2017 Toy Guide: Playing to Learn

For toddlers to teens, this year’s wish lists start with STEM.

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Toys that are educational as well as entertaining are what parents and kids are looking for this holiday season. Big brand-name items like Barbie, Star Wars, and Lego can be found at the big box stores and will definitely make the list as well, but to get inside the mind of a child, Memphis Parent is looking a little closer to home at a Memphis-based store that has served the education community for many, many years.

Knowledge Tree is well known to teachers and the school community. But the retail store, with locations in Memphis, Germantown, Hernando, and in Arkansas, is designed to serve parents just as much as educators. 

“Along with our instructional and classroom products, we carry a wide array of toys for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids,” says Andrew Gattas, owner of Knowledge Tree.

He says that STEM toys (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are really hot this year and bridge the gap between traditional toys, like blocks for babies, to ones that use technology like tablets for kids.

“It really is the future. In fact it is right now. Students are becoming more immersed with STEM at home and at school and that is reflective in the types of toys and products that entertain children today,” Gattas says.

No matter your child’s interest, whether it is science and technology or crafts and pretend play, fostering a sense of wonder and creativity is what makes gift giving a joy. Explore the Memphis Parent Toy Guide for inspiration to jumpstart your holiday shopping. All toys and products listed are found at Knowledge Tree.