We’re getting into the Holiday spirit here at K5 Learning. With my belly full of turkey left-overs, I decided to surf the Web for the best learning toys. Who says that learning can’t be fun? Here are our toy recommendations for your little ones for Christmas.
Snap Circuits (ages 8-12)
Learn how electricity works with easy to use kids with pieces that easily snap into place. Perhaps start with the starter kit Jr. SC-100 for kids ages 8-12. This set includes 30 pieces and will build 101 different electronic projects. If you want a smaller kit, there are dedicated kits to build a musical recorder, FM radio, motion detector, flying saucer and water clock.
You can learn more about Snap Circuits here.
Ivan’s Hinge Puzzle (from 8 years and up)
Bored of regular puzzles, perhaps it’s time to switch it up with an Ivan’s Hinge? The swinging, hinged pieces can be manipulated into many shapes and the challenge is to match these shapes to those on the pattern cards. This puzzle was created by artist and inventor Ivan Moscovich. It’s worth reading more about him and his inventions. He’s compiled books, games and puzzles for the major toy companies, as well as created major art shows around the world. Read his interview with Wired Magazine.
Back to Ivan’s Hinge, here’s where you can buy it from Amazon.
Bill and Betty Bricks (from 5 years and up)
This logic game lets you build towers from wooden blocks and the challenge is your builder has to always keep their feet on the building (to supervise the work). There are patterns to follow to complete each stage. This game develops spatial perception as well as fine motor skills, but most of all it looks really fun.
Learn more about Bill and Betty Bricks here.
Pop Bottle Science (ages 9 and up)
Who says science has to be boring? Here are a couple kits that we’re definitely getting for our daughter for Christmas. The pop bottle science kit lets you make a volcano, a tornado-maker, quick-sand, a barometer, a thermometer, trombone, compass, walkie-talkie, lava lamp, and the list goes on.
There are 79 experiments in this one kit.
Check Pop Bottle Science out at Amazon.
Gotcha Gadgets (ages 8 and up)
This toy has to be one of my favorites. We’re definitely getting this box set for our daughter so that she can expand on her pranks on her dad – mostly. Prankster science! The kit includes all the parts and a book of instructions that give step-by-step directions on how to wire your own door alarm, motion sensor, light sensor and push-button device, all with sound-effects.
