Back in January, I started a series of blogs about STEM toys and then things got very busy here as I prioritized buying in new stock for 2020 (If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you have been getting sneak previews of lots of these) and then midterm came. I’m finally getting around to finish off this series with a blog on STEM toys for older children.

Just in case you missed my last blogs or you have forgotten exactly what STEM toys are, here’s a reminder.

S – Science

T – Technology

E – Engineering

M – Maths

And here’s the links to the blogs I’ve already written:

So, today, I’m going to highlight some educational toys that focus on developing science, technology, engineering and maths skills for children aged 10+. Many of these will be enjoyed by adults too. I stock quite a lot of these types of toys but I can’t feature them all here. Instead, I’ve picked out 15 and if you’d like to see more, you can click through at the bottom of this blog!

1. A Wooden Domino Rally

This is a strategic activity where you line up all the wooden dominoes, hit one with the aim that they will all fall over. This is a large box – it contains 247 pieces.

2.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Marvelous Maths Games

This box contains several maths card games that maths lovers will really enjoy. Each one is illustrated with images from the book.

3. A Compass

Some people are just wired to enjoy figuring out things – whether it’s how something is made, a maths problem or how to calculate how to get somewhere. These compasses are perfect for kids like this. Give them a map and a compass and they’ll have hours of fun!

4. Solitaire

This is a game for one person at a time. It’s a game of strategy where you jump counters, then removed the jumped counter and continue until you only have a few counters left and can’t jump any more. The aim is to only have one counter left in the very centre of the board. I stock this wooden one with marble counters and a wooden one with frog counters.

5. Chess Set

This is a lovely wooden chess set which will have your child thinking strategically!

6. A Wooden Labyrinth

Turn the handles to move the surface of the maze and work the marble through it to the end point.

7. Origami Small Boxes

Learn how to make origami small boxes by Djeco

Using the art of origami, this kit will teach you how to fold the beautiful paper to make 24 small paper boxes.

8. Magnetic Putty Peeps (Discontinued)

By the time your child reaches this age, they should be responsible enough to have putty and not destroy the house with it. Putty Peeps is great for creative kids and kids who love sensory toys. Mould the putty into shapes and characters over and over. There’s hours of fun to be had from one small tub. The added scientific benefit from this version is that it’s magnetic so your child can use the magnet to pull and lift the putty. The final benefit is that it’s also currently reduced by 25%!

9. Crystal Growing Kit

Crystal Growing Science Kit

Learn all about how crystals are formed and even grow your own crystal with this fun little science kit.

10. Tangrams

Djeco Tangram Puzzles

These fun puzzles center around seven wooden shapes. The aim is to be able to form the images on the cards using all of the seven shapes correctly.

11. Wooden Sudoku Board Game

Wooden Sudoku Board Game from Small Foot Design Toys. Wood sourced sustainably

Sudoku is a maths game where you need to place each number in a box so that the numbers 1-9 are in a row, a column and a square. This wooden version can be used over and over by just taking out the numbers and starting again.

12. The Lie Detector Science Kit

Lie Detector Science Kit

This science kit will teach you how to make your own lie detector and use it so you know when someone is lying or telling the truth!

13. Tractor in a Tin (Discontinued)

This metal construction kit has all the pieces and the tools to build your very own model tractor. Perfect for minds that love engineering.

14. Microscope Set with Light (Discontinued)

This microscope will allow your child to see details in small items.

15. Junior Metal Puzzles

retro metal puzzles

This gift box has 4 metal puzzles designed with this age group in mind.

As much as I would love to feature all my STEM toys for children aged 10 and older here, it’s not possible. However, if you haven’t found what you are looking for, check out my pages that feature toys for each age group here.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. You might be surprized to know that all these toys cost less than €20 and half of them cost less than €10. Buying good, educational toys doesn’t have to burst the bank and you are investing not only in entertaining your child but also in their home education through play.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

xx Suzie

PS. If you’re particularly interested in science toys, check out this blog showing off 10 Great Science Kits