It's hard enough to tear yourself away from a screen these days, but when it comes to kids? Forget it. It seems babies are now born with their swipe reflexes.
Along with the pandemic, many parents feel that screen time – theirs and their children's – is totally out of control. Which brings us to this year's toy trends.
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Here are some of the best toys that help in the development of children, some however are still difficult to find in Brazil, but it is a matter of time before they arrive in the country. Check out:
The term stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These are toys that are in fashion. They are a lot of fun to play with, but they also teach kids the basics of these areas.
What's new this year is more emphasis on STEAM. This term adds emphasis to the arts. This includes humanities, language arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media.
One of the toys that hit the STEAM target the most this year is Artie Max, the Coder Robot from Education Insights. This little robot teaches kids, ages eight and up, coding through creativity.
Artie Max the Robot Coder uses creativity to teach kids to code in five different programming languages.
Artie speaks five coding languages - such as Snap, Python and C++ - some of the same languages that make space travel possible. Children create the codes that make Artie draw with markers, which are carried on his back.
Many of this year's most sought-after must-have toys keep kids entertained and also have educational benefits. Two popular options in this category include Learning Resources and Toniebox.
For screen-free interactive games, it's amazing to watch a four year old learn to code with the help of a "magic wand" and a "spell book".
The little action figures you use with him, called Tonies, are another non-canvas must-see.
Toniebox is a smart speaker for children aged 3 and up. Place your Tonie on top and he'll come to life, playing songs, interacting and telling stories from your kids' favorite movies, TV shows and books.
Youngsters can adjust the volume by pinching the ears at the top and choose their track by tapping the side of the box. Children love the tactile play and imaginative stories and songs. Parents love it because it's screen-free entertainment.
In Brazil, it is a little more difficult to have access to tonies, but there are several other toys that fulfill the same purpose.
If your child is begging for a pet but you are in need of a serious break from any anything else that eats, sleeps, and needs to do, check out some interactive items infused with technology.
O glamicorn is one of three new interactive Purse Pets from Spin Master. Just tap their forehead to hear them coo and purr, take a selfie, pet and hold and they'll blow you a peck.
Each Pet Purse features unique sound effects that match your pets and give them distinct personalities.