With all the talk in the media about children spending too much time looking at electronic screens, it’s great to learn about local businesses launching innovative new products and services that will challenge and sharpen our kids’ minds.
So when one of our readers recommended The STEAM Room to us, an exciting online shopping resource based in Switzerland, selling award-winning toys and games focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, we were keen to find out more!
The smartest toys in the world!
Launched from her home in Pomy, near Yverdon-les-Bains, The STEAM Room, represents over 2 years’ research by Gina Noonan, as she travelled round the world sifting through, testing and choosing the “best in class” educational toys and games for kids aged between 3 and 14 years old. A parent herself, Gina felt a need to support the educational revolution that has been happening over recent years in the best and most forward thinking schools in the world, and was especially keen to discover what she could do as a mom to help support the learning process in the classroom.
She told knowitall.ch, “During my research, I met nearly every manufacturer or creator of the products featured on my website – and since we import products from around 8 different countries that was no small task! Our educational toys and games are broken down into different categories; STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths), critical thinking, general knowledge, language development, creativity and classroom. In addition to these toys and games being just plain fun, they each also work on a particular skill, for example- visual/spatial skills. We also have a new book section which carries English workbooks that support math, language and critical thinking skills.”
Supporting schools and families
In addition to her online clients, Gina works with international schools in Geneva, Lausanne, Bern and Zurich. You can find her toys and games in many classrooms and after-school programs across Switzerland. Her school affiliate program is a welcome addition that enables schools to generate their own income stream for purchasing additional educational products.
Gina’s unique “hand-picked” selection of toys and games is undoubtedly what makes her business special. Most of the products featured on her website, nearly all of which are award-winners, are simply not available in Switzerland. Detailed descriptions with photos are provided for all products and, wherever possible, Gina likes to include manufacturers’ videos with the descriptions so that parents and teachers can understand exactly how the toy or game is played before they buy.
Fast, free shipping
As an e-commerce site based in Switzerland, The STEAM Room can deliver orders just as quickly to Zurich as it can to Geneva! Orders are usually processed within 24 hours so packages shipped within Switzerland should arrive within 2-3 working days. Gina’s business does not charge VAT, and orders of Fr. 75.- or over receive free shipping within Switzerland.
At the time of writing, the website is available in English, but Gina plans to go live with French and German language translations within the next two months. Whilst the majority of the products are provided as English versions, multilingual options are also offered when they are available.
International appeal
A quick glance through the website will give you a good idea of the kind of games that are likely to attract your child. One product range that is certain to have huge appeal for international families is the 4D Cityscape range of puzzles. Produced by a small Canadian company, the puzzles have now become so popular that they have partnered with National Geographic to provide an Ancient Civilization series which includes Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.
Gina explained, “These are wonderful for kids! After the puzzle is finished, there is a free downloadable app: when you place your smartphone over one of the landmarks in the puzzle, National Geographic will take your child on a virtual tour! This is such a great, interactive way to learn - there is even a multiple-choice test at the end!”
10% discount for knowitall.ch readers
Always keen to share her passion for innovative toys and games, Gina is kindly offering knowitall.ch readers a 10% discount on all products ordered through her website before the end of June 2018. What a great way to prepare for the summer and make sure your child is challenged throughout the holidays whilst still having fun!
Just enter the code KNOWITALL when you make your order via the website. Don’t forget there is free delivery on all orders of Fr. 75.- and above!
The STEAM Room
www.thesteamroom.com
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079 757 84 80
