Toys That Develop Problem Solving
Our Top 5 Picks
Crayola Modeling Clay for Endless Creativity
Crayola Modeling Clay is the perfect companion for fostering creativity in our little ones! With its vibrant classic colors, this non-drying, reusable clay allows kids to explore their imaginations without limits. We can help them develop fine motor skills, shape recognition, and even enhance their problem-solving abilities through hands-on projects. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Modeling Clay is a non-drying, reusable clay that sparks endless creativity, making learning feel like an exciting adventure in art and imagination.
Crayola Watercolor Pencils: Create and Explore!
Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils (24ct) invite our little ones to merge the worlds of drawing and painting through a vibrant spectrum of colors. These fun and versatile tools not only spark creativity but also enhance fine motor skills as kids experiment with different techniques like wetting the pencil tips or sketching on wet paper. As parents and educators, we see this product as a fantastic way to encourage artistic expression, boost confidence, and engage in colorful projects like greeting cards and scrapbooking. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Watercolor Pencils: Create and Explore! includes 24 vibrant colors that blend drawing and painting, making every art session an adventure in creativity and self-expression.
Crayola Crayon Classpack: Creativity Unleashed!
Crayola Crayon Classpack - 400ct is a vibrant treasure trove of creativity just waiting to be explored! As parents and educators, we know that art isn't just about making pretty pictures; it's a vital part of developing fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression in our little ones. With a rich array of colors, including classic shades like red, blue, and purple, we can encourage kids aged 5 and up to explore their imagination and create beautiful masterpieces that tell their unique stories. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Crayon Classpack: Creativity Unleashed! includes 400 vibrant crayons, making it a colorful catalyst for kids to dive into self-expression and imaginative storytelling.
Creative Color Patterns Unleashed
Introducing the Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards, a delightful way for kids aged 3 to 6 to explore shapes and colors while enhancing their spatial awareness! With 120 solid wood shapes and double-sided boards, children can engage in countless activities that develop problem-solving skills, boost hand-eye coordination, and ignite creativity. This classic toy not only sparks joy in playtime but also lays a solid foundation for early math and critical thinking skills. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
We love the Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards not just because they’re a beautiful explosion of color, but because they transform play into a masterclass in creativity and logic! Watching our little ones get lost in their own pattern-making worlds feels like witnessing the birth of a tiny Picasso. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those early math concepts while keeping our floors mess-free—at least until snack time!
Crayola Watercolors: Creative Fun Awaits!
Crayola Watercolors, 8 Assorted Colors, Palette Tray is the perfect tool for unleashing your child's inner artist! With vibrant hues that stay true and a smooth application, kids can explore the world of color mixing and blending while enhancing their fine motor skills. The included paintbrush and portable design make it easy to create masterpieces anywhere, while the opaque lid doubles as a mixing palette, encouraging creativity on the go. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Watercolors: Creative Fun Awaits! includes a portable design that lets kids mix colors anywhere, turning every outing into an art adventure and nurturing their creative confidence.
DIY Solar System Mobile for Creative Minds
The 4M 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit is an enchanting gateway to the cosmos for kids and teens alike! This hands-on kit not only fosters creativity through design and painting but also ignites curiosity about our universe and the science of astronomy. As we assemble the easy snap-together planets, we can delve into fun facts and stories about each celestial body, enhancing knowledge and sparking discussions about space exploration. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
DIY Solar System Mobile for Creative Minds features easy snap-together planets that spark discussions about space exploration while keeping little hands busy with art and assembly.
Jumbo Fire Truck Puzzle Adventure
The Melissa & Doug Fire Truck Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle is an exciting way for our little ones to dive into hands-on learning! Stretching 4 feet long when fully assembled, this vibrant puzzle features 24 extra-thick pieces made from durable, FSC certified cardboard, ensuring their artwork shines bright for playtime. As kids work to fit the pieces together, they're not just solving a puzzle; they’re developing critical hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills in a fun, engaging format. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Jumbo Fire Truck Puzzle Adventure stretches 4 feet long, turning puzzle-solving into a collaborative race for little firefighters while boosting essential skills and creativity.
Kidoozie Little Builder Tool Belt Fun
The Kidoozie Little Builder Tool Belt Toy is perfect for inspiring our little builders aged 3 and up! With its realistic tools and sturdy canvas belt, children can engage in imaginative play while developing fine motor skills, creativity, and an early understanding of construction concepts. Parents will appreciate how this interactive toy emphasizes problem-solving and practical skills, making it a delightful addition to any playroom. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Kidoozie Little Builder Tool Belt Fun comes with realistic tools and a sturdy canvas belt, making it easy for little builders to engage in creative play while learning valuable skills.
