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    Home » Learning Activities » Gifts for Kids to Promote Thinking and Learning

    Gifts for Kids to Promote Thinking and Learning

    Published: Oct 25, 2018 · Modified: Feb 18, 2022 by Vicky

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    Are you one of those people that finishes Christmas shopping months in advance? I am certainly not. I have just now started thinking about what to get those special kids on my list. I am finding that the gifts I am considering this year are toys that will challenge the kids mentally as well as entertain them. Maybe this is because my twins are in first grade and I am seeing the kind of work they are doing each day. First grade has changed a lot since I was a kid! So I decided to create a list of Gifts for Kids to Promote Thinking and Learning. As a bonus, these toys and games are really fun for adults as well. You might also enjoy Free Kids Learning Resources and Best Gifts for Minecrafter Lovers.
    Gifts for Kids to Promote Thinking and Learning - the ultimate gift guide with toys and games to get kids thinking! #giftguide #gifts
    If you are going to be purchasing any of these items on Amazon, and you don't already have Amazon Prime, do yourself a favor and sign up for a 30 day free trial. With it, you can get unlimited FREE two-day shipping on most items, instantly watch thousands of movies and TV shows and borrow Kindle books. 

    Gifts for Kids to Promote Thinking and Learning

     

    Techno Gears Marble Mania Sidewinder 3.0

    Kids learn through trial and error how to build structures that move and work. As if that wasn't cool enough, the 300 pieces glow in the dark!

    Crystal Growing
    I wish they had a kit like this when I was a kid. Kids will be amazed when they grow dozens of crystals and perform their own science experiments. While they are doing this, they are learning all about the structure and geometry of various crystals.

    Melissa & Doug Unit Blocks
    Whether you have a boy or girl, unit blocks are a playroom necessity in my opinion. They were a favorite item with the kids while I was teaching and with good reason. They allow for creativity and challenge kids' thinking as they ponder spatial relations while building.

    Tinkertoy Set
    Ah, the classic Tinkertoy set. Boy, does this bring back memories. This is a great one for stimulating planning and design skills in kids.

    Simon Swipe Game
    Similar to the Simon you remember, this game will challenge kids on so many levels. They get to practice their memory and pattern skills as they strive to advance in levels.

    Robot Turtles Game
    Can kids as young as four learn programming? With this fun board game, they can. Kids move forward, left and right over a board while learning the basics of programming. If you are a tech geek, your kids need this game!

    Big Bag of Science
    My kids love doing science experiments and this kit has over 70 of them! Some of the experiments are messy, but that's half the fun. What an entertaining way to learn scientific concepts!

    Laser Maze Logic Game
    This is a fun logic game that will strengthen planning skills and sequential reasoning. It is s single player game which I would have loved when I was growing up. I am an only child and got frustrated that so many games were made for two or more players. Love how this uses a real laser that kids can split and reflect using mirrors.

    ReCon Programmable Rover
    This robot helps kids learn early math and problem solving skills. It can be programmed by kids to perform simple tasks and can record and play sound. Honestly, what kid wouldn't want a robot? While it can't make you a latte, it will provide hours of family fun.

    LeapPad Ultra
    My kids use their LeapPad all the time. There are a wealth of learning games out there that make this the perfect thing to promote thinking and learning. It makes a great travel companion as well.

    Magna-Tiles
    A great way to encourage kids to build and learn about geometric shapes. These magnet tiles are so fun to play with that you might not realize how much kids can learn with them. Shapes, colors, symmetry and fractions can all be explored in a hands on manner.

    Snap Circuits Sound
    Kids will be busy for hours building over 150 circuits and if you are anything like my husband, you will enjoy it too. The sounds just add another fun factor for kids.

    Sequence for Kids
    What a fun way for kids to learn about strategy. We play this game all the time and it is fun to watch my kids approach the game differently - one daughter plays to win, while another plays to block others from winning. I love that even non-readers can play, so even kids as young as four can feel included.

    Q-Bitz Game
    This game really challenges kids to develop their powers of observation and memory. I love games that are fun for mom and dad to play with kids and this is one of them.

    Don't forget to sign up for a 30 day free trial of Amazon Prime. With it, you can get unlimited FREE two-day shipping on most items, instantly watch thousands of movies and TV shows and borrow Kindle books. It is a huge money saver!

    If you liked these Gifts for Kids to Promote Thinking and Learning, you'l love:

    Best Toddler Gifts for Every Budget

    10 Best Strategy Games for Kids

    12 Learning Activities for Kids

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find it at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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