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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
