Samantha Lee / Business Insider
The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
- Technology-themed toys are a great way for kids to enjoy themselves while also honing skills that will be useful in the job market of their adult lives.
- STEM toys encourage critical thinking, logic, problem solving, and are often good for hand-eye coordination and fine motor muscle development as well.
- Here are 15 great toys for techie kids younger than 10 that will have them entertained, engaged, and even educated, all through play.
The problem with many of the STEM-themed, techie kids' toys out there these days is that they require parental assistance.
I can't tell you how many times my son has been working on a robot assembly project, using a science kit, or playing with a coding app and has needed my wife or me to help out with a particularly tricky step. Most of the time I'm more than happy to help out and to hang out even when he doesn't need a hand, but there are also plenty of occasions where there is adult stuff to be managed and I'd really like for him to just play independently.
Granted, my son is five, so I don't actually expect him to have mastered blockchain coding, LEGO construction, or basic chemistry - not without some assistance, anyway.
But whenever we do find a toy, art project, or other activity that he can thoroughly and independently enjoy, we make note of it. So you can trust that all of the techie toys on this list should are not only engaging and educational, but also should be suitable for kids under 10 to use with little or no help from mom or dad. Unless of course you want to join in; free time permitting, playing with tech toys is fun at any age, after all.
Still shopping for more gifts? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Find all the best offers at our Coupons page.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.