamwork, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, gifts, or cozy family nights in. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Holiday Fun with Thomas Kinkade Puzzle features 500 pieces that spark joyful conversations about traditions, making family time both engaging and memorable.
Ultimate Indoor Basketball Fun
Hathaway Shot Pro Deluxe Electronic Basketball Game is the perfect blend of excitement and skill development for children and adults alike! This arcade-style basketball setup doesn’t just entertain; it encourages teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and critical thinking as players strategize to score points across eight engaging game modes. With its durable construction and scoring features that make every shot thrilling, it's an amazing way to foster physical fitness and friendly competition right in your living room. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Ultimate Indoor Basketball Fun features eight engaging game modes, turning any living room into a mini arcade while promoting friendly competition and active play for the whole family.
Dino Adventure Magic Painting Set
Tiger Tribe: Magic Water Painting World - Dinosaurs is an enchanting introduction to art and discovery for little ones aged 1 and up. This imaginative set not only encourages creativity through mess-free water coloring but also sharpens fine motor skills and critical thinking with its seek-and-find activities—helping kids enhance their observation skills while they explore hidden treasures in vibrant illustrations. Ideal for on-the-go fun, it’s a guilt-free way to foster independent play and learning. 1+ years
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Why we love it:
Dino Adventure Magic Painting Set features mess-free water coloring, making art fun and easy while encouraging kids to uncover hidden treasures in a world of dinosaurs.
Mess-Free Imagination with Magic Water Painting
Tiger Tribe Magic Water Painting World - Fairy Garden is an enchanting adventure that fuels creativity and imagination for our little ones! As parents, we know how important it is to encourage early learning, and this reusable, mess-free coloring set is perfect for developing fine motor skills and artistic expression. With engaging seek and find activities, children aged 1-4 will not only entertain themselves but also enhance their visual recognition and critical thinking. 1-4 years
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Why we love it:
Mess-Free Imagination with Magic Water Painting features reusable coloring sets that turn creativity into a portable playdate, making mess and cleanup a thing of the past.
Discover Gemstones with Blue Marble Tumbler
The Blue Marble National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit – Hobby Edition is the perfect gateway to the magical world of geology for curious minds! With this engaging STEM kit, we can transform everyday rocks into stunning polished gemstones, fostering our creativity and sparking a passion for science. Not only does it encourage patience and perseverance as we wait for the polishing process, but it also offers a rich learning experience with hands-on activities that develop critical thinking and fine motor skills. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Discover Gemstones with Blue Marble Tumbler allows us to transform everyday rocks into stunning polished gemstones, turning waiting into an exciting adventure of discovery and learning!
Number Lovin' Oven: Cooking Up Math Fun!
LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven is a delightful and interactive way to introduce preschoolers to the world of numbers and cooking! With 16 fun ingredients to explore, children will not only learn to count but also develop important sharing and vocabulary skills. As they press the chef's hat and listen to over 30 songs and phrases, little chefs will be engaged in a joyful learning experience that nurtures their love for math. 2-5 years
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Why we love it:
Number Lovin' Oven features 16 fun ingredients that make counting as delicious as baking, blending early math skills with imaginative culinary adventures.