This list of 25 of the best STEM toys has been slowly created over the past couple of years as I purchase new items for my Morning Tubs. I have become obsessed with finding new educational toys for my students that allows them to have fun and be creative. When students become interested in one of the items, I like to send a picture to parents to use as ideas for Christmas or birthday gifts. I thought that this list may come in particularly handy as you look to buy presents for your own children or for your classroom.
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1. Zoob Builderz
These blocks are really durable, and I love how they connect like joints to allow my students creations to be moveable.
2. Bristle Blocks
The bristles on these blocks interlock anywhere, so there are more options in how they can be hooked together.
3. Learning Resources Gears
4. Kanoodle
This is one of my new favorite toys. Not only is it great for the classroom, but I have to say, it is really addicting to play for adults as well! It would be perfect for kids on a road trip or to keep them busy at an appointment.
5. Roller Coaster Challenge
This is a recent purchase that I am so excited about putting into my Morning Tubs.
6. Playstix
These are similar to a soft version of Lincoln Logs.
7. Code & Go Robot Mouse
This has been a huge hit in my classroom this year. The students love programming the mouse to make it move through the maze.
8. Emido Building Blocks
I love how these interlock with each other on all sides.
9. Picasso Tiles
These are very durable for being plastic tiles with magnetic sides. I actually need to order another set of these because there were not quite enough for a group of 4 students.
10. Quadpro Magnetic Blocks
These were one of my first purchases for Morning Tubs, and they are still a favorite among my students.
11. Rainbow Flakes
These are so much fun! Over time, a couple of the flakes have broken, but they are still usable.
12. Goobi Construction Set
My students love using these blocks.
13. Block Buddies
These blocks come with cards that have pictures for the students to create items with the blocks.
14. Legos
Legos are always a popular toy.
15. Marble Runs
This see-through marble run allows the students to follow the marble all the way through the maze.
16. Keva Brain Builders
These wooden planks come with pictures of structures for the kids to build.
17. Topple
My students love playing this game and trying not to make the pieces topple over.
18. Emido Block Bars
These pieces were a little hard to snap together for some of my students, but they eventually got the hang of it. I would not recommend these for really young kids though.
19. Let’s Go Code
This is a great way to introduce coding without a computer. The pieces go on the floor and the children can step on them to follow the code.
20. Snap Circuts
This includes over 100 different projects. Some of them are easier than others.
21. Q-Ba-Maze 2.0
This is one that my own kids got last year as a Christmas present. You can make some really cool marble mazes with this.
22. Gravity Maze
This is another marble maze, but it involves a logic puzzle as well. You have to build a path to get your marble to the target.
23. Chain Reactions
This is perfect for teaching about simple machines and chain reactions.
24. Qwirkle
This is a great game for 2-4 players.
25. Ozobot Bit Coding Robot
This programmable robot comes with 20 games and activities.
Do you have any Must-Have STEM toys that you would add to the list?
Astrobrights Paper – I’m kind of a paper hoarder! I LOVE beautiful colored paper.
Coffee – This may not be a necessity for you, but it definitely is for me! I purchased this adorable mug from Bound to Be Loved on Etsy last year. I love it!
