Toys That Develop Engineering

Robotics Smart Machines for Kids

The Thames & Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines: Tracks & Treads kit provides an exciting gateway into the fascinating world of robotics for children 8 and up. With 197 building pieces and a vibrant, user-friendly visual programming app, kids can build and code their own robots, developing critical STEM skills like problem-solving and logical thinking in a fun and interactive way. The included 60-page illustrated manual not only guides them through assembly but also enriches their knowledge about robotics, making it a standout choice for parents looking to inspire creativity and tech-savviness in their children. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Robotics Smart Machines for Kids includes 197 building pieces and a user-friendly programming app, making it a perfect way for kids to explore robotics while honing critical STEM skills.

Magical Robotics Safari Adventure

Thames & Kosmos Kids First: Robot Safari is an exciting introduction to motorized machines for kids aged 5 to 7. Through building adorable robotic animals like unicorns and narwhals, children develop fine motor skills and engage in hands-on engineering, all while following a captivating story that sparks their imagination and curiosity about STEM concepts. It's a wonderful choice for parents and educators looking to inspire creativity and foundational engineering understanding in young minds. 5-7 years
Why we love it:
Magical Robotics Safari Adventure includes building adorable robotic animals that inspire creativity while introducing young minds to the enchanting world of STEM in a playful way.

K'NEX Creative Model Building Set

The K'NEX 40 Model Building Set is an exciting adventure into the world of engineering for kids aged 5 and up! Packed with 141 pieces that click together seamlessly, this set encourages budding builders to express their creativity while developing critical STEM skills. With the ability to construct up to 40 unique models—including cars, airplanes, and skyscrapers—children are not just playing; they are learning about design, problem-solving, and spatial awareness, making this an invaluable addition to any playroom. 5+ years
Why we love it:
K'NEX Creative Model Building Set comes with 141 pieces that let kids build up to 40 unique models, making engineering feel like a thrilling adventure in their own hands.

Build, Play, and Record Fun!

The BRIO Builder Record and Play Set is an exciting 67-piece construction kit that inspires creativity and imagination in children age 3 and up. With a blend of wood and plastic pieces, kids can design unique structures while developing essential skills like problem-solving, engineering, and auditory expression through the built-in sound recorder. It's a fantastic way for young builders to engage in hands-on learning and enrich their STEM experiences in a playful, interactive way. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Build, Play, and Record Fun! includes a built-in sound recorder, turning every building project into a performance that amplifies creativity and engagement in learning.

Creative Excavator Building Adventure

The Off Bits Build Your Own Excavator Toy is an incredible STEM journey for kids aged 8 to 12 years, sparking their imagination and engineering spirit. With over 150 pieces, this engaging building kit enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing young builders to create at least three unique models, each with its own potential for exploration. Gift your child a world of creativity and hands-on learning that echoes the essential principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math in a fun, interactive way! 8-12 years
Why we love it:
Creative Excavator Building Adventure includes over 150 pieces that empower kids to become little engineers, crafting unique models while indulging their imaginations and curiosity.

Unleash Creativity with Plus Plus Alligator Set

PLUS PLUS 3D Animal Figure Building Block Set is the perfect way for kids to dive into the world of engineering and art! With 70 colorful interlocking pieces, young builders can unleash their imagination to create their very own alligator. This engaging STEM toy not only fosters creativity but also boosts fine motor skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving methods. 5-12 years
Why we love it:
Unleash Creativity with Plus Plus Alligator Set includes 70 colorful interlocking pieces that spark imagination and fine motor skills while creating a fearsome little reptile.

Create and Play with Plus Plus Narwhal!

Plus Plus 3D Figure Building Block Set is the perfect introduction to hands-on creativity for our little builders! This engaging kit allows kids to craft their very own vibrant 3D Narwhal while enhancing their engineering, art, and fine motor skills. With easy-to-follow instructions, even the youngest crafters can dive into imaginative play, fostering problem-solving and logical thinking. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Create and Play with Plus Plus Narwhal! includes easy-to-follow instructions, making it an engaging way for little builders to bring their vibrant ideas to life.

Automate Fun with CDX Blocks Motor!

CDX Blocks: Motor and Power Supply opens up a whole new world of hands-on learning and creativity! Imagine transforming your roller coaster models into thrilling, automated rides just by adding this battery-operated motor. Not only do kids get to play, but they also dive into the exciting science of motors and gears, enhancing their understanding of mechanics while building critical thinking skills. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Automate Fun with CDX Blocks Motor! lets kids turn their roller coaster models into thrilling rides, effortlessly blending play with essential STEAM learning that sparks curiosity.

