Toys in the STEM category can introduce kids to early science concepts, such as engineering, hypothesis forming, and hands-on learning. Plus, it’s such a good feeling knowing that when your 2-year-old is stacking blocks, they’re actually soaking up so much education! Your toddler will start to understand concepts and build on skills that support getting ready for a school setting. “STEM can refer to the subjects individually or one or more working together, but can also mean a way of doing things that includes solving problems, asking questions, and exploring the world around us.” Here’s what the Administration for Children & Families says about STEM learning for toddlers: According to Southern Illinois University, STEM toys provide “hands-on, problem-based learning.”Ī toy that falls under the STEM category doesn’t have to address all four categories, either. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Most of these are also open-ended, which is just the cherry on top. If you’re ready to keep your toddler engaged and teach important skills at the same time, read on to learn about the 35 best STEM toys for 2-year-olds. The best part? My toddlers have no idea they’re learning because playing with STEM toys is so much fun. The best STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) toys for 2-year-olds are educational and can help your toddler reach important developmental milestones.

Nina Lindsay is the president of the Association for Library Service to Children.ĭon’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for every kid on your list including babies, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds.

Klein is also an adjunct associate professor and teaches a year-long course on toddler development. Klein, Ph.D., is Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York, as well as the author of “ How Toddlers Thrive.' She focuses on young children's social and emotional development, as well as parents' experiences raising them. She was the former head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.

Marie Conti is Director of Regional Community Relations for American Montessori Society.

To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see all our picks.īest gifts | Active gifts | Best toys | Best arts and crafts | Best games and puzzles | Best STEM toys | Best dolls, stuffed animals and mini figures | Best books | Meet the expertsĪ child bound for the park is thwarted by her moms' conversation with the neighbors in this hilarious picture book that takes a child's eye view of the incredibly boring adult chit-chat that gets in the way of everything fun. Whether you're gifting a 5-year-old who has everything already or one who has one or two specific wants, we found some of the best educational toys, games, books and more compelling gifts for kids for this integral year of their childhood. “Continuing with storybooks is important, because enjoying the story is a really big part of learning to read,” says Nina Lindsay, president of the Association for Library Service to Children. “They are testing out skills that have gotten stronger as they grow,” says Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive.”Īs they learn to read, don't be too quick to push chapter books. Once they've left age 4 and enter age 5, they start school with new challenges but also more focus, which helps them conquer fine motor tasks, complicated physical activities and essential reading strategies. They’re more understanding of taking turns and not winning all the time,” says Marie Conti, head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the American Montessori Society.

“They’re starting to grow out of their egocentrism, so they’re able to understand another’s perspective.

That means the best gifts for 5-year-olds include classic board games. Five-year-olds start to become truly social as they approach kindergarten, and love group play and games.

Stem toys for 7 year olds