As the October 2016 education trends reveal, there are many different ways that children are learning new skills and foundational knowledge.
One of the most popular ways that children are learning new concepts is via STEM-oriented toys. These toys helps children as young as toddlers learn concepts such as programming and coding to help them foster the skills needed for future careers in STEM fields. Some of these toys include VR puzzle boxes, hackable toy kits and modular refuse robots.
Beyond toys, the October 2016 education trends also highlight a number of other innovative skill-teaching tools. For instance, a board game called The Period Game is being used as a fun and interactive tool to teach kids about the menstrual cycle. Another example is a project launched by Vince Staples and the denim brand Levis to teach people how to write and mix their own songs.
Top 20 Education Ideas in October
From Modular Refuse Robots to Educational Menstrual Cycle Games:
Katherine Pendrill — Oct 29, 2016 — Social Good
30
App-Copying Code Platforms
Cloneable is an App Development Platform That Teaches You How to Code
29
Educational Cryptography Games
PocketBlock Teaches Adolescents About the Details of Cryptography
28
VR Puzzle Kits
Seedling's DIY Maze Kit Lets Kids Design Their Very Own Puzzle
27
Superhero Science Kits
The Spider-Man Web Creator Lab Lets Kids Create Their Own Spider Webs
26
Mind-Controlled Hologram Toys
The Force Trainer II Lets Kids Re-Enact Famous Jedi Challenges
25
Hackable Toy Kits
The Fuze Play 'Zubi Flyer' Lets Kids Build, Hack and Play
24
Crystal Growing Kits
The Lightsaber Crystal Growing Lab Allows Kids to Create Real Crystals
23
Educational Menstrual Cycle Games
This Board Game Shifts Tween Perspectives on Periods
22
Female-Focused Tech Competitions
The 'Built By Girls' Challenge Helps Teens Explore Their Ideas
21
Prison Education Tablets
Edovo Uses Specially Designed Tablets to Educate the Incarcerated
20
Modular Refuse Robots
The 'Junkbot' DIY Robot Kit Turns Household Objects into Robotics
19
Robotics-Teaching Toy Cars
The 'Blinkgogo' Robotics Kit Incorporates STEM Education Fundamentals
18
Bubble Experiment Kits
Wonder Forge's Science Kit for Kids is a Finding Dory-Themed STEM Toy
17
Kingpin Series Language Lessons
Babbel's 'Speak Spanish Like El Patron' Teaches with 'Narcos'
16
Interactive Math Apps
The 'Go Math! Go' App Improves Math Learning Through Positive Encouragement
15
On-Demand Tutor Apps
The GooRoo App Helps Students Access Rapid Academic Mentoring
14
Preventative Assault Campaigns
The Emma Watson HeForShe Campaign is Now Focusing on Universities
13
Litigious VR Experiences
The University of Westminster is Using VR to Teach Cases to Law Students
12
Plagiarism Checking Apps
The Turnitin Tablet App Helps Teachers Identify Cheaters
11
Anti-Extremism Search Algorithms
Jigsaw's 'Redirect Method' Dissuades Potential ISIS Recruits
10
Customizable School Apps
The Ouachita Parish System App Connects Students, Parents and Teachers
9
Children's Language Tools
This Toy Was Designed to Encourage Children to Read and Write
8
Hybrid Aerospace Toys
This Rocket Builder Toy Comes to Life in Mickey's Magical Math World App
7
Comprehensive Campus Safety Apps
This App Helps University Students Access Security Services
6
Literacy-Promoting Shopping Events
This International Literacy Day Event Supports a Good Cause
5
Interactive Code-Teaching Apps
The Apple Swift Playground App for iPad Expands User Capabilities
4
Children's Environmentalist Manuals
Home Grown Books' Environmental Pack is an Eco Book Set
3
Eco Lifestyle Campus Clubs
The College of New Jersey Environmental Club is Education-Focused
2
Rapper-Developed Educational Programs
Vince Staples Joined with Levi's for the 'Music Project'
1
Online Voting Aids
'Voteplz' is a Website That Makes Voting in the US Easy
Related Ideas
Space-Inspired Programmable Smartwatches
Artemis Watch 2.0 Lets Kids Code Their Own Wearable
Sensor-Driven Play Blocks
LEGO Smart Bricks Introduce Responsive Building Toys
Space-Themed Screen-Free Learning Platforms
Boppo Has Introduced the Our Solar System Toppo
Hands-On Computer Science Programs
LEGO Education Computer Science & Ai Promises to Engage Kids
Bright Playful Sport Playgrounds
LEGO and Nike Reimagine Sports as Playful Learning in Shanghai
Interactive Puzzle Games
Mathstick Offers Matchstick Puzzles to Challenge Logic Skills
Digital Apparel Education Initiatives
Roblox is an Unexpected Platform for Fashion Education
Playful Oral Care Kits
The Build-A-Brush Starter Kit Turns Daily Brushing into a Creative Activity
Play-Based Preschool Apps
LEGO Bluey Mobile Game Makes Screen Time into Building Play for Kids
Treat-Themed Crafting Dolls
Far Out Toys' Pretty Sweets Invites Kids to Customize Mini Desserts
Playful Children's Library Designs
Studio Vapore Creates a Whimsical Children's Library
Collaborative Kid-Focused Sensory Balls
Biggest Little and Sundae Kids Debut 'Balls on Wheels'
Color-Changing Cooking Toys
The Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set Inspires Realistic Pretend Play
Modern Transformative Child Walkers
The Jumbo walker concept grows with your child stages.
