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
Snap Circuits Code Journey, by Elenco, is an engaging programmable rover that provides an applicable, real-world example of coding to younger users that strengthens their computational thinking skills, spatial reasoning skills, and concepts of iterative design.
Snap Circuits Light, by Elenco, is a fantastic introduction to circuits for children 8+.
Coding Charms, by hand2mind, is a screen-free coding kit for children ages 8+.
Iggy Peck’s Big Project Book for Amazing Architects by David Roberts is a fantastic introduction to the engineering process for children ages five and up.
Snap Circuits Junior (20th Anniversary Edition) is a gift that consistently promotes engineering design thinking by asking its users to solve complex, real-world problems.
This build-it-yourself circuit kit by Elecno includes all the basics needed to get started with Snap Circuits and so much more.
For many years now, the Snap Circuits line of toys has been fantastic for learning and practicing circuitry and other engineering concepts, and Snap Circuits MyHome Plus is no exception.
This do-it-yourself circuit kit from Elenco pairs up with a user-friendly smartphone app to create a graphical, block-based coding experience fit for beginners and experts alike.
This build-it-yourself music machine kit by Smartivity is a great way to introduce the design process to kids.
This building kit for children 8 and up is perfect for the child who’s always wondering how things work!
This 3-in-1 RC building kit from Kididdo has an instruction booklet that walks the user through creating three separate remote-controlled vehicle designs.
This introductory coding kit from Let's Start Coding comes with over 100 experiments for children ages 8-15 to try completing independently.
This game from Looney Labs may come in a small box, but entire galaxies are contained within. Players (ages 8+) must develop strategies to fight over alien terrain while managing limited resources.
This build-it-yourself robotics toy by Thames and Kosmos not only walks you through building two different designs of robots but also introduces the basics of coding in an accessible manner.
This toy is the perfect introduction for those interested in vehicle design; it allows users to build multiple vehicles while simultaneously exploring complex physics and science concepts in an accessible way.
The WindBots: 6-in-1 Wind-Powered Machine Kit explores wind power and spatial reasoning with just enough engineering knowledge to pique a user’s interest.
Over the last two decades, coding has become one of the most important skills someone can possess. The Boolean Box Micro: Bit Base Kit is an incredible introduction to problem-solving, computers, and coding.
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
50 in 1 Tinker Lab Kit is a kit for ages 8+ that contains materials to complete fifty different STEAM projects.
Artie Max the Coding Robot by Educational Insights is a small, robotic drawing machine designed for children 8-12 years old.
Electronics can be a tricky concept to understand, but the Electronics & Robotics Kit* by TinkL Tinker Lab@Home from Butterfly EduFields allows children to build their own machines and robots complete with circuitry. Use wires and sensors to build many unique machines, from musical alarms to drawing robots. Learn how to build different designs with complex sensors and integrated robotics while also testing and improving on your design. Concepts of engineering, iterative design, and spatial reasoning are all practiced using the Electronics & Robotics Kit. ― Jaden Hernandez, Purdue Reviewer
Has your child ever wondered how rockets steer, plane controls work, or space telescopes maintain their position? The gyroscope, the amazing technology behind all of these inventions, is a great introduction to complex machinery to any child. The Tightrope-Walking Gyrobot by Thames and Kosmos uses a motorized gyroscope to walk along thin objects including the edges of rulers, ropes, and anything else you dare to try. Accompanied by a detailed manual, users gain knowledge about gyroscopes and the roles they play in our world, as well as the physics behind them. This toy is a great choice for any user looking to improve their physics knowledge, practice spatial and logical reasoning, and learn more about the technology around them. ― A.R. Miller, Purdue Reviewer
