For geeky kids, math gifts are a treat, but for kids who claim to dislike mathematics, the right game or activity has the potential to encourage them to think about the subject in new ways.
Long time readers of this blog (XOXO) will not be surprised to learn that my older son actually requests math games and books as gifts. His most recent request was for a new Math Perplexors workbook (see below). You can find further items we love on our games for kids of all ages list or our 5 favorite math games.
Math Gifts for Kids:
Unless otherwise specified we've played with -- or read -- all the games, toys, puzzles and books below. I don't like recommending products that I don't have any first hand experience with. Nothing on this list is here "just because it looks cool." (Actually, there is one, read below to find out why.) {Note: I included affiliate links should you wish to learn more about a selection.)
Math Games and Toys:
Math ideas for kids 0-4:
I have only 2 recommendations for preschool kids: Unit blocks and a counting book. If a child doesn't have these items, they are the first things to get.
Standard Unit Blocks
Ten Black Dots
Math toys for kids ages 5 and up:
After visiting the Museum of Math in NYC I couldn't resist purchasing the X-Ball and the Ball of Whacks. It's a rather amazing structure and really fun (and rather relaxing) to play around with it. There are several versions, like the star ball and the Y-ball. It's recommended for ages 14 and up, which I think is odd. My 8 year old LOVES it, but I do not recommend it for young children because it is composed of small magnetic pieces.
Colorku. As the name implies, this is a giant version of Sudoku using colored wooden marbles instead of numbers. When your little genius has completed all the included puzzle cards, card extension deck are also available. My younger son can't do the puzzles yet but he loves to exercise his fine motor skills by manipulating the marbles. Colorku was our game of the month in August of last year.
ThinkFun Rush Hour Jr. Long time readers (you're the best) may be bored by hearing about how much I love this game. But seriously, I keep recommending it for a reason. It is my go-to gift for birthday parties and everyone loves it. The original Rush Hour
Sumoku
This IcoSoKu
Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Kit, Green
These are not your run of the mill workbooks? Remember those logic puzzles you did as a kid? Math Perplexors are those classic grid logic puzzles but with a math twist. My 8 year old adores these books. He had several of them, including Logic Links and the more language oriented Analogy Challenges and Venn Perplexors
Need a stocking stuffer? Math Dice are perfect. We have the original Math Dice
Kanoodle
Math Books for Kids:
If your kids love reading fiction, check out our list of math chapter books for kids. Eventually I'm going to do a list of nonfiction math books, but here are three I would definitely include:
How to Be a Math Genius
The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math: 24 Death-Defying Challenges for Young Mathematicians
You Can Count on Monsters: The First 100 Numbers and Their Characters
Are you planning on giving your kids any math gifts this year?
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maryanne @ mama smiles says
We LOVE snap circuits! And I think Johnny is getting Rush Hour for Christmas, all because of you! Thanks for all of these great ideas!
Johanna says
Thanks for these recommendations ~ good timing too, as I was searching for smart toys too!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'm glad they are helpful!
Even in Australia says
I got my kids Colorku. We already have Rush Hour - Jr. for them, regular for ME! We also have Qwirkle. But now I want to check out Sumoku and the monsters math book. I have one math lover and one math hater. I'm also interested in some non-fiction math books - I don't have my list in front of me but there are some by Betsy Franco, i think, and a few others that are poems about math or otherwise make math fun. I'm not sure they actually require or teach math SKILLS, but making it fun is half the battle. The actress from The Wonder Years has a few books out about how girls shouldn't fear math and reviewing math skills, but they are for older kids. Still, I want to look at them - I want to make sure they are not coming from a place talking about NOT fearing math because i don't want to implant the idea that girls (or anyone) should be afraid of math in either of my kid's heads. Would love to see your math book ideas. We also love the Paul Erdos biography, which is more bio than math, but does have a nice page or two on prime numbers.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Rachel -- I'm not sure when I'll get to making my math books list, not at least until January - but I have some ideas on my Pinterest board for math Picture books (you don't have to have an account at Pinterest to view them): http://www.pinterest.com/momandkiddo/picture-books-math/
PramgaticMom says
My son really loves Snap Circuits though it doesn't get more than a month's worth of use. We don't have those two kits so I think I will get them for him for Xmas! Great list!
Amy @ Sunlit Pages says
I am in love with this list! I know my five-year-old is still a little young for a lot of your recommendations, but I'm going to show this list to my husband and see if he thinks any of them will be a good fit for our kids this Christmas. But if not now, then definitely in the future! Thanks!
Natalie says
OK, my wallet is itching already! Too many toys and games I didn't know about! You certainly know how to show math geeks good time 🙂
Julie says
Can you please be my new best mommy friend! Love all these ideas. I'm a former teacher/math coach for intermediate students now turned stay at home mommy to three boys 5 and under. I love your ideas for being sneaky about math at home. We bought traffic jam junior for my 5 year old and he loves it. I am amazed at how much he has improved in such a short time. Thank you for all your work on your blog. What a gift!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Ha Ha! All the credit for why there is so much math in our home really goes to my oldest son. His passion for it really leads the way.
Anna says
Pinning this for when my little mathematicians are ready for the challenge! Love this list.
marieclx says
What a great list! Been thinking of sumoku for some time - will have to read your post 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Yes, do! The Sumoku post is up today. It's a fabulous game!
Jessica says
I love Rush Hour, Sumoku, and Snap Circuits and so does my 4.5 yr old.
Jen says
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful list! We've enjoyed so many of your book and game recommendations but this list has been extra useful. I have a math loving kindergartener who's beyond his school curriculum so I've been supplementing at home. Math Perplexus and Logic Links have been a huge hit. My son begs to work on these books every chance he gets. In fact, he was late to school today because he couldn't put them down long enough to get ready in time. I also now have a very unwieldy Christmas gift idea list. There are so many great times to buy! Must start pruning that list...
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'm so glad the list is useful for you! I also know the feeling of trying to get out the door while my son has is nose in of book of one kind or another!!