Psychologist-Designed Educational Toys
ThinkPsych Spotlights Its Line of Therapeutic Games & Tools
Preschool Coding Toys
Codie Blocks and iCode are Preparing Young Kids for an AI Future
Science-Backed High-Energy Toy Collections
Moose Toys Partners with Mark Rober on CrunchLabs
Screen-Free Learning Devices
The NODI Flip Offers Portable Parent-Approved Audio Learning for Kids
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Personalized Learning Activities
Kidtivity Lab Delivers Custom AI Activities for Young Minds
Emotional Processing Board Games
The EMO+ Board Game Helps Understand Deeper Emotions
Interactive Educational TV Games
LeapFrog LeapMove Has a Webcam-Like Design
Playful Learning Collections
IKEA Open House Miami Has Child-Focused Designs for Miami Art Week
Youth STEM Education-Supporting Partnerships
Otis Poland, FIRST Lego League & Future Minds Partner
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
AI-Driven Art Toys
MOMOTOY Debuts in the Us at Toy Fair New York
STEM-Driven Building Block Kits
These LEGO Education Science Kits Come in Four Options
Programmable Robot Toys
Robosen's MINI Robots Introduce a First-of-Its-Kind Smart Toy Platform
Multi-Sensory Creative Toy Capsules
Crayola Has Announced a Range of New Creative Toys for 2026
Responsive Building Toys
LEGO SMART Play Integrates Technology That Reacts in Real Time
Blockchain Learning Tools
Web3 Quest Platforms Helps Founders Engage Users and Reward Learning
Humanoid Robot Games
The Great Robot Olympics Reveals Both Promise and Prose in Ai Evolution
Gamified Financial Education Initiatives
TD Bank and the Venture Valley Creators Partner
Interactive Educational Bug Games
'Rebug' Encourages Kids to Get Off Screens and into Nature
No-Cost Digital Education Models
LearningMole Offers 3,000+ Digital Learning Materials
Child Mobility Concepts
Toyota Unveils a Self-Driving Ev for Children That Challenges Conventions
3D-Printed Fidget Toys
Jigglets are Produced with Less Waste Than Traditional Toys
Creative Story Platforms
Imagine Tales Sparks Creativity In Kids With Safe AI Storytelling Tools
AI-Powered STEM Camp Directories
AI is Optimizing a STEM Summer Camp Directory
AI Learning Companions
SlowMo AI Teaches Kids 6-12 Safe AI Use Through Games
Community 3D-Printed Toys
3D Printing Elves Launches Free Toy Program for Children
Educational Robotics
South Africa Unveiled Its First AI-Powered Teaching Robot
Child-Friendly Habit-Forming Apps
Carrot Helps Kids Build Daily Habits Through Gamified Challenges
Conceptual Educational Soaps
The Consent Soap Highlights Boundaries Through Physical Interaction
Period Poverty Scholarship Programs
Cora Expands Its Change the Cycle Scholarship Program
Hands-On Modern Educational Systems
Codie Blocks Aims to Build Foundational Thinking
Award-Winning Educational Toy Brands
Learning Resources Earns 2026 Preschool Toy of the Year Award
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Kid-Focused Screen-Free Learning Kits
Bellybees is Expanding Beyond Baby Food into a New Category
Sensory Dough Toys
Play-Doh 6 Variety Compounds are Uniquely Textured & Scented
At-Home Emotion Toolkits
The Creatures Full of Feelings Parenting Toolkit Explores Big Emotions
Beauty Industry STEM Initiatives
Kreyòl Essence and Dibia DREAM Partner for STEM Saturday
AI Technology-Focused Training Campaigns
The Raspberry Pi Foundation Emphasizes Youth Empowerment
Toy-Inspired Music-Themed Workshops
The LEGO Group Launches Its Final Creativity Workshop of 2025
STEAM Education-Focused Franchises
Challenge Island Specializes in STEAM Education
Teen Finance Education
SimplyBudget Helps Teens Manage Money With AI and Parental Oversight
Tech-Enriched Sports Equipment
The 'GOAL' Concept by Yewon Lee Encourages Physical Activity
Modular Space Toys
Lego Space Exploration Telescope Set Transforms to Telescope, Microscope & UFO
Beauty Kiosk Playsets
Melissa & Doug's New Sort, Stock, Select Toy Explores Skincare & Makeup
Impactful Gaming Experiences
