Toys That Develop Problem Solving
Our Top 5 Picks
Breyer Vet Playtime Adventures
The Breyer Traditional Veterinarian with Vet Kit is an engaging way for children to explore the world of veterinary care and animal welfare. With fully articulated figure Laura and her array of accessories, kids will develop empathy, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities as they care for their Breyer herd. This educational toy nurtures imaginative play while introducing children to the important role of veterinarians in animal health. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Breyer Vet Playtime Adventures includes a fully articulated figure and vet kit, immersing kids in the world of animal care while fostering compassion and creativity.
Melissa & Doug Pizza Party Play Set
The Melissa & Doug Pizza Party Wooden Play Food Set is every little chef's dream! With six sliceable wooden pizza slices and over 54 colorful toppings, children can dive into imaginative pretend play while honing essential skills like creativity and sharing. This set effortlessly combines fun with learning, as kids practice their cutting skills and explore concepts like fractions and counting during meal prep. 3-5 years
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Why we love it:
Melissa & Doug Pizza Party Play Set features six sliceable pizza pieces, offering kids a delicious way to explore fractions while flexing their creative culinary skills.
Cat-opoly: A Purr-fect Family Game
Cat-opoly Board Game is a fantastic way to engage kids aged 8 and up in a world of strategic thinking and friendly competition! As we navigate through the fun twists of property trading, players develop essential skills such as decision-making, critical thinking, and teamwork. Plus, the back of each deed features fascinating cat facts that inspire curiosity and spark conversations about our feline friends. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Cat-opoly: A Purr-fect Family Game features property trading with quirky cat tokens, turning family game night into a delightful mix of strategy and fun while sparking cat-related conversations.
Totally Gross: Fun Science Learning Game
Totally Gross: The Game of Science makes learning an absolute blast for both kids and parents! This award-winning game transforms science concepts into delightful challenges, sparking curiosity and laughter as families dive into biology, chemistry, and more. With 140 question cards, players of all ages engage in wacky trivia and hilarious tasks that enhance critical thinking and teamwork skills. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Totally Gross: Fun Science Learning Game includes 140 question cards that turn science into hilarious challenges, making family game night a delightful and educational experience.
Colorful Rainbow Stacking Fun
The Melissa & Doug Rainbow Stacker Wooden Ring Educational Toy is a delightful addition to any toddler's playtime. This timeless toy not only brings joy but also promotes essential skills like shape recognition, color differentiation, and fine motor development. With its bright colors and smooth rings, it invites interactive, hands-on play that keeps little ones engaged while fostering critical early learning experiences. 18 months to 3 years
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Why we love it:
Colorful Rainbow Stacking Fun features smooth wooden rings that are just the right size for tiny hands to explore. Watching our little ones create towers of vibrant colors not only sparks their creativity but also strengthens those essential fine motor skills. Plus, there’s something magical about stacking while learning to recognize colors—it's like a rainbow party for their brains! And we can’t help but giggle every time they triumphantly declare, "Look, Mom! I built a skyscraper!"
Electrifying Fun with Snap Circuits
The Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit is a fantastic gateway into the fascinating world of electronics for kids aged 8 and up. With over 300 hands-on projects, this kit not only ignites curiosity but also fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity as children build everything from AM radios to burglar alarms. The colorful instruction manual makes it easy to follow along, ensuring kids stay engaged while learning fundamental concepts of electrical engineering in a fun and safe way. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Electrifying Fun with Snap Circuits features over 300 hands-on projects that transform kids into budding engineers while making learning about electronics feel like an electrifying adventure.
Creative Fun with Wooden Building Blocks
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Block Set instantly invites young builders into a world of creativity and exploration. Designed for beginners, this 200-block set features four vibrant colors and nine engaging shapes, perfect for sparking imaginations and enhancing fine motor skills. As children stack, balance, and arrange these blocks, they're not just having fun; they're also developing spatial awareness, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills. 2-5 years
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Why we love it:
Creative Fun with Wooden Building Blocks includes 200 colorful pieces that inspire open-ended play, turning playtime into a hands-on discovery of engineering and imagination.
Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Puzzle Adventure
The Classic Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle - Alfred Hitchcock invites families and friends to dive into a thrilling blend of puzzle-solving and storytelling. As we piece together the intricate 1,000-piece puzzle, we’re not just assembling a beautiful image; we're uncovering clues to a riveting murder mystery. This engaging activity fosters critical thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, and encourages cooperative play, making it an excellent choice for teens and adults. 15+ years
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Why we love it:
Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Puzzle Adventure features a captivating 1,000-piece design that transforms puzzling into a thrilling story where we play detectives, sharpening our sleuthing skills together.
