Any good "educational" type toys for age 4+?

lmdbww · June 2012

I'm being asked for gift ideas for DD's 4th birthday and wondered if there were any good educational type/learning toys out there for this age group?

We have iPhones and iPads that are full of learning apps for DD, and have videos for sight words that we watch that she really loves. We have some first reader books that we read from time to time that she likes. She also has a MobiGo which we keep at my parents house (she uses it during the week) and she likes that so-so.

Is there really anything else that is different from the above?? Someone suggested the Tag system, but we had a Tag Jr and she hated it and never quite got the point of it (I know the Tag is not the same, but you know what i'm saying...)

KatFCo · June 2012

At this age, anything that encourages creativity and play is "educational." Melissaanddoug.com has some great creative toys of excellent quality.

However, if you want something that is more obviously educational, I would suggest lots of books, puzzles, and the Tag system--I don't know how different the jr. is, but my DD loves it, especially since she can play games with some of the books and it will read to her.

ironmommy · June 2012

This isn't out-and-out educational, but she works on her letters and has a GREAT time. I gave this to her for her 4th birthday.

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Pretend-Play-School/dp/B00021Z2FU/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1339815322&sr=1-1&keywords=school+pretend+play

This cash register also has some good math lessons:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Teaching-Cash-Register/dp/B0006N8X3M/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1339815372&sr=1-1&keywords=cash+register+toy

Paigeo · June 2012

Some things DD got for her 4th Birthday that I liked were

Bob Books https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Books-Set-Beginning-Readers/dp/0439845009/ref=wl_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=H60139R90UG&coliid=I27SXMH0VMPOML

Zingo Board Game (they have several versions) https://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-7700-ThinkFun-Zingo/dp/B00006408Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339855473&sr=8-1&keywords=Zingo

Also Melissa and Doug puzzles are always good. We got this one which I like. https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Wooden-Puzzle/dp/B000RMZSYE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=H60139R90UG&coliid=I3RJFWBOJI3SQX

and this one https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-2940-See-Spell/dp/B0007Y4DLG/ref=pd_sim_t_1

ss+el · June 2012

What about building toys? I love seeing what objects DS claims his Duplos to be in the shape of. I have recently purchased something called Zoobs and am going to get Flexees and K'Nex as soon as I get one more amazon.com reward from swagbucks.

byrne15 · June 2012

Ds is really into games right now...

Although they might not actually be "educational" games, he is learning a lot by playing the games.

He loves uno, battleship, monopoly jr, connect 4 and candyland

stellasam · June 2012

I think I'd add some non-electronic toys to your list, like the Melissa & Doug See & Spell, the BrainQuest dry-erase cards and activity/question cards, dominoes, games, etc. Good luck!