Toys That Develop Engineering Principles

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 3-8 years

HUMVEE 1:12 Scale Off-Road Vehicle Model is not just a building kit; it's a journey into the world of engineering and creativity! With 1380 meticulously crafted pieces, this kit engages young minds in STEM learning as they build their own authentic HUMVEE model. As educators and parents, we know that assembling this detailed vehicle enhances fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial awareness, all while sparking imaginative play. 8+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit transforms playtime into an exciting journey of exploration and discovery. With engaging stories and colorful, large building pieces, this kit fosters fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork as little ones build their own floating boats. It’s a delightful choice for parents and educators seeking to mix fun and learning, guiding young minds to experiment and create while enjoying the magic of imaginative play. 4-7 years

GraviTrax Power Extension Interaction is an exciting way for kids ages 8 and up to dive into the world of STEM right at home! As fellow parents and educators, we love that this interactive track system sparks curiosity and creativity while teaching our young ones about gravity, magnetism, and coding skills. With 13 additional pieces to expand their marble run, children can experiment and see firsthand how their structures come to life. 8+ years

LEGO Icons Back to The Future Time Machine 10300 is more than just a build; it’s a thrilling journey back to the iconic trilogy that many of us cherish from our childhoods! This intricate model allows teens and adults to engage in hands-on creativity, sparking imagination as they construct different versions of the DeLorean—each with unique features like the exhilarating hover conversion and light-up flux capacitor. As we piece together iconic components, we're not just building a car; we're developing problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and an appreciation for classic storytelling. 16+ years

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Set is an exciting way to explore creativity and engineering principles while your child plays! This interactive set not only features remote-controlled locomotive action but also encourages kids to immerse themselves in role-playing and storytelling. As they build the train and set up the scene with included minifigures, students enhance their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and imaginative play. 7+ years

The Eitech Tractor with Trailer Educational STEM Toy ignites a passion for engineering and innovation in young builders. With 190 durable steel pieces and illustrated instructions, children not only learn essential motor skills but also engage in creative problem-solving and cognitive development as they assemble their own construction set. This engaging toy is perfect for parents and educators looking to foster skills in STEAM education while providing hours of imaginative play. 6+ years

Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall – Black Trike Non-Scale Model Kit is not just another toy; it's an exciting journey into the world of creativity and engineering! As parents, we understand that learning should be fun, and this snap-fit plastic model encourages imaginative play while developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. With colorful runners and pre-painted parts, kids can immerse themselves in the hands-on experience of building and customizing their own vehicle. 10+ years

Creativity for Kids Stunt Squadron Fold & Launch Paper Airplanes encourages children to explore the exciting world of aerodynamics while having a blast! Designed for kids aged 6 and up, this kit fosters critical skills like fine motor development, creativity, and problem-solving through the art of folding and decorating their own paper airplanes. It’s the perfect way for parents to inspire curiosity and make learning a delightful, hands-on experience. 6+ years

MEGA Pokémon Building Toys Set Lapras offers a fantastic blend of creativity and movement! With 527 pieces, kids can dive into a world of imaginative play while strengthening their fine motor skills. The unique Motion Brick feature not only enables Lapras to move but also sparks curiosity about mechanics and engineering principles. 6+ years

Johnny Lightning 1962 Plymouth Savoy Max Wedge Alpine White Classic Gold Collection Series is not just a stunning diecast model; it's a gateway to exciting learning experiences! As parents and educators, we know how much kids love cars, and this limited edition model offers an engaging way to explore history, engineering, and design principles. Through play, children can develop fine motor skills while honing their imaginative storytelling as they recreate racing scenes or historical moments. 8+ years

Fast & Furious 1:32 Han's Mazda RX-7 & Toyota GR Supra Die-cast Car Twin Pack brings the thrill of racing right into our homes! These stunning die-cast models not only ignite our children's creativity as they play but also teach them about vehicle design and engineering principles. By manipulating the opening doors and exploring the intricate details, kids enhance their fine motor skills and develop an eye for craftsmanship. 8+ years

