A Few of Our Favorite Things: Animals and STEM

Sick of the cumbersome and pointless toys that fill the toy bins in most playrooms? Check out a few of our favorite things: toys to entertain AND teach (without the bulk or a million tiny pieces). 

Schleich Veterinarian Practice with Pets

For all the aspiring little veterinarians and zookeepers out there, this veterinary practice set from the Schleich® Farm World is a must-have. Use medical accessories for treating animals, including an x-ray for examinations, rotating examination lamp, and a figurine with movable arms and legs. Creative play combined with fine motor skills plus STEM learning! Available at Toledo Zoo Gift Shop.

Professor Maxwell VR Science Lab 

Discover 25 favorite science projects with step-by-step instructions that come alive in augmented and virtual reality with Professor Maxwell’s VR Science Lab! This comprehensive STEAM science kit for kids explores the wonders of science by combining physical science experiments with immersive digital technology. Watch as Professor Maxwell appears in the book to introduce the projects, then follow each step as pictures turn into videos to guide you through each experiment. Then, put on the VR goggles and teleport to a virtual world to connect the science with real life examples. Available at Target and Walmart

Under the Sea Play Tent

Kids love tents, but for all the type-A caregivers out there, tents are oftentimes yet another bulky toy to hide in a corner. The Under the Sea Play Tent, however, folds into a small circle for easy storage with the included bag and pops up easily to form a tent! The deep sea-themed play tent features a mermaid, rainbow narwhal, sea creature illustrations and a kaleidoscope toy. Available at Walmart and Home Goods.

GUND Stuffed Animals

My Pet Puddles Puppy is the furry best friend every child wants–without the clean-up and commitment of an actual puppy! This interactive plush puppy reacts to pets and cuddles just like a real dog: touch his head, back or nose for life-like movements and sounds—from tail wags to adorable barks, whimpers and kisses. Want the cuddles without the sound? Kai Bear is the magically soft and cuddly plush toy that kids can’t help but love. Available at GUND.com and Amazon. 

Arggh Giant Stress Ball

Is virtual learning causing your kids to scream, “Argghhh!?” Try this giant stress ball — perfect for emotional stress relief therapy and also an effective AD(H)D/Autism toy to help kids relax and focus. The tactile, non-toxic sensory ball is so squishy that kids of all ages simply can’t keep their hands off of it. Available at Toledo Museum of Art

Erin Schoen Marsh
Erin Schoen Marshhttp://www.erin-marsh.com
Erin is a writer/editor, yoga teacher, and mama to two little ones.

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