Toys That Teach Coding (ages 2-20)

Toys That Teach Coding (ages 2-20)

Why should you provide your kids with toys that teach coding? Our children are growing up in a digital age. Even before the great adventure that was 2020, more and more jobs were moving online, and today, just about everything we do and every item we interact with had some sort of coding involved to make it what it is today.

It’s becoming more important than ever that we teach our kids all about coding from a very young age, even before they are old enough to actually take online coding courses. That’s why parents everywhere are on the lookout for toys that teach coding. These toys will make good gift ideas for homeschoolers or any kid who wants to consider a future in STEM.

I actually have it on my radar to write a very detailed and helpful post on how to teach kids coding and what the best online coding courses are. Because believe me, I’ve probably tried just about all of them. But that is not on today’s agenda. Today’s agenda is toys and games that help kids learn the concepts of coding.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best toys that teach coding available on the internet today. This is not a conclusive list because things are always changing and new products are always being introduced. But as of this Christmas shopping season, these are the best coding toys.

And this list isn’t just for little kids. This list of the best coding toys is separated by age range, starting with toddlers and preschoolers, going all the way up to high schoolers. Just scroll to the age in question and you can begin your shopping journey. 

But first, let’s touch real fast on the basics of coding and the importance thereof.

What is Coding?

In basic terms, coding involves computer programming. The person behind this computer programming is typically called the programmer and in essence, they tell the computer exactly what to do. It’s actually how you’re reading this blog post right now. Someone created the template for the blog and all I have to do is stick my posts right in. A few clicks later, what I typed is published.

Phones, computers, tablets, even cars, ovens, and refrigerators are all programmed using coding of some kind. There are multiple coding languages, and each language has its pros and cons. The languages of today’s computers are much more complex than the very first computer language that consisted of only 1’s and 0’s. Nowadays coding is almost English, only much more complex. 

Some coding popular languages include:

• Python
• Java
• Javascript
• SQL
• C#
• C++

And this is barely the tip of the iceberg!

But enough about that. We’ll get more into detail on learning actual coding in another article. 

Benefits of Coding

There are so many benefits to learning coding beyond the obvious of using coding skills to secure a job or income. Beyond learning simple computer skills, kids also learn:

• problem-solving skills
• job demand and security
• creativity
• perseverance and consistency
• literacy skills (of a new language)

As you can see this goes hand in hand with just about everything else we’re already teaching our kids through other subjects. If you’re looking for unique ways to incorporate coding into your homeschool, consider the toy suggestions below. You’ll be quite surprised that although they’re toys, they are also educational.

18 Top Kids Toys to Teach Coding

The majority of these toys are inexpensive and start for children as young as 18 months! I’ve conveniently listed them by age to make searching and purchasing easier for you.

Toys for Teaching Toddlers and Preschoolers Coding (18 months to 3+ years)

These are some of the best toys for teaching toddlers and preschoolers coding. Little kids who have a future in STEM can start learning the basics of programming with these fun gift ideas.

Fisher-Price Code ‘n Learn Kinderbot

If you want to get your preschooler’s coding education off to the right start, take a look at this Fisher-Price Code ‘n Learn Kinderbot. This cute little robot teaches kids simple lessons such as color and shapes while also teaching kids how a robot will follow directions in a precise order, which is the most basic concept of coding. This is a very cute and child-friendly educational toy.

Robot Turtles Coding Board Game

Robot Turtles is a very fun game that we’ve owned for years. In fact, we first bought it off of Kickstarter almost a decade ago (or maybe it’s been more than a decade now? I lose track). This game is perfect for teaching preschoolers the basics of coding.

In Robot Turtles, kids need to ‘code’ their turtle and program it to reach the gem without hitting any obstacles. They must think ahead and play the appropriate cards and then see where their turtle goes. It’s very fun and appropriate for kids ages 3-8.

You might also like: Educational Board Games

Coding Toy Robot

This coding toy robot from REMOKING is perfect for little kids who are on the path to a STEM education. This little guy comes with a few accessories that, when shown to your robot, tell your little guy exactly what to do. He can recognize colors, play music, and even follow along to a black line when you draw on some paper. The perfect first coding toy for little ones.

