15 Best Educational Toys for Babies in 2025
July 21, 2025
Overview
In this comprehensive guide, we've curated a list of the 15 best educational toys for babies in 2025, designed to stimulate early learning and development. From interactive playthings to sensory experiences, each toy is carefully selected to foster curiosity, encourage exploration, and support crucial developmental milestones. Discover the perfect educational tools to engage your baby's mind, promote cognitive skills, and provide endless hours of fun and learning, all while ensuring safety and age-appropriateness.
Our picks
The Best Sensory Toys for Early Exploration: Bauhaus Floating Blocks, $35.00
The Most Engaging Interactive Toy for Cognitive Growth: VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker, $39.99
The Best Musical Instrument for Auditory Skills: Baby Einstein Wooden Drum, $19.98
The Best Stacking Toy for Fine Motor Skills: Stacking Cups, $19.95
The Safest Teething Toy for Soothing Relief: Sweetie Shake Plus, $8.99
The Most Stimulating High-Contrast Toy: Infantino Multi Ball Set, $13.49
The Best Toy for Developing Hand-Eye Coordination: Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring, $7.68
Sensory Toys to Stimulate Early Development
Explore toys designed to engage baby's senses and encourage exploration and discovery through touch, sight, and sound.
9.5
Listful
Score
Bauhaus Floating Blocks
$35.00
A top performer with a 9.5/10 score, the Bauhaus Floating Blocks excel in safety and design. Made from 100% natural rubber and hand-painted with natural pigments, they ensure a hygienic bathtime play, free from mold risk. Priced at $35.00, their light weight might not suit all, yet their eco-friendly build guarantees a safe and engaging experience for infants from birth onward.
The Good
• Made from 100% natural rubber, ensuring safety and eco-friendliness.
• Hand-painted with natural pigments, offering unique and vibrant colors.
• Designed without holes to prevent mold and bacteria buildup, making them hygienic for bath time.
The Bad
• Some users reported seams coming undone after limited use.
• The blocks are relatively lightweight, which may not appeal to all users.
• Color may fade if left in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: ASTM / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
8
Listful
Score
Skip Hop Fox Bandana Buddies
$14.98
For portable fun, the Skip Hop Fox Bandana Buddies engage little ones through textures and sounds, making them perfect companions for strollers or car seats. Its adaptability supports a range of developmental skills, and while some may find the $14.98 price steep, it scores 8/10 in sensory engagement and emotional development. This versatile toy suits infants from birth onwards, enriching sensory exploration.
The Good
• Features multiple textures and sounds to engage babies.
• Attaches easily to strollers and car seats for on-the-go play.
The Bad
• Some users find it slightly on the pricey side.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills,Social,Emotional
7.5
Listful
Score
Infantino Multi Ball Set
$13.49
We found the Infantino Multi Ball Set to be a delightful sensory experience for babies, with each ball featuring unique textures and bright colors to engage tactile and visual senses. Although its soft, durable design is safe for handling and chewing, the potential for mold growth due to moisture ingress slightly dents its appeal. At $13.49, its 7.5/10 score highlights the set as a fun, practical choice, provided parents ensure the balls are thoroughly dried after cleaning.
The Good
• The balls are made from soft, durable plastic, making them safe for babies to handle and chew.
• Each ball features a unique texture and bright color, stimulating babies' tactile and visual senses.
• The balls are easy to clean with a simple wipe, ensuring hygiene and convenience for parents.
The Bad
• Each ball has a small hole, which can allow moisture to enter and potentially lead to mold growth if not properly dried.
• Some users have noted that the balls emit a squeaky sound, which may be louder than expected.
• The balls are not intended for use in the bath, limiting their versatility during water play.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Motor Skills,Sensory
Interactive Toys for Cognitive Development
Discover toys that promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills for babies, from puzzles to shape sorters.
8.5
Listful
Score
LeapFrog Little Office Learning Center
$44.99
In our review, the LeapFrog Little Office Learning Center stood out with its bilingual functionality, offering an engaging introduction to language through 27 electronic touchpoints. While its volume might be a concern for some parents, its interactive features and ability to transition from floor play to standing make it versatile for babies aged 6 to 36 months. At $44.99, it provides ample opportunity for cognitive and social development, earning an 8.5/10 in our guide.
The Good
• Features 27 electronic touch points for interactive play.
• Bilingual functionality in English and Spanish.
• Removable legs allow for both floor and standing play.
