BEST EDUCATIONAL TOYS 2020

It’s hard to believe another year has already flown by and the holiday season will soon be here.  It’s time once again to gather feedback about the best educational toys on the market. Based on findings from the best toy websites, in addition to the reviews on the best educational toys 2019.

Literally taking your child by the hand and finding great educational toys from birth to toddler to preschool years and beyond, finding a toy that both teaches while being fun is a delicate balance.

Whether you’re searching for the best educational toys for 4-year olds, toddlers ages 2-3 or babies, you are in the right starting place.

Here are some nice, hand-picked selections for best educational toys 2020.

BEST EDUCATIONAL TOY #1 – Melissa & Doug Kids Pull Back Vehicle Set

This selection is offered by Melissa & Doug, experts in creating top educational toys for toddlers.  The set of 4 soft vehicles is perfect for both babies and toddlers.  All four vehicles are soft, safe and lightweight which makes it easy for even babies to pick them up and play.

The four vehicles include friendly, smiling people and animals in a police car, fire truck, school bus and car.  They operate on a simple pull, push and go system with real working tires.  This delightful playset encourages independent play, imagination and hours of fun!

The Melissa & Doug Kids Pull Back Vehicle Set is highly recommended for children ages 9 months to 4 years.  It is not safe to leave these vehicles alone with babies under 9 months old, specifically in a crib while unattended.

Upsides:

• Soft fabric material
• Easy to clean
• Promotes fine and gross motor skills
• Encourages social, language and problem-solving skills

Downsides:

• Odd smell after washing
• Colors bleed or come off
• Stitching may come loose after wash or extended use
• Wheels may come off – adult supervision around babies recommended

BEST EDUCATIONAL TOY #2 – Lego Duplo My First Farm

Is there any child in America who didn’t have a play farm or know someone who did? It’s an American staple in the best educational toys for preschoolers and toddlers alike.  This toy really brings back memories of my son who played with his farm for hours at a time!

While cute, it’s realistic down to the red barn architecture.  The windows and doors open and close for stashing goodies and farm animals inside.  Throw in the feeding trough and 3 produce blocks and it’s like you are really a true farmer!

Lego Duplo products are safety-tested and just the right size for little hands. Two farmhand figurines are Included in the set, as are some barnyard friends a chicken, sheep and cow.  If you listen closely, you’ll hear some farm animal noises to boot!

The nostalgic Lego Duplo My First Farm is recommended for little farmers ages 1-5.

Upsides:

• Promotes independent, creative play
• Encourages learning about farming/agriculture
• Works well with other Lego Duplo accessories
• Develops motor skills

Downsides

• Not a lot of pieces
• Missing key farm animals like a pig and horse
• Could be a little bigger
• Not compatible with LEGO table

BEST EDUCATIONAL TOY #3 – ThinkFun Zingo Bingo

This is the award-winning game that makes a great gift or rainy-day staple for kids. While this is one of the best educational toys for preschoolers, it’s truly a family game night favorite.

It’s bingo but with a fast paced, matching twist.  This game comes with easy to understand and learn directions, so kids can start playing right away with no frustration.

This updated version of the game makes it possible for up to seven players to join in the fun.  Featuring its unique “Zingo device,” it ticks all the boxes making this game easy to make visual matches, educational and of course, some great game time.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo is perfect for kids of all ages, 4 years old and up.

Upsides:

• Teaches reading, language and social skills
• Enhances matching skills
• Winner of the Parents’ Choice Award, ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award, Oppenheim Gold

Downsides:

• Orders substituted with a game called Swift shipped from China (be careful when ordering)
• The Zinger device occasionally gets stuck
• Missing pieces or crushed box during shipment

BEST EDUCATIONAL TOY #4 – eeBoo Life on Earth Memory Matching Game

This is an environmentally-friendly and all around beautifully made memory game.

This is one of the best educational toys 2018, featuring illustrations your children will love.  These illustrations gently capture nature-themed subjects, plants and animals, that help make up our eco system.

The game is made of high quality, 90% recycled greyboard and is durable for heavy use.  The print is safe, using natural soy-based ink.  This lovely educational toy comes with 48 pieces which during the game, matches up to 24 pairs.

The eeBoo Life on Earth Memory Matching Game is an Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy AwardWinner.  It is a perfect gift for older kids ages 5-8 and up.

Upsides

• Teaches memory skills
• Improves focus and memory
• Develops social skills

Downsides

• Colors could be brighter
• Graphics too grown up
• No good storage solution

Conclusion

These toys covers various age groups from babies to older children ages 5-8.  Any of these picks would make great gifts and all make the grade as contenders for the best educational toys 2020.