Toys don’t just help parents in providing children with distraction so we can do other things, they also have an important role in their development. Children learn through play, so it is best that we choose toys that not only entertain, but can also be a tool for physical and cognitive development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics mentions in a clinical report that “play is essential to optimal child development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth." Appropriate toys are excellent instruments in a child’s development through play, and it also encourages parents and caregivers to interact more with the child. When chosen wisely, educational toys can encourage language, pretending, creativity, and problem solving.
The good news is that though there are a ton of toys on the market, there are a handful of great picks that are affordable too.
Best Educational Toys Under $50
Educational toys are a great choice for all occasions. Whether you’re giving it to your own kid or as a gift to co-parents, we hope our selection of meaningful educational toys can help you with your purchase. What’s more, all these picks are under $50!
Here are the best educational toys for babies and toddlers:
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 | VTech 80-175800 PJ Masks Super Catboy Learning Watch Best Educational Toy for Cognitive Development |  | View Details | Buy Now |
 | LeapFrog 80-600800 Mr. Pencil’s Scribble and Write Best Education Toy for Physical Development | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | Baby Musical Learning Table Best Educational Toy for Musical Development | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | Galt 1004864 Rainbow Lab Toys Best Educational Toy for Science & Experiment | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | Thinkfun 1930 Potato Pirates Best Educational Toy for Creative Thinking | | View Details | Buy Now |
Best Educational Toy for Cognitive Development
Looking for a mobile phone or tablet alternative that can entertain your restless child on long roadtrips, yet small enough to be easily brought around? Look no further than VTech 80-175800 PJ Masks Super Catboy Learning Watch!
This fully functional watch not only teaches your young ones to tell time, it is also equipped with a timer, stopwatch and alarm. In addition to its four interactive learning games with themes and character voices from PJ Masks, it is sure to attract and engage your child’s attention.
Your young ones can play from four exciting games that explore numbers, counting, addition and shapes that are sure to stimulate their cognitive ability during play.
What We Love:
- Fully functional watch with clock, timer, stopwatch and alarm built in
- Choose from 4 fully interactive superhero-themed learning games
Best Education Toy for Physical Development
Want to develop your child’s dexterity and fine motor skills? LeapFrog Mr Pencil’s Scribble and Write introduces writing, drawing, and spelling with the use of a stylus and step-by-step on screen instructions to guide your young ones.
Get your child accustomed to and strengthen their ability in writing and drawing, which are critical for their physical development as well their learning development. This toy is a great, more fun and engaging alternative to writing using pen and paper!
What We Love:
- Animated fun, watch your drawing come alive with a touch of a screen
- Six activities include drawing, letter and number writing and spelling
Best Educational Toy for Musical Development
Wish to expose your young ones to the wonderful world of music and learning?
Check out Baby Musical Learning Table, equipped with different nursery songs to introduce to your children. Have them entertained with songs and games, which can aid in their early development and nurture an inclination towards music. In addition, the animal-themed buttons and shapes provide a full visual and auditory experience and stimulation. This is perfect in promoting the development of children's motor skills, creative play, recognition of colors, shapes, and animals.
What We Love:
- Adjustable volume control
- Removable legs for easy storage
Best Educational Toy for Science & Experiment
Is your child interested in science and experiments? Galt 1004864 Rainbow Lab Toys is the perfect gift in introducing basic scientific concepts in a fun and inquisitive manner.
Experiments include colour-mixing, growing amazing jelly-like crystals, and creating rainbows in a test-tube. Your child can choose from 12 fun experiments from a 24-page full colour lab book, for endless possibilities and fun all while learning and cultivating their interest in Science.
What We Love:
- Progessive Preschool 2019 Award Winner
- Quality controlled and meets American, Canadian, British and European standards on Toy Safety
Best Educational Toy for Creative Thinking
Interested in a fun and meaningful board/card game to play with your children? With Thinkfun 1930 Potato Pirates, battle other players to eliminate their Potato Crews and seize their Potato King Cards. Acquire all seven Potato King Cards, or be the last player sailing, and you win!
This hilariously fun game is designed to challenge and engage your child’s creative and critical thinking skill by introducing basic computing concepts. It is easy to play with a clear and high quality instruction manual, suitable for all children to get a headstart in STEM learning and development with their familiarity in basic computing concepts.
What We Love:
- With over 50 million sold, ThinkFun is the world's leader in brain and logic games
- Multiplayer style card game allows for family bonding
Price Comparison
Here’s a price comparison of the best educational toys on the market for your quick reference:
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
