9 Best Educational Games For Christmas 2021

Who says learning can’t be fun? More and more, parents and relatives are shopping for holiday gifts for children that have meaning and purpose – gifts that are both fun and stimulating to young minds.

Choosing gifts can always be a challenge, especially when it feels like the latest toys or video games are just a passing fad that will be forgotten about in a few months. Instead, why not use the holidays as an opportunity to enrich your children with something educational, exciting, and meaningful?

So, what are examples of educational games? They can be anything from puzzles and board games to computer software to toys, all designed to help children learn new skills. Here are some of the best educational games for Christmas that are sure to put a smile on your child’s face!

1. The World Game
Many kids (and adults) are loving the fun of The World Game, a cool card game that can be played just about anywhere. This game is all about geography, with players or teams competing to come up with the best facts about countries around the world, with questions touching on location, flags, and capitals.

It’s designed for players aged seven and older and was Creative Child Magazine’s 2020 Game of the Year. The game cards can also be used as flashcards at home or with a tutor, so they’re versatile as well.

2. Alphabet Acorns
Do you have a younger child who struggles with reading? If so, check out Alphabet Acorns, a clever matching game designed to help children three and up learn their ABCs in a fun way.

Kids match lowercase and uppercase letters and also discover surprises when opening each acorn. Many parents find an interactive game like this to be more fun for children than simple flashcards.

3. Osmo
What about educational games for kids online? Luckily, technology is an incredible learning tool, with more and more software companies designing educational online games that kids will love.

One great choice is Osmo. This company produces a range of games that link in with your child’s iPad or Fire tablet. Aimed at kids 5–12, their innovative concept combines the tablet with physical game pieces like puzzle pieces, letters, and geometric shapes.

With Osmo, your kids will get hands-on learning in subjects like math, coding, drawing, and even business.

4. Big Brain Academy
Research has shown that certain video games can be beneficial in boosting memory and perception and promoting relaxation. Another popular digital game that kids can’t get enough of is the Big Brain Academy, played on the Nintendo Switch, DS, and Wii.

These challenging but entertaining games are designed to test a player’s mental skills, with each task needing to be completed while the clock is racing to zero. In the process, kids improve their memory, math skills, and logic, and try out new analytical puzzles each time they play. It’s for kids six and up, and has multiplayer abilities.

5. Magna-Tiles
Have a budding engineer or architect in your house? If so, Magna-Tiles is a fantastic game that requires you to build structures with colorful magnetic tiles. Children follow the instructions to develop gorgeous bridges, houses, or replicas of famous landmarks using translucent tiles that stick together through magnets.

It’s very satisfying for kids to see their creations come to life, but Magna-Tiles also teaches young minds about creativity and problem-solving, and helps with the development of fine motor skills.

6. Catan
What is the most popular board game this Christmas? You might remember back to your own childhood and playing the well-known game, Settlers of Catan. If so, great news: it’s now been updated for the modern era and renamed Catan, an enthralling board game where settlers have to build their new civilization, manage resources, and thrive in harsh landscapes.

It’s a game of both luck and skill, but along the way, it teaches children about probability, risk management, and strategy. It’s also great for the family to play together, so cozy up by the fireplace on Christmas Day and give it a try!

7. Storyteller’s Card Game
Looking to foster your child’s imagination this holiday season? Aimed at kids aged 7–12, the Storyteller’s Card Game is an ideal gift for young ones who also need a boost to their vocabulary.

Using a deck of cards, children have to come up with words that match the description on each card, with the funniest or best word being decided by the game leader. Kids collect cards for each word they come up with that’s a winner, so it’s great to play in groups. You can also use the cards as flashcards, helping with English and reading comprehension.

8. Turing Tumble
Has your child expressed interest in computers or technology? In that case, look into Turing Tumble, an innovative and fun game. Using marbles, kids aged eight and up solve puzzles and create their own mechanical computers.

Turing Tumble is a physical board game, so there’s no screen time involved. While it’s a little more expensive than other board games, it’s an investment in your child’s future and is sure to become a favorite.

9. Board game classics
In addition to the newer games mentioned above, don’t neglect the classic, tried and true educational games! Board games for Christmas in 2021 can include favorites like Monopoly, Risk, Scrabble, or even chess. These are all ideal to play as a family and help children develop skills in topics like reading, writing, mathematics, and logic.

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the games or software programs mentioned above, so why not make this Christmas season all about fun, learning, and quality time as a family with a game night? You can also make the most out of the holiday period by planning educational outings or learning days at home, like these fun at-home science experiments!

 

Featured image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash