Engineering Toys

Engineering toys are those that empower kids to problem solve, learn spatial skills, build mechanized structures, and learn circuitry. Here are some of my suggested pics.

LEGO

The number one building toy is obviously LEGO. Here there are just so many options depending on the children's interests. We started with a LEGO classic kit. Then added on a mix of LEGO Castle, LEGO Friends, LEGO Elves, Ninjago, Disney Princess, and my favourite LEGO Movie LEGO.

Magformers are magnetic shapes that stick together in endless ways. We bought our daughter a very basic set of Magformers 4 years ago when she was three and she still plays with them today. They get constant play when other kids come over to visit. Magformers come in awesome rainbow colours and appeal equally to girls and boys.

Goldieblox is an engineering toy aimed at girls. It started with Goldie and the Spinning Machine which we bought for my daughter in 2013. She enjoyed it greatly so in 2014 we suggested that my parents buy her the Builder’s Survival Kit for Christmas. It is a much larger set that allows her to build anything she can dream of. My daughter also enjoyed Goldie’s Diary of Inventions which gave her some some ideas to start with.

This year Goldie has a new friend Ruby Rails and they have an even larger selection of engineering minded toys.

Roominate is a toy aimed at introducing girls to the concepts of engineering. Two years ago we got my daughter the original roominate kita. With it she has built school rooms, aquariums, tree houses, and this week a shop for her shopkins. The kit included circuits for a light and motorized fan. Roominate has expanded the number and type of sets over the last two years.

Snap Circuits teaches kids how to build electrical circuits without needing to solder things together. The circuits literally snap together. My nephew really enjoys his. He can use it to build AM and FM radios, digital voice recorders, burglar alarms, a doorbell, and many other things. This toy is great for introducing kids to electrical circuits both with it’s functionality and it’s price point.

My daughter and I were able to play with Little Bits at the Maker Club this year. Little bits take snap circuits to the next level. The circuits click together with magnets and you can build more complex circuits than Snap Circuits. The price point on Little Bits is a bit higher however, which may be a barrier to entry for some.