Humanity Games Combines Retro Gameplay With Real-World Lessons
Open-Ended Exploration Toys
Melissa & Doug Entered Toy Industry Hall of Fame
Hybrid STEM Activity Kits
Brainstorm's Science Activity Kits Pair Hands-On Play & Online Tutorials
Kids-Focused Space-Themed Collaborations
Crayola Interprets McDonald's Happy Meal
Printable Learning Tools
'A Learning Digital Resource' is a Library for Printable SEL Worksheets
Screen-Free Audio Toys
Qubitunes Helps Kids Create Their Own Audio Adventures
Gaming Fandom Activations
LEGO® Code Break Arrives in San Diego with a Larger-Than-Life Vault
Simplicity-Focused Back-To-School Campaigns
Staples Wants to Simplify Back-To-School Shopping
Teacher-Focused Robotics Training
DFRobot and ALECSO Launch AI and Robotics Training for Teachers
Tech-Driven Building Toys
LEGO Introduced Its New Smart Play Platform with Enhanced Technology
Child-Focused Handheld Games
The Game Boy-Inspired Kids Device is an Alternative to Tablets
STEAM-Inspired Construction Toy Systems
Meekins Corp. Introduces Rail Cube to the US Market
Race-Inspired Puzzle Collections
LEGO and Formula 1 Launch a New Build the Thrill Series
Interactive Mealtime Plates
Tej Belkhode Designs the Platoo Interactive Sensory Meal Plate
Screen-Free Toy Collections
Luki Lab Spotlights Six Products at the New York Toy Fair 2026
Creative Learning Platforms
Saga Playground Enables Kids To Create Stories With AI Tools
Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops
The LEGO Group Unveils Its 2025 Creativity Workshop Series
STEM Bath Bombs
Mr. Bubble's Galaxy Bath Bombs Teach Kids About the Solar System
Performance-Driven Education Furniture Lines
Case Systems Grows Its SALTO Education Furniture Line
Oral Health Board Games
A Project Team is Developing a Game to Teach Kids About Food & Cavities
Youth-Focused Technology Programing
COMPUCHILD is Inspired by the NASA Space Apps Challenge
Open Tech Learning Tools
Imaginary Hub Offers Free Coding Courses And Expert-Led Live Classes
Collaborative Smart Education Projects
Huawei and the Government of Rwanda Reach a Milestone
Modular STEM Displays
LEGO Celebrates the Evolution of STEM with an Architectural Set
Seasonally Themed Magnetic Toys
MAGNA-TILES Introduces New Thematic Toys at Toy Fair 2026
Creative AI Devices
Create is a Screen-Free Concept That Prints AI Drawings for Kids to Color
Educational Story Tools
Social Story Templates Create Personalized Stories For SEN Children
Tactile Learning Board Games
Toddler Plus Teaches Sequencing Through Sliding Peg Movement
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
Experimental Classroom Layouts
Smarin Has Caught Attention for Its ÉColetopie System
Educational STEM Franchise Expansions
Code Ninjas Opened a New Location in Vaughan
Edible Printing Educational Curriculums
This New Primera Curriculum Puts Printing in Focus
Kids Drawing Apps
Kids Coloring Drawing Book App Offers Interactive Learning And Creativity
AI-Driven Intelligent Learning Systems
Think Academy Debuts the Class+ Intelligent Learning System
Vibrant Creativity Campaigns
Crayola Debuts its 'Creative Acts of Color' Initiative
Technology-Enabled Educational Initiatives
Huawai Supports Technology-Enabled Open Schools for All
Financial Learning Platforms
Cash Critters Introduces Kids To Core Money Skills Through Play
Real-Circuit Board Games
Reactor Rescue Uses Functional Electronics in Gameplay
Music-Based Learning Tools
Music 2 Math Combines Music And Math To Boost Children’s Learning
AR-Enhanced Learning Tools
TutAR Empowers Education with AR-Enabled 3D Teaching Aids for K12
3D-Printable Toy Ranges
MakerWorld 'CyberBrick' Has Reusable Electronics and 3D-Printed Models
Interactive Oral Hygiene Programs
Smile School Makes Oral Care Exciting to Kids with Fun & Flavor
Gendered Building Campaigns
LEGO Brings the 'She Built That' Campaign to the CNE
Kids Modern Step Stool
The Totto Step Stool Concept Blends Montessori Values with Playful Design
Kid-Focused Language Arts Curriculums
McGraw Hill Recently Introduced Emerge!
