While many toys are made strictly for fun, others feature vital educational values. Kids can learn during playtime with products that feature STEM elements, tech literacy, critical thinking, MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health), and more. This showcase features some of the best toys, games, and sets to encourage kids of all ages to learn outside the classroom.
DISSECT-IT DISCOVER-IT BIGFOOT DIG

Aspiring archeologists can use the 2-in-1 scalpel and tweezers to dissect the gel specimen and reveal hidden skeletal bones.
Buy Now
TOYBOT

Combining voice technology and hands-on play, this soft, huggable robot encourages kids to build their MESH skills through games and activities.
Buy Now
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS: DANGEROUS DINOSAURS SOUND BOOK

The Age of Dinosaurs returns with this National Geographic sound book featuring 30 buttons that say 10 dinosaur names and other dinosaur-related sounds.
Buy Now
COOPER THE STEM ROBOT

Cooper the STEM Robot features 10 screen-free coding challenges, reacts to its environment, sings, dances, talks, senses light and objects, and is rechargeable.
Buy Now
TOYZON COGZ: MINDFUL MOTION FIDGET GEARS – 12-PIECE SET

Kids can explore the concepts of motion by building, connecting, and spinning the vibrant, interlocking gears.
Buy Now
HUGAROUNDS

These lovable plush are weighted and warmable in the microwave. They have long, comforting arms that give wraparound hugs. Plus, their clay beads are non-molding and safe.
Buy Now
HYPERTILES

HyperTiles is a construction toy based on a mathematical shape called a hyperbolic paraboloid. The simple, versatile shapes can be linked together in an infinite number of combinations.
Buy Now
WEIRD SCIENCE 8-IN-1 MAGICAL POTIONS LABORATORY

Kids can mix up to eight potions using the included wand and watch unique reactions such as color-shifting, fizzing, and more.
Buy Now
POWERUP STARFLUX SMARTPHONE CONTROLLED KIT

With its versatile design, this toy flies as two airplanes in one, as pilots can rotate the wings 180 degrees to transform the airplane’s shape, flight characteristics, and performance.
Buy Now
BBC EARTH ALL-IN-ONE EXTREME CHEMISTRY

Developed by scientists, this kit features 10 unique, eco-friendly experiments related to Earth Science, including volcanic eruptions, crystal growing, and soap-powered boats. U.S. Toy is the exclusive specialty distributor for Horizon Group USA in the U.S.
Buy Now
HUG-A-LUMPS

Need a pick-me-up? Dive into the land of snuggles with Hug-A-Lumps! Grab one of the 8 ultra-cute characters, each weighing 1.5kg/3.3 pounds and creating an ultra-comforting effect. Will you choose the dinosaur, cat, or maybe the bunny? Made from super soft and squishy plush, Hug-A-Lumps are your ticket to an anti-stress wonderland!
Buy Now
ELMER’S 6CT SQUSHIES MINIS

This kit creates squishy pet-themed toys when kids mix the ingredients and pour their mixture into the three Mystery Mini Molds.
Buy Now
ESCAPE FROM MONSTERLAND

Made in collaboration with the ANAR Foundation anti-bullying program, players must escape the dangers of Monsterland by solving tests involving bullying-based scenarios.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: APRIL 2025
EMOTION BLOCKS

Kids can identify their feelings with 10 colorful and expressive blocks that feature different emotions, including happy, sad, angry, surprised, and more.
Buy Now
SNUGGLE PUPPY HERO

Kids can feel safe with this Snuggle Puppy, which features a real-feel heartbeat, tactile corners for sensory stimulation, and a huggable body.
Buy Now
GELADOUGH

Geladough combines sensory fun with the popular and sweet Italian dessert — gelato. Each package includes two scented fidget doughs and two mix-ins.
Buy Now
K’NEX DYNAMIC DINOS

Kids use this STEM-style building set to construct six motorized dinosaurs and watch them walk around.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: FALL 2025
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS SENSORY BOTTLES – EMBARRASSED, SILLY, SURPRISED, LOVED

Each sensory bottle features different facial expressions, colors, and interactive elements that embody the feelings of love, embarrassment, surprise, and silliness.
Buy Now
I DIG DINOSAURS T-REX DIG KIT

Young paleontologists can experience Jurassic fun with a kit that has everything needed to uncover 11 pieces of dinosaur bones.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: OCTOBER 2025
STEMZ: THE FLEXIBLE 3D MAKER TOY

Available in 36 (pictured) and 60-piece sets, these flexible toys offer endless exploration and learning through building unique creations.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: FALL 2025
MOTOR GADGETS

Using STEM concepts, kids can create more than 10 motor-powered contraptions, including a tornado maker, a bubble machine, and more.
Buy Now
ART CAFÉ LATTE-STYLE PAINTING SET

Creativity comes in a cute cup! This kit includes everything kids need to create four colorful works of latte-inspired art. Pour the paint onto the no-drip canvas, pull the pick through the paint, and transform the colors into unique designs through this meditative process. Available in three different color combos.
Buy Now
SPY KIT

Go undercover by embarking on more than 20 spy missions — kids can build motion detectors, use voice changers, discover trip wires, and more. The STEM kit teaches kids about the science and engineering behind spy tools and tricks.
Buy Now
SALTWATER FUEL CELL ROBOT

With this STEM experiment kit, young scientists can explore elements like electricity, currents, and electric potential by building a walking robot powered by salt water and magnesium.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: MAY 2025
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EPIC CIRCUITS SCIENCE KIT 120+ PROJECTS

The kit includes more than 120 experiments and activities featuring electronics and circuits. Kids can explore STEM concepts by creating light shows, flying a copter, projecting images, and more.
Buy Now
BUILD-A-BUDDY ACTIVITY BOARD

Kids can build two farm scenes using the included drill, which fits inside the playboard for storage.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: FALL 2025
OPERATION ELECTRONIC BOARD GAME WITH ALL-IN-ONE CARRYING CASE

The classic board game returns with a twist. Players can continue classic gameplay in Hospital mode or try Emergency Mode, in which players rush to remove the most ailments before time’s up.
Buy Now
DR. STEM INSECT EXPLORER COLLECT & STUDY ACTIVITY KIT

Kids can examine and study insects up close with this all-in-one kit. It includes a Bug Vacuum for up-close learning and a book with indoor activities for rainy days.
Buy Now
DK VIRTUAL REALITY TRANSPORT!

This 96-page activity set uses virtual reality and hands-on activities to showcase the world of transportation, including planes, trains, cars, and more.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: SPRING 2025
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JUNIOR CHEMISTRY SET

Kids can conduct 50 chemistry experiments using this set and common household items, including growing salt crystals, pouring water down a string, and more.
Buy Now
GEOSAFARI STARVIEW TELESCOPE

With this kid-friendly telescope, aspiring astronomers can learn to scan the sky, observe objects, spot constellations, and more with the included activity journal.
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: SPRING 2025
THE AMAZING HUMAN BODY

Explore the extraordinary inner workings of your body, from your tongue to your toes and everything in between. The innovative mechanical torso simulates an X-ray view of the body and contains different interactive models that demonstrate how major body systems work. Assemble a simple squeeze-bulb pump to circulate red dye through thin, clear tubes like…
Buy Now
AVAILABLE: JUNE 2025

A version of this feature was originally published in the 2025 edition of The BIG Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!