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S.T.E.M Toys for Christmas 2023

By Avleen Pandher – October 19, 2023

STEM toys are an excellent way to engage children to learn and explore a variety of fields in science. Giving children the joy and passion for science, technology, engineering, and math could be the great gift of all. Below is a list of 12 Stem toys you can considering getting your family this season!

  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Craft Kits for Kids
  • Crystal Growing Kit: Learn about geodes and crystal formation through growing one yourself! This STEM toy will introduce your child to the exciting world of geology and the composition of our planet.
  • 34.99$
  • 8+

  • STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toys
  • This toy allows your child to build part of a robot and change it in 12 different ways! Give your child a start in robotics and possibly a career in engineering.
  • 39.99$
  • 10+

  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magnetic Marble Run
  • 150-Piece STEM Building Set
  • Marble runs provide a lesson in gravity, momentum, and problem solving. This version is more complex than others, allowing for older children to take the challenge on.
  • 59.99$
  • 10+

  • VTech Marble Rush Ultimate Set
  • Children of all ages love a marble run, and this toy allows for children from ages 5 -10 to explore and build their own structures for their run!
  • 75.97$
  • 5-10 years

  • LeapFrog Magic Adventures Microscope – English Edition
  • One of the most famous and vital tools in science is a microscope. This product is essentially a microscope for children, allowing them to explore a world beyond our field of vision. This toy explores biology, geology, meteorology, and a variety of other scientific fields.
  • 199.99$
  • 5-9 years

  • Compatible Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks
  • Children love to build new structures and this toy allows for just that, all while learning about magnetism. Kids can attach the magnetic pieces making anything their minds come up with. They
  • will also get a crash course in magnets through hands on learning.
  • 69.99$
  • 3+

  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Earth Science Kit – Science Experiments & STEM Activities for Kids
  • Who doesn’t love a volcanic explosion! This product is a science experiment ready to go. Children can conduct excavations of rocks and witness an eruption, which provides an opportunity in a lesson about tectonic plates and seismology. 
  • 39.99$
  • 12+

Best Toys of the Season

By Avleen Pandher – September 20, 2023

Santa may know what each child is wishing for deep-down for Christmas, but unfortunately, we don’t. So, to help in your efforts this season, I have put together a list of some of this year’s most popular toys. And as we get closer to Christmas, I will periodically update the list and post special ones for certain age groups and toy types.

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Colorful Cafe Playset


LOL Surprise OMG Dolls

One of the most popular toys last season and this season, is the LOL Surprise OMG dolls. They make a variety of products for young girls. Here are just two I found on some best seller lists. From personal experience I do recommend buying these dolls early, as by December they have already sold out or become increasingly difficult to find.


LOL Surprise OMG Fashion Show Style Edition LaRose Fashion Doll


LOL Surprise OMG Sports Fashion Doll Kicks Babe with 20 Surprises


Slime

CraftBud Slime Kit DIY Toy , Kids Arts & Crafts Toys Gifts Boys Girls Ages 5 -12, Slime Making Kit Glows in The Dark with 18 Colors Slime , 10 Glitters,Blow Up Tray,Foam Balls

Poppets


IGUOHAO Dinosaur Pop Fidget Unicorn Pack Ice Cream Toys Gift for Kid Children Push Bubble Poppers Poppet Popet Anxiety Sensory Stress Relief Rainbow Animals Whale Horse Triceratops Silicone Toy 6 Set

Busy Me Chef’s Kitchen – R Exclusive

Barbie Fashionistas Ultimate Closet Doll and Accessory


Jurassic World: Dominion Thrash ‘N Devour Tyrannosaurus Rex Dinosaur Figure


LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaur Toy 31058, 3 in 1 Model, T. rex, Triceratops and Pterodactyl Dinosaur Figures, Gifts for 7-12 Year Old Boys & Girls

Hot Wheels Set of 50 Toy Trucks & Cars in 1:64 Scale, Individually Packaged Vehicles (Styles May Vary) https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Wheels-Basic-Car-50-Pack/dp/B003FW0YZG/ref=zg_bs_g_23627132011_sccl_1/140-9196119-5933401?psc=1

  • Age : 3+
  • Price : 74.99$

 Cars have been a popular toys for as long as one can remember. Any child can find fun with these smaller cars, that they can carry anywhere. Even if a child doesn’t have a track, you will definitely see them create their own from their surroundings.


