The 10 Best Kaleidoscopes | Top 10 Kids Toys

This review has been updated 20 times since it was first published in January of 2017. For more than 200 years, kaleidoscopes have dazzled millions of people of all ages, inspiring wonder and joy with their always-changing swirl of colors and shapes. The selections featured here look great both from the outside and when held to the eye. For safety’s sake, if you intend to give one to a child, be sure to comply with the manufacturer’s stated age guidelines. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Review.

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10. Toysmith Old World

The Toysmith Old World (appx. $6) has an exterior adorned with a vintage-style map motif that calls to mind a mariner’s spyglass. Looking through the barrel reveals not a far-off island or a ship’s sail, though, but an ever-shifting world of colors and shapes, instead.

9. Goldenis Pocket Brass

With the short and slender Goldenis Pocket Brass (around $24) on hand, you can take a bit of a diversion along with you wherever you go. This little trinket is just five inches long and half an inch thick, yet still creates fascinating patterns.

8. Mah Handmade

This Mah Handmade (around $40) looks like a priceless heirloom passed down through the generations when, in fact, it is newly manufactured and quite affordable. An antique-style leather box comes with it, which is suitable for both storage and display.

7. Bits and Pieces Continuous Movement

The Bits and Pieces Continuous Movement (about $10) creates a swirling tableau of colors with glittery hearts, stars, and moons that float around in its gel-filled tube. This little device can produce an infinite variety of shapes and patterns.

6. GloFX Tube Toy

Everyone from ravers to curious children will enjoy the GloFX Tube Toy (around $25), thanks to dual glitter wands that create a vibrant display. Conveniently, these two components are removable, which makes it easy to take all the pieces along in your pocket or a bag.

5. Poker Weight Premium Metal

The Poker Weight Premium Metal (appx. $170) is a handsome selection that is sure to impress anyone who sees it in your office, study, or parlor. Its dual spinning discs create unique and captivating patterns when viewed through the eyepiece.

4. Lelinta Rainbow Steampunk Goggles

The Lelinta Rainbow Steampunk Goggles (about $13) create an immersive visual experience, turning the world around you into a dazzling display of refracted shapes and colors. Each pair is hand polished with carefully selected, multifaceted lenses.

3. Schylling Classic

The tin Schylling Classic (around $8) is enjoyable for people of all ages but, thanks to its tough metal housing, is suitable as a toy for kids as young as three. Both its exterior and the view through its barrel will intrigue and amuse children.

2. Smartivity Fantastic Optics

With the Smartivity Fantastic Optics (about $23), kids will have all they need to build a colorful model of their own, including wood, plastic, mirrors, and vibrant panels and beads. They’ll have fun while learning some principles of science, technology, engineering, and math.

1. J Devlin Tumble Wheel

The handcrafted J Devlin Tumble Wheel (appx. $50) boasts a simple elegance that would make it an attractive addition to any desktop or coffee table. It’s made with lead-free solder for safety, as well as bright, tumbling chips that are viewed through its blue, stained-glass tube.

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