Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief  Marissa DiBartolo joined Afternoon Live on Portland’s KATU to show off some of the best new toys that also teach. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.

EXPLORE AND WRITE ACTIVITY DESK

The Explore and Write Activity Desk features an interactive desktop and five pages to explore that are filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more. The writing pad with light-up display lets kids practice writing by tracing letters, numbers and shapes with a stylus. The desk transforms into an easel and chalkboard…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $54.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

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JUNKBOTS

Dig through junk to reveal hidden treasures and clues /to build one of 36 collectibles. Mix and match pieces to customize your own characters. Animate the bots with a motor or dynamic vibrations and a light-up energy core.r

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99; $25.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 3+

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The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

GEOSAFARI JR. TALKING MICROSCOPE

Kids look, listen, and learn as wildlife-warrior Bindi Irwin shares kid-friendly facts about nature! Take a closer look with the only talking microscope for preschoolers packed with photo-quality images and audio about the amazing, up-close world of animals, plants, everyday items, and more. The Talking Microscope introduces children to a real scientific tool that provides…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99; $64.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 4+

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The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

SURPRISE RIDE SUBSCRIPTION

Each month, Fat Brain Toys will send families a special package containing a surprise project for kids to create and explore. Kits explore science, history, animals, geography, fantasy, and more. Every kit includes all project supplies, a reading book, a keepsake, and simple step-by-step photo instructions. Choose either the 12-month, 6-month, or month-to-month subscription! Encourages…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.95 (one month), $149.70 (6 months), $299.40 (12 months)
  • Age:
  • 5+

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The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLOW IN THE DARK MARBLE RUN – 80 PIECE

Kids build a twisting, turning marble run and race incredible glow-in-the-dark marbles! This construction kit features 10 sturdy bases, 55 action pieces, and 135 smooth-run tube pieces to make endless configurations possible.The six different colors of glow-in-the-dark glass marbles can be recharged quickly with the UV light. Marbles can easily be stored when not in…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

BIG BOGGLE

The family-favorite for more than 30 years is back and bigger than ever. For the first time, a “Double Letter” cube makes it easier to form valuable words. Features more cubes and letters than the original game.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.95
  • Age:
  • 8+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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