Best educational toys for children

Toys and games aren't just for entertainment, and you can encourage your kids to learn and develop key skills with the right educational toys. Here are 10 of the best educational toys for 2015 that should be available from your local retailers.

10. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit

Give your budding scientist all the tools they need to create colourful chemical reactions and bubbling volcanoes at home. This best-selling chemistry kit is safe for responsible children to use without supervision, and is sure to develop a life-long interest in how things work.

9. SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body

These squishy organs won't be for everyone, but kids who are curious about how the body works will have all their questions answered with fun activities and an informative fact book.

8. Fascinations First Time Clock Puzzle

Young gadget geeks can learn how to tell the time while putting together their own working clock by following clear instructions. It doesn't even need batteries!

7. Magna-Tiles

If you're looking for a construction kit with a difference, this set of 32 coloured magnets offers endless possibilities for creating three-dimensional structures and patterns, suitable for ages 3 and over.

6. Qwirkle

This award-winning puzzle game will tax all the family's brain cells, as you mix and match wooden blocks according to shape or colour.

5. Robot Turtles

Based on the classic Logo programming language, this Kickstarter-funded board game teaches the basics of programming to kids aged 4 and over without even needing to switch on the computer.

4. OWI Solar Robot Kit

You'll never have to worry about batteries again when your resident engineer puts together an army of creative robots powered by the sun.

3. LeapFrog Scribble and Write

LeapFrog is the leader in interactive educational toys, and the Scribble and Write uses sound and vision to encourage little ones to practice writing their ABCs and numbers.

2. VTech InnoTab

An affordable alternative to LeapFrog tablets, VTech's InnoTab is filled with fun educational games and activities, as well as being a great introduction to computers.

1. Elenco Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Kit

The number one educational toy for 2015, this kit gives kids aged 8 and up everything they need to build more than 100 working circuits with light, sound and movement.

If there's a birthday coming up or you're getting ready for Christmas, head to your local toy store to find more inspiring toys and games suitable for all ages.