Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined Fox 19 in Cincinnati to show off the smartest STEM and educational toys of the holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.
CANDY VENDING MACHINE

Kids can build and experiment with their own toy vending machine. They will explore lessons in physics, math, and mechanical engineering as they construct and play with the finished product.
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MAGIC ADVENTURES MICROSCOPE

Kids can zoom in on eight double-sided smart slides that activate BBC videos and images, or use the reusable slides and the sample tray to collect their own discoveries. The microscope also has games and quizzes.
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PROFESSOR MAXWELL’S VR ATLAS

Discover the world in virtual reality with this 138-page interactive illustrated atlas for kids. Kids can explore points of interest, landmarks, and world wonders in augmented and virtual reality. The set includes 30 pieces loaded with projects and activities to inspire tangible play, while discovering cities, cultures, food, currency, and language from all over the…
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PINXIES BUTTERFLY HOT AIR BALLOON

Designed to inspire storytelling, this STEM-based construction set includes graphic paperboard panels, colorful plastic building links, accessories, and stickers that kids can use to build a hot air balloon. It’s compatible with other Pinxies building sets.