Coding Toy Train

If your future coder loves trains, then take a look at this coding toy train! Your preschooler can build a train track and then ‘code’ the train to do exactly what he (or she) wants it to. Very cool for any train loving, techonology-generation child.

Toys for Teaching Elementary Students Coding (4 – 8 years)

Even younger kids can start learning how to code! Check out these cool toys for teaching coding to elementary kids.

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist

This caterpillar is another great option for kids who have a future in STEAM. Your kids can program this toy and tell it exactly where to go and what to do. There are more than 1000 available combinations! And the best part is your kids won’t even realize they’re learning.

Kids First Coding and Robotics Toy

Not only does this cute toy teach young elementary kids coding and robotics, it does it without any devices. This screen-free coding toy for kids allows youngsters to build, create, command, and program to their hearts’ content. This story-based Kids First Coding and Robotics includes 30 lessons for kids to follow.

Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

This Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set reminds me of the old-school Mouse Trap game. Only instead of building elaborate contraptions, your kids get to practice coding and programing their little mouse, guiding it through the maze. The Robot Mouse Activity Set is a fun and simple way to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and of course, coding skills.

Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set

Your kids can begin developing early STEM skills with this Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set. Your kids can learn coding skills with this cute robot while they tell this little guy where to go and what to do. Fun and educational too!

Gifts for Teaching Coding – Upper Elementary / Middle School (9 – 14 years)

Upper elementary students and middle school students who are interested in learning how to code will love these STEM gift ideas.

Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit

This My First Coding and Computer Science Kit by Playz is marketed as being appropriate for ages 6 through teen. It’s a fun, all-in-one kit that teaches kids how to code in very basic terms, all without a computer. Very fun gift idea for kids who are interested in learnig to code.

Ultimate Coding Kit 2

Ideal for kids 10+, this Ultimate Coding Kit 2 teaches kids how to code in a real coding language – C++ – without needing any prior coding experience. All 17 needed components are included in your kit so your kid is ready to go right after opening.

Osmo Coding Starter Kit for Fire Tablet

If your child has a Fire Tablet, then this Osmo Coding Starter Kit is going to be a great coding toy option! Using both physical and digital tools, your child can practice coding and programming skills while enjoying a stimulating game. Perfect for mid-upper elementary students.

Coding Piano STEAM Toy

This coding toy is like piano lessons times one million. Instead of learning to play music with piano keys, your kids can play beautiful music on a keyboard through the wonderful world of coding. Your kids will need a keyboard as well as a computer or laptop, but after that, this coding piano STEAM toy includes everything else they will need, including lessons.

Code Master Programming Logic Game

This Code Master Programming Logic Game is one of the best coding toys on the marker today. It’s actually a very fun board game that includes more than 60 levels on 10 different maps. Perfect for older kids who want to practice their critical thinking and coding skills.

Rocket Coding Toy

This rocket coding toy is good for boys and girls who dream of a future in STEM. 20 online lessons inspired by NASA teach kids how to code in a real coding language – C++ – will give your kids hours of coding and programming fun. No previous experience required!

Gifts for Teaching Coding to High School Students (15+ years)

Coding gifts for teens who are interested in coding, for your shopping convenience. These ideas are perfect for high school students who are intersted in programming or STEM.

Robot Car Starter Kit

OSOYOO Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino UNO

Hydrobot Arm Kit

Elenco Teach Tech “Hydrobot Arm Kit”, Hydraulic Kit

Snap Circuits Snapino

Snap Circuits Snapino – Making Coding A Snap

Programmable Mechanical Robot Coding Kit

Elenco Teach Tech “Mech-5”, Programmable Mechanical Robot Coding Kit

No matter what age and grade your child is, you’re sure to find some amazing gifts and toys that teach coding! 

I’d love to hear from you. What are some of your child’s favorite coding games and activities? Let me know in the comments below.

Related Coding and STEAM Posts:

Ideas for STEAM Based Homeschooling

The Best Online Coding Classes for Kids

Thanksgiving STEM Activities

Christmas STEM Activities