Top Ten Educational Toys 2009
Eleanor de Bruin lists the best educational toys to hit the shelves this year…
Scribble and Write
An obvious choice for our top ten this year is LeapFrog’s Scout Scribble & Write, winner of the Educational Toys category at the ToyTalk Awards. The clever device helps children have fun while learning writing skills using a retraceable surface – from early mark-making to letter formation and phonics. Priced around £19.99.
Bugsby Reading System
Using a special sensor pen, children as young as three can read a book all on their own, with VTech’s Bugsby Reading System. Moving the pen over the pages prompts it to read the story or individual words out loud. Several titles are available for the system, which costs around £29.99.
Power Lights
It must have been a bit of a lightbulb moment over at Great Gizmos when they came up with these fantastic Power Lights construction kits. Make various lights such as a lava lamp with the Light Tube Kit, or a fibre optic one with the Light Fountain Kit. Each is priced around £9.99
Discovery Pyramid
A variety of colours and textures in the Discovery Pyramid from Lamaze are designed to hold the attention of babies from birth, and other fun features such as a sea scene, a tumbling toy and a mirror will help them learn as they explore. Priced around £14.99.
V.Smile Motion
Updated from the hugely popular V.Smile system, VTech’s V.Smile Motion adds to the fun with movement-detecting wireless controllers. Plugging into the TV, the system helps to develop motor skills and teaches maths, spelling and language, while playing games and having lots of fun. Priced around £59.99.
Cube Books
Zoobookoo’s clever Cube Books have two educational elements about them. Firstly, there’s the puzzle of working out how to open the cube up, and secondly there’s all the useful information on a wide range of subjects that you can pick up from reading the detailed pages concealed inside. Priced around £6.50.
Stack Up
These stackable building blocks from John Crane teach young children about ordering, and help develop their motor skills too. Basic maths skills are also worked on with the educational blocks, as each one shows a numeral and the corresponding number of animals. Apart from all this, they’re beautifully designed as well. Priced around £25.
WhooHoo
WhooHoo is his name – and, coincidentally, the exact noise we made when we heard that Manhattan Toy had added a character to it’s fabulous Whoozits range. He didn’t disappoint either – with bright colours, various fabrics to stimulate babies’ senses, and a happy smile. Priced around £9.10.
Sorting Suitcase
Anyone who’s ever packed for a holiday knows just what a challenge it can be, so it’s easy to see the educational value in the Sorting Suitcase game from Learning Resources. The suitcase comes with a big selection of clothes and can be used for lots of games. Priced around £18.30.
Subways Maze Game
The aim of this Smart Game from Learning Resources is to link up a track to make it run through various stations. By the time you’ve mastered all 64 combinations you’ll understand why tube staff are always clamouring for a pay rise. Priced around £18.50.
Read our other Top Tens for 2009:
Top Ten Budget Toys 2009
Top Ten Girls’ Toys 2009
Top Ten Preschool Toys 2009
Top Ten Boys’ Toys 2009
