Inspire a kid in your life to explore the world through science by giving them a science-themed gift this holiday season or any time of year! Science toys teach skills in fields like engineering, chemistry, biology, astronomy, physics, mathematics, anatomy, genetics, and robotics. Check out the recommendations below – straight from My Gene Counsel’s team – for ideas on fun and engaging science presents.
Electronic Snap Circuits
Cool gift for kids in elementary and middle school with many levels of difficulty within the kit. Allows kids to put together small circuits and then see the tiny machine work! Very cool. Helps kids to follow instructions.
Break Your Own Geodes
My daughter loves geodes! These are basically rock-like structures you can crack open with a hammer to find crystals inside. Be sure to wear safety goggles when cracking open. Younger kids especially will need adult supervision to crack these open out on the sidewalk or driveway.
Raspberry Pi
My 10-year-old sister loves Raspberry Pi projects. A great introduction to the world of programming and coding.
Solar Robot Creation Kit
This kit can make several types of robots that are powered by a small solar panel. It has a lot of tiny pieces, so I would recommend for ages 8 and up.
Osmo Pizza Co. Game
Osmo has extended their product line and has activities for a wider age range of kids (ages 3-12). My kids like the pizza game the best. Customers arrive at the pizza shop, and the kids have to make the pizza and then give the customers the correct change when they pay for their food. It can be customized to various math levels, using dollars or cents depending their math fluency.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
While not dedicated to science, many of the women in this book are scientists, engineers, and have other amazing talents. Each woman has a one-page story accompanied by a beautiful illustration. Recommended for ages 6+.
Ultimate Slime Kit
Looking for a chemical reaction? What could be more fun than making your own slime?
mBot Robot Kit
Great for learning robotics. Kids can build more than 10 robotic projects or even design one from scratch. Plus, you can control your robot with your smart device through Bluetooth connection.
Circuit Scribe
Similar to drawing a picture, you child can use a Circuit Scribe pen to draw lines on a simple piece of paper. They can then attach special electrical components on the drawn lines, which allows the electrical currents to run through the components.
Check out one of our very first science gift guides here for even more ideas.