Imagine a world where your child’s natural curiosity leads to discoveries that shape the future. A world where their playtime isn’t just fun but also the foundation of learning, innovation, and problem-solving. This is the promise of STEM toys, where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics come together to spark creativity and foster the next generation of thinkers, doers, and creators. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best? Let’s dive into the world of STEM toys and explore the top 10 brands that are making waves in this exciting field.
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Founded: January 13, 1888
Location: Washington, D.C., United States
Employees: More than 10,000
Web: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Main Products: Crystal Growing, Geode Kits, Real Bug Dig, Dinosaur Fossil Excavation
National Geographic is a big, famous brand that everyone knows is about exploring, learning, and saving the planet. They have a line of science toys that are known for being good quality and for teaching kids stuff like rocks and bugs and chemicals. They have a kit for breaking open rocks, one for making volcanoes explode, and another where you dig up fake dinosaur bones. All of these things are designed to make kids want to learn and touch and play with stuff that’s sciencey. They help National Geographic teach kids to love the planet and to learn how the world works by making it fun to play with their toys. Parents and teachers buy these toys because they think they will help their kids learn how to think and do science.
Founded: 1984
Location: Vernon Hills, Illinois
Employees: 300
Web: https://www.learningresources.com/
Main Products: Coding Robot, STEM Explorers Machine Makers, Wacky Wheels STEM Challenge
Learning Resources is a leading brand in the STEM toy industry. They offer innovative educational products that make learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fun and engaging for kids. Their toys promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Known for high quality and educational value, Learning Resources is a trusted choice for parents and educators who want to inspire kids while building important skills in a fun way. The fact that they’re committed to making learning fun makes them stand out in the market.
Founded: 1993
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: 200
Web: https://www.4m-ind.com/
Main Products: Crystal Growing, Solar System Planetarium, Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Kit, Water Rocket
4M is a leading brand in STEM toys. They’re famous for their educational and innovative approach. They make toys for science, technology, engineering, and math. 4M makes toys that help kids think and be creative. They’re all about high-quality, sustainable manufacturing. They make things that kids can touch and do, and they’re good for the environment. That’s why 4M is a great choice for hands-on learning and inspiring young minds.
Founded: 1962
Location: Southern California
Employees: 60
Web: https://www.educationalinsights.com/
Main Products: GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars, Coding Robot, Bolt Buddies Rocket, Design & Drill Robot
Educational Insights is a premier brand in the STEM toy market. They’re famous for their innovative and educational toys that make learning fun. Educational Insights has been around since 1962 and they make toys that make kids think and learn. Some of their popular toys are GeoSafari Jr., Artie 3000, and Design & Drill. They make toys that get kids excited about science, coding, and building. Educational Insights has won a lot of awards for their toys, and parents and teachers trust them to make high-quality, educational toys that last. Educational Insights is a big deal when it comes to getting kids excited about STEM.
Founded: 1990
Location: 2100 County Road C, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55113, United States
Employees: 10-50
Web: https://www.mindware.orientaltrading.com/
Main Products: BrainBox Games, Building Sets, Code Master
MindWare is a big player in the STEM toy market. They make educational toys that are fun. MindWare offers a wide range of products that make kids think, like logic puzzles, building sets, and science kits. MindWare is known for their quality and for making toys that are different and cool. They’re also active in education. So, if you’re looking for learning toys that are fun, MindWare is a great choice.
Founded: 2001
Location: Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Employees: 50
Web: https://thamesandkosmos.com/
Main Products: Mega Cyborg Hand, Sound-Sensing Robot, Microscope, Pinball Machine Maker
Thames & Kosmos is a leading publisher of STEM toys and educational kits. They’re known for their high-quality science kits and fun games. Founded in 2001, the company combines hands-on exploration with educational value, covering a broad range of scientific disciplines. Recognized for innovation and safety, Thames & Kosmos products are celebrated for enhancing informal science education.