Hello from Avleen Pandher!

By Avleen Pandher – September 19, 2023

Hello, my name is Avleen Pandher and I am Surrey Christmas Bureau’s Community Engagement Coordinator. Since I will be working closely with our Adopt-A-Family sponsors and clients I think it’s best to introduce myself.

I am a student at Simon Fraser University currently studying Criminology, which is essentially learning about our legal system. But if you ask my grandmother, I am learning how to be a master criminal, like those in Ocean’s 11. Some of my hobbies are sewing and textiles, reading, primarily drama and mystery, and I am an avid film enthusiast, so I am always available to break down any movie or show. I am excited to hear from everyone and do my part to add some joy and Christmas magic this season.

Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested in our Adopt-A-Family program or have any questions.

Top 5 S.T.E.M. Toys for Your Child

By Osmond Chong – October 19, 2022

Did you know that playtime plays a big part in your child’s development?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) toys are great stepping stones for the cognitive development of children that ocBycur at different stages between the ages of 6 to 12 years old. STEM toys can comprise of alphabet toys, number toys, building blocks, shape sorters, etc. These various toys direct the child to think quickly and efficiently right from their early learning phases which prepares and enhances the ability to pick up skills and knowledge in various subject areas taught to them in elementary school. STEM toys require kids to work independently or with others in order to complete tasks and by thinking and trying different strategies in order to overcome challenges faced during the game or activity.

We’re all familiar with the struggles of searching for that perfect toy. Here, we’ve done the work for you and present our top picks of STEM toys your child will love.

1. GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope

This toy is great for preschoolers between ages 3-6. It’s a fully functional microscope with 8x magnification, focusing knobs, lights, the works. More importantly, this toy introduces the child to a common scientific tool and encourages them to explore and be curious about the world around them. The perfect present for you little scientist!

2. Roller Coaster Challenge

Calling all engineers! This roller coaster challenge is designed to foster creative thinking, visual perception, and reasoning skills. With 40 challenge cards and over 70 pieces, your child can build an amazing rollercoaster ride and watch their coaster car zoom through the dips, curves and loops.

3. Coding Critters Ranger and Zip

Introduce your future computer scientist to the art of coding. This toy is perfect for kids aged 4-10. Follow Ranger and Zip along in the adventure storybook and learn how to code Ranger to play hide-and-seek or fetch a ball. Ranger and Zip also make great interactive pets in play mode with a simple press on the nose.

4. Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank

Who said math can’t be fun? The Laugh & Learn Piggy Bank is great for children ages 6 months to 3 years. This toy will count with you as you place the coins through the slot. This little piggy has over 40 sing-along songs, tunes, and phrases with 2 levels of play, so it can last through your child’s early developmental stages.

5. Color Chemistry Set

The Color Chemistry Set is perfect for kids to explore their inner chemist. It has 16 different experiments including erupting volcanos and tiny tornados. Don’t worry though, all items and experiments are child friendly, gloves and goggles aren’t required. With this toy, your child can express their creativity and scientific curiosity in a safe and fun environment.

Want more ideas?

Click here for a list of 30 top picks by Good Housekeeping. And if you’re still wanting more, Educational Insights is a website dedicated to helping you nurture your little scientist. They provide a huge selection of affordable educational toys and best of all, the site allows you to shop by age so you can find the perfect toy for your child.

What is it like to work at the Surrey Christmas Bureau?

In the last few months of last year, I had the best holiday season ever! I was working as the Community Engagement Coordinator where I overlooked the Adopt a Family department at the Surrey Christmas Bureau alongside some of the most kind hearted and selfless people ever.” Please click here for my full video.

Reya Mathews, April, 2022

What are STEM Toys?

By Reya Matthews – December, 2021

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) toys are great stepping stones for the cognitive development of children that occur at different stages between the ages of 6 to 12 years old. STEM toys can comprise of alphabet toys, number toys, building blocks, shape shifters etc. These various toys direct the child to think quickly and efficiently right from their early learning phases which gets them prepared and they possess an enhanced ability to pick up skills and knowledge in various subject areas taught to them in elementary school. STEM toys require kids to work independently or with others in order to complete tasks and by thinking and trying various strategies in order to overcome challenges faced during the game or activity. According to me, the simplest and best way to get a child interested in educational content is through toys and STEM toys are a great start.