STEM is an acronym used when talking about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This term is most commonly used in the education field when talking about curricula, degrees, and career paths.
STEM learning is an important part of a child’s education. Starting as early as toddlers, children who are exposed to STEM can begin improving their STEM literacy, developing 21st century skills, and harboring curiosity about the world around them. As parents, it is important to set children up for success in their early education and future. One way to do this is to implement STEM learning at home. This can be done through the use of STEM toys.
STEM toys for preschoolers and toddlers are designed to introduce STEM concepts in an effective, fun way. These can be done alone or in groups with parental supervision. The hope and goal of these STEM toys for toddlers is to better prepare children for starting elementary school, giving them the tools they need to succeed in complex STEM subjects – both now and throughout their education and future careers.
In this article, STEM Sports® has compiled a list of the best and most effective STEM toys for preschoolers and toddlers.
*The pricing listed in this article is based on website pricing as of March 5, 2023. This pricing is subject to change at the discretion of each vendor and company.
The STEM Toy: The Lovevery Babbler Play Kit is a subscription model STEM toy for toddler/preschool-aged children. Every three months, children receive a new play kit that introduces them to STEM subjects to improve their mental and physical function. This kit is focused on STEM learning; however, because of the early age of the children, it also focuses on improving their early fundamental skills. This is a great option for parents who are looking to prepare their children for preschool and elementary school.
Price: $120 / kit
STEM Focus Area: Science
The STEM Toy: The GeoSafari Kidnoculars are an affordable STEM toy option that promotes curiosity. The kidnoculars are easy to use and durable, which makes it the perfect STEM toy for children to use outside or around the house with parental supervision. When using this toy, they can look at materials in greater detail to learn core science concepts they will continue to use throughout their education.
Price: $14.99
STEM Focus Area: Science
The STEM Toy: The Kiwi Co Sensory Solar System Set introduces students to space while helping them improve their sensory and motor skills. It is important toddlers are engaged mentally and are given the space to explore and learn in a safe environment. The Sensory Solar System Set effectively does this while giving subtle introductions to STEM learning concepts.Iin this case, the solar system and science.
Price: $49.95
STEM Focus Area: Science
The STEM Toy: The Interlocking Building Bristle Blocks STEM Set is an engaging, hands-on learning activity for preschool aged children. By playing with their building blocks and creating their own structures, they are learning introductory principles of engineering. This disguised learning STEM toy helps improve motor skills, critical thinking skills, and communication at the toddler level.
Price: $14.99
STEM Focus Area: Engineering
The STEM Toy: The Hape Monster Math Scale is a fun, exciting introduction to the complex world of mathematics. Toddlers will play with their scale and see how adding different monsters changes how the scale sits. This toy comes with varying levels of difficulty. As children continue to age and improve their skills, they can begin doing more with the toy and going into more detail about why the monsters impact the scale. The longevity of this STEM toy for toddlers makes it a great gift option for birthdays and holidays!
Price: $32.99
STEM Focus Area: Mathematics
The STEM Toy: The Quercetti Saxoflute 16 Piece Build Your Own Instrument Set is a great toy to introduce STEAM concepts into a child’s early education. Children are tasked with building their instrument, which is an introduction to engineering. Then, once the instrument is created, they can play with their new instrument and make different sounds by changing certain variables on the instrument. This portion introduces the art and creative side of STEAM. The diverse learning opportunities involved in this STEM toy make it a great option for toddlers or children preparing for preschool.
Price: $11.99
STEM Focus Area: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics
The STEM Toy: The LeapFrog Count Along Cash Register is a fun, interactive way to introduce children to real world math applications early in their education. In an easy, guided environment, children will be introduced to money and simple mathematics. This toy will get children comfortable in the space, which promotes confidence as they continue throughout their education.
Price: $25.61
STEM Focus Area: Mathematics
STEM is an essential part of a child’s education. If you are a parent or educator looking to learn more about STEM and how to implement it in primary education, read these blogs:
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