Best Educational Toys for Toddlers Under $25

With so many educational toys out on the market which ones are actually good for kids? Many parents buy toys in abundance for their three to five year olds that end up stuffed in the closet or toy box when they tire of playing with them.

Children get bored easily so when it comes to choosing educational toys that will challenge a toddler and keep them entertained, you must think like a toddler. What types of things do they like to play with of yours? Mom and Dad's cell phones are intriguing and so is the family computer. Little ones love to poke buttons and hear sounds.

Some parents may not agree with buying kids toys that are so much like adult things but children will be learning about computers, cell phones and palm pilots in school and educational toys help children to develop a healthy curiosity and ability to learn.

Here are three educational toys that will help pre-schoolers learn while providing enjoyable playtime. These electronic learning tools introduce children to the exciting world of electronics. And you may notice that your child is no longer interested in wanting your cell phone when he has his own to play with.

LeapFrog Text and Learn PDA

Appropriate for children ages three and up.
Available at Target and other popular retailers.
Average Cost: $19.99

This smart educational toy resembles Mom or Dad's Blackberry with larger key and black and white interactive screen. Qwerty keyboard just like a regular cell phone and kids love playing with their own phone. Large buttons help familiarize children with letters and numbers.

LeapFrog Tag Learn to Read Phonics Book Series - Short Vowels

Appropriate for children ages four and up.
Available at Target, Amazon and other retailers.
15 Positive parent reviews
Average Cost $19.95

Children learn to read with the Tag Learning System by seeing the words and hearing them read aloud. Phonics teaches correct sounds and pronunciation of words and makes learning fun and enjoyable. The set includes six books to entertain and educate curious little minds. Each set teaches a different reading skill.

VTech Tote 'N Go Laptop Plus

Appropriate for children ages three and up.
Available at Target, Amazon and other retailers.
35 Positive parent reviews
Average Cost: $20.00

Parents love this lightweight learning toy. It resembles a little laptop computer with larger buttons, mouse and interactive screen. Pre-schoolers will become familiar with letters and numbers before entering school which will give them an advantage when it comes to mastering the alphabet and counting.

These educational toys will keep toddlers busy for hours learning and playing. As parents we want to give our children the best tools to prepare them for school and help them learn. Learning to read is one of the hardest skills your preschool or kindergarten child will face. Many adults have trouble with reading and recognizing words so these tools will be an invaluable educational resource.

Once they experience the fun of learning, your children may not want to stop playing with these toys. These are also great to hand down to younger siblings when your child outgrows them.

Resources:

Target.com
Amazon.com