Crayola Modeling Clay for Endless Creativity
Crayola Modeling Clay is the perfect companion for fostering creativity in our little ones! With its vibrant classic colors, this non-drying, reusable clay allows kids to explore their imaginations without limits. We can help them develop fine motor skills, shape recognition, and even enhance their problem-solving abilities through hands-on projects. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Modeling Clay is a non-drying, reusable clay that sparks endless creativity, making learning feel like an exciting adventure in art and imagination.
Crayola Watercolor Pencils: Create and Explore!
Crayola Watercolor Colored Pencils (24ct) invite our little ones to merge the worlds of drawing and painting through a vibrant spectrum of colors. These fun and versatile tools not only spark creativity but also enhance fine motor skills as kids experiment with different techniques like wetting the pencil tips or sketching on wet paper. As parents and educators, we see this product as a fantastic way to encourage artistic expression, boost confidence, and engage in colorful projects like greeting cards and scrapbooking. 3+ years
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Crayola Watercolor Pencils: Create and Explore! includes 24 vibrant colors that blend drawing and painting, making every art session an adventure in creativity and self-expression.
Crayola Crayon Classpack: Creativity Unleashed!
Crayola Crayon Classpack - 400ct is a vibrant treasure trove of creativity just waiting to be explored! As parents and educators, we know that art isn't just about making pretty pictures; it's a vital part of developing fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression in our little ones. With a rich array of colors, including classic shades like red, blue, and purple, we can encourage kids aged 5 and up to explore their imagination and create beautiful masterpieces that tell their unique stories. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Crayon Classpack: Creativity Unleashed! includes 400 vibrant crayons, making it a colorful catalyst for kids to dive into self-expression and imaginative storytelling.
Creative Color Patterns Unleashed
Introducing the Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards, a delightful way for kids aged 3 to 6 to explore shapes and colors while enhancing their spatial awareness! With 120 solid wood shapes and double-sided boards, children can engage in countless activities that develop problem-solving skills, boost hand-eye coordination, and ignite creativity. This classic toy not only sparks joy in playtime but also lays a solid foundation for early math and critical thinking skills. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
We love the Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards not just because they’re a beautiful explosion of color, but because they transform play into a masterclass in creativity and logic! Watching our little ones get lost in their own pattern-making worlds feels like witnessing the birth of a tiny Picasso. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those early math concepts while keeping our floors mess-free—at least until snack time!
Crayola Watercolors: Creative Fun Awaits!
Crayola Watercolors, 8 Assorted Colors, Palette Tray is the perfect tool for unleashing your child's inner artist! With vibrant hues that stay true and a smooth application, kids can explore the world of color mixing and blending while enhancing their fine motor skills. The included paintbrush and portable design make it easy to create masterpieces anywhere, while the opaque lid doubles as a mixing palette, encouraging creativity on the go. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Watercolors: Creative Fun Awaits! includes a portable design that lets kids mix colors anywhere, turning every outing into an art adventure and nurturing their creative confidence.
DIY Solar System Mobile for Creative Minds
The 4M 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit is an enchanting gateway to the cosmos for kids and teens alike! This hands-on kit not only fosters creativity through design and painting but also ignites curiosity about our universe and the science of astronomy. As we assemble the easy snap-together planets, we can delve into fun facts and stories about each celestial body, enhancing knowledge and sparking discussions about space exploration. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
DIY Solar System Mobile for Creative Minds features easy snap-together planets that spark discussions about space exploration while keeping little hands busy with art and assembly.
Jumbo Fire Truck Puzzle Adventure
The Melissa & Doug Fire Truck Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle is an exciting way for our little ones to dive into hands-on learning! Stretching 4 feet long when fully assembled, this vibrant puzzle features 24 extra-thick pieces made from durable, FSC certified cardboard, ensuring their artwork shines bright for playtime. As kids work to fit the pieces together, they're not just solving a puzzle; they’re developing critical hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills in a fun, engaging format. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Jumbo Fire Truck Puzzle Adventure stretches 4 feet long, turning puzzle-solving into a collaborative race for little firefighters while boosting essential skills and creativity.
Kidoozie Little Builder Tool Belt Fun
The Kidoozie Little Builder Tool Belt Toy is perfect for inspiring our little builders aged 3 and up! With its realistic tools and sturdy canvas belt, children can engage in imaginative play while developing fine motor skills, creativity, and an early understanding of construction concepts. Parents will appreciate how this interactive toy emphasizes problem-solving and practical skills, making it a delightful addition to any playroom. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Kidoozie Little Builder Tool Belt Fun comes with realistic tools and a sturdy canvas belt, making it easy for little builders to engage in creative play while learning valuable skills.
