This post was in partnership with KiwiCo but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"Ask my daughter at any given point during the day what she wants to do and she’ll answer, “play.” It’s a vague answer, and if I ask her to specify what she wants to play, her mind goes in a million different directions.I’ll be the first to admit that we have an overwhelming number of toys in our home. At first, this seemed like a good thing. Thinking back to my own mindset as a child, I thought, “the more toys, the better!” That actually may not be so true. You might assume that more toys equals more entertainment and a child that always has something to do.
In reality, too many toys can be, well, too much. Speaking from my own experience, when toddlers have too many toys to choose from, they might lose focus and not be able to decide what to do, resulting in them bouncing from activity to activity with very little attention or focus on one thing.
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Since realizing this, I decided it was time to cut our toy quantity and instead focus on quality. Fewer but better-quality toys have led to more focused and creative play. One of the best places to shop for toys, experiments, and crafts is KiwiCo. You might already be familiar with KiwiCo activities, but they also have a wide range of products and projects suitable for all ages in the KiwiCo Store. Plus, the site makes shopping easy, as you can sort by ages (up to 12+) and interests for hands-on activities to encourage learning—and they can be used again and again.
Whatever age you’re shopping for, KiwiCo has you covered. Here are some of our favorite KiwiCo Store products by age.
Ages 0-2
The early years set the stage for learning through play. Though it may seem challenging to play with an infant, the right toys can help guide you and your little one with stimulation and exploration. It’s important to give your child attention as you play together, exploring new ways to interact with toys and with each other.
Though your 2-year-old might not be ready for science concepts, they will still love this shape sorter. Practice shapes and colors with your baby as they work through this toy. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! These linkable magnetic train cars offer a colorful and fun experience, allowing babies to connect, push, and pull the trains. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! This sensory box is filled with felt shapes and helps little ones learn through tactile play. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
Source: Alexandra Pagar-Wolf
Ages 3-4
Preschoolers are known for their creativity and curiosity, and the right toys can help foster this. Selecting the right toys can encourage independent play and exploration. With themed kits, your child may discover a new passion or skill through play.
The perfect addition to your child's play kitchen, this solid wood pretend baking set includes baking ingredients, spoons, a stand mixer, and a candle-topped cake. Plus, recipe cards encourage math skills like counting and fractions. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! Perfect for open-ended imaginative play, this play mat includes foldable felt structures so little ones can create their own towns, complete with a car, boat, trees, and more. Plus, it easily folds up for easy storage or portability! Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! For another project that can be used over and over again for pretend play, the farmer's market crate teaches kids counting and encourages fine motor skills. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
Ages 5-8
By this age, your child can work on more involved projects for hands-on learning. Science projects allow your child to practice following directions while learning new skills along the way.
If you made forts out of couch cushions as a child, be prepared to be jealous of your kid and their Fort Builder Kit. Each kit comes with wooden poles and flexible connectors, allowing children to create their own special play space (with limited help)! Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! For the stuffed animal-loving kid, this set includes an adorable, launch-able flying squirrel plushie! Kids can play a target game and learn about other gliders from around the world. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! Think your child won't want to do science experiments? What if the end result is a bowl of ice cream? As you make this ice cream, your kids will learn science concepts along the way. Plus, the recipe book comes with a ton of flavor options, so you can experiment again and again! Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
Source: KiwiCo
Ages 9-12
As your child gets older, you can start to introduce more advanced engineering concepts and art skills. Activities that present some sort of challenge with easy-to-follow instructions will empower your child and give them confidence as they learn new things.
This kit is perfect if you have a mini fashionista on your hands. The kit allows kids to mix and match patterns, add buttons and colors, and more to create their uniquely styled paper dolls. If you grew up playing paper dolls, you'll love doing this alongside your child. Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! For the kid who loves animals, encourage science and engineering skills while building three wooden animals—a sloth, spider, and gecko—to explore the mechanics of friction. And, really, who doesn't love a sloth? Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+! Learn about mineral science while creating colorful ombre geodes—that can later be used in the bath or shower! Use code TEMKIWI for $10 off a KiwiCo Store purchase of $50+!
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
KiwiCo
This post was in partnership with KiwiCo but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.