Kids love to build stuff and take stuff apart. You may not realize it, but that activity is nurturing their inner engineer and scientist! You'll want to choose STEM gifts and toys that challenge a child's natural curiosity and innovative spirit, as well as find toys that they can play with over and over.
STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math, and STEM toys and games make excellent gifts! We've tried and tested all sorts of STEM toys over the years to make this STEM gift guide. Here are the best of the bunch!
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Table of contents
Kits and Sets
Choose an age-appropriate set that helps kids explore and practice their STEM skills!
GEARS! GEARS! GEARS!
FIND IT: Amazon
Many of the items on this list are for elementary school aged kids and tweens, so let me begin with a fabulous choice for preschoolers on up. The gears fit together in so many ways, giving kids an early start to engineering with a fun alternative to Standard Unit Blocks. Ages 3 and up.
KIWICO LABS
FIND IT: KiwiCo.
KiwiCo Labs is a science and engineering subscription box that is geared towards kids ages 8 and up. We subscribed to KiwiCo Labs for many years and absolutely loved it. Each project introduces kids to a different STEM concept, like hydraulics, electric currents, fluids in motion, and aerodynamics. The kit includes everything you need for the project, as well as detailed instructions, an explanation of the scientific concepts, and ideas for further investigation. My kids put together a rocket, a glider, a catapult, an hydraulic arm, an irrigation system and more. Ages 8 and up.
NOTE: KiwiCo. has sets for all ages from babies to older teens, so be sure to view all their selections.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EARTH SCIENCE KIT
FIND IT: Amazon
It is impossible to go wrong with National Geographic! This kit has more than 15 STEM experiment activities including dueling water tornadoes (!!), building an erupting volcano, growing a crystal, creative a glow-in-the-dark vortex, and two geologic dig kits. It includes learning guides and clear instructions for hours of fun.
NOTE: National Geographic has kits with different themes, like this Light-up Dinosaur Habitat, and Epic Circuits Kit.
KLUTZ LEGO CHAIN REACTIONS CRAFT KIT
FIND IT: Amazon
This is a super cool set in which kids use LEGO to engineer gadgets and machines that set in motion chain reactions. We have several Klutz books and they all have extremely clear instructions, which are GREAT for kids who can get frustrated in the building process. Ages 8 and up.
LEGO TECHNIC SETS
FIND IT: Amazon
In case you had your head in the sand like I did, you may not be familiar with all the inventive LEGO sets that go beyond basic building. I especially like LEGO Technic Building Kits which feature functioning gearboxes, wheels and axles. Age range varies.
SPHERO
FIND IT: Amazon
The SPHERO program allows kids to experiment with coding, robotics and technology with hands-on activities. In other words, kids don't just stare at a screen to learn code. They go beyond code while they build, engineer, and even create art! Kids program code for the SPHERO robot, and a wide variety of enhancements are available. The robot is even waterproof and shatterproof so kids can really go to town with their experiments! Ages vary, the kit shown is best for ages 8 and up.
Games and Books
MORE: Our favorite STEM-themed games for families
CODE MASTER PROGRAMMING LOGIC GAME
FIND IT: Amazon
Code Master is a single player game that uses programming logic to create a sequence of events that will allow them to navigate a map in search of crystals. There are 10 maps with 60 levels. It is recommended for ages 8 and up. My almost 7 year old has become a little obsessed with it, but he needs me to sit with him and give him a lot of guidance. My 10 year old easily plays by himself. I love how much of a challenge the game is, while also being enjoyable.
PRIME CLIMB
FIND IT: Amazon
Prime Climb is an excellent math board game. It's fairly fast paced and has won a zillion awards. Playing Prime Climb requires kids to exercise their multiplication and division skills, while also teaching about prime numbers. Age 10 and up.
BEDTIME MATH: A FUN EXCUSE TO STAY UP LATE
I bet you never thought you'd have a kid who would use math as an excuse to stay up late! Well, neither did I! This book contains riddles, puzzles, problems that are kid-friendly. The best part is that each problem is divided into three different challenge levels so that kids of all ages and skill levels can stay up late with math! I dare you to let this book help you and your kids love math! There are three books in the series. Ages 4-7
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