Kids Toys

Toy guides and comparisons without the hype

Educational toys, creative toys, STEM and building toys, outdoor toys and age-appropriate recommendations, compared on play value and durability.

Published articles

Most toys labelled STEM are ordinary toys with a sticker. Here are the four categories that genuinely earn the shelf space, and how to compare them.

9 min read · Ages 4-7 years

Three building systems, three very different play patterns. Which to buy first depends less on your child's age than on how they already play.

8 min read · Ages 2-11 years

Coming next

These are the articles scheduled for this section. Every one links back to the pillar guide above and across to related sections of the Hub.

Best STEM Toys for 5-Year-Olds: What to Look For
STEM toys for 5 year olds · Commercial
Open-Ended Building Toys Compared: Blocks vs Bricks vs Tiles
open-ended building toys · Comparison
Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds That Last
toys for 2 year olds · Commercial
Educational Toys for 3-Year-Olds: A Buying Guide
educational toys for 3 year olds · Commercial
Outdoor Toys Worth the Garden Space
outdoor toys for kids · Commercial
Creative Toys and Art Supplies by Age
creative toys for kids · Commercial
Wooden vs Plastic Toys: An Honest Comparison
wooden vs plastic toys · Comparison
Toy Rotation: How to Make Old Toys Feel New
toy rotation · Problem-solving
Toy Storage That Children Can Actually Use
toy storage ideas · Problem-solving
Buying Second-Hand Toys Safely
second hand toys · Problem-solving
Best Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything
gifts for kids · Seasonal
Christmas Toy Guide by Age Group
christmas toys for kids · Seasonal
Screen-Free Coding Toys Explained
coding toys for kids · Commercial
Puzzles by Age: Piece Counts That Work
puzzles for kids · Commercial
Ride-On Toys and Balance Bikes Compared
balance bike vs ride on · Comparison
How Many Toys Does a Child Actually Need?
how many toys · Informational