Top 10 Math and Counting Toys for Kids in 2019 Reviewed
Do you want your kids to be sharp at math? Some children learn better through play, plus it makes it more interesting and something you can do together. So better to get them to play with toys that nurture their cognitive skills, enhance visual perception, sharpen motor function and build the foundation for math.
Yes, your preschooler can learn all that if you get the right toys! Learning becomes natural when we are able to enjoy the process. The same applies to kids.
To save your time, we have selected the top 15 Math and Counting Toys for Kids in 2019 below.
1. Gleeporte Colorful Counting Bears with Coordinated Sorting Cups
This is a set of 60 bears and 6 cups that come in different colors. It can nurture a child’s cognitive skills as it requires coordinating with respect to colors. It also hones their motor skills as they use their thumb and fingers skillfully to pick the bears and drop them in the respective cup. It also sharpens their memory as sorting requires picking the same color when filling a cup.
The recommended age for this toy set is 3 to 8 years. If you have children under three years of age, don’t let them play unsupervised. The reason is that it may lead to a choking hazard as the pieces are small. Store them in a safe place away from children’s reach. The cups and bears are sturdy and will last a long time. A bag is provided for easy storage.
Pros
- Made of high quality plastic
- Helps with multiple skills: cognitive, motor, visual and memory retention
- Carrying bag makes things convenient
- Value for money
- Good customer service
Cons
- Small pieces so it may cause choking hazard if not supervised
Link: Gleeporte Colorful Counting Bears with Coordinated Sorting Cups
2. LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train
The Lego train set is a really fun toy for kids. It helps them learn how to count as the components in the train are numbered 0 to 9. The number train set has many fun components that help kids enjoy and learn at the same time. It consists of a buildable locomotive, three wagons along with decorated bricks that are numbered 0 to 9. To make things interesting, it also has two child lego duplo figures and a cat figure.
The best thing is that the parts can be assembled in various ways. The bricks are decorated as tomatoes, cheese, ice cream, pepper grinder etc. The bricks combined with the lego duplo toys make playtime fun and imaginative. The pieces are lightweight and you can easily wash them in a dishwasher or washing machine and they come out like new.
Pros
- High quality toy set
- Encourages imaginative play as toy pieces can be assembled in many ways
- Child lego duplo figures help in role play
- Bright colors and artwork on the pieces makes it fun
Cons
- None
Link: LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train
3. Learning Resources Mathlink Cubes
This is a set of 100 cubes that snap together and can form various shapes. It is good to teach your kid math connections creatively. They come in 10 colors to sort and pattern.
The cubes are perfect to teach early math skills. The cubes link together on all sides. So a kid can build three dimensional blocks, connect them up, across, sideways and all around which encourages imaginative play. Each cube has a cutout in the shape of a hexagon, pentagon, triangle, circle or square. This brings versatility and helps the kid with visual perception. Picking them and linking them by matching the cubes to the respective cutout shape sharpens motor skills.
However, don’t let small kids play unsupervised as it could be a choking hazard. The cubes are ¾ inches in size, good size for small hands. The recommended age for this set is 5+.
Pros
- Many kinds of cut out shapes on the cubes encourage imaginative play
- Large number of cubes means the kid can make a lot of three dimensional shapes
- Great for counting, grouping, patterning based on colors and cut-out shapes
- Two options: buy 100-cube set or 200-cube set
Cons
- Sometimes they require much force to snap together
- They lock tight so it will be hard to break them apart in segments. Gets better with time.
Link: Learning Resources Mathlink Cubes
4. Learning Resources Mix And Measure Activity Set
This is a set of 22 pieces containing 3 self-standing spoons, a bowl, six measuring cups and scale. It also comes with ten activity cards that guide children in making mystery goo, puffy paint, slime and other things. The activity cards are double-sided with easy step-by-step instructions. The recommended age for this toy set is 3 and up. Pieces are small so it could lead to a choking hazard – supervision is essential.
The pieces are high quality and contoured so that kids can easily grab them with their little hands. It is a fun way to introduce the concept of measurement and quantity to a kid. The colorful set helps kids learn measurement as they put the ingredients together to form a completely new potion. They can make ice cream and conduct their own science experiments.
Pros
- Enhances creativity and scientific thinking
- Quality build, will last for years
- Fun activities with step-by-step instructions on cards
- More activity cards available on company website
- Contours for little hands
Cons
- Scale shows only color and not numbers, not a true scale
Link: Mix And Measure Activity Set
5. Learning Resources Math Adventure Pack, Sum Swamp & I Sea 10 Games
This one comes as a bundle of two math games – Sum Swap and I Sea 10. This game helps kids in developing early math skills in a fun way. Kids make their journey through the swamp by adding and subtracting numbers on the dice and take shortcuts to reach the finish line faster. They use math skills along the way and see funny creatures which adds life to the game. It helps them learn numbers and think strategically to reach the goal.
