I like to give my nephews gifts that are not only fun but also educational. (Yes, I am THAT Aunt.) But educational toys don’t have to be lame. Some toys can not only be exciting, but they can open a new world to a child that he or she might not even have know about. Depending on a child’s interests, Fat Brain Toys can teach children about chemistry, electronics, history, geography, Erector sets, how to build your own catapult for Medieval lore lovers, solar power and how to use their imagination.
According to their website, “Fat Brain Toys® is a retailer and developer of unique specialty toys, games, and gifts. They stock over 6,000 high-quality products, most shipped the same day, including: Erector Sets, Melissa & Doug, Science Projects, Games, Puzzles.”
The website is super helpful for those looking to find the perfect gift for a child (or for an adult. A lot of the toys appeal to adults as well). I also like that I can search toys by intended age groups.
Here are some of the toys I found intriguing:
Solar Deluxe Educational Kit
Solar Deluxe Educational Kit for about $20.00
- Everything needed to see solar power in action!
- Increase awareness of solar energy & energy-conversion
- A wonderful introduction to the basic concepts of electricity
- Several different avenues for exploring how solar energy works
- Understand voltage, amperage, circuits in series and parallel
- Includes a fan, light bulb, solar panel, sound box with connecting wires
- Well made and well configured; Easy to assemble
- Ideal for a science fair project, classroom demonstrations, or home use
- Comprehensive instructions
- Durable solar energy kit
The Ultimate Spa and Perfume kit
The Ultimate Spa and Perfume kit for about $27-30. Using natural ingredients, kids create bath oils, oatmeal soap, foaming baths, bath balms, and more. Kids can learn about aromatherapy as they blend five different kids of perfume. For use by up to 8 kids–fun for parties and sleep overs!
Spa Science
Spa Science for about $18.00. Make colorful, fragrant bath gels, bath fizzers, spa lotion, bath balm, a face mask, and shampoo. Mix colors and fragrances to create your own product line with secret and exclusive mixtures. Explore the science of gels, fragrance, and fizzers.
Physics Workshop
Physics Workshop, for about $50.00. This toy is the recipient of the Parent’s Choice Silver Award in 2006. Like chemistry, physics is an essential science for everyone to study, and Physics Workshop is the essential introduction to physics. The kit allows kids to build 36 models and 37 experiments (with 305 building pieces) to learn the principles of physics.
Why does a brick feel heavier than a pencil? At what angle should you throw a ball into the air to get the greatest distance? How is a screw like a ramp? Why can you balance more easily on a bicycle when you are moving than when you are stopped? How does a car transfer power from the engine to the wheels? What is power anyway? Gravity, force, simple machines, acceleration, momentum, work, and power are all demonstrated right in front of you–a hands-on approach that is fun and effective.
Snap Circuits
Snap Circuits 300-in-1 for about $56.00 is a Dr. Toy 100 Best Children’s Products Winner
The kit allows a child to engineer over 300 exciting, useful electronic gadgets & play lively electronic games with Electronic Snap Circuits. This kit includes colorful and easy-to-follow format of the instruction manual makes circuit assembly stress-free and fun. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease.
Here are just a few projects your kids can make with the 300-in-1 kit: Lamp & Fan, Musical Doorbell, Laser Gun, Police Car Symphony, Reflection Detector, Spinning Rings, Pencil Alarm, Race Game, Photosensitive Electronic Organ, Space War Music Combo, The Lie Detector, Mosquito, Musical Motion Detector, Fire Fan Symphony, Water Detector, Screaming Fan, Daylight Music Radio, Blow off a Space War, Red & Green Control, Touch Buzzer, Laser Light, Flooding Alarm, Make Your Own Battery, Hissing Foghorn, Blow On a Candle, Mosquito, Voice-Controlled Rays of Light, Spacey Fan, Old-Style Typewriter, Blinking Double Flashlight, Hummer, Motor That Won’t Start, Steamship, Pressure Alarm, Feedback Kazoo, Race Car Engine
Check out the FatBrainToys website for ideas for your children, nieces, nephews, grandkids or that adult in your life that still has a passion for learning and the wonder of a child inside!
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