This year, Snap Circuits Arcade by Elenco makes our Top Ten Toys list, blending classic fun with innovative arcade games! This easy-to-build circuit kit introduces children to the fundamentals of electronics while encouraging creativity. A variety of projects can be constructed, from a programmable fan that displays LED text to an exciting baseball arcade game. With just a few batteries, children can embark on a hands-on learning adventure that will spark their imagination. Encourage a child in your life to explore the incredible world of circuits as they create their own electronic masterpieces with Snap Circuits Arcade! - Reviewer Daisy Coble
Are you curious about a fun, interactive way for a child in your life to dive into coding and robotics? The BOLT Coding Robot by Sphero is the perfect way for children and teenagers to learn coding through play and exploration. To get started, simply download the Sphero Edu app on a compatible smartphone or tablet. Once the app is set up, children can program the BOLT to perform a variety of actions, such as navigating obstacles, lighting up in different colors, and even interacting with its environment. The Sphero Edu app offers a wide range of coding challenges and activities, making it easy for children to learn step-by-step or create their own projects from scratch. Whether they’re building basic commands or designing advanced programs, the children in your life will gain hands-on experience with coding, robotics, and problem-solving. The BOLT Coding Robot is designed to engage children while teaching them valuable skills. Through fun, interactive play, children can learn coding fundamentals, experiment with robotics, and develop critical thinking abilities—all while having a blast! -Reviewer Josh Clement
Are you looking for a robot that can match current programming experience and help a child in your life advance their coding skills? Look no further than Makeblock’s mBot! This versatile and durable robot is designed to do just that. All the necessary materials to assemble the mBot's body and connect the electrical components are included, along with a remote control and various sensors for programming. To get started, you’ll need a computer for online coding and/or a device to download Makeblock’s app, a CR2025 battery for the remote, and either 4AA batteries or the mBot Li-polymer battery to power the robot. Once assembled, there are multiple pre-set modes for children to explore. For coding, children can use the online platform or Makeblock’s user-friendly app. Additionally, Makeblock offers a wealth of digital resources and coding challenges to help advance children’s programming skills. mBot has earned its place in this year’s Top 10 because of its ease of use and interactive, adaptable nature, making it a fantastic toy and learning tool for programmers of all skill levels. -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins
Do you have children in your life who are interested in video games? The Code Lab mini by Let's Start Coding might be the perfect toy to capture their attention without any screen time! This motherboard is designed like a gaming controller and encourages children to explore the mechanics behind how gaming controllers work. This exploration makes the Code Lab mini an excellent way to bridge the gap between learning to code and how coding is used in video games. All you need is a laptop and a stable internet connection to get started. Children begin with the basics and progress through chapters that cover concepts like toggle and linear variables. By programming the various buttons, knobs, and speakers on the device children are able to watch the board come to life like a real gaming controller! -Reviewer Daisy Coble
Are you looking for a hands-on toy that a children can build themselves? The Mechanical Hand by Smartivity is an engaging wooden puzzle that guides children through detailed step-by-step instructions to build a fully functional mechanical hand. With its intricate construction, this toy is perfect for young builders eager to dive into engineering. The kit includes wooden pieces and rubber bands needed to assemble the gears and mechanical systems, showcasing the complexity of how these components work together. Building the Mechanical Hand is not only a fun activity but also an educational experience, providing insights into the fascinating world of mechanics! -Reviewer Daisy Coble
What if we told you there’s a way to engineer the future by bringing back the past? Keyestudio’s STEM Programming DIY Mini Light Controlled Phonograph Kit allows children to do just that! This kit includes all the parts and fasteners needed for the wooden body, an expansion board for a micro:bit, a battery holder, and various sensors that can be connected and programmed. To get started, children will need 4 AAA batteries, a micro:bit, and a computer for coding and assembly instructions. Once assembled, the device can be programmed to play music! The adaptive nature of this toy allows for numerous sensor and coding configurations, giving children plenty of opportunities to experiment and enrich their learning experience. Overall, by engaging with the STEM Programming DIY Mini Light Controlled Phonograph Kit, children can develop stronger programming skills while exercising their creativity. -Reviewer Virginia Hawkins
