Prime Day Toy Deals: Engaging Your Kids Without the Screen Time
Summer break is a time for fun, adventure, and making memories with your family. But it can also be a time of endless "I’m bored" pronouncements from your kids. While screen time might be tempting, it’s essential to find ways to engage them without resorting to digital distractions. Prime Day offers a fantastic opportunity to stock up on engaging toys and games that spark creativity, encourage learning, and provide quality family time.
This curated selection of deals, tested and approved by WIRED’s kids, is designed to provide a break from screens and encourage both fun and intellectual stimulation. From construction kits to rock tumblers to classic board games, these picks guarantee hours of entertainment and learning for kids of all ages.
Let’s dive into the deals:
Cultivating Creativity with Construction Kits
Clixo Magnetic Building Tiles: These colorful, versatile tiles offer endless possibilities for building three-dimensional shapes, animals, and more. Their magnetic snap-together design makes them easy for little hands to manipulate, and the durable, washable pieces can be packed away neatly for easy storage. The best part? They don’t require a flat surface, making them perfect for on-the-go fun! "My entire family loved Clixo’s colourful, versatile, snap-together magnetic pieces," says WIRED contributor Simon Hill.
Magna-Tiles: These classic building tiles are a true investment in long-lasting entertainment. The translucent, attractive tiles allow for hours of imaginative play, from simple shapes to intricate structures. Their durability means they can withstand years of use, and their endless expandability allows kids to grow with the sets. "The return on investment for Magna-Tiles astounds me," shares Adrienne So, another WIRED contributor.
OffBits: Combining special components with common household hardware like nuts and screws, OffBits kits allow kids to build robots, creatures, and vehicles. The unique assembly tool and open-ended design encourage creativity and problem-solving. "My daughter enjoyed putting the UnicornBit together, and it’s easy to modify the designs and get creative," notes Simon Hill.
STEM Fun: Beyond the Screen
National Geographic Rock Tumbler: For the budding geologist in your family, this rock tumbler is a perfect way to turn ordinary rocks into treasures. After a rockhounding expedition, children can simply pop in their specimens, swap out the polishing grits, and let the machine do its magic. The result? Smooth, polished stones that are worth displaying and showcasing their newfound knowledge. "This rock tumbler is one of the best STEM toys for kids," says Louryn Strampe, a WIRED writer.
Lego Flower Bouquet: This gorgeous Lego set allows kids to build 16 individual, adjustable stems, showcasing a stunning array of blooms. The process is both fun and calming, nurturing fine motor skills and providing a sense of accomplishment. "I’ve built almost all of the Lego flower sets, and this one is by far my favourite," shares Louryn Strampe, highlighting its allure for adults and children alike.
Plush Companions and Sensory Delights
Squishmallows: These irresistibly soft and squishy plush toys are perfect for cuddling, napping, and simply enjoying a comforting hug. The 16-inch size is perfect for lounging and provides a welcome alternative to traditional pillows. "I impulse-bought my first Squishmallow a few Black Fridays ago, and the rest, as they say, is history," reveals Louryn Strampe, showcasing the undeniable appeal of these cuddly companions.
Melissa & Doug Sticker Books: These sticker books are a lifesaver for parents on the go. They provide hours of entertainment for toddlers, keeping them occupied during long car rides, restaurant visits, or even just a quiet afternoon at home. "These sticker books are my secret power to taking my toddler anywhere that involves sitting down and waiting for longer than two minutes," explains Nena Farrell, a WIRED writer.
Learning Through Play: Educational Games and Toys
Yoto Player: This charming little speaker provides access to a world of audio content without the need for a smartphone. Kids can listen to stories, music, and podcasts by simply inserting cards on the top. Blank cards are also available, enabling them to create their own content. "My 7- and 9-year-olds love the Yoto," states Adrienne So, emphasizing its popularity with children.
PlayShifu Orboot Earth: This interactive globe brings learning about the world to life. Through a companion app and augmented reality technology, children can scan the globe to discover fascinating facts about landmarks, animals, cuisines, and more. "Budding explorers can use this interactive globe to learn about the nations of the world," explains Simon Hill.
Rubik’s Cube Twist: This Bluetooth-enabled Rubik’s Cube offers a unique twist on the classic puzzle. Smart sensors inside the cube connect to an app on your phone, offering guidance and strategies to improve solve times. "It can teach you strategies to help you reduce your solve-time, and it’s fun to compete with your family," notes Simon Hill.
Family Fun: Game Night Done Right
Azul: Inspired by the Royal Palace of Evora in Portugal, this tile-based game challenges players to create stunning mosaics by matching patterns and colours. It’s easy to grasp but offers layers of strategic depth, making it enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned board gamers. "One of the most popular family board games in our house, Azul is easy to grasp but supports many different tactical approaches and has surprising depth," says Simon Hill.
Exploding Kittens: This quick and easy card game is perfect for a family game night. It’s based on classic card games but with a modern twist, offering just enough complexity to keep things interesting. "Want a quick and easy card game for family board game night?" asks Simon Hill, emphasizing its accessibility.
Codenames Duet: This cooperative word association game provides a unique challenge for families. Two players work as a team, using clues to decipher secret codes and identify their agents before time runs out. "This game is a great way to exercise your verbal and mental agility," states a WIRED reviewer, highlighting its collaborative nature.
Ticket to Ride: Gather resources and lay track to connect cities in this engaging strategy game. It’s a perfect choice for families who enjoy travel themes and strategic planning. "It’s easy to get the hang of and only takes around an hour to finish," notes Simon Hill.
The Chameleon: In this social deduction game, players try to deduce who is the Chameleon – the only player who is assigned a word that differs from everyone else’s. It’s a fun and engaging way to test your social skills and deduction abilities. "The Chameleon is a hilarious, fast-paced game that encourages creative thinking and careful observation," notes a WIRED reviewer.
Pandemic: This cooperative board game puts you in the role of a team of disease-fighting specialists racing against time to stop the spread of devastating diseases. It’s a perfect choice for families who enjoy working together to overcome challenges. "Pandemic is a classic cooperative game that encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and a sense of accomplishment," explains a WIRED reviewer.
The Mind: This unique card game challenges players to work together to lay down their cards in ascending numerical order, without communicating with one another. It’s a clever and engaging game that requires careful observation and strategic thinking. "The Mind is a fascinating game that tests your ability to think ahead and anticipate your opponents’ moves," says a WIRED reviewer.
Beyond the Deals: Choosing the Right Toys and Games
When choosing toys and games for your kids, consider their individual interests, age, and developmental needs. Don’t be afraid to explore different options and try new things. Look for toys and games that promote creativity, critical thinking, social interaction, and problem-solving.
Prime Day is a fantastic opportunity to snag great deals on toys and games that will keep your kids engaged and entertained all summer long.
Don’t let boredom dictate your summer – embrace the joy of play and create lasting memories with these Prime Day finds!