Toys That Develop Problem Solving
Our Top 5 Picks
Calico Critters Family Adventure Vehicle
The Calico Critters Family Seven Seater is an enchanting way for children to explore imagination through play. With its detachable seats and moving parts, this vehicle enhances fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving as kids learn to arrange and secure their critter families safely for adventures. Ideal for collaboration and storytelling, this versatile toy encourages social interaction and creativity in a delightful Calico Critters village setting. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Calico Critters Family Adventure Vehicle features detachable seats, inviting kids to arrange their critters and embark on imaginative journeys that spark creativity and collaboration.
My First Railway Adventure Set
The BRIO My First Railway Beginner Pack is an enchanting introduction to the world of wooden trains for toddlers aged 18 months and older. This delightful 18-piece set not only nurtures creativity and imaginative play but also fosters essential skills such as problem-solving and spatial awareness as children build and navigate their unique train tracks. With safety as a priority, parents can rest easy knowing their little ones are engaging in a fun yet secure playtime experience. 18 months and older
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Why we love it:
My First Railway Adventure Set includes 18 pieces that invite toddlers to build and navigate their own train tracks, making learning feel like an adventurous journey.
Light Signal Enhances Train Playtime Fun
BRIO World 33743 - Light Signal is the perfect addition to your little one's train adventures! This delightful wooden toy not only captivates their imagination but also teaches essential skills like problem-solving and understanding traffic patterns. As they engage in creative railway scenarios, children learn to navigate their environment in a fun, interactive way. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Light Signal enhances train playtime fun with its engaging design, allowing kids to navigate their mini railways while picking up essential problem-solving skills in the process.
Excavator, Tractor, and Dump Truck Puzzles
Ravensburger My First Puzzles – Excavator, Tractor, Dump Truck is a delightful introduction to the world of jigsaw puzzles for our little ones! Perfectly designed for tiny hands, each puzzle consists of 6 sturdy pieces that engage toddlers while fostering their motor skills and concentration. As parents and educators, we know that playtime is vital for learning, and these charming puzzles not only entertain but also help young minds develop problem-solving abilities. 2+ years
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Why we love it:
Excavator, Tractor, and Dump Truck Puzzles consist of 6 sturdy pieces that make learning through play a delightful adventure for tiny hands while building essential skills.
Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Fun
The Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Tin is a delightful way for children to explore creativity and engineering through imaginative play! With 111 high-quality, all-wood pieces, this set invites kids to build iconic structures, from cozy cabins to rustic meeting houses, promoting fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. As parents and educators, we cherish how these beautifully stained logs not only evoke nostalgia but also inspire teamwork and critical thinking among children, making every building session a chance for valuable learning moments. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Fun includes 111 high-quality, all-wood pieces that spark creativity while teaching kids the joys of engineering and collaboration, all while evoking sweet childhood memories.
Lincoln Logs Oak Creek Lodge Adventure
Lincoln Logs Oak Creek Lodge is the ultimate building experience for kids ages 3 and up! This classic set, made from authentic maple wood, not only fosters creativity but also enhances spatial awareness and fine motor skills as children connect logs to create their own structures. Our little builders can follow easy instructions to construct various models, unlocking the joys of construction play while developing problem-solving skills. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Lincoln Logs Oak Creek Lodge Adventure includes authentic maple wood pieces that inspire creativity and storytelling while helping little builders develop crucial spatial and fine motor skills.
Explore with the Cascading Cove Table
The Step2 Cascading Cove Sand and Water Table invites toddlers aged 1. 5 years and older to dive into a world of sensory exploration. This engaging playset encourages creativity and social skills as multiple children can interact simultaneously, promoting teamwork and problem-solving through hands-on play with various materials. 1.5+ years
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Why we love it:
Explore with the Cascading Cove Table features a durable design that’s perfect for messy, imaginative outdoor play, making it easy for multiple little ones to engage and collaborate.
Crystal Magic Science Adventure Kit
The Young Scientists Club Crystal Magic Science Adventure Kit transforms your child’s understanding of science into an exciting crystal-growing quest! Designed for ages 5 and up, this hands-on STEM kit inspires kids to discover the wonders of chemistry through fun experiments like growing rock candy, sugar crystals, and salt crystals. Created by a talented team of Harvard graduates and educators, this kit not only sparks curiosity but also develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it an exhilarating educational journey for every young scientist. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Crystal Magic Science Adventure Kit includes fun experiments like growing rock candy, making science feel like a delicious adventure while sparking kids' curiosity and creativity.