Hero by Thames & Kosmos is a remarkable toy that combines fun, learning, and interactivity in one exciting package. While it's perfect for children and teens who love hands-on projects, Hero offers the thrill of building and the excitement of a functioning robot companion that goes beyond just sitting on a shelf. For children who enjoy constructing model cars, robotics kits, or anything that involves problem-solving and engineering, Hero provides an engaging, educational challenge. The kit includes all the necessary parts to build a fully functional robot, allowing children and teens to see firsthand the inner workings of robotics and engineering. It’s an excellent way to spark creativity and deepen understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. Once assembled, Hero is far from ordinary. This interactive robot can sense sound and respond to commands, making it a dynamic play companion. The robot can follow sound patterns, engage in simple games like tug-of-war, and even dance to music—adding a layer of fun and creativity to playtime. There are four different play modes, each offering a unique way for children and teens to interact with Hero. Whether it’s responding to sound cues, following someone around, or showing off some dance moves, Hero keeps children and teens engaged and entertained. Hero is ideal for teens to put together independently, but younger children (ages 8+) may need some adult assistance for assembly. Regardless, the sense of accomplishment that comes from building Hero is well worth the effort. Hero by Thames & Kosmos is a fantastic choice for young tech enthusiasts, budding engineers, or anyone who loves to build and experiment. It’s not just a toy—it’s an educational experience that’s as fun as it is instructive. Whether for solo play or as part of a family project, Hero is sure to spark curiosity and provide hours of entertainment. -Reviewer Jennifer Heap
Makey Makey by Joylabz is an innovative educational STEM coding kit designed to inspire creativity and learning. The kit includes a Makey Makey board, 7 alligator clips, 6 white wires, and a USB cord. To get started, simply plug the board into a computer using the provided USB cord, connect an alligator clip to the “EARTH” segment of the board, and hold the opposite end of the clip to test it out! The kit provides initial instructions, with countless project ideas available on the Makey Makey website found at https://makeymakey.com/pages/how-to. As children engage with the kit, they'll learn essential concepts related to microelectronics, including circuits, coding, programming, and the capabilities of micro:bits. Makey Makey keeps children entertained while encouraging engineering thinking as they explore various projects and unleash their creativity. -Reviewer Hannah Garcia
Do you want to kickstart a child’s coding journey? The Code Car by Let’s Start Coding is perfect for beginners and those with a bit more experience looking to expand their skills. All that is needed is a laptop and a stable internet connection to explore the intricacies of coding. This toy is ideal for newcomers because it offers the choice between block-based and text-based coding. For those who might find typing code intimidating, the option to arrange pre-made “blocks” to create code makes the process more accessible. Even children who already have some coding knowledge will find plenty to enjoy, as the car features various functions to control, including headlights, brakes, a horn, and even a custom car alarm. -Reviewer Daisy Coble
Looking for a hands-on way to introduce a child to the world of electricity and circuits? The Electricity and Battery-Making Kit from National Geographic is a fun and educational gift that will spark a child's curiosity and deepen their understanding of basic electrical concepts. The kit includes everything children need to build a functioning clock powered by a homemade battery. Only 2 potatoes and 2 AAA batteries are needed. The kit also includes a detailed learning guide with pictures, diagrams and “cool science facts” that are sure to enhance the educational experience. The clock even doubles as a voltmeter, so children can see the voltage produced. Once the clock is built, learning doesn’t stop. Children can experiment with other fruits and vegetables to test how much voltage they can generate, while making predictions and comparing results. This hands-on exploration helps build valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. The Electricity and Battery-Making Kit is an excellent gift for home or as a classroom science project. It’s a perfect introduction to STEM concepts, combining engineering, science, and practical experimentation in a fun, interactive way. Plus, with the detailed guide and engaging experiments, children will have hours of hands-on learning fun while discovering how electricity works! -Reviewer Jennifer Heap
