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12 Best Math Toys for Kids

12 Best Math Toys for Kids in 2020
Teddy Booth
Written by
Teddy Booth
Written by
Teddy Booth
Teddy is a big kid at heart and a self-confessed geek who loves all things LEGO, Nintendo and RC (drones included). His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, so that is why he spends A LOT of time curating the perfect list of toys and games that include options for everyone without putting kids inside boxes.
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Managing Editor
James loved anything Star Wars related as a kid! These days he uses the force to make sure TheToyZone is consistently publishing articles our readers will trust and find real value in. On his off days, you'll find him in the woods searching for Ewoks.
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We don’t need to tell you how important it is for children to develop their math skills before and during their years in education. Instead, we’ll delve straight into our next list 12 best math toys for kids. It can be hard to tell which toy will help kids at different developments when shopping online, so we’ve included different options for various ages and abilities.

By trawling the internet for toys that come highly recommended by people who have the toy and have seen a positive response, we’ve made sure to expel any options that have had mass reviews that have been manipulated. We’ve included various budgets, quality, and eco-friendly choices, so you can find the right toy to advance your children in math.

1. CHILHOLYD Learning Toys Math Toy (Best 8-9 Budget Option)

CHILHOLYD Learning Toys Math Toy Montessori Preschool Learning Educational Counting Game Numbers and Symbols Math Skills Colorful Fridge Kindergarden Educational Tools Math Blocks Great Gift for Kids

This is one of the best Math toys for kids because it is interesting to use and helps kids learn and improve at math. Plus, it comes with two different toys, allowing them to play with other kids or practice with you to make them better.

What We Love:

  • Each section is a different bright color
  • It can help with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • Magnets could be stronger.

2. ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game (Best 4-5 Quality Option)

Think Fun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game for Age 4 and Up - Award winner and Toy of the Year Nominee (7703)

This is an interesting twist on the traditional game BINGO. It uses simple math and numbers to help kids learn basic arithmetics and get acquainted with numbers easily. Plus, it is a game that can be played with up to six people.

What We Love:

  • It comes with six double-sided cards.
  • It has 72 double-sided tiles, making it a prolonged and different game every time.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • The words on the cards could be larger.

3. Pidoko Kids 123 Learning Abacus Toy (Best 2-3 Eco-Friendly Option)

Pidoko Kids Abacus for Kids Math - Wooden Counting Toys for Toddlers - Montessori Math Manipulatives Beads - Educational Toys for Preschool Boys Girls 2 Year Olds And Up

An abacus is a classical mathematical tool, and this one is designed to help kids learn math and basic counting. Plus, the beads are brightly colored to help hold their attention and be visually stimulating.

What We Love:

  • Can help with counting and learning colors
  • Made from high-quality wood

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • The colors could be brighter.

4. The Learning Journey Telly The Teaching Time Clock

The Learning Journey Telly The Teaching Time Clock - Electronic Analog & Digital Time Telling Aid with Two Quiz Modes & Night Light - Telling Time Teaching Clock - Award Winning Toys

With this toy clock, kids can learn how to tell time in a fun and engaging way. It doubles as a nightlight, which is excellent for kids’ daily use. It has a cute face on the clock and introduces children to digital and analog time-telling.

What We Love:

  • Shaped like an adorable robot
  • It works as an interactive clock and has 2 play modes.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • It requires 3 AA batteries, but it only comes with demo batteries.

5. Amberetech Wooden Toys Hundred Board

Amberetech Wooden Toys Hundred Board Montessori 1-100 Consecutive Numbers Wooden Educational Game for Kids with Storage Bag,Size 8.26 * 8.26inches

This counting board is designed to help kids learn to count to 100. It is made from high-quality wood material that is non-toxic and safe. Plus, it is excellent for helping kids learn number sequencing.

What We Love:

  • It comes with a cloth carrying bag for the number of pieces.
  • It can be used anywhere to practice counting.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • We could use some storage containers for the entire kit.

6. Learning Resources MathLink Cubes

Learning Resources MathLink Cubes - Set of 100 Cubes, Ages 5+ Kindergarten, STEM Activities, Math Manipulatives, Homeschool Supplies, Teacher Supplies

For kids that need a visual learning aid while learning math, these colorful cubes can help to make studying and learning engaging and entertaining. The set includes 100 cubes with different colors and has different shape cut-outs that help with learning shapes.

What We Love:

  • Can help with color identification and fine motor skills
  • Have an easy design and can be connected on all sides

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • It could come with a storage bag to keep the cubes together.

7. Learning Resources Minute Math Electronic Flash Card

Learning Resources Minute Math Electronic Flash Card, Homeschool, Early Algebra Skills, 3 Difficulty Levels, Ages 6+

Flashcards are an excellent way to learn math, and with this electronic flashcard machine, kids can easily brush up and learn math skills up to early algebra. It has three different difficulty levels, making it one of the best math toys for kids.