Hot Wheels Track Builder Adventure Awaits!

Hot Wheels Toy Car Track Set, Track Builder Unlimited Playset Premium Curve Pack is an exhilarating way for kids to dive into the world of engineering and creativity! With 16 unique components, children can explore concepts like physics, problem-solving, and spatial awareness while building their own dynamic racetracks. As they connect the varied lengths of track and experiment with stunts, they're not just having fun; they're developing critical thinking skills and encouraging imaginative play. 6+ years
Why we love it:
Hot Wheels Track Builder Adventure Awaits! includes 16 unique components that spark kids' imaginations while secretly teaching them about physics and teamwork in the most thrilling way possible.

EWA Eco-Wood-Art Kinetic Globe

The EWA Eco-Wood-Art Mechanical Model Kinetic Globe is an engaging and sustainable wooden craft kit that sets the stage for creativity, engineering, and learning. Perfect for teens and adults alike, this 205-piece assembly kit introduces fascinating concepts like gravity and gears, making it more than just a craft—it's an educational adventure. As we put this intricate model together, we not only fine-tune our problem-solving skills but also deepen our understanding of design and mechanics. 14+ years
Why we love it:
EWA Eco-Wood-Art Kinetic Globe features 205 pieces that not only spark creativity but also build engineering know-how while family members bond over assembling a piece of moving art.

Code with Botley: Construction Adventure!

Learning Resources Botley Crashin' Construction Challenge, Accessory Set is the perfect way to elevate your child’s coding skills while they immerse themselves in thrilling construction challenges! This fun accessory set allows kids to attach a wrecking ball and plow arm to the beloved Botley the Coding Robot, turning coding into an exhilarating hands-on experience. As parents and educators, we know how important it is for our children to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a playful environment, and this set does just that! 5+ years
Why we love it:
Code with Botley: Construction Adventure! features a wrecking ball and plow arm that turn coding into a thrilling hands-on challenge, making STEM learning feel like a fantastic game.

Solar-Powered Rover Adventure Kit

The Thames & Kosmos Solar-Powered Rovers STEM Experiment Kit invites kids aged 8 and up to embark on an exhilarating journey through solar energy exploration! With the ability to build five different models, including solar cars and a robot, this kit not only sparks creativity but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As young builders assemble their vehicles using ultralight bamboo rods and a powerful solar panel, they’ll discover how solar cells function and the remarkable potential of renewable energy. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Solar-Powered Rover Adventure Kit includes five different models for kids to build, making renewable energy exploration a playful adventure that sparks curiosity and creativity!

Unleash Creativity with M24 Chaffee Model Kit

Revell RV03323 M24 Chaffee Plastic Model kit sparks creativity and imagination in young builders! Designed for model-making enthusiasts aged 10 and older, this kit offers a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills, patience, and strategic thinking. As we engage in building this unpainted model together, we not only learn about history and engineering but also create lasting memories. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Unleash Creativity with M24 Chaffee Model Kit offers a fantastic hands-on approach to history and engineering, turning family time into a rewarding journey of creation and craftsmanship.

Magnetic Foam Building Fun

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks - 17-Piece Critter Set is the perfect combination of fun and educational play for our little builders aged 3 to 5! These brilliantly designed blocks click together effortlessly, encouraging young learners to explore their creativity while developing essential engineering and problem-solving skills. Whether they're splashing in the tub or creating imaginative structures on the floor, these soft, safe blocks provide a sensory-rich experience that fosters exploration of shapes and colors. 3-5 years
Why we love it:
Magnetic Foam Building Fun includes 17 brightly colored blocks that effortlessly click together, making STEM lessons as cozy as a bubble bath and twice as engaging!

SolarBots: Build Fun Solar-Powered Robots

Thames & Kosmos SolarBots: 8-in-1 Solar Robot STEM Experiment Kit invites young inventors to dive into the world of solar energy! With eight different robots to build—like the lively drummer bot and the curious dinosaur bot—kids will explore engineering concepts and the science of solar power in an engaging, hands-on way. This kit not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also encourages environmentally-friendly thinking through the magic of renewable energy. 8+ years
Why we love it:
SolarBots: Build Fun Solar-Powered Robots comes with eight different robots to build, making learning about renewable energy as exciting as constructing a tiny robotic band.

Creative Robot Builders Unite!

Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It! Robot Factory invites your little ones to embark on an imaginative journey where engineering meets creativity! Perfect for ages 2 and up, this engaging set not only fosters fine motor skills as kids manipulate the easy-to-handle pieces but also sparks critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they build their dream robots. 2+ years
Why we love it:
Creative Robot Builders Unite! includes easy-to-handle pieces that turn engineering into an imaginative adventure, making STEM concepts fun and accessible for our budding inventors.

Build Robots with Gears! Gears! Gears!

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 5+ years
Why we love it:
Build Robots with Gears! Gears! Gears! includes 116 interlocking pieces that turn creativity into engineering, making STEM fun and accessible for young builders.

Snap Trax Construction Adventure Set

The USA Toyz Snap Trax Construction Set is a fantastic educational toy that invites kids to dive into the exciting world of building and engineering! With 204 bendable race tracks, two light-up trucks, and a full range of construction vehicles, this set sparks imagination and creativity while teaching essential STEM skills. As children construct their own dynamic construction site, they enhance their motor skills and learn about teamwork and problem-solving—backup ready for fun as they navigate tunnels and bridges. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Snap Trax Construction Adventure Set comes with 204 bendable race tracks that transform playtime into a hands-on lesson in engineering and collaborative building—perfect for budding architects!

Fire Truck Adventure Bolt Buddies

The Educational Insights Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Fire Truck brings the excitement of building and pretend play to your little ones! As parents, we know how important it is for kids to learn through play, and this fantastic toy set does just that by offering hands-on construction fun that develops fine motor skills and fosters early STEM learning. With a real electric drill and colorful bolts, our budding engineers will explore problem-solving and creativity while building their own fire truck and engaging in imaginative play adventures. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Fire Truck Adventure Bolt Buddies includes a real electric drill and colorful bolts that turn construction into an engaging STEM experience, sparking creativity and hands-on learning.

Build and Play Helicopter Adventure

The Educational Insights Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Helicopter transforms playtime into an engaging STEM learning experience for children ages 3 and up. With a real, kid-safe electric drill, little ones can build their very own helicopter while developing fine motor skills and problem-solving strategies. As they work with the drill to attach snap-on parts and operate the working winch, they are not only having fun but also gaining foundational engineering skills. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Build and Play Helicopter Adventure comes with a real kid-safe electric drill, turning little builders into budding engineers while sparking creativity and curiosity.

Hands-On Learning with Marble Mania

The Learning Journey: Techno Gears Marble Mania Zoomerang 2. 0 is a fantastic STEM construction set that invites children ages 6-12 to explore the exciting world of engineering and mechanics. With over 80 brightly colored pieces, including a corkscrew marble lifter and funnel drop, kids can unleash their creativity while enhancing problem-solving and fluid reasoning skills. 6-12 years
Why we love it:
Hands-On Learning with Marble Mania includes over 80 brightly colored pieces, turning engineering challenges into vibrant adventures that spark creativity and boost confidence in STEM skills.

Exciting 25-in-1 Motorized Supercar Kit

The MECCANO 25-in-1 Motorized Supercar STEM Model Building Kit invites kids ages 10 and up to dive into the dynamic world of engineering and creativity. As they assemble their sleek supercars and other models, children will enhance their problem-solving skills and fine motor abilities, all while understanding essential STEM principles. With real tools and motorized features, this kit not only sparks imagination but also cultivates a hands-on learning experience that sets the stage for future innovators. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Exciting 25-in-1 Motorized Supercar Kit comes with real tools, turning young dreamers into hands-on engineers while fostering a love for STEM principles through imaginative play.

Cranky Crawling Robot Adventure

The Thames & Kosmos ReBotz: Scootz – The Cranky Crawling Robot sparks creativity as children build their very own wacky, motorized contraptions. With hands-on experiments involving cams, springs, sliders, and motors, kids develop essential STEM skills while learning about mechanical movements in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for inspiring teamwork and imaginative thinking, this kit encourages young engineers to mix and match parts to create unique robotic designs that inspire a love for tinkering and problem-solving. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Cranky Crawling Robot Adventure lets kids build wacky, motorized contraptions, sparking their imagination while they learn about mechanics and teamwork—who knew learning could be so much fun?

Engage with Robotics: Build Your Sphere!

Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines - Super Sphere STEM Experiment Kit is an exciting gateway into the world of robotics and coding for our kids! With this kit, they can construct a giant 9-inch robotic sphere and six additional models, all while honing their engineering and problem-solving skills. The included app empowers them to program movements and reactions using sound, which adds a delightful layer of interactivity. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Engage with Robotics: Build Your Sphere! includes an app for coding movements, making learning robotics feel like a fun game rather than a chore.