Halloween is upon us but it needn’t just be a sweet-filled affair. Education is available too, especially with these fabulous and freaky gifts, games and toys.
Play Dough Recipe
Anyone who has visited my blogs before will know about my long-term love of play dough as a great, all-round educational prop. My tried and tested recipe can be found here – Things to do with playdough – add glitter and glow in the dark colouring for extra spookiness.
Carnivorous Plants
If the Venus fly trap tempted you, these delightful Sow & Grow kits are perfect for little green fingers. There’s a bug eating version and a monster version, too. A gardening kit designed for tiny hands completes the picture.
Modelling Monsters
Modelling monsters out of crafty bits and pieces is tons of fun. Kids will be developing language, imagination and story telling as the build their creations, not to mention fine motor skills and dexterity. If your kids enjoy lego and other construction toys, try Zoob’s Creepy Glow Creatures.
They’ll still be developing stories and fine motor skills but with the addition of 60 pieces that can clip together to make endless combinations, the fun is really stepped up a notch. Plus, the models can actually move and there are glow in the dark pieces too – perfect for Halloween!
If your kids are really monster mad, then this Monster Bowling Set could be just the ticket. Suitable for children over 2 years and in fun, funky colours, it’s a game toddlers will adore but the whole family can join in, too – it’s harder than it looks!!
Kids will practice dexterity when aiming and throwing the ball. It’s a good one for teaching team work and taking turns too. Important skills that are easily disguised with this fun game.
One of the most popular gifts on what2buy4kids are the Poppers – you squeeze the middle of the toy and soft foam balls come flying out. It’s endless, safe fun for all the family. And it just so happens there’s a monster version too – ideal for Halloween. When you squeeze this one, foam eye balls come flying out!
Furthering the monster theme, is this voice changer. I struggle to make an educational connection but it will certainly shock, surprise and entertain – the perfect trick for Halloween? There’s two available on the site – one is in the shape of a monster and one looks more like a walkie talkie or calculator – a good option for older kids.
Science Special
These fantastic science and magic kits take ‘Trick or Treat’ to a whole new level. Quality chemistry sets are available for children as young as eight and inspire a world of awe and wonder. If you’re keen to get your kids thinking about the unbelievable, chemistry is a great place to start!
Kids First Chemistry Set calls for a few everyday household items and then contains every thing kids need to conduct 25 experiments.
This set from KidzLabs makes a Tornado from a recycled plastic bottle – weird, wonderful and environmentally friendly.
This is one of my favourites for inspiring kids to really get into science. Magic and science are so closely connected but often one is considered more exciting than the other. This fab Science Magic Kit bridges the gap. Suitable for children over 8.
Game Changer
My final gift for Halloween is the witchy Magic Cauldron Game. Kids must solve maths puzzles before they can cast spells. For extra magic, the answers are magically revealed when you rub the cards. It’s perfect for ages 5-8 and can be played with 2-4 players. Spectacularly spooky stuff!
Lisa is the managing director of what2buy4kids. Lisa’s wish is to make your job of finding a gift for the children in your life easier, or help you to take some of the time and frustration out of the search for that special gift for kids.
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