Do you want your children to get more out of their playtime than just having fun? Obviously, fun is good, but if your kids can keep learning while having fun, then so much the better and there are plenty of educational Christmas gifts for kids available.

Educational toys for boys and girls

Cooking is one of the most important skills children can learn that will allow them to feed themselves for the rest of their lives. Learning to cook at a young age means they will always love it, so why not start cooking with your kids? These sophisticated toys contain all the essentials; fridge / freezer, stove, microwave and dishwasher, as well as sink, pans and spatulas. Complement the kitchen with food from the deli set or the ice cream parlor. Take the opportunity to teach kids how to clean after cooking and you may find that you have the next great chef in your family.

Science toys for kids are great educational toys and will spark your child’s interest in science subjects from the age of five. There are several kits available, including one that allows children to learn about the human body through hands-on experiments, games, and exercises.

For older children, the Crystals, Rocks and Minerals kit can get them interested in geology. The kit contains samples of real quartz and rock and children can grow three different types of crystals.

There are two grades of technology and electronics kits; the first, for children ages 10 and up, teaches how to build simple circuits and how to build and repair sensors. The second, for children 12 years and older, details basic electronic components and provides an introduction to more advanced components. Children will learn to follow a circuit diagram and create circuits from the provided components. Budding electrical engineers will find this to be an invaluable grounding.

Educational toys for toddlers and babies

The Busy Ball Popper is ideal for both babies and toddlers to learn colors and manual dexterity. Babies will love seeing the colored balls racing down the spiral track and out the top and toddlers will have even more fun chasing the balls. This toy also features fun music with 8 upbeat songs to keep the fun going.

The Endangered Species game teaches kids to recognize and learn about seven of the world’s endangered animals with a storage bag showing the continents. Children can learn where to place animals in their home contents.

For children ages three and up, the Deluxe Workshop encourages hand-eye coordination and includes a toolbox and storage jars to promote logical thinking and order. The tools are battery-powered drill with interchangeable bits, screws, nuts, hammer, saw, pliers, wrench and screwdriver. Instructions for 4 projects are included.

Play is an important part of a child’s development, teaching life skills, as well as motor skills and educational toys provide interesting and inventive opportunities to play.