Unusual or educational toys for 6 and 9?

[Disabrie22]

Obviously there’s going to be some LOL’s and other plastic fluffy stuff plus tech for the kids but is there anything you’ve seen that you’vr Thought wow that is a really cool learning toy?

My ds (6) loves the puzzles from smart games, but he's very mathematical and loves challenges/puzzles. They're very educational and sits for ages working his way up the levels.

Hot Wires or Snap Circuits

https://www.learningresources.co.uk

Lots of ideas here.

Galt also do lovely science sets. Baking can be an amazing educational pastime with the measuring, reactions etc so maybe you could also consider a lovely children's cookbook 

Why don't you watch the Late Late Toy Show on RTE at the end of November for ideas? I never buy any gifts for little family members before they've been thoroughly put through their paces and reviewed by little Irish kids

Snap circuits and the learning resources coding mouse were hits last christmas for my dc who are around the same age.

This year I have got dd1 (who has been collecting pebbles a lot this year) a rock tumbler and pack of raw semi-precious stones, and a set with some different minerals in that takes you through how to identify them.

I am also giving a set I've made up with a book about a country to are going on holiday to next year, a sticker book around learning the language and a little beanie toy of an animal from the country.

@stompythedinosaur
From where did you source the rock tumbler? It is a brilliant idea and I think my 9yo DD would love it! But Amazon doesn't seem to have many well reviewed ones. And the thought of days of tumbling is not so tempting!!

I got it from Amazon

Rock tumbler
Gemstones to tumble
Mineral identifying kit

Thank you!

Anything from the happy puzzle company!

Board games

Microscope

Interactive globe

Construction toys (we have giant polydron which is awesome)

A raspberry pie. You can get fancy kits but you don't need a kit, just the bits.

We ds8 Gravitrax and Build your own jet engine. He loves Lego, space, aeroplanes and space crafts.

We gave him a telescope couple of years ago. That was a hit.

@curious2468 - DD has been trying to describe giant polydron to me for ages, but I had no idea what she meant. They have it at school, but only in the Reception playground. When she described it, I thought it would be a good one to get if I could find it. So thank you!

Bit more expensive than I'd hoped though. Does it ever get reduced/is it available at a lower price anywhere, do you know?

Keep an eye on eBay. I managed to get the large set in perfect condition for £50 including delivery! They are really robust too. My son fell in love with them st stem club and they have been well worth the investment. We have the wheels set too which adds a really nice dimension to play. My 11 year old also still plays with them lol

Dd loves her circuit building set - it all clips together - Snap Circuits. It's very robust and easy to use

We’ve had lots of spontaneous mental maths from playing with a magnetic darts board.

I recently came across some really fun educational toys that my kids (6 and 9) actually love — things like science experiment kits, coding robots, and interactive globe puzzles. They make learning feel like playtime, which is a huge win. You might also want to check out some of the creative STEM toys or logic games available online; they’re great for curious minds. I’ve seen quite a few unique options on Ubuy Latvia, especially in the educational toys section — perfect mix of fun and learning without being the usual plastic stuff.

You can get microscopes that work with mobile phones. DGS loves his but bear in mind his family are all a bit geeky (including us )