My First Toolbox: Sensory Fun for Babies
The Baby GUND Play Soft Collection, My First Toolbox, is an engaging 5-piece plush playset designed to stimulate sensory exploration for babies from 0 months and up. This adorable toolkit not only introduces young ones to the world of tools but also promotes fine motor skills and auditory development through its rattle, squeaker, and crinkle sounds. Thoughtfully crafted for safe and easy play, parents will love how this machine-washable set encourages screen-free, interactive learning while sparking imaginative play. 0+ months
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Why we love it:
My First Toolbox comes with engaging sounds like a rattle and squeaker that turn learning about tools into a delightful sensory adventure for even the tiniest builders.
My First Tackle Box Plush Playset
My First Tackle Box 5-Piece Plush Playset is an adorable introduction to the world of sensory play for our tiny explorers! This delightful set not only includes four soft toys that engage your baby’s senses with crinkle sounds, squeaks, and tactile textures, but it also encourages imaginative play. From the cute fishing rod that sticks to fish to the colorful worms and fish, it promotes hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as little hands explore and grasp. 0+ years
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Why we love it:
My First Tackle Box Plush Playset includes adorable soft toys that crinkle and squeak, transforming sensory exploration into giggles and imaginative fishing adventures right at home.
Dive into Learning with Kiefer Egg Toys
Kiefer Egg Dive Toys (10-Pack) are a fantastic way to teach our little ones essential swimming skills while having a blast in the water! These colorful floats not only capture attention but also encourage proper breathing techniques—simply blow forcefully on the eggs, and watch them flip as a fun reward for correct breathing. With bright, contrasting colors signaling successful breaths, children can feel more confident and successful in their swimming journey. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Dive into Learning with Kiefer Egg Toys features a colorful 10-pack that transforms swimming practice into a fun, confidence-boosting game, making every splash a learning opportunity.
Nuby Spin N' Teethe: The Teether Delight
Nuby Spin N' Teethe Teether is an incredible tool for our little explorers! Designed with engaging spinning parts and playful rings, it not only soothes those sore gums but also piques curiosity and promotes fine motor skills. The multiple teething surfaces cater to the needs of emerging teeth while the triangle shape makes it easy for tiny hands to grasp. 6 Months +
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Why we love it:
Nuby Spin N' Teethe features engaging spinning parts that not only soothe sore gums but also spark curiosity and fine motor skill development during teething adventures.
Tumble Trax: Fun with STEM Learning
The Learning Resources Tumble Trax Magnetic Marble Run invites young engineers aged 5 and up to unleash their creativity while mastering key STEM concepts. By designing and testing their own marble runs, kids engage in hands-on experimentation that enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, all while learning about gravity and motion. Perfect for home, classroom, or therapy settings, this dynamic toy transforms magnetic surfaces into a playground of learning and fun. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Tumble Trax: Fun with STEM Learning invites kids to design their own marble runs using magnetic surfaces, making problem-solving feel like a fun engineering challenge.
Magnetic Math Mastery Set
The Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Array Set is an incredible tool designed for educators and parents looking to teach math concepts in an engaging way. With its colorful magnetic arrays and easy-to-handle discs, this set promotes understanding of multiplication and division as students visually explore math relationships, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ideal for classroom use or homeschool environments, it turns math lessons into interactive experiences that students will love! Grades 2+, Ages 7+
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Why we love it:
Magnetic Math Mastery Set includes colorful magnetic arrays that transform multiplication and division into interactive fun, making math not just a subject but an exciting game of discovery.
Signal Point Puzzle Adventure
The Springbok Puzzles - Signal Point 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle transforms family time into a fun and educational adventure! With its unique interlocking pieces and vibrant imagery, this puzzle promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness while bringing everyone together for cooperative play. Designed to last with eco-friendly materials, this puzzle is not just a toy—it's an heirloom-quality experience you can cherish and share. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Signal Point Puzzle Adventure features 500 unique, interlocking pieces that transform family time into a lively quest for cooperation and cognitive growth, all while tackling a colorful challenge together.
Master Time with Geared Clocks Kit
hand2mind-42836 Geared Clocks Classroom Kit (Set of 24) is the perfect tool for helping our kids learn to tell time in a fun and engaging way! With their eye-catching design and easy-to-read format, these clocks empower young learners to grasp the important concepts of hours and minutes. The color-coded movable hands make it easier for our little ones to visualize and understand time relationships, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 5-7 years
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Why we love it:
Master Time with Geared Clocks Kit includes color-coded movable hands that make learning to tell time a delightful adventure, turning what could be a tricky topic into a fun challenge.
