As the festive season approaches or birthdays come around, parents and caregivers across the UK find themselves on the hunt for gifts that bring joy while also providing lasting value. At Edx Education, we believe that the best toys are those that not only entertain but also educate, encouraging children to explore, learn, and grow all while having fun. This is why open-ended educational toys make the perfect gift.
These versatile toys can be used in countless ways, sparking creativity, fostering problem-solving skills, and supporting a child’s development in essential areas such as maths, science, and fine motor skills. Plus, they allow children to learn without even realising it!
Here, we’ll explore some of our most popular open-ended educational toys—Maths Cube Learning Set, Hundred Board Activity Set, MyGears®, Skeletal Starter Geo Set, and 3D Stacking Puzzles and how they can transform playtime into an engaging learning experience.
What Are Open-Ended Toys and Why Do They Matter?
Open-ended toys are designed to encourage creativity and exploration. Unlike single-purpose toys, they don’t have a fixed outcome or way of being played with. This means children can use their imagination to create, build, and experiment in their own way, allowing for endless opportunities to learn through play.
These toys align perfectly with the play-based learning philosophy at Edx Education, helping children develop critical skills while making learning enjoyable and stress-free.
Top Picks for Open-Ended Educational Toys
Maths cubes are a staple in every home or classroom focused on early education. These colourful, interlocking cubes can be used to teach basic maths concepts like counting, addition, subtraction, and even fractions.
But their potential doesn’t stop at maths! Children can also use them to build structures, fostering spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and even teamwork if they’re working with siblings or friends.
What’s magical about the Maths Cube Learning Set is that children often see the activity as “building” or “creating,” rather than “doing maths.” This is learning without realising at its finest!
The Hundred Board Activity Set is another fantastic tool for developing early maths skills. Children can use it to practice counting, number patterns, and sequencing. By manipulating the board and tiles, they build number recognition and an understanding of mathematical concepts like odd and even numbers.
This tactile, hands-on approach is ideal for children who learn best by doing rather than simply observing, turning abstract concepts into something tangible and fun.
For budding engineers and curious tinkerers, MyGears® is a game-changer. This set introduces children to basic mechanics and engineering concepts through the assembly of colourful gears and cogs.
As children figure out how to fit the pieces together and make them move, they’re not just playing—they’re learning about cause and effect, problem-solving, and even the foundations of physics. And because there’s no single “right” way to build, every play session offers a new opportunity for discovery and experimentation.
The Skeletal Starter Geo Set allows children to explore shapes, geometry, and construction. By connecting the rods and joints, they can create everything from simple 2D shapes to complex 3D structures.
This hands-on experience is perfect for teaching STEM concepts in a way that feels more like play than a lesson. It also nurtures spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills as children figure out how to bring their ideas to life.
These puzzles are a brilliant mix of fun and learning. Children can stack and balance pieces in countless ways, fostering creativity and hand-eye coordination. Along the way, they’re developing problem-solving skills, learning about symmetry, and exploring the concept of balance.
The open-ended nature of stacking puzzles ensures that children of different ages can use them in unique ways, making them a long-lasting and versatile gifts.
The Gift of Learning Without Realising
One of the greatest benefits of open-ended educational toys is their ability to teach children without them even realising they’re learning. While they’re building towers, piecing together puzzles, or creating mechanical systems, they’re developing foundational skills that will serve them for years to come.
At Edx Education, we aim to make learning joyful and accessible. Our toys are designed to support a wide range of developmental areas, from fine motor skills and cognitive growth to social and emotional learning. And with our downloadable resources and the Play, Learn & Create podcast, parents and caregivers can find even more ways to make playtime meaningful.
A Thoughtful Gift for Every Child
If you’re looking for a gift that offers endless possibilities for creativity, exploration, and growth, open-ended educational toys are the way to go. Not only will they bring hours of enjoyment, but they’ll also support your child’s development in ways that are both fun and fulfilling.
This holiday season—or any time of year—give the gift of learning through play with Edx Education. Explore our range of toys and resources today and make playtime a time for learning, bonding, and discovery!
Explore Our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Ready to give the gift of joyful learning and endless play? Don’t miss out on the incredible Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on our wide range of educational toys and resources. Visit www.shopedx.co.uk to explore discounts on our bestsellers like the Maths Cube Learning Set, Hundred Board Activity Set, MyGears®, Skeletal Starter Geo Set, and 3D Stacking Puzzles.
Take advantage of these limited-time offers to stock up on meaningful gifts that inspire creativity, foster development, and make learning fun for the little ones in your life. Let’s make this season of giving truly unforgettable—with play-based learning at the heart of it all!