The Bad
• Some users may find the volume of sounds and music too loud.
• Requires 2 AA batteries, which are not included.
• Limited to children aged 6 to 36 months, reducing longevity of use.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills,Social,Language
8
Listful
Score
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
$39.99
We found the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker to be a standout option for enhancing cognitive and motor skills. Its detachable activity panel provides flexibility, transforming learning from floor play to walking support for babies aged 9 to 36 months. Although some noted it moved too quickly on hard surfaces, its adjustable wheel tension aims to address this, contributing to its 8/10 score. At $39.99, this engaging walker is a solid investment in early development.
The Good
• The detachable activity panel allows for versatile play, both on and off the walker.
• The walker includes adjustable wheel tension settings to accommodate different walking stages.
• The toy features over 70 songs and sound effects to engage children.
The Bad
• Some users find the toy's sounds to be excessively loud.
• The walker may move too quickly on hard surfaces, posing a risk for beginners.
• The activity panel may not work as well after a few months of use.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills,Language
7
Listful
Score
Fisher-Price Smart Stages Chair
$51.85
Transform playtime into a dynamic learning session with the Fisher-Price Smart Stages Chair, a standout for auditory and cognitive engagement. Our experience shows its interactive features, like 120+ songs, captivate children through fun educational content. Despite scoring 7/10, safety concerns—such as the risk of legs getting stuck in the storage compartment and the chair tipping over—diminish its overall appeal. At $51.85, this product is exciting but requires close parental supervision.
The Good
• Interactive features like songs and questions engage children and support learning.
• The chair includes a storage compartment under the seat for small toys and books.
The Bad
• Some children may get their legs stuck in the seat compartment, leading to potential injuries.
• The chair may tip over if a child tries to stand on it, posing a safety risk.
• The product requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills,Language
6.5
Listful
Score
LeapFrog Soar and Zoom Vehicles
$12.95
Inspire your child's creativity and learning potential with the LeapFrog Soar and Zoom Vehicles. This colorful building set empowers toddlers to explore their imagination by constructing different vehicle models. While lacking initial interactivity, the optional Smart Star™ cube purchase unlocks engaging educational content, making it less immediately attractive. Scoring 6.5/10, it remains a solid pick for cognitive and motor skill development for children aged 24-60 months at $12.95.
The Good
• Encourages creativity and learning through building various vehicle models.
The Bad
• Requires additional purchase of the Smart Star™ cube to access interactive features.
Interactivity: false / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
Musical Instruments for Auditory Learning
Introduce your baby to the world of music with age-appropriate instruments that develop auditory skills.
6.5
Listful
Score
Playgro Clip Clop Activity Gym
$37.49
The Playgro Clip Clop Activity Gym, priced at $37.49, captures attention with its vibrant colors and crinkle toys. However, during our testing, the tension in the arms posed a potential safety concern during assembly. Despite this issue, it supports cognitive and sensory skill development for babies aged 0 to 12 months. Though scoring a 6.5/10, it remains a playful choice for inspiring your little one's auditory and visual senses.
The Good
• Features bright colors and crinkle toys that engage babies' visual and auditory senses.
The Bad
• The arms are under tension and can cause injury if not handled carefully during assembly or disassembly.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills,Sensory
7
Listful
Score
Baby Einstein Wooden Drum
$19.98
In our experience, the Baby Einstein Wooden Drum is a durable, interactive toy with volume control that parents will appreciate. Despite some sound distortion, it introduces toddlers to musical exploration through its touch-sensitive play surface. Priced at $19.98, it supports cognitive and motor skills for ages 6 to 36 months, earning a 7/10—ideal for fostering a budding love for music.
The Good
• Sturdy wooden design ensures durability.
• Touch-sensitive play surface enhances interactivity.
• Volume control allows for adjustable sound levels.
The Bad
• Some users report occasional sound distortion.
• Limited sound options may reduce long-term engagement.
• Requires battery replacements, which can be inconvenient.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
Best Stacking Toys for Motor Skills
Fine-motor skill development is key; explore these toys designed to help baby's hand-eye coordination.
7.5
Listful
Score
Stacking Cups
$15.99
A classic choice, the Stacking Cups from Moonkie are made from 100% food-grade silicone, ideal for teething as well as play. Priced at $15.99, these cups promote cognitive and motor skills. During bath time, they can be slippery, but their softness and safety set them apart. Scoring 7.5/10, they present a valuable, simple toy for babies aged 6 months and up.
