Play with Purpose: The Top 10 Educational Toys for Every Age

At Revivco, we believe play isn’t just about passing time — it’s how children make sense of their world. The right educational toy can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help kids develop essential life skills, all while having fun. Whether your little one is exploring textures for the first time or tackling their first coding challenge, here’s our guide to the best learning toys for every age group across Australia and New Zealand.

1. Infants (0 – 12 months)

In the first year, babies learn through touch, sound, and movement. Soft sensory toys with different textures, colours, and gentle sounds encourage exploration and help build neural connections. Look for baby-safe materials and simple features like mirrors or crinkly fabrics that invite discovery.

Play tip: Follow your baby’s lead — even short bursts of sensory play can help strengthen focus and curiosity.

2. Toddlers (1 – 3 years)

At this stage, little hands are ready to build, stack, and sort. Wooden blocks, shape sorters, and stacking towers promote coordination and problem-solving. Choose toys made from sustainable, durable materials — perfect for Aussie and Kiwi toddlers who love to explore (and sometimes throw).

Play tip: Narrate what you’re doing together — it boosts language development and connection.

3. Preschoolers (3 – 5 years)

Creativity and imagination bloom here. Puzzles, counting games, and early art kits support literacy and numeracy in fun, hands-on ways. Pretend play sets like kitchens, tool benches, or doctors’ kits help kids understand real-world roles while improving communication skills.

Play tip: Mix open-ended toys with guided activities to balance creativity and structure.

4. Kindergarten (5 – 6 years)

This is when curiosity meets capability. STEM toys — such as magnetic tiles, beginner science kits, or simple robotics — introduce key problem-solving concepts. Strategy board games like Connect 4 or Guess Who? also encourage patience, focus, and teamwork.

Play tip: Encourage “why” questions — they’re the foundation of scientific thinking.

5. Early Primary (6 – 8 years)

Kids this age love to experiment and build. Coding robots, interactive science kits, and solar-powered projects make learning active and exciting. Look for toys that align with Australia’s and New Zealand’s STEM curriculum — they’ll keep kids engaged well beyond homework time.

Play tip: Celebrate progress, not perfection — it builds a growth mindset.

6. Upper Primary (9 – 11 years)

Older kids thrive on challenges that require creativity and logic. Advanced LEGO® sets, art and craft kits, and brain-teaser puzzles are perfect for developing planning and perseverance. Projects that take a few days (like model kits or mini science experiments) encourage patience and independent thinking.

Play tip: Give them space to make mistakes — it’s how real learning happens.

7. Pre-teens (12 – 14 years)

Pre-teens are ready for projects that mimic real-world problem-solving. Try DIY electronics, engineering kits, or robotics sets that require planning and iteration. These activities foster independence, critical thinking, and early interest in STEM pathways.

Play tip: Encourage collaboration with friends or siblings — teamwork amplifies learning.

8. Teenagers (15 – 17 years)

Teenagers benefit from toys that challenge their reasoning and creativity — think complex puzzles, strategy board games, or coding kits. With more access to digital tools, teens can now design, build, and even code their own games or gadgets.

Play tip: Let them take the lead. Ownership fuels deeper engagement.

9. Young Adults (18 +)

Learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Advanced robotics, design kits, or brain-training games provide rewarding downtime while developing problem-solving and spatial reasoning. Perfect for uni students or young adults who love hands-on creativity.

Play tip: Play is the antidote to burnout — it recharges focus and creativity.

10. Adults & Lifelong Learners

At Revivco, we see play as a lifelong habit. DIY science kits, coding challenges, and memory-boosting games can help adults unwind while learning something new. Whether it’s building with your kids or tackling a puzzle solo, purposeful play keeps the mind sharp and the spirit curious.

Play tip: Share moments of play with your kids — it models curiosity and strengthens connection.

Final Thought

No matter your child’s age, the best educational toys are those that evolve with them — sparking joy, curiosity, and confidence at every stage.

Play with purpose. Learn for life.