Founded: January 30, 2008
Location: Portugal
Employees: 200-500
Web: https://www.science4youtoys.com/
Main Products: Digging Kit, Deltabot Robot, Potion Kit
Science4You is a leading brand in STEM toys. They’re famous for their educational and innovative kits that make science fun for kids. They make kits that let kids do things with their hands to learn about chemistry, biology, and physics. Science4You makes toys that make kids think and help them solve problems. Science4You is all about quality and safety. They’re always working to make their toys different and better, and they’re all about making sure kids learn something when they play with their toys.
Founded: 2002
Location: Elkhorn, Nebraska, United States
Employees: 100
Web: https://www.fatbraintoys.com/
Main Products: Air Toobz, Weight for It, Corners Up, SpinAgain
Fat Brain Toys is a leader in STEM education. They make cool and high-quality toys. They design and manufacture toys that help kids learn about science, technology, engineering, and math. Fat Brain Toys has a lot of different toys that are fun and different. Fat Brain Toys is all about making learning fun.
Founded: 2018
Location: United States
Employees: 20
Web: https://playzusa.com/
Main Products: Circuit Board Kit, Combustion Engine Model, Solar System Kit
Playz USA is a leading brand in STEM toys. They’re famous for their high-quality educational toys that make learning fun. They make kits that make kids think and learn. Playz is known for making kits that come with really cool guides and are made from stuff that’s safe for kids, and they last a long time. That’s why parents and teachers love Playz.
Founded: 2011
Location: United States
Employees: 200
Web: https://www.kiwico.com/
Main Products: Colorful Chemistry, Veterinarian Starter Kit, Jumping Robot
KiwiCo, headquartered in Los Altos, California, delivers creativity with over 20 subscription lines, including Crate series like Koala Crate and Kiwi Crate. They have shipped over 50 million crates globally and generate nine-figure annual sales. Serving 40+ countries, KiwiCo has expanded to 450 Barnes & Noble and 800 Target stores. With $10.13 million in funding, the company’s valuation exceeds $1 billion.
Founded: 2016
Location: India
Employees: 100+
Web: https://www.playshifu.com/
Main Products: Shifu Orboot, Shifu Tacto, Shifu Minglings
PlayShifu, founded by Vivek Goyal and Dinesh Advani, revolutionizes learning with over 50 products across 20 lines, blending physical and digital experiences. With annual revenue of $9.4M and $17M Series B funding, the company exports to 35 countries and participates in global toy fairs. PlayShifu’s production capacity supports millions of units yearly.
Founded: 2002
Location: United Kingdom
Employees: Less 10
Web: https://www.trendsuk.co.uk/
Main Products: Science Mad, Action Science Rocket Launcher, Volcano Making Kit
Trends UK boasts over 500 product lines and more than 2,000 individual products. Exporting to over 50 countries, it generates approximately £20 million in annual sales. With a production capacity exceeding 1 million units per year, it is well-positioned in a UK toy market valued at £4.3 billion in 2022, amidst growing trends in sustainability and e-commerce.
Founded: 1985
Location: 11-50
Employees:
Web: https://www.thinkfun.com/
Main Products: Laser Maze, Circuit Maze, Roller Coaster Challenge, Code Master
ThinkFun is a leading brand in STEM toys. They’re famous for making games that make learning fun. ThinkFun has been around since 1985, and they make games that make kids think and help them solve problems. ThinkFun makes high-quality games that are fun and make kids think. ThinkFun is a big deal in the world of STEM and education.
Founded: 1976
Location: HongKong
Employees: 26,000+
Web: https://www.vtech.com/
Main Products: Marble Rush, KidiBuzz, Smartwatch
VTech, a global leader in electronic learning products, boasts over 45 years of innovation. With 1,000+ products, it serves 100+ countries and generates $2.37 billion in annual revenue. Headquartered in Hong Kong, VTech operates 26,000 employees worldwide, with key facilities in China and Malaysia. Their products meet EN71, ASTM F963, and CPSIA standards, and factories are regularly audited for compliance.