Colorful Foam Geometric Building Fun
The hand2mind Foam Geometric Solid Blocks set offers a vibrant introduction to fundamental three-dimensional shapes for children aged 4 and up. These soft, durable blocks encourage tactile learning, helping kids explore geometric concepts while also developing their spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Perfect for both home and classroom settings, they transform learning into a playful adventure that lays the groundwork for future STEM understanding. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Colorful Foam Geometric Building Fun features soft, durable blocks that make learning three-dimensional shapes feel more like playtime than schoolwork—a win-win for imagination and education!
Explore Creativity with Ocean Labyrinth Fun!
Ravensburger Ocean Labyrinth is the perfect family board game that promises endless fun and learning for kids and adults alike! As we navigate through the twists and turns of this underwater world, our problem-solving skills and strategic thinking are put to the test. This engaging game not only fosters teamwork as we collaborate to uncover hidden treasures, but it also enhances spatial awareness and cognitive skills. 7+ years
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Why we love it:
Explore Creativity with Ocean Labyrinth Fun! is a family board game that turns solving puzzles into an exciting underwater adventure, ensuring game nights are filled with laughter and collaboration.
Creative Jewelry Box Craft Kit
The Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Jewelry Box Wooden Craft Kit is a delightful way for children to express their creativity while developing essential skills. With a charming wooden jewelry box, an array of gem and foil stickers, and fun glitter glues, kids can design a unique keepsake that reflects their personality. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Creative Jewelry Box Craft Kit includes a charming wooden jewelry box and a variety of embellishments, allowing kids to craft a personalized keepsake while boosting their artistic skills and creativity.
Create and Play with Monster Trucks!
Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Monster Truck Wooden Craft Kit is the perfect blend of creativity and fun for our little builders. It's an engaging way for kids ages 4 to 8 to not only assemble their own monster truck but also express their unique artistic flair with colorful decorations. 4-8 years
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Why we love it:
Create and Play with Monster Trucks! includes everything kids need to assemble their own monster truck, turning craft time into a confidence-boosting adventure of creativity.
Build and Create with Race Car Fun!
Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Race Car Wooden Craft Kit sparks joy and creativity in young minds! Assembling this charming 4-inch-long wooden race car not only allows kids to express their artistic flair with paint and stickers, but also promotes fine motor skills as they work with the easily insertable axles and wheels. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Build and Create with Race Car Fun! features a charming 4-inch-long wooden race car that lets kids unleash their artistic flair while strengthening their hands-on skills.
Engaging Building Site Jumbo Puzzle
The Melissa & Doug Building Site Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle is a delightful way to inspire young minds! With its vibrant construction site illustration, this 48-piece puzzle invites toddlers to preschoolers—from ages 3 to 6—to dive into hands-on, screen-free play. As they fit the extra-thick pieces together, children enhance their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities while enjoying a colorful world of construction. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Engaging Building Site Jumbo Puzzle features 48 extra-thick pieces that transform construction play into a fun way for kids to boost their problem-solving skills while piecing together vibrant scenes.
Creative Fun with Melissa & Doug Train Kit
Melissa & Doug Train Wooden Craft Kit offers a delightful hands-on experience for little builders! This engaging craft set allows children to assemble their very own train engine, fostering fine motor skills as they insert axels and glue on wooden wheels. With four pots of vibrant paint and 32 fun stickers, your child will unleash their creativity and personalize their masterpiece. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Creative Fun with Melissa & Doug Train Kit includes four pots of vibrant paint, giving children the chance to personalize their train and express their artistic flair.
Bburago Ferrari Race and Play LaFerrari
Bburago Ferrari Race and Play LaFerrari is not just a stunning 1/24 scale diecast model; it’s an exciting gateway into the world of automotive engineering and design! As children engage with this model, they can develop fine motor skills through hands-on play with the opening engine compartment and realistic full-function steering. It sparks curiosity about how cars work and inspires imaginative play that can lead to deeper discussions about physics and engineering. 6+ years
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Why we love it:
Bburago Ferrari Race and Play LaFerrari features an opening engine compartment that invites kids to explore automotive engineering, making learning feel like a high-speed adventure.