Gift Ideas for Young Thinkers
It's that time of year when gifts are given and received, but not all gifts are equal. Perhaps instead of buying a whole bunch of toys that will be thrown away, or electronics that will suck your kids in, but perhaps dull their ability to communicate and interact, maybe this year is the one to get them some items which will truly help them to think... and perhaps provide some fun for the whole family too! Here's a small list I've compiled of some of my favorites which might be helpful to you all.
Please note I may earn some small commission from these links, which is helpful to me as I work to keep providing you all with helpful content and suggestions.
I've organized it by relative ages in case it's helpful.
Infant - 1 Year
Ring Stacker
Variety of textures, colors, and sizes... my own two children have loved this one!
High Contrast Book for Tummy Time
Develop babies's perception and great for helping get their head up during tummy time.
Stacking Cups
It really doesn't matter what brand or style. My kids even used these past age 1. We have two different sets and they are great for anything and everything... outdoors, pool, bath, etc.
Grippable Ball
Great for motor skill development. Easy to grab, throw and play with. We still have ours and I love how it bounces, but just the right amount.
1-4 Years
Original Magnatiles
Hours of fun! Any and all magnetic tiles are fantastic... I have a preference for the originals, but they're all great!
Sorting and Counting Animals
We have these and they are great quality and the kids love sorting them. Good for graphing, comparing and imaginative play as well.
Clip Connect
Great for fine motor, sorting and more... just make sure your little one doesn't put things in his/her mouth
Math for Love Tiny Polka Dot
Lots of fun and building of essential number sense concepts
4-7 Years
The Game of SET
One of my all time favorites! Great for getting adults to think hard too. Fun for a gift or a stocking stuffer. Colors aren't great for anyone with color-blindness. Checking it on my own account, I already bought it 4 times as gifts or for my class too.
Ozobots
Great, not too techy way to start learning to code (if you have the ability, buy more than one for more fun!) We used this a lot in one of my previous schools. Very fun!
Dash Robot
Learn basic coding (free app download required) and get Dash to complete all sorts of challenges. You can personalize it. Lots of fun for kids. Used them at my school and had a ton of fun while learning!
Addition Visual Flashcards
Maybe not the best gift, but these are beautiful and help visual learners understand and learn their addition facts.
7-12 Years
Ticket to Ride - Europe
Great one with simple rules to get playing right away... I prefer the European edition to also promote Geographical learning!
The Game of Azul
Not only is he game beautiful, but it has different levels and involves strategy. The game is simple to learn, instructions and set up are quick! One of our family favorites!
Game of Proof
Fun and mathematical game that helps build flexible thinking as a mathematician.
Multiplication Visual Flashcards
Similar to the addition ones listed before, maybe not so much of a gift, but they're lovely visuals and help build understanding and fact fluency.
Kanoodle Puzzle
Another that's great for spatial reasoning and developing grit as depending on which verion of the puzzle you choose, you may have to start again and again. Different starting levels built in. As an adult, I find it almost therapeutic and relaxing.