Snap Circuits Jr. STEM Adventure
The Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit is an incredible tool for igniting a passion for engineering and electronics in kids ages 8 and up. With over 100 exciting projects waiting to be built, children develop vital skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity as they explore the world of circuitry. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Snap Circuits Jr. STEM Adventure includes over 100 exciting projects, turning electrical exploration into hands-on fun that cultivates future inventors while keeping their curiosity buzzing.
Creative Solid-Wood Building Blocks
The Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks offer a delightful way for kids to explore creativity and engineering! These 60 natural-finished hardwood blocks not only inspire imaginative play but also introduce essential early math concepts like shapes and sorting. As parents and educators, we love that these smooth-sanded pieces help develop hand-eye coordination and foster patience, all while keeping kids engaged in screen-free play. 3-8 years
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Why we love it:
Creative Solid-Wood Building Blocks feature 60 natural-finished hardwood pieces, making them an enchanting way for kids to unleash their imagination while grasping essential math concepts.
Snap Circuits: Fun with Electronics
Snap Circuits Elenco Snap Circuits Pro 500 in 1 Electronics Exploration Kit is an exciting journey into the world of electronics for our curious kids! With over 500 project ideas to explore, your child will not only have fun but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they build their own gadgets. The colorful instruction book makes it easy to follow along, sparking creativity while teaching the basics of electrical engineering. 8+ years
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Why we love it:
Snap Circuits: Fun with Electronics includes over 500 project ideas, encouraging little inventors to explore the magic of gadgets while boosting their STEM skills—talk about a bright idea!
Tru-Ray Construction Paper: Endless Creativity
Tru-Ray Construction Paper is a parent and educator's dream for igniting creativity in children! With 10 classic colors and heavyweight, 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper, this 50-sheet pack allows kids to explore their artistic side without fear of wear and tear. Not only is it durable enough to handle scoring and curling, but its superior fade resistance ensures that masterpieces remain vibrant and alive in our hearts and on display. Preschool
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Why we love it:
Tru-Ray Construction Paper features 10 classic colors in a heavyweight, durable material that invites endless creativity and vibrant masterpieces that won’t fade from our memories—or our walls!
Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Play Cake
The Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Cake is an enchanting play-food set that transforms snack time into a fun-filled celebration for our little ones! Perfectly crafted for kids aged 3 to 6, this delightful wooden cake introduces the joy of pretend play while developing essential skills like hand-eye coordination and creative expression. With its mix-and-match toppings and removable candles, children can slice, share, and serve their way to imaginative birthday parties, all while honing their fine motor skills in a safe and sturdy fashion. 3-6 years
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Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Play Cake includes mix-and-match toppings that inspire endless imaginative celebrations while helping little hands strengthen their coordination and creativity.
Melissa & Doug Farm Puzzle Fun!
Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Cube Puzzle with Storage Tray is a delightful way to engage our little ones in hands-on, screen-free play! With 16 colorful cubes that form six beloved farm animal puzzles, children can develop visual recognition and fine motor skills while having a blast. We love that it encourages problem-solving and cognitive development through interactive play. 3-6 years
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Why we love it:
Melissa & Doug Farm Puzzle Fun! features 16 colorful cubes that transform into six delightful farm animal puzzles, making learning feel like a joyful, hands-on adventure for preschoolers!
Lion Family Puzzle for Fun Learning
Ceaco - Harmony - Lion Family - 550 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle is an excellent way to engage our little ones in a fun, educational activity! Working together to piece together this colorful imagery invites teamwork and collaboration, while also enhancing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. As we gather around the table for family nights, we create lasting memories while fostering critical thinking in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. 8+ years
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Lion Family Puzzle for Fun Learning is a 550 piece jigsaw puzzle that transforms family time into a joyful experience while sharpening those essential problem-solving skills.
Dino Adventure Floor Puzzle Magic
Melissa & Doug Land of Dinosaurs Floor Puzzle is a captivating journey for young dino enthusiasts, featuring 48 extra-thick pieces that create an impressive 4-foot-long visual feast. This exciting puzzle is not only a delightful activity but also promotes essential skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving, making it a fantastic educational choice for parents and educators alike. With its beautiful artwork and easy-clean surface, this puzzle is bound to brighten any playroom and foster a love for learning about these magnificent creatures. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Dino Adventure Floor Puzzle Magic features 48 extra-thick pieces that create a 4-foot-long visual feast, making learning about dinosaurs a hands-on, interactive experience that’s positively roarsome!