Founded: 1963
Location: Italy
Employees: 500+
Web: http://www.clementoni.com/
Main Products: Board Games, Educational Games, Puzzles, Creative toys
Clementoni, Italy’s largest toy producer, offers over 1,000 products across puzzles, educational toys, and baby toys. With annual revenue of $129 million and a 90,000 sq. meter facility in Recanati, Italy, it exports to 80+ countries. The company, family-owned and led by Giovanni Clementoni, employs 389 people, including 60 researchers dedicated to innovative product development.
Founded: 1995
Location: USA
Employees: 500+
Web: https://www.leapfrog.com/
Main Products: LeapPad, Activity Books, Science Exploration Kits
LeapFrog, headquartered in Emeryville, California, is a leading provider of educational toys and learning tablets. With approximately 500 employees, the company achieved sales of around $640 million as of 2002. Notable products include the LeapPad Explorer and LeapFrog Epic. LeapFrog exports to over 30 countries and supports over 100,000 U.S. classrooms. Acquired by VTech in 2016, the company remains at the forefront of educational technology.
Founded: 1978
Location: Discovery Toys
Employees: 200+
Web: http://www.discoverytoys.net/
Main Products: Motor Works, Marbleworks, Playful Patterns
Discovery Toys, with over 100 product lines and 300+ individual products, exports to 20+ countries. Founded by Lane Nemeth and achieving $135 million in annual revenue as of 2024, the company employs 205 people. Known for its educational toys like Marbleworks, Discovery Toys utilizes a direct sales model through home parties and specialty events, emphasizing developmental play.
Founded: 1992
Location: France
Employees: 20
Web: https://www.bukifrance.com/
Main Products: Microscopes, Robotics Kits, Solar-Powered Kits, Space Exploration Kits
BUKI France is a leading educational toy company with over 200 unique products, including science kits and DIY activities. Generating over €12 million annually, BUKI introduces 40+ new products each year. Their toys, available in six languages, reach over 40 countries worldwide. The company, founded by Daniel Lévy, emphasizes innovation and safety, partnering with Halilit to expand into the UK market starting January 2024.
Founded: 2020
Location: United States
Employees: 20+
Web: https://www.abacusbrands.com/
Main Products: Solar System VR, Dino-Dig VR
Abacus Brands boasts 15 product lines and 150 products, exporting to 30 countries with annual sales of $50 million. Their production capacity is 2 million units per year. Strategic partnerships include Bill Nye, Penn & Teller, and BitOGenius. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the company continues to innovate with new educational games and multimedia content.
Founded: 1983
Location: United Kingdom
Employees: 10+
Web: https://www.johnadams.co.uk/
Main Products: Hot Wires, Space Science Kit, Kitchen Chemistry
John Adams Leisure Limited, based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has been a key player in the toy industry for over 50 years. With a production capacity of 5 million units annually, it offers over 200 products across 50 lines. Exporting to over 40 countries, the company generates £50 million in annual sales and partners with top licenses like PAW Patrol and My Little Pony. Despite recent growth challenges, it remains a leading innovator in toys and games.
In Summary
In conclusion, the STEM toy industry is filled with innovative brands dedicated to fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in children. These top 10 brands stand out not just for their educational value, but for their ability to make learning fun and engaging. By choosing the right STEM toys, you can inspire the next generation of thinkers and creators, ensuring that playtime is both enjoyable and impactful.
Corleone Du
Hi, I’m Corleone, the marketing manager of Deb Toys. I’ve been in the toy industry since 2018, helping 300+ clients source toys from China. I’ll be regularly sharing my industry knowledge to help you gain an advantage in future market competition.
Corleone Du
Hi, I’m Corleone, the marketing manager of Deb Toys. I’ve been in the toy industry since 2018, helping 300+ clients source toys from China. I’ll be regularly sharing my industry knowledge to help you gain an advantage in future market competition.
