#USA #New York #Toy Association #Back to School #STEAM toys

The Toy Association Unveils the 2025 Back-to-School STEAM Toy Shopping List

As the back-to-school season approaches, families are gearing up to purchase essential supplies, but The Toy Association™ encourages a shift in focus towards engaging and educational toys that stimulate young minds. This year, they proudly introduce the 2025 "Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List," featuring a selection of 15 outstanding toys that seamlessly blend learning with play. Each toy has not only earned The Toy Association’s distinguished "STEAM Stamp of Approval" but also has received recognition from child development experts at The Good Play Guide™.

According to Adrienne Appell, the executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association, parents are increasingly searching for toys that offer both fun and educational benefits. "More than ever, parents are looking for playthings that serve double duty, offering something fun that also gives their child an academic edge," she stated. "Toys are the tools of play, and they are also terrific for building lifelong skills and sharpening young minds ahead of the school year."

The Top 15 STEAM Toys for 2025

The toys on this year's coveted list are:
1. 100 Wood Blocks Set by Melissa & Doug
2. 12" Pro Balance Bike by Strider Sports Int'l Inc.
3. 400 KEVA Planks Maple with Canvas Tote by KEVA Planks
4. Bobby Fischer Learn to Play Chess by Wood Expressions
5. CONNETIX 48 Piece Roads Creative Pack by Connetix
6. Cooper the STEM Robot Classroom Set by Learning Resources
7. Giant Butterfly Garden by Insect Lore
8. Learn to Build - Basic Mix by Plus-Plus USA
9. Mega Magic Set by Blue Marble
10. Ollyball 22" MEGA-Sized PLANET EARTH by VICTURY SPORTS LLC
11. Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES
12. Rolly Poly by Math For Love LLC
13. TOSY Magnet Cubes by RoboFi
14. Wise Block - Military Helicopter by Alpha Toys
15. Wooden Microscope by QToys

Evaluating for Excellence

Every toy included in the list has successfully undergone a meticulous evaluation process, grounded in The Toy Association's "STEAM Toy Assessment Framework." This framework was developed in conjunction with The Good Play Guide. The evaluation comprised play sessions with children, followed by assessments from child development experts, ensuring that each toy not only entertains but also enriches learning through hands-on engagement.

The 2025 list highlights a diverse array of educational toys ranging from hand-on kits that help children explore the natural world to construction sets that introduce engineering concepts, alongside games that enhance strategic thinking. This selection exemplifies how children can learn effectively both in classrooms and homes through immersive and imaginative play rooted in real-world themes.

Commitment to Educational Play

In its fifth year, the STEAM Toy Accreditation Program aims to guide families and educators in identifying toys that foster essential developmental outcomes. Consistent with its mission, The Toy Association advocates for the educational benefits of play and actively supports research initiatives and consumer resources through platforms like TheGeniusofPlay.org.

Families seeking to further explore the accreditation process or browse additional STEAM-accredited toys can visit toyassociation.org/STEAM. For further inquiries, they can also contact [email protected].

About The Toy Association

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association, Inc. serves as the business trade association representing all stakeholders involved in the creation and distribution of toys and entertainment products for children. With an annual economic impact of $155.7 billion and a robust membership of approximately 900 companies, the association plays a significant role in leading the U.S. toy industry that boasts a $42 billion domestic market. It champions the developmental advantages of play, endorsing its vital role in childhood growth.

In addition to its advocacy work, The Toy Association is also the organizer of the renowned Toy Fair™ held in New York City and champions toy safety regulations, contributing to the development of comprehensive safety standards over the years. Its charitable branch, The Toy Foundation™, has actively worked to deliver the joys of play to millions of children in need across the globe.

For more information about The Toy Association, visit toyassociation.org.