5 top educational toys for your children this holiday

If you have little ones on your holiday shopping list and you aren't sure what to buy them, an educational toy is always a hit with both parents and kids.

One of my childrens' favorites are the Magformers. Think magnet magic. These geometric magnets are so cool and will give your children hours of fun as they build endless geometric structures. These are great for kids 5-13. $34.99

Kate Tanner from Toystop Specialty Toys and Books gives us 5 more great educational gift ideas for your kids.

1: FantaColor $29.99
This comes from an Italian toy maker and encourages creativity and stimulates intuitive reasoning. It's loads of fun for the toddler and preschool child. This set has 48 large chunky pegs, 16 large picture cards, stable pegboard, storage and a convenient carry handle.
 

2: "I Built It!" Games $49.99
Build your own custom checkers set in just minutes! No one else will have a game like yours. Fun, new, "changeable" game pieces twist open so you can add your own pictures into EVERY piece..... and then PLAY! With "I Built It" game, your chess set becomes your family tradition from family pictures to vacation pictures to hand drawn favorites from the grandchildren!

3: Big Bag of Science $39.99
This is big. We mean really BIG! The Big Bag of Science is meant to amaze you and your friends with over 70 activities. Make a blizzard of snow, erupt a 30' geyser, find the iron in your breakfast cereal, learn why you hate vegetables, make water disappear, and so much more. Safety tested, with experiments for learning about chemistry, physics, climate, biology, and magnets, this set is amazing! (Your next science fair project will be outstanding.)
 

4: EZyRoller $99.99
Award Winning EZyRoller, the New Zealand sensation that is fast becoming an American favorite. Roll on down your street with the ultimate riding machine! No chains, pedals, or batteries- just you! It glides smoothly like a snake using the right/left movements of feet on the push bar. It has tough, long lasting all steel frame and fork as well as a highly stable low center of gravity. It's prefect on flat smooth outdoor or indoor surfaces! And what's more?? IT GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD. That's right! The Ezy Roller is extendable (with included extensions): from 5 years (3'3") to 14 years old and above (5'5"). Don't forget your riding helmet! Choose your color; assembly required.
 

5: Tickle Monster Book Set $34.99
Here comes the tickle monster! Tickle Monster Laughter Kit will bring delight, giggling, and hours of enjoyment to your family. Two big, fluffy blue mitts with poke through finger holes make page turning and tickling easy! Makes the most awesome gift from a grandparent, because who is really the best at inspiring silly fun? Every child needs story time before bed!