What We Love:

  • Can help kids practice all kinds of operations
  • It has a 60-second timed mode for practicing.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • Requires 3 AAA batteries, but the batteries are not included.

8. Osmo – Genius Starter Kit for Fire Tablet

No products found.

With this kit, kids can learn and practice different math equations. It also includes various learning games, including spelling. It doesn’t require any WiFi to play and has different levels for kids to work through.

What We Love:

  • Includes 7 different games
  • Promotes collaborative learning and various other skills

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • Requires a Fire Tablet to play

9. Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set, 83 Pieces, Ages 4+, Screen-Free Early Coding Toy for Kids, Interactive STEM Coding Pet

This set is designed to help kids learn programming fundamentals and sequencing. Plus, it is designed to help with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It provides various hands-on activities for kids to work through.

What We Love:

  • It comes with materials capable of building thousands of mazes.
  • It has a cute mouse character.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • The mouse requires 3 AAA batteries, but they are omitted.

10. Pressman Toy Double Six Wooden Dominoes

Pressman Toy Double Six Wooden Dominoes, 28 Pieces Wooden Dominoes Six

This dominoes set is made from high-quality wood and comes with a total of 28 large dice with a nice finish. They can be used to play a classic game of dominoes that helps kids recognize numbers and count.

What We Love:

  • This is a classic game that transcends generations
  • It can be played with up to four people

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • It needs a storage case for the dominoes.

11. Proof! Math Game

Proof Math Game - The Fast Paced Game of Mental Math Magic - Teachers’ Choice Award Winning Educational Game, Ages 9+

This game is designed to help kids practice their math skills, and it is designed to help improve their mental math skills. It will allow them to practice division, subtraction, multiplication, addition, and square roots to improve their math fundamentals. The game pieces are made from high-quality materials, making them durable.

What We Love:

  • Up to six players can play it.
  • It has easy-to-read rules that are easily adaptable.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • It could take a little longer to play than most.

12. Big Brain Academy

Big Brain Academy

This fun game for the Nintendo DS is a math game with up to 8 players playing simultaneously. Players must quickly solve fun and exciting math problems to win. It also has a special practice mode that helps kids to practice their math skills at different paces that suit their capabilities.

What We Love:

  • Keeps track of a kid’s progress
  • It provides an assortment of challenges.

We Don’t Like This As Much:

  • The host character is overly talkative.

How to find the best maths toys for kids:

  1. Age appropriateness: Choose toys that match the child’s age and development level. Avoid frustration by picking items that challenge without overwhelming them.
  2. Educational value: Opt for toys that foster problem-solving, logical reasoning, and mathematical thinking. Seek out toys involving counting, sorting, patterns, shapes, measurements, or basic arithmetic.
  3. Hands-on engagement: Prioritize toys that provide tangible learning experiences. Blocks, puzzles, and building sets allow kids to interact physically, deepening their understanding.
  4. Durability and quality: Ensure toys are well-made and durable to withstand regular play. Avoid potential hazards by checking for safe materials and avoiding choking risks.
  5. Open-mindedness: Look for toys with multiple approaches and possibilities. Toys that encourage creative problem-solving and critical thinking are valuable.
  6. Real-world application: Look for toys demonstrating how math relates to everyday life. Money, cooking, or measurement-related toys help children see math in action.
  7. Multiplayer options: If possible, choose toys for collaborative play with siblings, friends, or parents. Cooperative play enhances social skills and reinforces math concepts.
  8. Fun factor: Select toys that are enjoyable and engaging. Fun math toys spark curiosity, motivate exploration, and create positive associations with math.
  9. Reviews and recommendations: Seek insights from other parents, educators, or trusted sources. Their input can help you make informed decisions.

What other ways can you use toys to improve math?

It’s not just math toys that can help each math. You can also use your existing toys and items in your home to teach basic skills:

  1. Concrete Manipulation: Use toys for hands-on exploration of math concepts (e.g., counting blocks, pattern blocks).
  2. Counting and Sorting: Use toys for counting, sorting, and basic arithmetic (e.g., counting bears, colored blocks).
  3. Puzzles and Games: Engage children with math-themed puzzles and games (e.g., Sudoku, tangrams).
  4. Measurement Tools: Introduce tools like rulers and scales for measurement understanding.
  5. Money Play: Utilize play money and cash registers to teach money concepts.
  6. Building Sets: Foster spatial reasoning and geometry using construction toys (e.g., LEGO, building blocks).
  7. Math Apps and Digital Toys: Incorporate educational apps and interactive digital toys for math learning.
  8. Real-Life Scenarios: Use toy tools (e.g., grocery store playset) to apply math skills to practical situations. We found the best toy cash registers for kids.
  9. Problem-solving Challenges: Present math-based challenges and puzzles using toys

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