Introducing Smartivity Toys at Nest & Sprout

You know how we recently talked about the question: “So… what does Nest & Sprout actually do?” in our weekly newseltter?

Sometimes, the honest answer is this:
I bring in things that make me stop scrolling.
Or if I'm at a trade show, that I pick up and go - we need that. 

And right now? My personal problem is shopping for my elementary-aged kids and tweens who seem to have everything, but also listed popular you-tubers subscription boxes on their holiday gift list. 

The “Big Kid Gift” Gap

If you’ve ever tried to shop for kids in the 7–12ish age range, you know the struggle:

• They’re too old for baby toys
  
• Too young for teen stuff
  
• And somehow everything marketed to them feels… junky
  

As a mom of big kids myself, I’m always looking for things that feel interesting, challenging, and worth bringing into the house—without defaulting to screens. Because everyday is a screen day in our house... unforntatuley. 

That’s what caught my attention about Smartivity.

Now usually, I try to buy and try before I order for the shop - but this was impulsive and we'll have to try them out together. 

What Is Smartivity?

Smartivity is a STEAM toy company founded in India, built around the idea that kids learn best when they’re building, experimenting, and figuring things out for themselves.

Their kits are:

• Designed by engineers and educators
  
• Focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)
  
• Made from sustainably sourced wood
  
• Screen-free, tool-free, and age-appropriate
  

Each toy is designed to be built by kids—not just played with—and many continue to be used long after the initial build is done.

They’ve become popular globally for good reason: these are toys that respect kids’ intelligence.

The Smartivity Kits We’re Starting With

We’re starting small (as we always do) to see what you love most. Here’s what you’ll find in store right now:

🎵 Smartivity Music Machine (8+)
A build-your-own wooden music machine that introduces gears, vibration, and sound. Equal parts engineering and creativity—and a great option for kids who like to see how things work.

🦾 Smartivity Mechanical Hand (8+)
A hands-on build that explores biomimicry, human anatomy, and mechanical movement. Kids build a fully functioning mechanical hand using links, levers, and gears—then actually play with it.

🧩 Smartivity Color Coder (3–6)
A quieter, logic-based puzzle for younger kids. Using colourful dots and challenge cards, children build early problem-solving, pattern recognition, and focus skills. Great for travel or independent play.