Gifts for Ages 4+

Bee-Bot Bee-Bot

Ages: 3 - 7
$99.95

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce a child you know to coding? Bee-Bot is the perfect starting point! This simple, yet versatile robot helps young learners develop problem-solving skills while having fun with basic programming concepts. Bee-Bot encourages children to learn coding by programming it to move toward the correct answer on a flat surface. For example, children can ask a question like, “What letter comes after A?”, and lay out the possible answers on the floor. Children can then program Bee-Bot to take the correct route to reach the answer—building important skills in sequencing, logic, and problem-solving along the way. Bee-Bot makes learning fun and interactive while introducing early coding concepts like directional commands and sequencing. Whether it’s math, letters, sounds, word recognition, or geography, the learning possibilities are endless! Adults will love how easy it is to adapt the difficulty level of the questions and answer choices to suit a child’s needs, making it a great tool for differentiated learning. The simple design and user-friendly interface make Bee-Bot a great way to engage little ones with STEM concepts in a playful way. As children play, they’ll not only learn how to program, but also how to think critically and creatively—skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond. -Reviewer Jennifer Heap


SOIC and Sot: The Microchips SOIC and Sot: The Microchips

Ages: 4+
$19.45

Introduce a child you know to an exciting adventure with SOIC and SOT: The Microchips! Join SOIC and SOT as they journey from a warehouse to their new home, all while learning how to communicate with each other as they discover their life’s purpose along the way. This charming book is suitable for read-aloud sessions with children as young as four, but it also makes a wonderful gift for elementary school readers. SOIC and SOT: The Microchips is even featured in several SCALE K-12 microelectronic units for elementary-aged children! Through delightful illustrations and accessible technical language, SOIC and SOT: The Microchips effectively engages children while teaching the importance and applications of microchips, all while making learning both fun and informative. -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins


Mochi Robotics Kit Mochi Robotics Kit

Ages: 4 - 8
$149.00

Are you looking for a creative and screen-free way to introduce a child in your life to the basics of coding? The Mochi Robotics Kit offers a tactile, hands-on learning experience that brings coding to life through play. This engaging kit includes an adorable plush Mochi Robot, coding blocks, and a storybook that guides children through a variety of programming tasks. With Mochi, there are no screens, just play! This kit provides a screen-free way for children to learn essential coding concepts. All you need is a clear play space, and the rest is up to the child’s imagination and problem-solving skills. Children can use the coding blocks to direct Mochi on a series of fun adventures, teaching them important concepts like sequencing and logic. The hands-on nature of the kit makes coding approachable and intuitive, allowing children to understand programming in a playful, interactive way. The Mochi Robotics Kit is an engaging way to foster early STEM skills, helping children to develop a strong foundation in problem-solving and critical thinking. Plus, it keeps learning fun and engaging, allowing children to see the results of their choices as they guide Mochi through exciting tasks. -Reviewer Josh Clement


AlphaBot AlphaBot

Ages: 4 - 10
$14.99

AlphaBot by Vicky Fang is an interactive flipbook that introduces the fundamental concepts of coding, robotics, and the engineering design process. Children can enjoy an immersive learning experience as the book explores various components of robotics and how each part contributes to the robot's overall functionality. Each page features a different part of the robot, showcasing how it enables movement or other functions. After learning about these components, children can unleash their creativity by designing their own robot while flipping through the pages and combining parts. This book not only fosters engineering skills and creative thinking but also introduces simple foundations of engineering design while encouraging curiosity and critical questioning. -Reviewer Hannah Garcia


matatalab Pro Set matatalab Pro Set

Ages: 4 - 9
$229.99

This gift-giving season, satisfy a child in your life's desire for a fun and interactive toy while providing an effective way to practice programming fundamentals, with Matatalab’s Pro Set. This comprehensive set includes coding blocks, the MatataBot, a command tower, control board, challenge booklet, game map, accessories, and warm-up cards. To get started, a USB charging cable for the electronic components is also needed. Assembly is simple—just place the command tower on the control board. To play, children can arrange the coding blocks on the control board and then press play to watch MatataBot execute the programmed commands! Overall, Matatalab’s Pro Set is an engaging way to introduce young children to the fundamentals of programming in a fun and interactive way. -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins


Coding Critters Coding Critters

Ages: 4+
$45.99

Are you looking for a fun, hands-on way to introduce a child to coding? Coding Critters by Learning Resources are adorable, screen-free pets that will make learning programming fun for preschoolers! With a variety of lovable critters to choose from—such as a bunny, cat, dog, dragon, or unicorn—there’s a perfect pet for every little one. With Coding Critters, children will begin learning basic programming concepts by coding their pet’s movements and actions. The simple coding buttons allow children to create commands, and each pet responds by following their instructions—whether it’s making the critter move, play music, or follow a pattern. Playing with Coding Critters is an engaging way to build early problem-solving and logic skills while having fun! Coding Critters is the perfect introduction to coding for young children, offering a playful and screen-free alternative to traditional tech learning. The easy-to-use coding buttons make it accessible for preschoolers, while the included storybooks guide them through coding adventures and challenges. Plus, each critter comes with a pet playset that encourages imaginative play and interaction. To keep the fun going, Learning Resources offers free downloads on their website, including extra storybooks and coding arrows to expand the adventure. And to make the experience even more official, you can download a free pet adoption certificate for the lucky child to celebrate their new coding friend! - Reviewer Jennifer Heap


Botley the Coding Robot Botley the Coding Robot

Ages: 4 - 7
$57.99

Are you looking for an adorable and highly capable robot to help a child in your life learn programming? Look no further! Botley the Coding Robot from Learning Resources might be the perfect gift you’ve been searching for. The kit includes a robot, remote-control programmer, detachable robot arms, and over 40 coding cards. To get started, you’ll need 5 AAA batteries—3 for Botley and 2 for the remote-control programmer—and a small Phillips screwdriver to open the battery compartments. Once powered up, children can outline a program using the coding cards and use the remote control to program Botley. This robot can be programmed to detect and avoid objects, navigate obstacle courses, follow black lines, and execute all commands. There are also hidden features that can be unlocked through play and exploration with Botley. Overall, Botley the Coding Robot offers a fun and interactive way to teach the basics of programming, making it an excellent choice for early learners! -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins


KIBO 15 Robot Kit KIBO 15 Robot Kit

Ages: 4 - 7
$380.00

Give a young one in your life a hands-on, screen-free gift this holiday season with KinderLab’s KIBO 15 Robot Kit. This kit includes the KIBO Robot, various programming blocks, parameter cards, motors, wheels, a sound sensor, a lightbulb module, and components to assemble a stage for added fun. Additionally, KinderLab offers an option to purchase a storage bin for easy cleanup. Children will need 4 AA batteries to power KIBO. A computer for potential firmware updates is recommended. The fun begins with connecting the programming blocks to create a sequence for the robot to follow. Once the necessary accessories are attached, children can scan the barcodes on the blocks (with a guardian’s help if needed), and KIBO will execute the programmed actions. With countless ways to rearrange the blocks and accessories, KIBO offers endless enjoyment and learning opportunities for budding programmers. After being in our top five last year, the KIBO 15 Robot Kit certainly deserves a spot on our list again this year! Overall, this kit fosters strong programming skills and lays the foundation for understanding coding algorithms in the future. -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins


Kids First Coding and Robotics Kids First Coding and Robotics

Ages: 4 - 8
$90.99

Unlock a child's imagination and creativity with the Kids First Coding & Robotics Kit! This innovative, story-based robot building and programming kit allows children to construct and program a self-aware robot named Sammy—all without the need for a smartphone or computer. Inside the kit, children will find 417 building pieces, over 200 code cards, and 30 engaging coding lessons. With just three AA batteries, children can embark on exciting building and programming challenges as they guide Sammy the robot to complete over six interactive stories. Programming is simple: Sammy drives over a sequence of code cards, scanning and recognizing the commands to bring ideas to life. The possibilities are endless! Whether creating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a goalkeeper, or a fire truck, Sammy adapts to a wide range of applications. The kit is designed to grow with young children, featuring design challenges that vary in complexity to keep them engaged as they develop their skills. By playing with the Kids First Coding & Robotics Kit from Thames and Kosmos, children will build a solid foundation in engineering thinking, robotics, and programming. It’s not just a toy—it’s an adventure in learning! – Reviewer Kayla Phillips


Doll-E 1.0 Doll-E 1.0

Ages: 4 - 8
$18.99

Are you looking for a way to inspire a child to tinker, code, and build like an engineer? Doll-E 1.0, by Shanda McCloskey is a witty, engaging story that encourages young readers to embrace their love of STEM. In this delightful book, Charlotte, a young girl who is passionate about coding and building, receives a doll as a gift from her mother. At first, Charlotte finds the doll boring and doesn't quite know what to do with it. But soon, she discoveries the doll has a hidden battery pack. As Charlotte combines her love of technology with her creativity, she transforms her gift into something truly special. This empowering story shows that any child, that no matter what their interests are, can develop a passion for technology and engineering. Help inspire confidence and creativity for a child in your life with Doll-E 1.0, by Shanda McCloskey! – Reviewer Kayla Phillips


How to Explain Coding to a Grown Up How to Explain Coding to a Grown Up

Ages: 4 - 8
$17.99

How to Explain Coding to a Grown-Up by Ruth Spiro is a delightful and accessible guide to coding that makes complex concepts easy to understand for both young readers and curious adults. With its clever mix of humor, simple explanations, and relatable analogies, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to dive into the world of technology without feeling overwhelmed. Spiro breaks down key coding concepts such as hardware, software, algorithms, and debugging in a way that feels approachable and fun. Rather than relying on jargon or overly technical language, she cleverly disguises these challenging ideas as “pro-tips,” making the material feel like a series of exciting discoveries rather than daunting lessons. Through playful illustrations and clear, engaging text, readers are introduced to the fundamentals of coding and how these concepts power the technology we use every day. This book is particularly well-suited for young minds eager to learn about the future of technology. It presents coding as a creative and empowering skill, not just for programmers, but for anyone who wants to understand how the world around them works. However, it’s also an excellent choice for adults who may feel intimidated by the idea of coding but want a lighthearted, non-intimidating introduction to the subject. How to Explain Coding to a Grown-Up is a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making coding both fun and enlightening. We love this book so much, it was one of our top five picks last year, and of course, it makes the list again this year. Whether for a young reader just starting to explore the tech world or an adult looking for a quick, enjoyable coding primer, this book is a wonderful resource that will inspire curiosity and confidence. -Reviewer Jennifer Heap


Tale-Bot Pro Tale-Bot Pro

Ages: 4 - 8
$99.99

Tale-Bot Pro by Matatalab is an interactive coding robot that offers a total of 256 different commands. This adorable robot introduces your child to the foundational concepts of coding and programming, fostering engineering thinking along the way. Each Tale-Bot Pro kit includes one Tale-Bot robot, a double-sided interactive map, a language configuration card, and a challenge booklet. To get started, simply charge the robot using the included cord (you'll need a USB charging block), then set up the interactive map on a flat, clean surface. Your child can explore various coding commands and begin programming the robot in multiple ways. They can use the maps, their voice, or the buttons on top of the robot to input and create code. With Tale-Bot Pro, there are endless opportunities for exploration, including the introduction of new languages. As your child inputs code, they’ll see the lights on the robot illuminate, visualizing how the code runs in real-time. This engaging and creative challenge promotes programming, coding, and engineering thinking, all contributing to a deeper understanding of microelectronics. -Reviewer Hannah Garcia