Is a child in your life fascinated by how computers work? With Turing Tumble, they can build their own mechanical computers powered by marbles—no screens required! This hands-on, interactive toy is a fun and engaging way for children to learn about computer logic, coding strategies, and even binary operations. With Turing Tumble, the inner workings of computers come to life as children play with it. Unlike modern computers, where logic is hidden in a chip, this toy makes it visible through marble-powered mechanisms. Children can build contraptions using gears, ramps, and levers to solve puzzles and complete challenges. They’ll learn key concepts like binary operations and coding strategies in a tangible, fun way. Each puzzle is part of a larger story, where solving each challenge brings Alia, the space engineer character, one step closer to rescuing her crew. This helps motivate children to keep playing and experimenting as they design and test their own computers. Whether played individually or collaboratively, Turing Tumble encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Turing Tumble is perfect for children who love to explore, tinker, and solve puzzles. It’s a unique blend of learning and fun that makes complex computer science concepts approachable, all while keeping children engaged in a hands-on activity. -Reviewer Jennifer Heap
Do you know an inquisitive child eager to learn more about coding and electronics? Buzz the Code Bug by Let’s Start Coding is the perfect way to spark their curiosity and provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience in the exciting world of coding. This cute bee shaped toy comes with a buzz board, LED Pixel wings, USB cable, and code reference cards. It even comes with a hex wrench for the screw nuts, so all you need to supply is a computer. Buzz is not just a toy; it’s an interactive coding project. First, your child will use engineering skills to put Buzz together, which is only part of the fun! Once Buzz is assembled, your child can use free software and lessons available on the product website to program Buzz to perform exciting actions, such as jittering, singing a song, reacting to light, and flashing patterns of rainbow LED pixels. Buzz the Code Bug provides an engaging, hands-on introduction to microelectronics and coding. With simple, kid-friendly lessons and challenges, kids can experiment with coding and see immediate results as Buzz responds to their programming. It’s the perfect way to encourage problem-solving, creativity, and early STEM skills—all while having fun! -Reviewer Jennifer Heap
Are you looking for a gift that combines a child’s love of robotics and coding? The Robotics Workshop with micro:bit by Thames & Kosmos offers an exciting, hands-on way for children to explore the world of technology and innovation. This versatile kit provides everything needed to build a variety of robots—and that's just the beginning! Children will start by following the step-by-step instructions in the manual to build robots using durable and reusable components. But the fun doesn’t stop there—once the robots are assembled, children can bring them to life by adding code! The kit includes a micro:bit, which can be programmed through the MakeCode platform. Initially, children can start with block-based coding, which is intuitive and beginner-friendly. As they progress, they can explore more advanced coding languages such as Python and JavaScript, just like those used in the tech industry. This kit is an amazing opportunity for children to dive into STEM concepts, build their own robots, and explore the basics of coding and electronics. The possibilities are endless as children create robots of their own design, experiment with different configurations, and learn coding skills that can be applied to real-world technology. Whether a child you know is a beginner or ready for more advanced programming, the Robotics Workshop with micro:bit is a fun and engaging way to spark their creativity and develop valuable skills in problem-solving, engineering, and programming. -Reviewer Jennifer Heap
Are you looking for a fun, hands-on way to introduce a child to robotics and programming? The Robotics Smart Machine Junior by Thames & Kosmos is the perfect STEM kit for budding engineers! This buildable and programmable robot doesn’t require a smartphone or computer to get started, making it an ideal way for children to learn the basics of robotics, engineering, and coding. Children will begin by constructing their very own robot, using 150 different pieces. Once built, they can program Junior’s movements and actions using simple easy to access buttons. For children who want to take their programming skills even further, the Junior app can be downloaded onto a tablet or smartphone, allowing them to code up to 200 different actions! Plus, children can even use their device as a gyroscope to control Junior’s movements, adding an interactive, real-time element. The Robotics Smart Machine Junior encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in children—all while having fun with a robot they built and control themselves! – Reviewer Kayla Phillips
