Educational toys are driving China‘s toy export growth. Magnetic tile programming kits and smart DIY STEM toys are gaining traction with global buyers in North America and Europe.
Smart construction toys are quickly becoming a new bright spot in China’s toy export sector. At the 139th Canton Fair (spring 2026), educational and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-oriented toys were prominently displayed, with buyers from North America and Europe expressing intense interest.
New product features that support“learning through play”
One highly-cited example was the magnetic tile programming kit shown at the fair by Longbohang (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. The product uses magnetic tiles arranged on a flat surface to represent a command sequence. Children begin with simple tasks such as “move straight” or “detour around an obstacle.“ Once they grow comfortable with the system, they tackle multi-step challenges or“shortest path” puzzles. The rules of the game deliberately allow
trial and error, encouraging exploratory learning rather than punishing mistakes. According to the company‘s business manager Zhu Ying, “This toy helps children exercise their thinking skills and cultivate their imagination.“ Consumers increasingly prioritize learning and intelligence value in their toy purchases, she added, and Chinese educational toy manufacturers must continue to seek breakthroughs in product design innovation and self-owned brand building to stay competitive.
Market growth potential
Data from multiple sources confirms the strength of this trend. Mordor Intelligence forecasts the global educational toys market to grow at an 8.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2026 and 2031. Key drivers include evidence-based play, AI-enabled hybrid toys, and wider adoption of coding and robotics curricula in schools worldwide.
Bridging multiple high-growth categories
STEM toys also sit at the intersection of at least three high-growth consumer trends:
AI integration: Many STEM toys now embed a basic artificial intelligence module for adaptive difficulty and personalized learning paths.
Sustainability: A growing proportion of STEM toys are manufactured with recycled plastics or certified sustainably sourced wood.
Premium collectibility: Premium STEM building sets are now positioned as“keepsake” gifts that remain relevant for years rather than disposable playthings.
As demand for educational, coding-enabled, and AI-infused toys continues to rise in North America and Europe, China‘s STEM toy exporters are uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of this structural growth.
Post time: Jun-15-2026