Snap Circuits Jr. STEM Adventure
The Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit is an incredible tool for igniting a passion for engineering and electronics in kids ages 8 and up. With over 100 exciting projects waiting to be built, children develop vital skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity as they explore the world of circuitry. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Snap Circuits Jr. STEM Adventure includes over 100 exciting projects, turning electrical exploration into hands-on fun that cultivates future inventors while keeping their curiosity buzzing.
Creative Solid-Wood Building Blocks
The Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks offer a delightful way for kids to explore creativity and engineering! These 60 natural-finished hardwood blocks not only inspire imaginative play but also introduce essential early math concepts like shapes and sorting. As parents and educators, we love that these smooth-sanded pieces help develop hand-eye coordination and foster patience, all while keeping kids engaged in screen-free play. 3-8 years
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Why we love it:
Creative Solid-Wood Building Blocks feature 60 natural-finished hardwood pieces, making them an enchanting way for kids to unleash their imagination while grasping essential math concepts.
Snap Circuits: Fun with Electronics
Snap Circuits Elenco Snap Circuits Pro 500 in 1 Electronics Exploration Kit is an exciting journey into the world of electronics for our curious kids! With over 500 project ideas to explore, your child will not only have fun but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they build their own gadgets. The colorful instruction book makes it easy to follow along, sparking creativity while teaching the basics of electrical engineering. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Snap Circuits: Fun with Electronics includes over 500 project ideas, encouraging little inventors to explore the magic of gadgets while boosting their STEM skills—talk about a bright idea!
Tru-Ray Construction Paper: Endless Creativity
Tru-Ray Construction Paper is a parent and educator's dream for igniting creativity in children! With 10 classic colors and heavyweight, 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper, this 50-sheet pack allows kids to explore their artistic side without fear of wear and tear. Not only is it durable enough to handle scoring and curling, but its superior fade resistance ensures that masterpieces remain vibrant and alive in our hearts and on display. Preschool
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Why we love it:
Tru-Ray Construction Paper features 10 classic colors in a heavyweight, durable material that invites endless creativity and vibrant masterpieces that won’t fade from our memories—or our walls!
Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Play Cake
The Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Cake is an enchanting play-food set that transforms snack time into a fun-filled celebration for our little ones! Perfectly crafted for kids aged 3 to 6, this delightful wooden cake introduces the joy of pretend play while developing essential skills like hand-eye coordination and creative expression. With its mix-and-match toppings and removable candles, children can slice, share, and serve their way to imaginative birthday parties, all while honing their fine motor skills in a safe and sturdy fashion. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Play Cake includes mix-and-match toppings that inspire endless imaginative celebrations while helping little hands strengthen their coordination and creativity.
Melissa & Doug Farm Puzzle Fun!
Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Cube Puzzle with Storage Tray is a delightful way to engage our little ones in hands-on, screen-free play! With 16 colorful cubes that form six beloved farm animal puzzles, children can develop visual recognition and fine motor skills while having a blast. We love that it encourages problem-solving and cognitive development through interactive play. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Melissa & Doug Farm Puzzle Fun! features 16 colorful cubes that transform into six delightful farm animal puzzles, making learning feel like a joyful, hands-on adventure for preschoolers!
Lion Family Puzzle for Fun Learning
Ceaco - Harmony - Lion Family - 550 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle is an excellent way to engage our little ones in a fun, educational activity! Working together to piece together this colorful imagery invites teamwork and collaboration, while also enhancing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. As we gather around the table for family nights, we create lasting memories while fostering critical thinking in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Lion Family Puzzle for Fun Learning is a 550 piece jigsaw puzzle that transforms family time into a joyful experience while sharpening those essential problem-solving skills.
Dino Adventure Floor Puzzle Magic
Melissa & Doug Land of Dinosaurs Floor Puzzle is a captivating journey for young dino enthusiasts, featuring 48 extra-thick pieces that create an impressive 4-foot-long visual feast. This exciting puzzle is not only a delightful activity but also promotes essential skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving, making it a fantastic educational choice for parents and educators alike. With its beautiful artwork and easy-clean surface, this puzzle is bound to brighten any playroom and foster a love for learning about these magnificent creatures. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Dino Adventure Floor Puzzle Magic features 48 extra-thick pieces that create a 4-foot-long visual feast, making learning about dinosaurs a hands-on, interactive experience that’s positively roarsome!
