Educational Toys

Here's our selection of recommended toys that are both fun and educational, with each of our entries providing an overview of the highlighted item in question chosen from a mass of possibilities, together with a link to where they can be acquired. As with all pages on our site the content on this one will be refreshed & amended as inspiringyourkids.com develops and grows.

Lab Quality Microscope

For kids of eight and over with an interest in taking a closer look at things this superb quality high functioning object is a dream come true. Boasting 80 power and 200 power magnification from two separate eye pieces made from optical glass, this lab quality microscope offers sensational clarity and excellent brightness, thanks to both mirror and electrical illumination. Made from solid metal with brass gears a complete accessory kit is included with it. Available from National Geographic

Horrible Science: Brains, Bones & Body Bits

The Brainy Days Educational Toys company brings human biology vividly to life with this kit of experiments and activities that allows youngsters of eight and over to get gruesomely to grips with the workings of our body's digestive system, heart, brains and other essential functions. As well as the equipment required for the decidedly squishy experiments the kit comes with an A3 'Disgusting Digestion' poster and a lab notebook. Available from BrightMinds

Revolving Illuminated Globe

Packed with information of interest to the curious child or young geography student, this 'two for the price of one' globe makes for a great reference tool for the whole family. When unlit it displays the physical geography and features of the world while, when plugged in and switched on, it shows the political boundaries and landscape of the world. Packed with information, it is available from Letterbox

Large Skeleton Floor Puzzle

This fifteen piece soft foam puzzle enables children to learn all the major bones of the human body and is great fun to put together. It connects to become a 122 cm tall skeleton making it life sized for children when assembled. Available from 1st for Toys

Star Theatre 2

Projecting hundreds of stars, planets and constellations onto walls and ceilings the Star Theatre 2 transforms a child's or teenager's bedroom into a 360 degrees planetarium. In addition the constellation dome detaches for outdoor use to become a 3-D glow-in-the-dark star map, to enable detailed guided exploration of the night sky. Additionally, the built in compass and easy to use dials allow users to replicate the configuration of the night sky for any past or future date, making this a fantastic gift to enable any youngster to take an interest in the stars and space. Available from Prezzy Box

Chemistry Set

For kids of ten and up this is a great source of safe fun learning about a wide spectrum of interesting and satisfying aspects of how chemistry influences and shapes the world we live in. Featuring 100 experiments that really will amaze children, the colourful instructions let them grow crystals, understand rocket propulsion, get to grips with the make up of various materials and much more. All the chemicals and equipment required are supplied as are safety goggles. Available from BrightMinds

Giant Children's Wall Maps

Measuring 68 x 99 cms and illustrated with fun pictures and easy to read text, these colourful and informative maps are specially designed with children in mind and come in three themed varieties. The World Map shows mountain ranges, deserts and seas while the Prehistoric Map shows animals, marine and plant life, evolutionary periods and a chart comparing Man to animals. The Animal Map shows animals and their habitats together with country names, mountain ranges, deserts and oceans. Available from Mini Marvellous

Telescope

Star gazing is both economical and practical with this telescope, the technical specifications of which enable children to magnify night sky images by up to 40 times, while the supplied 25 cm table top tripod will keep viewing steady. Available from Hamleys

Rock Tumbler Kit

For kids of ten and over interested in gemstones, jewellery making or both, this is a great craft kit with a difference. Children can use the rock tumbler to polish rocks and minerals to create their own semi precious stones to display or then turn them into jewellery. With the polishing process visible through the tumbler's viewing window, the kit comes with gemstone rocks, gritting powder and jewellery making equipment. Available from Letterbox

National Geographic Digital Metal Detector

Designed for the use of children from 8 and upwards our featured items allows lost items to be tracked down or enquiring minds to search for hidden treasures. Available from Argos