If you have a child interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) toys but you are not sure where to start, this article will be your go-to resource. We’ll explore the top brands of STEM toys that are available in the market today; this exclusive selection includes toymakers like:
- LEGO
- Melissa and Doug
- Fat Brain Toys
- National Geographic
- Learning Resources
- 4M
- Magna Tiles
- ThinkFun
Although all the brands listed above have great STEM toy options for your kid, we’ll review all of them in detail so that you can choose what best fits your child’s interests. From building block sets to science kits, all these toymakers offer a wide range of STEM toys that are perfect for kids who enjoy hands-on activities.
So let’s get started.
LEGO
The first STEM toy brand we’ll explore is Lego, and the benefits of using such toys for children are many with this well-known company. As a toy manufacturer that has been around since 1932, it is no surprise that they know what parents want in a kids’ toy. Children are taught to think creatively as they work out how to put together different pieces into one single object, or more often than not, building structures designed by their own imagination.
This hands-on approach exposes youngsters to important skills like spatial awareness and problem solving, which will prove helpful in years to come when these soon-to-be adults inevitably have jobs involving science and engineering tasks on a daily basis.
This brand has such a strong following among children and parents alike that they make excellent building block sets at various price points. For example, their starter set, which includes several hundred pieces, will cost around $20-$30, while a more advanced kit can be as much as $150-$200 or even higher depending on what you choose to build from scratch.
The variety of kits available makes Lego an excellent choice for any child interested in engineering since there really isn’t anything they won’t be able to do with it. It’s also helpful for parents who want their children to learn some of the basics about STEM without having them get overwhelmed or frustrated by more complicated tasks.
Some of the top STEM LEGO sets include:
Chain Reactions (Klutz Science/STEM Activity Kit)
Gadgets (Klutz Science/STEM Activity Kit)
Classic Medium Creative Brick Box
Melissa and Doug
Next on our list, we have Melisa and Doug. This toymaker company embodies most of the STEM principles as their toys not only educational, but they’re also fun.
Melissa and Doug have a simple philosophy: let children be kids. They believe the best toys are often those that inspire creativity, imagination, learning and discovery in their young owners.
And they make all of them themselves with care, from designing new products to creating marketing materials so every child can enjoy an imaginative journey through playtime at home or on the go.
These toys provide endless ways for children to engage creatively while playing because they’re committed to encouraging free play, creative thinking as well as education during childhood development, allowing each individual kid’s personality to shine no matter what toy is being played with.
Some of the top-rated STEM toys by Melissa and Dog include:
Deluxe Pounding Bench Wooden Toy With Mallet
Nesting and Sorting Garages and Cars
Fat Brain Toys
Fat Brain Toys stands out as another top STEM toymaker. Creativity and curiosity are two of the most important factors in childhood development. Fat Brain Toys is a company that specializes in designing toys for these crucial elements, enriching families from their basement to over seventy countries around the world with A Smarter Way To Play.
In 2002, husband-and-wife team Mark Carson and Karen founded Fat Brain Toys out of their home’s basement with one simple mission: provide children across every country on Earth an opportunity to develop creativity by playing smarter games.
Some of their top STEM toys include:
Toys Dimpl Duo Baby Toys & Gifts for Ages 1 to 2
Dimpl Digits Baby Toys & Gifts for Ages 2 to 3
National Geographic
They have developed one of the top STEM collections. They cover several topics, from earth science kits all the way to fossils and gem exploration.
National Geographic is an organization that has been around for over a century, and their products are designed to be educational and fun. They strive to provide the best, most reliable products with a guarantee that if you’re not satisfied for any reason, they’ll refund your money.
These toys encourage confidence in young scientists as they experiment and learn about exploration. The instructions are very easy to follow, so children can focus on the joys of discovery.
Some of the STEM toys from National Geographic include:
Earth Science Kit – Over 15 Science Experiments & STEM Activities for Kids
Mega Gemstone Dig Kit – Dig Up 15 Real Gems
Glowing Marble Run – 80 Piece Construction Set
Click here to check our full guide on the top STEM toys from National Geographic
Learning Resources
Learning Resources is another STEM toymaker that we have seen with great products, loved by hundreds of parents worldwide. Tumble Trax, Botley the Coding Robot and Coding Critters are some of Learning Resources’ award-winning toys.
From ABCs to STEM skills, their educational toys offer kids the building blocks they need for school success and a love of learning. Learning Resources’ mission is to help the world’s next generation of leaders get ready for a brighter future by creating toys that make learning fun and engaging.
Check these amazing STEM toys by Learning Resources:
Gears! Gears! Gears! 100-Piece Deluxe Building Set
STEM Explorers, Math Cubes, Early Math Skill – 100 Pieces, Ages 5+
Super Magnet Lab STEM Toy – 119 Pieces
4M
Next on our list, we have 4M. This STEM toy brand is well known for their innovative kits. They carry toys for kids of all ages, with a whole fleet of educational STEM activities to teach children about everything from engineering and robotics to astronomy and physics.
4M has been teaching kids scientific concepts for more than 25 years. As STEAM and STEM ideas are increasingly recognized around the world as an essential tool in learning, 4M is still at the forefront of innovation with educational toys that teach children to think outside of their own box by allowing them to experiment and create things themselves.
These imaginative playthings cover a wide range, including planetarium kits, chemistry sets, water rockets or even solar rovers:
Water Rocket Kit – DIY Science Space Stem Toys
Table Top Robot – DIY Robotics Stem Toys
Green Science Solar Rover Kit DIY Solar Power
Magna Tiles
Magna Tiles is a pioneer brand in everything that has to do with building block STEM toys. They are the perfect way to combine creativity, math skills and fun.
The tiles work by sticking together in different shapes on a surface like plywood or metal sheets so kids can use them for all sorts of games and projects, from building houses or making giant sculptures.
Magna Tiles were created by Japanese math teacher who wanted to give kids better hands-on learning experiences. Valtech LLC brought Magna-Tiles to America in 1997, and has been known as the maker of some of the best magnetic toys ever since.
Some of their top sets include:
ThinkFun
Last but not least, we have another great STEM toymaker, ThinkFun. They are known as one of the leaders in fun games, that make you think while making you smile.
Thinkfun makes puzzles and board games to spark your loved ones’ thought process with their innovative ideas. From stretching young minds to creating family-friendly entertainment, Thinkfun will have something perfect for everyone.
You might be interested in checking out the following toys from ThinkFun:
Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up
Rush Hour Junior Traffic Jam Logic Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 5 and Up
So, what is the most popular STEM toy brand?
According to multiple reviews, it is LEGO. For more than fifty years, they have inspired and developed children to think creatively and become problem solvers with their hands-on play toys.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best STEM toymakers and brands. If your children are looking for a way of learning that is both fun and educational, we have found some great options for them. These toy brands will be sure to keep your child engaged while they learn about new things. Share this blog with all those parents in your life who could benefit from our advice on finding quality STEM toys.