Finding Christmas presents that balance fun with education isn’t always easy. You want presents that have some educational value but that children are still excited to open and receive on Christmas morning. We’ve pulled together some great ideas for educational gifts for kids that strike that balance, turning playtime into learning time whilst still being fun! We won’t narrow things down to single products, but instead broader ideas that might give you some inspiration and the freedom to find the most suitable option.
Think blocks, gears, robotics or engineering sets. Robotics kits teach engineering concepts, logic and problem-solving in a playful way. Likewise, electronic or science kits, such as build-your-own flashlight kits or chemistry experiment sets, let kids assemble, bake, squish or dismantle things while learning along the way. These hands-on STEM toys encourage natural curiosity and nurture creativity as children experiment.
Toys that involve counting, sorting or geometry reinforce maths skills in a fun way. For example, number blocks or abacuses help children practice counting and number sequences. Puzzle games and board games that require strategy build spatial reasoning and critical thinking. In short, maths toys turn learning the fundamentals into fun.
Science-themed gifts can be both thrilling and deeply educational, sparking a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Kits that focus on biology, geology, or space such as dinosaur excavations or chemistry sets turn complex subjects into hands on adventures. These activities allow children to explore scientific concepts in a playful way, making learning feel like discovery rather than study.
Outdoor science gifts add another dimension by connecting children directly with nature. A telescope for stargazing, binoculars for bird-watching, or a gardening kit for exploring botany can transform everyday surroundings into a living classroom. These experiences encourage observation, patience, and wonder, while nurturing a lifelong interest in science and the environment.
Fuel a child’s imagination with art-focused gifts. Sketchbooks, watercolour sets, modelling clay or craft kits encourage creativity and fine motor skills. Art supplies foster self-expression and fine motor skills. Craft kits not only keep kids busy but teach patience, planning and hand-eye coordination. A painting or drawing gift set can turn a child into a little artist while reinforcing spatial and colour concepts.
Introducing simple musical instruments like a ukulele, hand drums, or a keyboard can be more than just fun, it’s an educational gift that nurtures both creativity and cognitive growth. Learning to play music strengthens pattern recognition and memory. Music encourages children to express themselves with confidence and builds resilience through practice and performance. Whether they’re playing solo or joining in with others, they learn the value of patience, teamwork, and perseverance.
Never underestimate the power of a good book. Picture books, science fact books, or story books geared to their age can open up worlds of knowledge. Look for books that match a child’s reading level. There’s an infinite amount of subjects you could buy for, from fairy tales and history to science and geography. Non-fiction books can spark curiosity about the world whilst fiction can really ignite a child’s imagination.
For early learners, alphabet blocks or magnetic letters can reinforce letter recognition. Toys that encourage spelling and phonics help with early literacy. These hands-on tools turn abstract letters into tangible objects for kids to handle and learn from.
Screen time doesn’t have to be wasted time with the right apps, it can become a powerful learning tool. Instead of filling a tablet with endless games, parents can choose guided reading apps, maths challenges, or language-learning platforms that reinforce school subjects in a playful, interactive way. These apps help children practice core skills while enjoying themselves.
The beauty of educational apps is that they blend entertainment with learning, keeping children engaged while building confidence in areas like literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Whether it’s mastering multiplication through a game, expanding vocabulary with interactive stories, or exploring new languages, the right apps make learning feel less like homework and more like play.
Kitchen sets or cooking kits are not only tasty fun but also educational, it involves maths with measuring and weighing. A child size cooking set, kid-friendly cookbook, or baking kits for treats teach science, nutrition and life skills. Time spent cooking together can reinforce reading and maths in a real-world context.
Board games aren’t just a source of holiday fun they can be powerful educational tools. Many games are designed to teach children important life skills in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. From managing money to practicing strategic thinking, board games encourage children to apply knowledge while developing confidence.
There's social skill development here too, playing together teaches patience, turn-taking, negotiation, and empathy. Children learn how to win graciously and lose with resilience, valuable lessons for life beyond the game board.
Besides physical gifts, you could consider giving an educational experience this holiday. Tutoring can be a truly meaningful present, it builds confidence and skills that last long after the holidays.
Here at Kip McGrath we offer structured English and maths tutoring for school-age children (both primary and secondary). They start with a free initial assessment to find exactly what each child needs. Then an individualised programme is created so your child can master concepts at their own pace. This systematic approach has helped kids catch up and even excel.
Giving tutoring as a gift is like giving confidence and better grades wrapped up in one. With Kip McGrath’s nearly 50 years of experience and over 400 centres worldwide, you’ll be giving a gift backed by a global education network.
Happy Christmas! Hopefully you’ve discovered some inspiring ideas for educational toys. And if you’d like to explore tutoring, why not book a free assessment today to get started?
Finding Christmas presents that balance fun with education isn’t always easy. You want presents that have some educational value but that children are still excited to open and receive on Christmas morning. We’ve pulled together some great ideas for educational gifts for kids that strike that balance, turning playtime into learning time whilst still being fun!
At Kip McGrath, we’ve always believed that every child deserves the chance to thrive at school and beyond. For almost fifty years, our centres have supported families by offering tutoring that is accessible, effective and confidence building. Now, we’re excited to bring those conversations to life in a new way with the launch of our podcast, TutorEd.
Developing strong number skills during early years can predict later success not just in mathematics but across learning as a whole. Where a student starts in maths sets the trajectory. By giving children a firm foundation in basic concepts right away, we set them up to build confidence and success in later topics.
Founded in 1976 in Australia, Kip McGrath has been helping primary and secondary school age children all over the world to improve or extend their learning. With over 500+ centres globally, we know what works.
Login
Find a Tutor Near Me
Home
Contact Us
Online Tutoring
Find a Tutor Near Me
Contact Us