Multi-Function Robot Seats
Octo Stool Features 8 Fold-Out Tentacles That Convert into Side Tables
Game-Based Learning Devices
Bubble Braille Controller Turns Tactile Reading into Interactive Play
Industrial Automation Certificate Programs
Vention Has Introduced an Online Certification Program
Refurbished Neurodiverse Student Hubs
Shrub Oak International School Refurbished Its Student Hub
Interactive Learning Games
FamilyFunHub Makes Learning Engaging With Free Educational Games
Personalized Children’s Stories
Taleored Generates Unique, Daily Customized Stories for Children
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Early Literacy Tutors
Mentava Helps Young Children Learn to Read Using AI-Powered Lessons
Toddler Off-Screen Audio
Ms Rachel Tonie Offers Screen‑free Sing‑along Learning for Toddlers
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
Shape-Shifting Classroom Chairs
The Eduba System Lets Students Reconfigure Their Learning Space
Children Story Creators
Conté Lets Kids Create, Share, And Print Magical Stories Easily
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Gender Gap-Addressing Basketball Initiatives
Shoot 360 Hosted HER Month in March
Music-Driven Coding Lessons
Amazon Launches the Inclusive Your Voice is Power Program
Cognitive Learning Tools
Brain Newsletter Delivers Weekly Cognitive Improvement Ideas
Youth-Targeted Finance Campaigns
Little Learners, Big Earners Teaches Money Basics to Gen Alpha
Youth Sport Programming Schedules
TAC Sports' Planned Activities Run from September to December
Cognitive Play Platforms
Toddlr Offers Educational Games for Kids with Balanced Screen Time
Curated Film Selections
The Planet Classroom Network Debuts Nine Short Films in October
Gender Gap-Addressing Education Initiatives
Organizations Emphasize the Need for Girls' Education
Educational Coding Platforms
CodeVenture Makes Learning To Code Fun And Accessible For Kids
Introductory CS Textbooks
Computer Book for Kids Makes Computer Science Fun and Approachable
Interactive Learning Quizzes
Online Quiz Helps Class 2 Students Reinforce Skills & Track Progress
Classroom Management Toolboxes
Teacher Kit Offers Timers, Music, And Group Tools For Educators
Learning Discovery Apps
Kinder Turns Swipe-Based Play Into Interactive Learning Experiences
Physical Coding Blocks
Codee Uses Tangible Blocks to Teach Coding Concepts at the Makers’ Bench
Career Education Labs
The Ontario Career Lab Targets High School Students Across the Province
Buildable Kids Headphones
The Kibu Headphones Introduce a Modular Audio Kit Made for Children
Knowledge Exploration Apps
Rabbit Hole Enables Endless Learning And Discovery Across Topics Daily
Course Embedding Tools
Ember Education Lets You Embed Courses to Boost Conversions and Engagement.
Early Literacy Tools
Letter Leap Is an Alphabet Learning App for Kids Under Age Five
Children’s Story Platforms
TheKidsStory.com Offers Engaging Stories & Educational Content For Kids
Interactive Language Learning
Rei Japanese Number Learning Enhances Skills with Engaging Games
Engaging Learning Platforms
Learn Smart and Have Fun with FunButSmart’s Interactive Platform