Toys that Encourage Creative Design Thinking

The Rainbow High Ultimate Jewelry Designer kit is an exciting way for kids ages 8 and up to unleash their creativity! This DIY jewelry-making experience not only encourages artistic expression but also promotes critical thinking and fine motor skills as they mix, match, and design over 20 unique pieces. Perfect for weekends or sleepovers, this engaging activity allows girls to explore fashion design while building confidence and collaboration skills as they share their creations with friends. 8-11 years

The Tara Toys Barbie Be a Real Fashion Designer Classic Set invites children to step into the exciting world of fashion design! Perfect for kids aged 6 and up, this creative kit not only sparks imagination but also cultivates essential skills such as critical thinking, fine motor coordination, and creativity as they explore design concepts. With fabric, ribbons, stickers, and a sketchbook included, young designers can personalize outfits and learn the basics of fashion design while having fun with Barbie. This unique activity fosters self-expression and can ignite a lifelong passion for design in a playful, engaging way! 6+ years

The Learning Resources City Engineering and Design Building Set is a fantastic way to foster an early love of STEM in children aged 5 and up! With 100 pieces, kids can unleash their creativity as they build skyscrapers, cranes, and bridges, all while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Following the design process of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve, this set challenges young minds to think like true engineers. It's an engaging, hands-on way to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and interactive format that keeps learning exciting. 5+ years

Design & Drill My First Workbench is the ultimate playground for little builders! This interactive workbench allows children to explore STEM concepts while honing their fine motor skills through hands-on construction. With a real working drill and colorful bolts, kids can sort, count, and create their unique designs—all while enhancing their coordination and creative thinking. Perfect for aspiring engineers, this toy transforms playtime into a fun learning adventure that parents can feel good about! 3+ years

The Make It Real Fashion Design Sketchbook for Girls is a delightful way to spark your child's imagination! With its adorable kitty cat theme, this design kit is packed with stencils, stickers, and a comprehensive design guide that invites young fashionistas to explore their creativity. Not only does it offer hours of fun, but it also helps develop essential skills like concentration, hand-eye coordination, and logical thinking. As parents and educators, we see the value in fostering creativity and skill-building in such an engaging manner, making this the perfect gift for any aspiring designer. 6+ years

Spirograph Design Set Boxed is a delightful fusion of art and mathematics, perfect for unleashing your child's creativity! As parents, we love how this engaging kit encourages design thinking and problem-solving skills while kids create stunning spiral art. With endless possibilities for colorful designs and the ability to use various pens, our kids can express themselves artistically anywhere they go—with the added bonus of fostering fine motor skills. This creative STEAM activity makes learning fun and is a must-have for any young artist aged 8 and up! 8+ years

KUB Planet is the perfect gateway to imaginative play and STEM learning for our little explorers! With 30 vibrant magnetic pieces, including wheels for dynamic designs, kids ages 3 and up can unleash their creativity by constructing everything from rovers to space stations. As they engage in hands-on building, they’ll develop essential skills like problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and design thinking—all while having a blast. Plus, the safe, durable materials ensure worry-free play for both parents and children! 3+ years

Make It Real: Salon Style Fashion Studio is an exciting way for kids 6 and up to unleash their inner designer! This engaging toy not only sparks creativity through hands-on styling and customization but also promotes critical thinking and fine motor skills as children mix and match hairstyles, accessories, and stickers. Perfect for young fashionistas, it encourages self-expression and imaginative play while learning about color combinations and fashion trends. 6+ years

hand2mind Makerspace Task Cards are a fantastic way to inspire our kids' imaginations while building essential STEM skills! With 36 engaging activities designed specifically for children in grades K-2, these open-ended task cards encourage our little thinkers to explore engineering concepts creatively. Each card comes with real-world images and challenges that help develop problem-solving skills, giving our kids the confidence to experiment and innovate. It’s the perfect addition to any classroom or home learning environment to spark curiosity and enhance their design thinking! K-2 grade

The Renegade Game Studios: My Little Pony Roleplaying Game Dark Skies Over Equestria Adventure Series takes imagination to new heights as children explore the magical world of Equestria. Designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking, this game offers unique character-building opportunities and intricate storytelling. Parents and educators will appreciate how it encourages critical thinking and social skills through collaborative gameplay, making learning both fun and engaging. 8+ years

