This Season’s Guide to Educational Toys for Kids

Whether your child is an avid reader or an adventure seeker, play offers one of the best ways to hone any craft.

Does your 8-year-old love to build? You may have a fledgling engineer tinkering in your living room. Do you have a kindergartner who creates beautiful designs out of household items? You may be raising an artist or writer — or both. Childhood interests can (and do!) blossom into successful careers and fulfilling hobbies — especially when they’re nurtured.

To help children cultivate their passions, Noodle teamed up with Parents’ Choice Foundation to create these nine holiday gift lists. Each one features top toys for kids with a range of interests, from architecture to veterinary science.

Each guide includes educational toys, games, and books for children ages 2 through 16+, as well as clear descriptions, pricing information, Parents’ Choice reviews, and age levels. All of the featured gifts are Parents’ Choice Award® winners that have undergone a rigorous review process by a panel of experts. As you start your shopping this holiday season, you’ll find excellent (and fun!) recommendations for children of all interests — and aspirations.

• Future Architect: Toys for Kids Who Love Building
• Future Artist: Toys for Kids Who Love Art
• Future Chef: Toys for Kids Who Love Cooking
• Future Engineer: Toys for Kids Who Love Engineering
• Future Filmmaker: Toys for Kids Who Love Movies
• Future Novelist: Toys for Kids Who Love Reading and Writing
• Future Scientist: Toys for Kids Who Love Science
• Future Stunt Double: Toys for Kids Who Love Action and Adventure
• Future Veterinarian: Toys for Kids Who Love Animals

Tweet to @noodleeducation using the hashtag #gifts to tell us which toy you’re most excited about this holiday season.

About Noodle
Noodle is an education website helping parents and students make better decisions about learning. Using our interactive search tools, families can find the right preschool, college, tutor, or any other learning resource. In addition, they can read expert­-authored articles, ask questions and get answers from some of the leading minds in education, and connect with others in their communities.

About Parents’ Choice
Parents’ Choice Foundation, established in 1978 as a 501(c)3, is the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys. Best known for the Parents’ Choice Awards® program, Parents’ Choice is a trusted, independent resource for recommending toys, games and media that bridge the classroom and the playroom. The Parents’ Choice Award Seals are the Foundation’s internationally recognized and respected icons.