7 Toys That Help Kids Learn Through Play

The holidays are just around the corner, and you’re no doubt already thinking about what to get your little ones. Fun is the top priority in searching for toys and gifts–but giving gifts that will help kids learn creates an added bonus. There are so many cultures, concepts, ways of life, and more for kids to explore through toys that you can gift a whole world in a few boxes! To help you get started searching, Allyson McCormley is here with seven toys and toy lines that make learning fun. From world cuisines to STEM concepts, there's no shortage of knowledge or entertainment in this lineup.

Worldwide Buddies

Worldwide Buddies’ culture-in-a-box sets teach kids all about the customs and traditions that make various countries unique and special. The first Worldwide Buddies kit is full of Mexican treats—it includes a book, bilingual playing cards, a stuffed axolotl toy (the critically endangered underwater Mexican salamander), and various other games and activities that will keep kids entertained. The second culture package features China. It includes everything kids can learn about China, a Mandarin/English memory game and a fun, plush toy, Shui–an endangered spotted seal–and more. All books and toys are designed to spark curiosity and encourage learning and skill development through play. They all fall under the category of STEAM toys.

eat2explore

Kids will be excited to expand their palate beyond chicken nuggets and hot dogs to try Mexican arroz con pollo and Greek chicken souvlaki thanks to eat2explore. These fun “explorer boxes” from a dozen different countries including Greece, Mexico, Japan, Italy and a range of other countries including the U.S. provide tools for families to cook together, learn, and dine on different cuisines and cultures from around the world. The boxes can be purchased one box at a time, or through a monthly subscription. The great part is the boxes do not include perishable products, so you can use the included ingredients and cook when you have time. They provide three easy-follow-recipes and a shopping list to purchase proteins and vegetables of your choice, as well as including hard-to-find spices and sauces. The recipes are also easy to adapt to your kids’ experimentations. If they eat vegetarian, gluten-free or prefer beef over shrimp, the recipes encourage kids to mix it up! Kids love to learn, and each eat2explore box comes complete with explore country brochure, activity sheet, country sticker, flag pin and a fun collectible to learn more about the culture of the food they are cooking. These toys are available on Amazon.

Happy Cooking Kits from Kidstir

Have a budding chef? With Happy Cooking Kits, children will learn how to cook, bake and prepare their own unique meals, snacks, and baked goods for hands-on excitement in the kitchen! Kidstir's Happy Cooking Kits are a unique subscription service for children that can be joined or given as a gift, or you can send one of the single kits, as well. Each month, Kidstir will send your child a cooking kit filled with three delicious, nutritious recipes, kid-size cooking tools, games and activities! With a focus on fresh, nutritious food and hands-on fun, Kidstir was created by moms who know that through cooking, children will gain important life skills in the kitchen — and cook up some fun family memories throughout the year! The Happy Cooking Kits are mailed to your doorstep each month and are available in a 1-month, 3-month, 6-month or 12-month subscription. New kits for 2020 will be available in January. Two exciting individual kits are available, as well. 

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