Educational Toy Guide 2014

One of my absolute favorite trends this holiday season is a real push for toys that really allow children to be creative & scientific. It could be building a robot or making candy, anytime we pull our kids away from the tv & they use their hands to create is a huge win in my book. Learning while they play is a big bonus too!

1. The Kindle Fire less expensive than Ipad, but still fun, be sure to add Kindle Freetime to the device to control how much time is spent playing games & watching movies...then you're not the bad guy!  For the younger crowd, you might want to look into the Leappad Ultra which is made for the younger crowd.  Little Scholar Educational Kids Tablet is another great option & comes loaded with apps, videos, books, games & songs plus has a rubber case included in the purchase!
2. Sport Stacking with Speed Stacks Cups no batteries, no computer, just you against the clock & it's tons of fun! 
3. Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing but if crystals aren't your kids speed, they have a variety  of other educational but very cool, learning toys & games. 
4. HEXBUG VEX Robotics Ant build your own Hexbug robotic ant that you use a remote control to maneuver.  There are multiple sets in this line & they can be mixed & matched to create you own bug!  I also like Laser Pegs they can be matched up with Legos but these blocks make your buildings & cars glow!
5. Experience Gifts: So not exactly a toy, but still a great option!  Children will stop playing with toys, but the memories of going to a special place with a friend or family member, can last a lifetime.  My childrens' list don't include many toys this year but a few places they'd like to go instead.  I love these kinds of gifts because my kids get to spend time with someone they love AND they don't need another toy! 

Hottest Toys for the 2013 Holidays & Give AWAY!

I was recently invited to attend the Big Toy Book's Holiday Event in New York City...I love going up to the city for the day & even more fun was getting a sneak peak at some of the hottest toys for this holiday season!  There were toys for all ages & all price points. First things first, we were in the incredible Hearst Tower on the 44th floor overlooking Central Park...simply awesome!

Now to the toys!

Laser Pegs was a new toy that I loved! You can use them to build a variety of projects but these projects can light up!  These will be making an appearance under our tree because we have a little guy who loves to build!

There is no surprise the LeapFrog made appearnce again! With the Leappad Ultra, which is awesoe for kids and the LeapFrog LeapReader Reading and Writing System which is in a lower price point but still encourages reading & writing skills.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and anything and everything Doc McStuffins...that girl is hot!

A few other toys that I thought were awesome with good prices---(I'm listing them because if I don't, we'll be here forever!)

Speed Stacks (We received a Stack in our goody bag & we (including myself) love this game!)
Zing Air Z-Curve Bow
Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing we will be getting this for our daughter!
Green Toys Rocket  was a great gift for the younger crowd & was made out out recycled milk jugs!

For the full list of toys checkout The Toy Insider in the November edition of Woman’s Day magazine!  

Now for the giveaway!  It's simple, just leave a comment on the website (IE not facebook/twitter) and tell me what you're planning to buy this holiday season!  So simple! 

Here is a picture of what's up for grabs Just Play Doc McStuffins Doc and Donny Dolls Play Set, Green Toys Race Car, Angry Birds Telepods and Light Stars!  Winners will be randomly selected on November 15th!  

Please note this post does include affiliate links and Delaware County Moms will be compensated should you choose to make purchase via these links. Compensation is at no additional cost to you, thank you for supporting our site! 

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