Glow-In-The-Dark Galaxy Adventure
Great Explorations Glow In The Dark Wonder Stars lets your child turn their room into a miniature galaxy! These dazzling stars, made with Glominite, are perfect for sparking imaginations and promoting creative play as kids explore the night sky without leaving their room. Not only will they learn about constellations, but they will also develop fine motor skills while placing each star. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Glow-In-The-Dark Galaxy Adventure turns your child's room into a miniature galaxy, blending imaginative play with learning about constellations, ensuring sweet dreams under their own starry sky.
Tangle Jr. for Creative Minds
Tangle Neon/Sparkle Jr. may look like just a fun toy, but it's a gateway to enhanced creativity and critical thinking. This twistable, turnable masterpiece not only engages little hands but also encourages spatial awareness and fine motor development. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Tangle Jr. for Creative Minds features twistable, turnable pieces that spark imagination, turning every twist into a mini-brainstorm for young problem solvers.
Kids Rad Racer Bed Tent Playhouse
The Pacific Play Tents 19710 Kids Rad Racer Bed Tent Playhouse is the perfect gateway to imaginative adventures, designed specifically for twin beds! This delightful playhouse not only sparks creativity with its vibrant graphics but also helps children transition from crib to bed comfortably and joyfully. With mesh panels for ventilation and visibility, kids can safely dive into their imaginative worlds while enhancing their sense of independence. 3-7 years
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Why we love it:
Kids Rad Racer Bed Tent Playhouse features vibrant graphics and mesh panels, transforming bedtime into an adventure that fosters creativity and a sense of independence.
Fun Lady Bug Tent and Tunnel Adventure
Pacific Play Tents 20420 Kids Lady Bug Dome Tent and Crawl Tunnel Combo is the ultimate playtime experience for your little ones! As parents and educators, we know how important it is to encourage physical play and imagination, and this colorful ladybug set is designed to do just that. With its spacious tent and fun crawl tunnel, kids can dive into a world of creative exploration, enhancing their motor skills, spatial awareness, and social interactions in a safe environment. 2-7 years
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Why we love it:
Fun Lady Bug Tent and Tunnel Adventure includes a spacious tent and crawl tunnel, fostering creativity while encouraging kids to engage in active play and imaginative exploration.
Giant Dinosaur Puzzle for Little Explorers
Galt Giant 36" Floor Puzzle - Dinosaurs is an exciting adventure for young minds! With its large, easy-to-handle pieces, this vibrant puzzle not only captures children's imaginations but also encourages essential skills such as problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and memory. As they piece together majestic dinosaurs in a colorful world, children become engaged learners, exploring concepts of nature and fostering their curiosity about these fascinating creatures. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Giant Dinosaur Puzzle for Little Explorers boasts 36 large, easy-to-handle pieces that encourage teamwork and endless conversations about dinosaurs, making learning a prehistoric adventure!
Giant Jungle Adventure Puzzle
The Galt Giant 36" Floor Puzzle - Jungle is an exciting and engaging way to introduce children aged 3 to 6 to the wonders of nature. With large, easy-to-handle pieces that promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, this puzzle not only captivates young minds with its detailed jungle illustration but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as they work to complete the vibrant scene. Parents can feel confident knowing that it's made from safe, thick board and has a wipe-clean surface—perfect for little explorers! 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Giant Jungle Adventure Puzzle features large, easy-to-handle pieces that turn puzzling into a wild expedition through nature, promoting both fun and learning in every adventure.
Build Imagination with Toddler Tool Set
Learning Resources Play Tool Set is the ultimate imaginative playground for your little builders! Packed with 20 different pieces, from a battery-powered drill to a handy tape measure, this set sparks creativity while teaching essential skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. We love how it encourages cooperative play, helping kids learn to communicate and work together on their big construction projects. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Build Imagination with Toddler Tool Set includes 20 different pieces that not only spark creativity but also teach kids to work together and communicate on their big projects.
Galactic Adventure Solar System Puzzle
The Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle turns playtime into an exciting journey through our cosmos for preschoolers aged 3 to 6. As we assemble the colorful 48-piece puzzle, we’re not just piecing together a picture; we’re building vital skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving! The beautiful artwork invites little ones to explore and learn about the planets, sparking their curiosity about space while engaging in hands-on, screen-free fun. 3 to 6 years
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Why we love it:
Galactic Adventure Solar System Puzzle features 48 colorful pieces that turn assembling the solar system into a stellar mix of learning and fun for all little space enthusiasts.