Are you looking for a fun, hands-on way to teach STEM concepts? The Retro Arcade for Education by Elecfreaks combines the nostalgia of classic arcade games with the excitement of coding and electronics. This engaging kit allows children to build and code their own arcade games while learning valuable skills in a creative, interactive way. To get started, simply plug the arcade console into a laptop or computer, where children can use block-based coding to create and personalize their own games. Whether they’re designing a classic platformer, puzzle game, or racing challenge, children will learn the basics of coding while having fun. The Retro Arcade for Education is the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, inspiring creativity while teaching essential skills in electronics, coding, and game design. It's a great way to introduce children to problem-solving and critical thinking in an interactive, hands-on way. Children will love bringing a retro twist to STEM learning with the Retro Arcade for Education by Elecfreaks. -Reviewer Josh Clement
Do you know a child who is ready to dive into the amazing world of electronics? The Microcade Road Trip Edition is a mini arcade machine that puts children in charge of building their very own car-themed gaming experience! In this hands-on project, children will get to snap and cut panels, file and solder the edges, and assemble the materials into their very own working arcade machine. The kit includes a practice soldering board to help beginners get the hang of it! With over 30 games to play, this kit isn’t just about building; it’s also about fun! Plus, children will learn valuable skills in soldering and circuit assembly that can be applied to future projects. The Microcade Road Trip Edition includes all the tools children need, like a soldering iron and solder, making it perfect for beginners. Get ready to see a child in your life unleash their creativity and engineering skills while enjoying endless gaming adventures! – Reviewer Kayla Phillips
Looking for a screen-free way to teach circuitry to a child? Discover Upper Story’s SpinTronics Act One! This innovative toy offers a hands-on approach to learning about circuits, utilizing a clever pulley system and chain-linked belts instead of screens or batteries. With SpinTronics Act One, children can create various circuits using magnetic tiles to form a base, along with resistors, capacitors, switches, and more! By experimenting with different combinations, they’ll discover how each component interacts within a circuit. The included puzzle book adds an extra layer of fun, guiding children through an engaging story filled with challenges they can solve using the provided items. This toy received rave reviews and was a top five favorite last year! If you already own Act One, consider adding Act Two to extend the learning adventure, but remember that Act Two requires Act One for play. Dive into the exciting world of circuitry with the imaginative storytelling of SpinTronics Act One! -Reviewer Daisy Coble
Do you know a teen who is curious about the growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tech world? KAI the Artificial Intelligence Robot by Thames & Kosmos is a fascinating toy that introduces the ways in which AI is utilized in various STEM fields and includes real-world applications. Getting started is easy—just grab a few batteries and download the companion app. After building KAI, teens can connect it to the app to gather data that enables it to move. KAI can be controlled by using the app's controller or by using a camera to create motions for it to interpret and follow. This hands-on experience teaches teens how data is collected and processed, illustrating how KAI learns to move, much like other AI systems. It’s a fun and accessible way to understand the fundamentals of AI. We love KAI so much that it was a top five pick in our gift guide last year, and it absolutely had to be included in our microelectronics-themed gift guide this year! -Reviewer Daisy Coble
The ELECFREAKS micro:bit Smart Home Kit introduces creative home projects using microelectronics. Teens can design and navigate intricate projects that combine micro:bit programming with home innovation. Everything needed to create projects is included in this kit. Be sure to purchase the kit with the micro:bit board unless you already have a micro:bit. For detailed instructions, you can visit https://wiki.elecfreaks.com/en/microbit/wisdom-life/microbit-smart-home-kit/ for a step-by-step guide on various projects. Overall, this kit offers a unique opportunity for teens to learn about micro:bits and how they can be integrated into circuits to accomplish tasks. Teens will enjoy a hands-on learning experience that demonstrates how microelectronics can be applied in everyday home settings! -Reviewer Hannah Garcia