Chronicle Books Quicktionary is an exciting, lightning-fast wordplay game that challenges players to think creatively while honing their language skills. Designed for ages 12 and up, it encourages critical thinking, boosts vocabulary, and enhances collaboration as players work together to find words that fit unique prompts. Perfect for family game nights or classroom activities, this card game creates a fun, interactive environment that makes learning engaging and enjoyable! 12+ years

Learning Resources STEM Explorers Bridge Builders Classroom Set sparks creativity and engineering exploration in kids aged 5 and up! This engaging 305-piece set invites our young minds to design, construct, and test their own bridges and towers while tackling real-world engineering challenges. As they experiment and refine their designs, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for their growth. Perfect for classrooms and home learning alike, it fosters collaboration and innovation, making every building session a fun, educational adventure! 5+ years

Hervé Tullet's Press Here Game is a vibrant, interactive experience designed for children ages 2 to 6. This engaging game not only enhances memory skills and color recognition but also sparks creativity, encouraging kids to think outside the box while they enjoy quality playtime with friends and family. With its award-winning design, this game perfectly complements Tullet's beloved books, making it an ideal addition to any educational playroom. 2-6 years

Bunny Kingdom combines strategic thinking and creative problem-solving in an adorable, engaging way! Designed for players aged 14 and up, this game encourages teamwork and negotiation skills as we expand our fief and outwit fellow bunnies with card drafting and territory control. It’s not just a fun pastime, but also a powerful educational tool that nurtures critical thinking and strategic planning, making it an excellent choice for family game nights. 14+ years

Buzzed is the ultimate adult party game that's not just about laughter, but also boosts critical thinking and social interaction skills. Designed for players aged 21 and up, this game encourages creativity and quick thinking as participants navigate humorous scenarios and actions, making it perfect for game nights that also foster connection and community. It's a unique choice for educators and parents looking to engage with adult learners in a fun, relaxed environment. 21+ years

The Tara Toys Stitch 5 in 1 Creativity Tub is a delightful blend of arts and crafts specially designed for young creators aged 3 and up. This comprehensive kit promotes skills like fine motor development, color recognition, and creative thinking as kids dive into painting, building, and designing unique projects. Perfect for engaging little imaginations, this fun-filled activity kit encourages collaboration and sharing, making it a favorite for playdates or family time. 3+ years

Spirograph Super 50th Anniversary Set invites kids to dive into a world of creativity and mathematical wonder! This enchanting kit not only enhances artistic expression but also teaches important skills such as design thinking and spatial awareness through engaging spiral art creation. With double the gears, children can explore endless patterns while developing fine motor skills and their understanding of geometric concepts. Let’s inspire our young artists to create beautiful designs that are both fun and educational! 8+ years

Lego Minifigure Display Case is the perfect solution for showcasing your child's favorite figures while fostering creativity and organization. By neatly displaying those beloved characters, kids can develop storytelling skills and spark imaginative play every day. The stackable design teaches spatial awareness and encourages kids to engage in design thinking as they create their personalized display. With safety in mind, this case keeps minifigures secure, freeing parents from worries about lost pieces, making it an ideal addition to any playroom or learning space. 5+ years

The PAW Patrol Easter Bunny Skye Squish Plush is the perfect cuddly companion for little ones, designed for ages 1 and up. This delightful plush not only brings joy with its soft, squishy texture but also encourages imaginative play, helping children develop creative thinking skills as they reenact their favorite PAW Patrol adventures. With its vibrant colors and friendly design, it's a wonderful way to boost sensory engagement and provide comfort during playtime. 1+ years

The Educational Insights Design & Drill® Shark is an engaging take-apart toy designed for curious minds aged 3 and up. This playful shark encourages imaginative play while building essential fine motor skills and early engineering know-how through hands-on construction. With colorful bolts and a kid-friendly screwdriver, our shark not only swims through creativity but also supports problem-solving and critical thinking development in a fun, interactive way. 3+ years