Kaibot Intro Pack Kaibot Intro Pack

Ages: 5 - 15
$190.00

If you’re searching for a robot that can grow with a child in your life, Kaibot might be the perfect toy for them! Developed by Kai’s Education, this screen-free or hybrid robot is designed to be a valuable learning tool throughout a child’s educational journey. The Kaibot intro pack includes the hybrid robot, 30+ coding cards, a USB charging cable, robot sleeves, and stickers to decorate the Kaibot. To get started, a charging block for the USB cord to charge the Kaibot is needed. For hybrid mode, a computer is required for coding. In screen-free mode, children can arrange the coding cards to create a program for Kaibot to follow. Once set up correctly, Kaibot will scan the cards and execute the program. In hybrid mode, children can write code to program Kaibot, and once the file is uploaded, it will carry out the specified commands. From beginner to advanced levels, the Kaibot Intro Pack is an excellent toy that helps develop and strengthen programming and coding skills. -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins


Rosie Revere, Engineer Rosie Revere, Engineer

Ages: 5 - 7
$11.1

Are you looking for a way to spark a child’s interest in engineering? Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty is a charming and empowering children's book that introduces the wonders of engineering through the eyes of a creative, curious young girl. The story follows Rosie, who dreams of becoming a great inventor. However, like many budding engineers, Rosie struggles with the fear of failure. When her inventions don't work as planned, she feels discouraged. But through her journey, Rosie learns a valuable lesson: failure is a part of the process, and it’s through perseverance and creativity that great ideas come to life. Rosie Revere, Engineer teaches children the importance of resilience, problem-solving, and never giving up—qualities every engineer needs. As Rosie’s journey unfolds, she discovers that it’s not about being perfect, but about learning from mistakes and continuing to invent, no matter the setbacks. This delightful book will inspire both you and a child in your life to embrace creativity, celebrate failures as steppingstones, and believe in the power of perseverance—making it a wonderful read for any young aspiring engineer. -Reviewer Josh Clement


My First Coding and Computer Science Kit My First Coding and Computer Science Kit

Ages: 6+
$49.99

Are you looking for screen-free activities that offer hours of fun while boosting a child's learning? Look no further than the My First Coding and Computer Science Kit by Playz! This hands-on, educational kit is the perfect gift for young minds interested in exploring the world of coding, technology, and computer science—without the need for a computer. The kit is packed with engaging activities that introduce core concepts in coding and computer science. From creating binary necklaces and ancient encryption devices to designing pixelated pictures, children will have a blast while developing important STEM skills. It’s an excellent way to spark curiosity and creativity in children, all while they learn about the building blocks of technology. The kit includes everything needed—no additional materials required—so children can dive right into the fun. The instructions are clear, detailed, and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable learning experience. Whether you know a child who is a beginner or one who has some prior knowledge of coding, the activities are designed to be both challenging and accessible. In addition to its educational value, the My First Coding and Computer Science Kit makes a fantastic at-home science lab for children. It’s ideal for rainy days, weekends, or school breaks, offering a productive and fun alternative to screen time. With this kit, children will not only be entertained, but also gain foundational skills that can set them up for future success in STEM fields. My First Coding and Computer Science Kit by Playz is an engaging, hands-on way to introduce children to the world of computer science, while keeping them entertained and off screens. Perfect for at-home learning, this kit is a great educational gift that will provide hours of fun and learning. -Reviewer Jennifer Heap


Coding Can Change the World Coding Can Change the World

Ages: 7 - 10
$19.99

Are you looking for a way to inspire young kids in your life to explore STEM careers? Coding Can Change the World by Edwin Kim is an engaging book that illustrates how one person's coding skills can make a real difference. The story follows a young girl named Mia, who faces challenges while learning to code. Mia finds encouragement from her father to persevere through her challenges. The book highlights how various STEM fields utilize coding to tackle different problems, revealing the impactful side of coding. Mia discovers how coding can help people, animals, and our planet. This book helps children learn the importance of resilience when learning new skills, making it the perfect read for any budding engineer! -Reviewer Daisy Coble