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Educational toys - page 27
Educational and didactic toys support development through play: children learn shapes, colours, numbers and letters and practise fine motor skills, concentration and problem solving. This category includes puzzles and shape sorters (Pino, Educa, Dodo, Cubika), wooden and plastic blocks and construction sets (Cubika, Sluban, Top Bright), activity cubes, Oball toys, soft squeaky baby books (Canpol), modelling clay and kinetic sand (Sunman) and learning sets such as traffic signs and emotions.
The category is part of Toys.
Choosing a toy by age
| Age | What the child develops | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0–12 months | Senses, grasping, cause and effect | Soft squeaky books, Oball toys, rattles |
| 1–3 years | Fine motor skills, shapes and colours, first words | Shape sorters, activity cubes, large blocks, 2–6 piece puzzles |
| 3–5 years | Imagination, concentration, counting | Puzzles up to 48 pieces, magnetic puzzles, modelling clay, kinetic sand |
| 5+ years | Logic, planning, patience | Construction sets, larger puzzles, logic games |
What to check
- The age on the pack – toys with small parts are not for children under 3
- The CE mark confirms the toy meets European safety requirements
- A toy should be slightly challenging but not so hard that the child gives up
- Use modelling clay and kinetic sand under supervision and not with children who put everything in their mouth
- Check toys regularly and remove any with broken or loose parts
Wooden toys have their own category, Wooden toys, and family games are in Board games. For the youngest see Toys for the youngest.
Pharmacist's adviceThe greatest value of an educational toy lies in playing together. Name colours and shapes, count with your child and let them find the solution – praise effort, not just success. If your child has difficulties with speech, fine motor skills or attention, play helps but does not replace a professional assessment. Talk to your paediatrician if something worries you. |
Related categories and guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between educational and didactic toys?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Didactic toys are usually designed to teach a specific skill (shapes, numbers, letters), while educational toys more broadly support development.
How many puzzle pieces suit which age?
Roughly: 2–6 pieces at 2 years, 12–24 at 3, up to 48 at 4–5, and older children 100 pieces or more.
Is kinetic sand safe?
It is designed for children aged 3+ and used under supervision. It must not be eaten; the child should wash their hands after play.
