THE 2025 INSPIRE ENGINEERING GIFT GUIDE
Sparking Curiosity Through Engineering and Play
Purdue University’s 2025 Engineering Gift Guide, released November 10, 2025, celebrates the power of play to inspire the next generation of innovators. This year’s edition showcases 10 microelectronics-themed gifts designed to help children and teens explore how tiny technologies drive big discoveries.
In collaboration with SCALE K-12 and the GM Foundation, Purdue’s annual guide highlights creative tools that invite young learners to build circuits, program robots, and experiment with coding, all while discovering how microelectronics shape the world around them.
Now in its 12th year, the Engineering Gift Guide has helped millions of families find meaningful, hands-on presents that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and confidence in STEM. Past editions have featured a wide range of toys, games, and books that connect engineering to everyday life. In 2025, the focus narrows to microelectronics, the science of designing and producing the small but mighty electronic components that power modern devices.
Produced by Purdue’s INSPIRE Research Institute for Pre-College Engineering, part of the School of Engineering Education (ENE), the guide reflects INSPIRE’s mission to make engineering accessible to all learners and integrate it across science, math, and language arts.
A Research Team led by ENE faculty and staff evaluated each gift across three microelectronics-related themes:
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Circuitry
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Robotics
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Coding & Programming
Explore the 2025 selections below and discover how play can spark a lifelong passion for engineering.
Read the full article.
Engineering the Future: 2025 Microelectronics Gift Guide
Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer
Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer turns computer science into a colorful adventure! A whimsical storybook perfect for curious kids exploring technology—no screens required.
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Bitsbox Coding Subscription
Bitsbox Coding Subscription turns screen time into learning time! This monthly coding box teaches kids to create their own apps and games—no experience needed.
ELECFREAKS micro:bit Nezha Pro Ocean Kit
ELECFREAKS micro:bit Nezha Pro Ocean Kit dives into ocean engineering with this creative building kit! Kids explore real-world engineering while designing their own sea-inspired devices.
Code Piano JUMBO by Let’s Start Coding
Code Piano JUMBO by Let’s Start Coding turns coding into music! Kids play real songs while learning programming and creativity in a hands-on STEM experience.
Makey Makey Backpack Bundle
Makey Makey Backpack Bundle sparks hands-on invention! This expansion kit for the Makey Makey Classic (sold separately) lets kids experiment, prototype, and turn everyday objects into playful creations.
My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon
My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon brings coding to life! Build and program a color-changing robotic pet that teaches logic through playful interaction.
Chibitronics LED Circuit Sticker Kits
Chibitronics LED Circuit Sticker Kits make electronics artful! Peel, stick, and light up creative projects for young makers.
Sphero BOLT+ and Sphero Blueprint Engineering Kit
Sphero BOLT+ and Sphero Blueprint Engineering Kit combine coding, building, and inventing! Kids explore robots and dynamic structures while developing STEM skills.
Pro-Bot by Terrapin
Pro-Bot by Terrapin makes learning logic fun! This car-shaped robot teaches coding through movement, lights, and creative art challenges.
Smart Cutebot Pro by ELECFREAKS
Smart Cutebot Pro by ELECFREAKS powers up learning with coding and microelectronics! This programmable robot challenges kids to engineer and invent.
Research Base for Engineering Gift Guide
Moore, T.J., Glancy, A.W., Tank, K.M., Kersten, J.A., Smith, K.A., & Stohlmann, M.S. (2014). A framework for quality K-12 engineering education: Research and development. Journal of Precollege Engineering Education Research, 4(1), 1-13.
Dasgupta, A., Rynearson, A., Purzer, S., Ehsan, H., & Cardella, M. (2017). Computational Thinking in K-2 Classrooms: Evidence from Student Artifacts (Fundamental). 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings.
Questions
Learn more about the Engineering Gift Guide's submission process. Questions? Contact our team at inspire@purdue.edu
Mailing Address
Purdue University, Wang Hall, Suite 3500
516 Northwestern Avenue, Room 3506
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Financial Support for Gift Guide
General Motors Foundation