Top 6 Coding Toys for Kids

Coding is a valuable skill that has become increasingly important in today’s digital age. Learning to code can benefit children in many ways, including improving problem-solving abilities, boosting creativity and innovation, and preparing them for future job opportunities.

Fortunately, there are now many coding toys available that make learning to code fun and engaging for kids of all ages. In this article, we will review six of the best coding toys for kids.  We will examine the age range, value for money, ease of use, and suitability as a gift for each product.

1. Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot (Age Range: 5-9)

Botley the Coding Robot is a fun and engaging coding toy that teaches children the basics of coding through play. The kit includes a cute and colourful robot that children can program to perform a range of actions, such as moving forward, turning, and avoiding obstacles. Botley can be programmed using a simple remote control, as well as a range of coding cards and tiles that teach children about sequencing, loops, and conditional statements.

Value for Money: Botley the Coding Robot is a good value product, priced at £49.99 on Amazon.co.uk. It is an affordable option for parents who want to introduce their children to coding through a cute and engaging robot.

Ease of Use: Botley the Coding Robot is easy for children to use, with a simple remote control and a range of coding cards and tiles that provide a hands-on learning experience. The robot also has a range of sensors that make it easy to program and navigate around obstacles.

Who would love this coding gift? Botley the Coding Robot is an excellent gift for young children who love robots and want a fun and engaging introduction to coding.

2. Learning Resources Artie Max The Coding Drawing Robot

One of our favourite products has to be the Learning Resources Artie Max The Coding Drawing Robot.  One of the best STEM toys for kids around we just love Artie Max.  Is there anything this robot cannot do?

If you can code it then Artie can draw it.  Hours of creative and coding fun await.  Any child who loves art will especially love this one.

3. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox (Age Range: 7-12)

The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is an excellent coding toy that teaches children the basics of coding while also allowing them to build and program their own robotic creations. The kit includes 847 LEGO pieces, a LEGO Move Hub, and a sensor that allows children to create and program robots, vehicles, and other gadgets. Children can use the LEGO Boost app to code their creations, which can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet.

Value for Money: The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is a high-quality product that provides excellent value for money. It is priced at £149.99 on Amazon.co.uk, which is reasonable for a product that includes so many LEGO pieces and a Move Hub.

Ease of Use: The LEGO Boost app is user-friendly and easy for children to use, with a drag-and-drop coding interface that makes it easy to program their creations. However, younger children may need some adult supervision or guidance to get started with the more complex projects.

Who would love this? The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is an excellent gift for children who love building with LEGO and have an interest in robotics and coding.

4. Code & Go Robot Mouse (Age Range: 5-8)

The Code & Go Robot Mouse is a coding toy that teaches children the basics of coding through play. The kit includes a robotic mouse and a set of coding cards that children use to create a maze for the mouse to navigate. Children then program the mouse to follow the maze using a simple coding interface. The Code & Go Robot Mouse provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about sequencing, logic, and problem-solving.

Value for Money: The Code & Go Robot Mouse is a good value product, priced at around £25 at the time of writing.  Prices are always subject to change based on the stock levels and popularity of a product. It is an affordable option for parents who want to introduce their children to coding without breaking the bank.

Ease of Use: The Code & Go Robot Mouse is easy for children to use, with a simple coding interface that requires no previous coding experience. However, younger children may need some assistance with assembling the maze pieces.

Gift for Younger Kids.  The Code & Go Robot Mouse is an excellent gift for young children who are just starting to learn about coding and want a fun, hands-on experience.

5. Thimble Arduino Classroom Pack (Age Range: 12+)

The Thimble Arduino Classroom Pack is a coding toy designed for older children who are interested in electronics and programming. The kit includes a range of Arduino boards, sensors, and components that children can use to create a range of electronics projects, from simple robots to sophisticated home automation systems.

The Thimble Arduino Classroom Pack provides a challenging and rewarding way for children to learn about coding and electronics.

Value for Money: The Thimble Arduino Classroom Pack is a high-quality product that provides excellent value for money. It is great value for a product that includes so many Arduino boards and components.

Ease of Use: The Thimble Arduino Classroom Pack is designed for older children who are familiar with programming concepts and have some experience with electronics. It provides a challenging and rewarding way for children to apply their coding skills to real-world projects.

Gift for Whom: The Thimble Arduino Classroom Pack is an excellent gift for older children who are interested in electronics and programming and want a challenging and rewarding way to develop their skills.

6. Sphero SPRK+ (Age Range: 8+)

The Sphero SPRK+ is a coding toy that combines robotics and creativity, allowing children to program and control a robotic ball using a smartphone or tablet. The Sphero SPRK+ comes with a range of sensors and features that allow children to create and program their own games and activities. The toy can be programmed using the Sphero Edu app, which provides a range of coding challenges and activities.

Value for Money: The Sphero SPRK+ is a high-quality product that provides excellent value for money. It is well priced for a product that includes so many features and a durable, waterproof design.

Ease of Use: The Sphero Edu app is user-friendly and easy for children to use, with a range of tutorials and challenges that guide them through the process of programming their own games and activities.

Gift for kids who love robots: The Sphero SPRK+ is an excellent gift for children who enjoy robotics and programming, as well as those who enjoy outdoor play and exploration.

Worth a mention

Osmo Coding Starter Kit (Age Range: 5-10)

This one was close to making the shortlist.  Osmo Coding Starter Kit is an innovative coding toy that uses a combination of physical blocks and digital technology to teach children the basics of coding.

The kit includes a set of coding blocks that children can use to create programs, which are then translated into on-screen actions using the Osmo Coding app. The app includes a range of coding challenges and activities that help children develop their coding skills.

Value for Money: The Osmo Coding Starter Kit is a high-quality product that provides good value for money. It is reasonably priced for a product that includes so many coding blocks and a durable base.

Ease of Use: The Osmo Coding app is easy for children to use, with a range of tutorials and challenges that guide them through the process of programming their own games and activities. However,young children may need some adult assistance to get started with the more complex coding concepts.

Which children would appreciate this coding gift? The Osmo Coding Starter Kit is an excellent gift for young children who are just starting to learn about coding and want a hands-on, interactive experience.

Why we LOVE coding toys for kids

There are many coding toys available that provide children with a fun and and educational coding experience what will help them learn and achieve.  Coding toys provide with kids with hands on experience of learning to think in a different way and use their brains in a way that they don't in the classroom when learning traditional subjects. 

Lots of future careers would be open to children with skills in coding and even some children's dream jobs like creating computer games!

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