The ELECFREAKS micro:bit Smart Health Kit enables teens with the tools to explore how microelectronics can work together as a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. This comprehensive kit includes a variety of microelectronic components. To get started, teens should familiarize themselves with the various parts and their functions within the kit. The first step is to connect the micro:bit board to the Sensor:bit. From there, teens can explore various health-related projects and begin building circuits while coding the micro:bit to perform specific tasks. This kit is at the heart of microelectronics, allowing teens to develop engineering thinking and design processes. It covers essential concepts such as coding, programming, microelectronics, and microchips, providing an interactive way to learn how these technologies can be created, programmed, and applied to promote a healthy lifestyle. -Reviewer Hannah Garcia
Do you know a teenager interested in how microelectronics can shape their future career? The Smart Student’s Guide to Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 by Mike Nager is an excellent resource for exploring a wide range of STEM careers and their real-world applications. This book encourages young readers to adopt an engineering mindset, prompting them to examine everyday objects and consider their production processes. Each chapter concludes with in-depth discussion questions that help to deepen understanding of the topics explored. The Smart Student’s Guide to Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 is one of our favorites, which is why it has made our list for a second consecutive year. It’s an ideal read for any teen who wants to learn about manufacturing and the interconnectedness of various STEM fields. -Reviewer Daisy Coble
Unleash Creativity and Innovation with the Creative Coding Kit: Love to Code! If you know a teen who has a passion for art and STEM, the Creative Coding Kit: Love to Code by Chibitronics is the perfect way to spark their imagination! This interactive kit blends storytelling, programming, and circuitry into a fun and engaging experience. Teens will create circuits right in the Chibi book, gaining hands-on experience in electronics. They can program their circuits using the Chibitronics code editor (C++ based) or Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit, which includes a block coding interface with options for Python and Java. This versatility allows for both beginners and those looking to expand their skills. Encourage teens to blend art and technology by creating stunning visual projects on the Chibi book pages. The kit inspires creativity, prompting teens to design art that integrates circuits, making learning fun and imaginative. With the Creative Coding Kit: Love to Code, teens will embark on a coding journey! – Reviewer Kayla Phillips
Are you looking for the perfect gift to spark a child’s imagination? The Micro:bit Wonder Building Kit is an ideal choice for young innovators eager to dive into fun, educational projects. With over 400 building blocks and 48 official builds to start with, the possibilities are endless! This kit encourages creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Designed for curious minds, the kit comes equipped with three unique sensors, LED lights, motors, and more — perfect for children ready to take on exciting challenges. Whether they’re building robots, gadgets, or interactive devices, this kit is the perfect introduction to programming, electronics, and engineering. Give the gift of exploration and learning with the Micro:bit Wonder Building Kit — the perfect way to inspire a child’s next big idea! -Reviewer Jennifer Heap
Do you know a teen who is eager to dive deeper into coding and microcontroller projects? The micro:bit Starter Kit by ELECFREAKS is the perfect introduction to the exciting world of microelectronics, coding, and breadboarding. Designed to engage teens, this kit provides hands-on experience with building circuits and programming, empowering them to see how coding can control the physical world around them. Once teens access Microsoft Makecode on a computer, they are on their way to starting their next electronics adventure! With the included micro:bit Starter Kit guide, teens can follow step-by-step instructions to build circuits, connect components, and program the micro:bit to bring their projects to life. As they gain confidence in their skills, teens will have the freedom to create their own unique circuits beyond the guide’s examples. This kit is designed for all skill levels; from beginners to more experienced budding engineers, and is the perfect foundation for teens to build their knowledge of coding and electronics. Micro:bit Starter Kit is an ideal way to encourage problem-solving, creativity, and STEM learning. – Reviewer Kayla Phillips
