I have five kids – one boy and four girls – and over the years I’ve tried to choose toys for them that go beyond the stereotypical “boy” and “girl” toys so that it’s easier for them to play together. So I was pretty excited to try two new STEM toys from Learning Resources! These toys are perfect not just for girls, but for ensuring all kids are given a proper early introduction to STEM. My son is naturally very STEM oriented, so I knew he would like these, but I was pleased to see that my girls really liked them, too!
Botley™ the Coding Robot is ready to use right out of the box and introduces children as young as five to the world of coding in a fun and straightforward way – all without the use of a smartphone or tablet. Advanced features will grow with kids offering challenges for many years to come. (Age range: 5 years+; MSRP: $79.99)
My kids loved Botley…my 6-year-old even considers Botley part of the family! (She talks to Botley like the robot is a pet.) My 8-year-old son took to this very quickly and enjoyed discovering the advanced features (these are outlined in the instructions) including getting Botley to talk, follow a black line, etc. My 6- and 4-year-old daughters just enjoyed programming Botley to move around. I like that Botley doesn’t use a screen to program – it’s all done via a separate controller. We are all very excited to have Botley in our collection!
City Engineering & Design Building Set
Encourage an early love of STEM learning with this one-of-a-kind building set. Young engineers can create their own skyscrapers, cranes, bridges and more with 89 easy-to-assemble pieces. Use the included activity cards to complete design challenges or create a city. It’s a unique way to challenge logic, problem solve, and develop engineering skills. (Age range: 5 years+; MSRP: $24.99)
Again, my son really took to this one quickly. He looked at the included cards to follow some of the suggested challenges but he also just enjoyed building with it himself. My girls have recently become more interested in building toys (especially my 3-year-old, but she’s a little young for this) and they had fun with it, too!
Our family really enjoyed trying out both of these Learning Resources STEM toys. If it’s something you’re interested in checking out for your children or grandchildren, you can get Botley the Coding Robot (with activity set) and the City Engineering & Design Building Set on Amazon.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Laura is a former high school English teacher turned avid deal shopper following the birth of her first child. Now she’s a work-from-home mom of six which keeps her plenty busy! On the off chance she gets some free time you’ll find her with her nose in a book, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
Amy D says
I love Learning Resources toys! My oldest daughter is 5 years old, and is all about STEM! She would love these toys. Amazing that they have a toy that teaches them about coding. My daughter is all about building stuff, so all of these toys look great for her!
John Smith says
I love the designs for both, but I’m too old to become a coder! I think I’ll stick with the construction toy!