LEGO Technic 2022 Ford GT 42154 Car Model Kit offers an incredible opportunity for hands-on learning and creative thinking. As we immerse ourselves in assembling this stunning 1:12 scale supercar, we'll not only enjoy the delightful challenge of building—it encourages problem-solving, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness. Every detail, from the V6 engine with moving pistons to the adjustable spoiler wing, showcases engineering principles in a fun and engaging way. 18+ years

The LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Exotic Parrot Building Toy Set is a fantastic way to spark creativity in children aged 7 and up. With the ability to build not just a vibrant parrot, but also a playful frog and a colorful fish, this set encourages imaginative play and problem-solving skills. Watching our kids transform their creations fosters an understanding of engineering principles as they experiment with movable parts and jointed designs. 7+ years

Jada Toys Fast & Furious Brian's Porsche 911 GT3 RS 1:24 Die-cast Car is not just a stunning collector's item; it’s also a fantastic tool for sparking creativity and imagination in our kids and ourselves. As we explore the intricate details of this die-cast model, we can engage in conversations about engineering, design, and the physics of motion that make cars so exciting. Plus, working with models like this helps develop fine motor skills and patience in younger children, while fostering a love for storytelling and play in all ages. 8+ years

TAMASHII NATIONS - Mobile Suit Gundam SEED - AQM/E-X03 Launcher Striker & Effect Parts Set ver. A. N. 8+ years

The LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance Space Model is a thrilling hands-on building experience that’s perfect for kids ages 10 and up! Engaging with this set allows our young explorers to dive deep into the challenges of space exploration while honing their engineering and problem-solving skills. With realistic mechanisms like a fully articulated suspension and movable arms, every detail teaches them about engineering principles in a fun, interactive way. 10+ years

The LEGO Technic Audi RS Q e-tron 42160 Advanced Building Kit invites kids aged 10 and up to dive into the thrilling world of engineering and rally racing! As they construct their very own electric rally car, children can hone vital skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on building techniques. The excitement doesn’t stop there—using the CONTROL+ app, they can take control of their creation, steering it with precision and experiencing real-world mechanics like independent suspension. 10+ years

The LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000 Model Kit is an exhilarating project designed for adults age 18 and up. This impressive set not only encourages hands-on learning but also hones vital skills like problem-solving, spatial awareness, and patience. As we build and display one of the tallest models in the LEGO Technic series, we can enjoy the satisfaction of engineering while exploring the fascinating mechanics of cranes. 18+ years

Airfix Model Airplane Kit Gift Set - A06108 de Havilland Vampire FB. 5/FB. 9 is an exciting way to introduce kids and teens aged 14 and up to the fascinating world of aviation history. 14+ years

The Thames & Kosmos Solar Race Car STEM Experiment Kit invites kids to explore the exciting world of renewable energy by building their own race car powered solely by sunlight! This hands-on learning experience fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while igniting a passion for sustainable technology. Parents and educators will appreciate how it seamlessly blends play and education, empowering children to understand the principles of photovoltaic technology in a fun and engaging way. 8+ years

The LOKEISNA 3D Wooden Puzzles for Adults is a captivating way to explore engineering principles and develop problem-solving skills. By assembling this intricate wooden marble run, individuals enhance their concentration and patience, all while enjoying the satisfaction of watching their creation come to life. It's a remarkable choice for parents and educators looking to inspire creativity and critical thinking in both teens and adults alike. 14+ years

HEXBUG HEXMODS Pro Series Elite Raceway is not just a remote control car; it's a fantastic hands-on learning experience for kids 14 and up! We love how this customizable model car kit encourages creativity, problem-solving, and mechanical skills. With over 100 pieces and endless modification options, it invites our budding engineers to explore design and performance while having a blast racing at speeds up to 18 mph! 14+ years

The COBI Historical Collection WWII FOCKE-WULF FW 190 A-3 Plane brings history to life right in our living rooms! This engaging build encourages children and families to explore the fascinating world of WWII aviation while developing critical skills like problem-solving, fine motor abilities, and spatial awareness. With clear, intuitive instructions and 382 high-quality elements, we can construct a detailed 1:32 scale model that not only fosters creativity but also prompts discussions about history and engineering. 6+ years