The L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Fierce Collector Cleopatra Fashion Doll is not just a stylish addition to your child's collection; it's a gateway to creative storytelling and role-play. By engaging with this beautifully designed doll, children can explore concepts of fashion design, cultural history, and self-expression, all while enhancing their fine motor skills. This limited-edition doll encourages imaginative play and critical thinking as kids create their own fierce narratives in a fun and fashionable way. 4+ years

Dinosaur Island Rawr and Write Board Game is an adventure that ignites curiosity and strategic thinking in players of all ages. As parents, we love how this game encourages kids to think critically while creating their own dino-themed parks. From managing DNA dice to designing thrilling attractions, everyone gets to flex their decision-making skills. Plus, the gameplay's endless replay value means continued learning and fun at every family game night! 10+ years

The Make It Real - Mega Jewelry Studio is the ultimate DIY bead necklace and bracelet making kit designed for tween girls. This hands-on experience fosters creativity, enhances fine motor skills, and promotes logical thinking as children design up to 50 unique pieces of jewelry. By engaging in this real-world activity, kids not only interact with their peers but also develop key skills like communication and concentration—making it a perfect choice for parents who value educational play. 8-14 years

Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels Speed Series Building Set lets us dive into the thrilling world of design and engineering as we construct the stunning Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar. With 236 pieces teeming with realistic details, this set encourages creativity and fine motor skill development as our kids design and customize their own unique racecar. The included custom decal sheet, along with the exclusive 1:64 scale metal car and signature plate, makes this set a delightful blend of fun and educational value. Plus, it's a fantastic way to engage in hands-on learning that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills! 10+ years

Teacher Created Resources STEM Starters: Balloon Cars is an exciting way to ignite your child's love for learning! This hands-on kit empowers young scientists to explore the engineering design process, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking while they create their very own balloon-powered vehicles. With 60 essential pieces, kids can experiment with different designs, gaining practical skills in creativity and experimentation. It’s more than just a project; it’s a journey of discovery where mistakes are stepping stones to success! 8-12 years

hand2mind Makerspace Task Cards are your go-to resource for engaging middle schoolers in hands-on STEM learning. These 72 innovative challenge cards encourage students to brainstorm, design, and build while nurturing their critical thinking and engineering skills. We love how these cards strike the perfect balance between providing enough guidance and leaving room for creativity, allowing our kids to make unique designs without feeling restricted. Plus, they’re NGSS-aligned, ensuring that we’re meeting key educational standards while having fun! Grades 6-8

The B Me Headband Making Kit is a delightful way for kids aged 5-12 to unleash their creativity and craft unique hair accessories! Packed with over 60 craft supplies, this kit not only enhances fine motor skills as children manipulate various materials, but it also encourages imaginative play and self-expression. Parents and educators will love how this engaging project promotes planning and design thinking, making it a perfect activity for playdates or family time. With magical elements like a unicorn horn and colorful gems, creating personalized headbands is an unforgettable experience that fosters both artistry and joy! 5-12 years

Mudpuppy Hang in There! Magnetic Board Game is an exciting and colorful word challenge that sparks creativity and critical thinking in kids. Ideal for ages 5-10, this game not only entertains but also helps develop spelling skills, vocabulary, and strategic thinking. With its magnetic design, clean-up is a breeze, making it perfect for on-the-go learning or family game nights. We love how it turns learning into a fun competition that keeps kids engaged and eager to improve! 5-10 years

Make It Real: Crown of Enchantment is an all-in-one DIY Jewelry Kit that invites our children to unleash their creativity through crafting beautiful charm hair accessories. With 73 sparkling pieces, this kit not only allows kids to create up to 12 stunning accessories but also helps develop essential skills like fine motor coordination, design thinking, and self-expression. As parents, we can appreciate how this engaging arts and crafts project encourages independent thinking and boosts confidence in our tweens while providing them with the joy of making something uniquely theirs. 8+ years

The Rainbow High Fashion Runway by Horizon Group USA sparks creativity and self-expression in children as they design unique outfits for their favorite trendsetters. This interactive set not only enhances fine motor skills through the use of stickers and accessories but also encourages critical thinking and storytelling as kids envision the world of fashion. With over 100 accessories and a handy sketchbook, parents will appreciate how this toy nurtures imaginative play while developing important design and organizational skills. 5-10 years