The Good
• Made from 100% food-grade silicone, ensuring safety for babies who chew on them.
The Bad
• Soft silicone material can be slippery when wet, making stacking challenging during bath time.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
7
Listful
Score
Stacking Cups
$19.95
Loulou Lollipop's Stacking Cups, priced at $19.95, offer a delightful, engaging design with their 100% food-grade silicone build. While users note they attract pet hair, their dishwasher-safe feature simplifies cleaning. Suitable for babies 10 months and up, they scored a 7/10 in our guide, supporting cognitive and motor skill development with ease and style.
The Good
• Made of 100% food-grade silicone, ensuring safety and durability.
• Features fun designs on each cup to engage babies.
• The cups are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
The Bad
• Some users note that the silicone material attracts pet hair.
• Limited availability in some regions.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
6
Listful
Score
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring
$7.68
The Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring, with its vibrant colors and diverse textures, is designed to stimulate your baby's sensory development and fine motor skills. While younger babies benefit from its frustration-free stacking in any order, in our review, we found its sharp edges to be a concern, potentially leading to injuries. Priced at $7.68, this toy offers engaging play but lacks safety certifications, reflecting its modest score of 6/10 in our guide.
The Good
• Features vibrant colors and varied textures that engage babies' senses.
• Rings can be stacked in any order, reducing frustration for younger babies.
• Encourages development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The Bad
• Some users reported sharp edges causing injuries to babies.
• Some rings are not completely sealed, making them unsuitable for submersion in water.
• The plastic material may feel flimsy, raising concerns about durability.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
8
Listful
Score
Hape Double Rainbow Stacker
$22.67
The Hape Double Rainbow Stacker, scoring an impressive 8/10, excels in safety and aesthetics, making it a beloved option for toddlers at $22.67. Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic materials, its vibrant colors and engaging shapes captivate children while introducing them to essential fine motor skills and shape recognition. Despite its smaller size possibly limiting engagement, our testing highlights its durable build and innovative elastic pegs as standout safety features.
The Good
• The toy is made from high-quality, child-safe materials with non-toxic finishes.
• The pegs are secured by elastic strings to the wooden base, which lie down when pressed, enhancing safety.
The Bad
• The toy's size may be smaller than expected, potentially limiting its engagement for some children.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: ASTM / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
Teething Toys for Soothing Relief
Discover safe and effective teething toys to soothe sore gums and promote oral motor development.
7.5
Listful
Score
Winkel
$18.00
The Winkel from Manhattan Toy effectively engages infants with its vibrant colors and gentle rattling sounds. Made of safe, BPA-free material, its loops are designed for easy grasping, promoting fine motor skills. While earning 7.5/10, potential cleaning challenges and tangling issues require supervision during play. At $18.00, it offers stimulating sensory play for babies from birth to 24 months.
The Good
• The toy is made of soft, flexible, and BPA-free material, ensuring safety for teething babies.
• The vibrant colors and gentle rattling sound provide multi-sensory stimulation, engaging infants effectively.
• The loops are designed for easy grasping, promoting the development of fine motor skills.
The Bad
• The toy cannot be submerged in water for cleaning; it requires wiping down each loop individually.
• There is a potential for a child's hand to get tangled in the loops, necessitating careful supervision.
• The smaller diameter of the loops compared to other similar toys might make it challenging for some infants to grasp initially.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: ASTM,EN71,CPSIA / Developmental Skills Supported: Cognitive,Motor Skills
5.5
Listful
Score
Sweetie Shake Plus
$8.99
The Sweetie Shake Plus, while earning a lower score of 5.5/10, offers a dual function as a teether and rattle at an affordable $8.99. Made from soft silicone, it's gentle for teething, but water intrusion during cleaning raises mold concerns. Though aesthetically pleasing, we found that its durability issues necessitate cautious use, making it a mixed option for sensory and motor skills in infants 3 months and up.
The Good
• Soft, flexible silicone provides gentle teething surfaces and textures for babies to explore.
• Gentle rattle sound engages babies' auditory senses.
The Bad
• Some users reported water entering the rattle part during cleaning, raising concerns about potential mold.
• The plastic part may scratch easily, affecting the toy's appearance over time.
Interactivity: true / Sensory Engagement: true / Safety Certifications: None / Developmental Skills Supported: Motor Skills,Sensory
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