These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
SPECIAL MENTION: A new twist on a classic toy aims to teach kids the principles of coding. The Intelino Smart Train ($119) features a traditional train track with a twist; colored track tiles that control the train’s movement, steering, speed, stopping, wagon coupling, and more. The set helps kids as young as 3 understand the basics of computer programming—without the aid of a screen. As kids grow older they can program the trains using Scratch, the block-based visual programming language for kids, and the Python programming library. —Jared Lindzon
Buy Now: Innokind Intelino Smart Train
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
