Parents know that sometimes it's better to give in and leave them their beloved devices just to keep the peace. If you're struggling to get these gadgets out of your kids' sweaty little hands, why not use them to your (or rather their) advantage? Just because they won this battle for tech privileges doesn't mean you've failed as a parent. There are better and easier ways to win the war. Screen time doesn't always mean a complete waste of time, and there are ways to use it productively so everyone gets what they want. These ten extremely educational games and toys below are just some of the best ways to turn that screen time into learning time, and they'll make some amazing gifts this holiday season. Don't worry; There is no danger here that the children will open their presents on Christmas morning and be disappointed. We've made sure the educational gifts in this holiday gift guide are as fun and entertaining as they are informative.
Fire 8 Kids Edition Tablet
One-stop shop for media consumption
Features Best For: Preschoolers & School-Aged Kids Reasons To Buy + Loaded With Subscription Content + Sturdy Construction Reasons To Avoid - Unimpressive Specs You can't always protect kids from the harmful content they'll find on the internet. Fortunately, devices like the Fire 7 Kids Edition tablet are specially designed with child safety in mind. Not only does this Amazon tablet come with a ton of kid-friendly content (most of which is educational and entertaining), via a free one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, but its parental controls are super easy too. to use for parents who are not tech savvy. . Plus, it comes in a child-resistant case, so it's built to last.Osmo Genius Kit for iPad
STEM for kids
Reasons to buy + Great games + Games are quite challenging Reasons to avoid -Not compatible with older iPads Now is the best time to gently introduce our mini-months into the wonderful world of STEM, and the Osmo Genius iPad Kit could be the best way to interest them. It is full of simple math equations, creative problem-solving puzzles, and physics problems. It will even teach them spelling, vocabulary and drawing. Complete with tangram puzzle pieces, number and word tiles, and five game apps, this will keep kids busy through the New Year and beyond.Kerbal space program
Learn physics through engaging game
Features Best For: Tweens and Teens Reasons to Buy + Applies real principles of physics and aerodynamics + Fun and entertaining Reasons to Avoid -That's enough to be frustrating You won't be able to get your gaming addicted tweens and teens off the PC with the program Kerbal space. This indie game can be like any attractive title, allowing players to take control of a space facility and guide scientists and astronauts in building and launching a spaceship. However, this is quite difficult if the actual principles of physics and aerodynamics are used, which players must understand for the success of the space program. It is as fun and entertaining as it is educational.Opus magnum
Where alchemy, engineering and imagination meet
Reasons to buy + Encourages collaboration + Beautiful game with a compelling story Reasons to avoid -Might never want to stop playing Many of the games tend to be linear adventures or hack and slash affairs that leave little for one's creativity to explore, but that is not the case with Opus Magnum. It is an open-ended puzzle that takes place in a world where alchemy and engineering are closely related. And it invites teens to build transmutation machines that create alchemical processes. While there are goals to build these machines, players can upgrade them in any way they see fit, which is just the ticket to spark their imaginations.Botzees AR Coding Robot for Kids
Learn to code, learn to build
Reasons to buy + Great for learning to code + Good introduction to AR Reasons to avoid -Your device needs ARKit or ARCore support Combining robotics with creativity and imagination, Botzees award-winning AR coding robot for kids doesn't just let kids build their own robot, but also allows them to play 30 games and solve puzzles with its help through augmented reality (AR). Hell, it'll even teach them coding concepts, as well as the value of building things with their bare hands. It's the perfect gift under the tree, whether you have children who are interested in science or young children who love to create.Smart circuits
For future engineers
Reasons to Buy + Great Educational Tool + Hours of Educational Fun Reasons to Avoid - Slightly Fragile Kids Have your hands full with the budding electrical or computer engineer in the family? The Smart Circuits Science Kit will keep your little DIY enthusiast entertained for hours with its modular system of lights, sounds, and sensors. It comes with 48 batteries, LED lights, buttons, jumper cables, and tilt switches, plus a 48-page illustrated manual with fun projects easy enough for kids ages 8 and up. With this kit, your child can build their own PC or robot even before reaching puberty.Piper Computer Kit
Building your own PC has never been easier
Features Best For: Kids 8 and up Reasons to Buy + Comes with screen, speaker, and mouse + Can be a family activity Reasons to Avoid -No Keyboard One of the best PCs on the market, the Raspberry Pi was originally designed for cheering children to program. However, with the Piper Computer Kit, kids can go even further by learning and building their own PCs. This science kit may be a bit more expensive than most of the offerings in this gift guide, but it's well worth it. It even has a 9-inch screen, a built-in DIY speaker, and a rechargeable battery—all that kids can fit into its natural wood frame. It also comes with 11 coding projects so you can create your own games right after.LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
Robotics for older children
Reasons to buy +5 different projects + Great for logic and problem solving Reasons to avoid -Application is finicky While the Botzees AR coding robot is great for young kids, the LEGO Boost creative toolkit is better suited for tweens and teens interested in STEM (and robotics, in particular). With 847 LEGO pieces, a choice of five multifunctional robot models and the LEGO Boost app to code and control them, building this robotics kit could be the perfect way to spend Christmas morning with your kids. passionate about STEM.Minecraft
A game that stimulates the imagination and inspires exploration.
Features Ideal for: students and seniors
Reasons to buy + Available for Chromebook + Infinite play Reasons to avoid -Requires a lot of patience No need to introduce Minecraft. As a global phenomenon, the game has inspired countless souls to build their own little piece of heaven. Whether you're building your own village, competing or cooperating with other players, or recreating entire scenes or movie sets (as many have), this sandbox game offers endless fun and exploration. And it will allow children to take the tools of the game as far as their imaginations can take them. Today's Best Deals Roundup Save $40 on Fire HD 8 Kids... Osmo STEM Genius Starter Kit... Piper Computer Kit (2016... LEGO Boost 847 Pieces Creative...