WIRED has updated its 2026 guide to STEM toys for children, a shopping list aimed at parents and teachers who want playthings that do more than beep, blink and beg for an app login. The July 2026 revision added Plus-Plus building blocks and Science Can Solar System, added more photos, removed some older recommendations and revised prices, according to WIRED.
The guide is based on testing by WIRED reviewers with children, with additional input from parents on its reviews team and a teacher using some products in a classroom. That is useful context: these are hands-on impressions, not evidence that a toy will mint a future engineer. Toys are not curriculum, despite what their boxes tend to imply.
Building, sound and energy kits lead the update
One new pick is the Plus Plus Mini Interlocking Building Blocks Set. WIRED lists the 600-piece set at $38 on Amazon, down from $45, and a 1,200-piece version at $70. The pieces use one repeated shape, which lets children build by color and structure rather than hunting through a bin for a specific Lego-style part. WIRED said the blocks worked well with 7- and 8-year-olds in a classroom, where some children built freely and others planned scenes. The set is listed for ages 5 and up.
Qubs Qubitunes, listed at $130 on Amazon, is a screen-free wooden audio player with a cartridge slot and a circular play area divided into four sections. Children place characters on the stage to change what plays. WIRED notes add-on packs including Groblies, Bernard’s Kitchen and Little Maestro, each listed at $20. The device has stereo speakers, a headphone port and USB-C charging for up to six hours of playback. WIRED said it was the most popular reward-area option among 7- and 8-year-olds in one classroom. It is listed for ages 3 and up.
The Ambessa DIY Kinetic Flashlight, priced at $51 from Ambessa, is more direct engineering: children assemble 10 parts across 16 steps, then wind the finished flashlight rather than insert batteries. WIRED said three minutes of winding produces 30 minutes of light, and that the kit can be taken apart and reused. Ambessa says it donates one kit to a refugee child out of school for every kit sold. The recommended age is 8 and up.
Coding and connected boards round out the list
Particula’s GoChess Mini is the expensive chess lesson in the group. WIRED lists it at $212 on Amazon, down from $225, or $250 from Particula. The Bluetooth board connects to an app for remote play, solo play and AI-assisted guidance. Colored lights show move advice when a piece is lifted, and WIRED contributor Adrienne So wrote that one evening of charging produced weeks of playtime. It is listed for ages 6 and up. Particula also sells a Harry Potter-themed version for $350.
Upper Story’s Turing Tumble, listed at $77, teaches programming ideas through a marble-run board and illustrated sci-fi puzzle book. Children place parts to route red and blue balls into required patterns, making logic visible without pretending that a tablet is the only gateway to computing. WIRED recommends it for ages 8 and up.
Sphero Bolt, listed at $150 on Amazon, uses the Sphero Edu app for computer science lessons. The rolling robot includes an 8-by-8 LED matrix, compass, light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer and infrared communication. WIRED said a teacher used it for maze challenges to teach basic coding concepts. It is listed for ages 9 and up.
For younger children, WIRED still includes Magna-Tiles, priced at $50. The magnetic translucent tiles connect into flat shapes or 3D structures, with Picasso Tiles cited as a cheaper alternative at $23 for 60 pieces. The age recommendation is 3 and up.
This story draws on original reporting from WIRED.
