SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, and MATH. Also known as STEAM.
These days, children are becoming more and more advanced due to early introduction of technology and as such, so are their playtime choices.
As a parent, I understand that limiting screen time is important and with a child under 10, there is still imaginary play time to be had.
If you’re like me, you’ve been searching for items to wrap under the tree this year for your little one that meet the criteria of fun and keep their attention but also secretly teaching them skills.
Here are the top STEAM items this year to add to your holiday list!
smART Pixelator– See how it works HERE!
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could pixelate ANY design using innovative LIGHT TECHNOLOGY? Well you can thanks to the smART Pixelator from Flycatcher Toys! The smART Pixelator empowers kids to design and build 2D and 3D projects using Bluetooth connectivity, easy-to-follow lights, and smART Pixel Beads, Sequins or Pegs. Right out of the box, kids have a choice of creating 50 step-by-step designs using Pixel Beads. A smART Pixelator app and any mobile device also let them engineer their own projects, encouraging customization and experimentation. Additional beads, sequins, pegs, and extension sets, including the smART Pixelator Bracelet Maker, are available to keep the fun flowing. Ideal for kids 7 to 107 years old. MSRP: $59.99
Entertainment at your child’s fingertips! With the Playtime Pad 7” HD Kid Safe Tablet your child now has access to an array of different educational experiences including PBS games, videos, and songs. Including parental controls you now can have complete control over your child’s tablet and entertainment. Sold in a kid-safe durable silicone case this tablet was made for kids for the ultimate entertainment and learning experience wherever they go. Available now on Walmart.com. Ages 2+ MSRP: $79.99.
A robot that defies gravity?! That’s what you get with Air-Walker, a four-legged bot that uses an ingenious system of suction cups and pumps to crawl along smooth, vertical surfaces like windows. You can also build four other models with the same components and learn how suction and mechanical devices can be used in different real-world applications. A vacuum-suction machine sticks to and lifts flat panels, while a robot with just two suction cups rotates around a central pivot point. This hands-on construction kit brings engineering and physics to life as it demonstrates the power of air pressure at work. Ages 8+ MSRP: $39.95
My Robotic Pet – Tumbling Hedgehog
Build your own adorable robotic pet hedgehog! With the 172 building pieces in this kit, you can assemble a real robot that looks like a cute hedgehog. The robot has a built-in sound sensor and is programmed to react to different sounds. After you build it, you can play with it by making different sounds and watching it tumble, roll, spin around, bristle its spines, and scurry around. Clap once, and the hedgehog will roll into a ball and tumble backwards. Clap multiple times, and the hedgehog will count your claps and tumble as many times as you instructed with your claps. You can also get the hedgehog to bristle its spines and act in a playful way with different patterns of claps. The hedgehog’s eyes light up with LEDs. By building the robot, you will gain experience in the inner mechanical workings that enable the robot to move how it does. Learn about gears, motors, sound sensors, LEDs, and the other components of this funny little pet. Ages 7+ MSRP: $39.95.
Lastly, there are the Magformers Amazing Sets. These are so cool because even without knowledge of how they work, somehow children automatically know and start building.
Click and create your own adventure with Magformers AMAZING Sets! Magformers are a magnetic construction toy where the possibilities are endless. Kids now have the opportunity to live out their dreams and become one of their dream professions such as a firefighter, a police officer, and a construction worker through one of the four new Magformers AMAZING sets! Great for children aged 3 and up. Create 50 ideas with the follow-along idea booklet or build your own adventure! Ages 3+ MSRP $59.99
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