In the ‘I Sea 10’ game, the kids have to make 10 with a combination of two or more cards. For example, 4 and 6 or 3, 2 and 5. Players flip cards and unveil numbers on their turn. When they successfully “catch” a 10, they call out “I Sea 10” and keep those cards. The end goal is to collect as many sets of 10 as possible. There is a twist too – hungry shark cards which when pulled will make you lose all your cards.
This is not for children under 3 years as the parts are small and it could lead to a choking hazard.
Pros
- Fun game that enhances learning of numbers, addition and subtraction, and tactical thinking
- Funny creatures in the swap game make it lively and fun
- Easy to set up and learn how to play
- Good way to make math exciting
Cons
- Not as imaginative or versatile as other games, limited scope.
Link: Math Adventure Pack, Sum Swamp & I Sea 10 Games
6. Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register
Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register is about teaching your kid math and calculation while having fun. It also introduces children to the different dollar bills, coin and credit card. This is available in two colors red and pink. It has a calculator that runs on solar power. The buttons are big in size so that children can easily press them with their tiny hands.
From calculating the transaction amount and putting the cash in the drawer to talking to the customer in the restaurant or shop in roleplay – there is a lot a child can learn. The cash register builds counting skills, cognitive function, motor development and social interaction. The cash register makes the cha-ching sound on opening and the beep sound with the credit card. However, these two functions require batteries.
Pros
- Cool cash register concept that teaches multiple skills
- Good build quality
- Encourages social interaction
- Good design: clear LCD display and large buttons
Cons
- Upon hitting the open button, the drawer slams open and spills the coins
- Paper pad doesn’t stay put
Link: Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
7. Learning Resources Pretend and Play, Play Money
Another bestseller by Learning Resources, this is an assortment of play money consisting of 150 pieces. It has bills and coins that look authentic so it teaches kids how to identify real money. They learn to add and subtract money. They print the bills on both sides so that they look real and kids can make transactions using the money.
This set is or kids with ages 3 and up. It has 150 pieces including authentic looking bills and coins. There are 60 bills including 20 units of $1, 20 units of $5, 10 units of $10 and 10 units of $20. Moreover, there are 90 coins made of plastic including pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.
This can be combined with other toy sets such as cash registers and role play game sets.
Pros
- Quality material, will last for years
- Good for teaching kids about money
- Can be combined with other games
- Teaches counting skills
Cons
- Coins are made of plastic and lightweight. Could be a little more authentic.
Link: Pretend and Play Play Money
8. Learning Resources Transparent Color Counting Chips, Set of 250 Assorted Colored Chips
This set is a collection of 250 counters that can be used for several math activities and games. They come in a variety of colors so children can learn sorting, patterning and more. They measure ¾ inches in size so your little one’s hands can easily play with them. You can play bingo using these They are easy to clean too.
Note that you may not get the same number of chips for all colors. They will be thinner and smaller than you expect but would do the job. The recommended age for this set is 5 and up.
Pros
- Teaches kids sorting, patterning and motor skills
- Can be used for games like bingo
- Six rainbow colors make things exciting
Cons
- Smaller and thinner chips than you’d expect
Link: Transparent Color Counting Chips
9. Skoolzy Rainbow Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups, Bear Counters and Dice Math Toddler Games
This toy set has a lot of variety as it consists of bears, cups, dice with bears printed on it, scoop tong and storage container. Don’t let kids under three years of age play unsupervised as it could cause a choking hazard. It teaches kids various skills including sorting, matching colors and counting. It enhances their visual perception, facilitates cognitive function and builds motor skills.
You can use the counting bears for Montessori, pre-math and as occupational therapy toys. They can stack cups on top of each other, sort bears into color-coordinated cups and play other imaginative games. The company provides an activity eBook with fun ideas for pattern exercises.
Pros
- Bear shaped counters make learning fun
- Teaches colors, counting, sorting and enhances imagination
- Bright colors are eye catching
- eBook of pattern exercises provided
- Can be combined with counting cards etc. for more games
Cons
- No storage bag provided
Link: Skoolzy Rainbow Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups
10. Melissa & Doug Abacus Classic Wooden Toy, Developmental Toy
Abacus is the first calculating tool developed by humans and Melissa and Doug have created a fun product for kids off the concept. It is built from a solid hardwood frame which will possibly last a long time. Within the frame are 10 thick-coated wires with 10 beads on each of them. The beads have nice colors, so it is appealing to play with them. It is a great product to nurture your child’s creativity and develop early math skills.
There are many ways to play with this abacus game. Move beads on one side and have your kid match your move on the wire below. Move some of the beads on the side and have your kid count how many you moved.
The set comes with 8 extension activities that help kids learn math skills, counting and develop logic. A couple customers have complained that the paint on the bars tends to scrape off after sometime.
Pros
- High build quality. Feels strong and sturdy.
- Helps with math and makes it fun
- 8 extension activities provided
Cons
- A bit overpriced
- Rows are a bit closer than expected
Link: Melissa & Doug Abacus Classic Wooden Toy