The great thing about children is that they little scientists at heart. The science gifts on this list will help kids teach themselves about electronics, biology, engineering, geometry, and more.
Need more ideas? Check out last year’s geeky toy guide.
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Science kit for kids: Learn to Solder and Make a Robot Car Kit
DIY Car-Building Kit
This kids toy uses sensors that your young one will install themselves to top itself from running into walls or objects on the floor, and responds to loud noises. Amazon
For older children, creating their own electronics can be a rewarding experience. This DIY science kit for kids teaches them valuable skills like soldering to make a car that automatically avoids objects.
Compatible with smartphone accessories: Handheld Wireless Digital Microscope
Dcorn Wireless Digital Microscope
Thanks to smartphones and smartphone accessories, we all have a camera in our pocket. However, a more powerful model—like one found on a handheld digital microscope—will allow your little one to explore the world around them.
Learn to code with LEGOs: MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set
LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set
LEGOs are so much more than kids toys—these sets are tools to teach them how to code. Whether you’re looking for LEGOs for girls or LEGOs for boys, the familiar medium mixed with electronics will make this their favorite of any science gifts you buy.
Gifts for kids who love biology: Nancy B’s Science Club AquaScope
Nancy B’s Science Club Aquascope
An included activity journal encourages kids to record their aquatic observations in words and drawings. Ages 8+
Learning with telescopes doesn’t have to exclusively focus on astronomy. An underwater ‘scope can teach them about life here on Earth. Look for science kits for kids that have features like built-in thermometers, rulers, and LED flashlights.
Engineering toys for kids: GoldieBlox
GoldieBlox
These toys for kids are aimed at girls and teach simple engineering principles from the pegboard kit’s axles, blocks, cranks, and wheels. Ages 4+
Engineering toys for kids teach them about the literal building blocks of society. Science gifts for kids specifically aimed at girls look to close the gender gap in STEM fields.
Science gifts for kids who love games: Laser Maze
ThinkFun Laser Maze
To win this single-player game, arrange the mirrors on the grid to direct the laser beam (laser beam!) to the target. There are 60 different challenges, with varying degrees of difficulty. Ages 8+
The best science gifts for kids are ones that you can do together. Board games with lasers and mirrors will teach them about lasers, optics, and logic while they think they’re just having a fun game night.
Science kits for kids who love nature: Venus Fly Traps
Toys By Nature Venus Fly Trap
Grow your own meat-eating plants with science kits for kids! This terrarium comes everything you need to grow your own Venus Fly Traps—just add water. Ages 4+
Looking to teach your kids about responsibility and nature? Look for terrariums—science kits for kids to grow plants. Venus Fly Traps can help you capture insects in your house, and many kits just require you to add water and watch them grow.
Multipurpose science gifts: Air-Stream Machines
Air-Stream Machines
A buildable 59-piece set that can also turn into a batting machine that tosses a ball upward, a fan-driven car, and a basketball launcher. Ages 8+
Clearly, the ideal way to learn about flight is to build your own working hovercraft. Look for science gifts that let kids experiment with propellers, impellers, air pressure, and air flow.
World of experiments: Crayola Liquid Science Kit for Kids
Crayola Liquid Science Kit for Kids, Water Experiments
Just like colors, liquids are all around us. Science kits for kids that have multiple experiments are a great way to stimulate thinking and teach them to build on previous knowledge.
Science gifts for kids who love physics: Snap Circuits Motion Electronics Exploration Kit
Snap Circuits Motion Electronics Exploration Kit
This kit is a fun introduction to circuits and the principles of sound. Kids swap in parts to create different mechanisms without the need for tools. Ages 8+
If your child is younger or you’re worried about them using tools, look for science gifts that snap together. Many companies create sets where pieces are interchangeable and let your little one’s imagination run wild.