3/12/2026
by Victoria Ritter
For more than 40 years, Learning Resources has supplied families and schools with toys and kits that build essential skills in kids.
The company was founded in 1984 by the Woldenberg family who sought to create products that would help kids learn through play; today, Learning Resources remains a family-owned business with Rick Woldenberg as its CEO. It has become a global operation, employing more than 500 workers who support product development, operations, sales and distribution. Learning Resources distributes to more than 80 countries across the globe, with a strong presence in North America, Europe and international education markets.
“Over the years, Learning Resources expanded into early childhood, STEM, fine motor, social-emotional learning, pretend play and screen-free coding, while maintaining a strong educator-driven foundation,” said Daniella Bonazzoli, manager of education and specialty at Learning Resources.
Putting “fun” into learning fundamental skills
Learning Resources has more than 1,300 proprietary products in its catalog, ranging from toys for kids as young as 18 months to kits designed for later elementary learners. Its main focus, however, is toddlers through elementary-age learners. “Products are intentionally aligned to developmental stages, not just chronological age,” Bonazzoli stated.
Learning Resources’ toys, depending on the product, imbue a plethora of critical skills including social emotional learning. Hands-on manipulatives provide fun ways to learn STEM and literacy concepts. “Many of our preschool items also strengthen fine motor skills and gross motor skills,” Bonazzoli shared. These products stand out with their hands-on, tactile approach which encourages learning through play. Their inherent design to be durable and reusable makes them ideal for repeated use in classrooms and homes. Plus, Learning Resources’ toys are educator-informed and often classroom-tested.
“Many products also align to curriculum standards and have won industry awards for innovation and play value,” Bonazzoli added. Learning Resources has received prestigious Toy of the Year awards from the Toy Association for items including the Mini Farmstand Sorting Set, Tumble Trax, Botley the Coding Robot and Coding Critters.
Botley the Coding Robot is among Learning Resources’ long-standing bestsellers including MathLink Cubes, the Pretend & Play Cash Register and Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set. “These products remain popular because they are open-ended, intuitive, skill-building and highly adaptable for both classroom and home use,” Bonazzoli said.
New products are released every year, timed to debut ahead of back-to-school and holiday seasons. The design team is intentional about considering key learning trends, curriculum needs and developmental milestones when they are creating new toys. Other factors considered include:
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- Educational value and skill development
- Age-appropriateness and play patterns
- Ease of use for teachers, parents, and children
- Durability and safety
- Opportunities for open-ended, repeatable play
“Products are designed to be engaging first, with learning naturally embedded in the experience,” Bonazzoli said.
Last autumn, Learning Resources’s sister brand hand2mind launched the BubblePlush Yoga Ball Buddy. Some products in the 2026 line are now available for purchase, including Kanoodle Fan Edition from Educational Insights – the 20th anniversary edition sports a magenta color theme; Boxineers, a kit with stickers and add-ons for DIY cardboard box creations such as rockets, vehicles and animals; and STEM Explorers Pixel Art Pro from Learning Resources which combines STEM and art principles.
Calling all learners
Learning Resources’ reach extends beyond classrooms and teacher resource stores to “support learning wherever it happens,” according to Bonazzoli. The company is happy to serve specialty toy retailers, mass retail, homeschool families, parents and caregivers, therapists and intervention specialists.
When it comes to educational material retailers, Learning Resources’ products can fit right in on the shelves. They not only provide fun, educational play for kids but are also trusted by educators. “They deliver strong play value for toy stores and meaningful skill development for school supply retailers, making them ideal for both environments,” Bonazzoli observed.
Learning Resources offers support to retailers through product education, marketing assets, strong in-stock programs and replenishment as well as a long-term partnership focused on mutual growth.
Bonazzoli is especially proud of Learning Resources’ impact over the years, the quality of its products and the amazing team she works with.
“The company’s longevity comes from its commitment to educators, children and quality,” Bonazzoli said. “By staying focused on play-based learning, adapting to changing educational needs, and maintaining high product standards, Learning Resources has remained relevant for over four decades.”