Upper Story LLC’s Spintronics Act One is a uniquely inventive toy that teaches kids about making circuits without the use of electricity or batteries. Users mimic different parts of an electrical circuit with physical hardware; wires become chains used to link together different resistors and connect switches to the motor. The included graphic novel encourages users to safely build different types of mechanical “circuits'' driven by the included pulley powered motor, while evaluating different circuits and communicating their findings in a way that meets professional standards. Allow a child in your life to go on a fun adventure while learning how to draw and construct circuits used in a variety of engineering jobs. ― Daisy Coble, Purdue Reviewer
If you can’t get enough of UpperStory LLC’s Spintronics and want a bit more of a challenge, Spintronics Act Two is a great addition. Act Two builds upon all of the concepts of Act One by introducing even more physical representations of elements of circuitry. While you do need Act One to play Act Two, Act Two adds many more complex challenges for any child yearning to learn more about circuitry. Along with more base tiles and chains to allow for bigger more complex circuits, the set includes new pieces to learn about circuit components such as inductors and transistors. You also can buy the Spintronics Power Pack if you want to make your circuits even bigger by providing more resistors. These additions to Act One allow for even more freedom in designing and building safe, mechanical "circuits." ― Daisy Coble, Purdue Reviewer
Is your child a coding pro? Offer a new challenge with the micro:bit Base Kit V2 by Boolean Girl Inc. Use the provided sensors and parts to measure noise, display text, and so much more. With limited direction and additional sensors, this gift would be best for a child with some previous coding and/or micro:bit experience, or an older teen who is just beginning to understand the world of computers. This kit is incredibly versatile, allowing a wide variety of projects and endless creativity. The micro:bit Base Kit V2 promotes coding, problem solving, design, creativity, and science knowledge, all wrapped up in a fun and engaging package. With micro:bit Base Kit V2, anything is possible. ― Erica Corbeels, Purdue Reviewer
Looney Labs does it again with Astronomy Fluxx, an engaging space-themed card game the whole family can enjoy. This game grows your astronomy knowledge while keeping you on your toes with the constantly changing rules. Enjoy the chaos as the rules pile up, then breathe a sigh of relief as they all come crashing down. This game is fun for the whole family, while reinforcing history, science knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Switch up your game night rotation with Astronomy Fluxx. ― Erica Corbeels, Purdue Reviewer
SMORE Magazine by Sandscreative is a fantastic quarterly magazine subscription that introduces science topics to kids of all ages.
Makey Makey, by JoyLabz LLC, is a coding kit that is recommended for children ages 8+.
pi Marble Run Starter Set, by Hubelino, is a marble run building kit for children ages 8+. Item may be purchased from product website.
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
Pinwheel Crafts brings the wonder of a science classroom into the hands of a child with their Water Filter Kit. While the experiment setup can be time-consuming, users benefit from working to understand the problem at hand, recording observations and using those observations to come to evidence-based conclusions. Although this gift may not immediately seem like an engineering toy, the skills learned by the children playing with the toy are certainly transferable and overall valuable in their development. ― Jaden Hernandez, Purdue Reviewer
The Solar Race Car from Thames & Kosmos takes the elusive concept of solar energy and packs it into a compact, affordable, and easy-to-understand kit that doubles as both a toy and a learning experience for a child. While users play with a toy car whose assembly promotes problem solving, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking, they will also get a better understanding of how solar energy is harnessed, the benefits and drawbacks of using solar cells, and how these concepts can be applied in the real world. If you want a simple and cost-effective toy to help a child in your life learn about alternative energy sources, the Solar Race Car is a great choice. ― Jaden Hernandez, Purdue Reviewer
Get ready for an exhilarating STEM adventure with TrainBots: 2-in-1 Steam Maker Kit by Thames & Kosmos! Explore clean energy and the environmental impacts of industry through an engaging comic, and build the steam-powered robot that will save the world. Users practice real-life circuitry and fabrication skills to create a robot that turns water into mist. The TrainBots: 2-in-1 Steam Maker Kit promotes problem-solving, creativity, and applying science knowledge. ― Erica Corbeels, Purdue Reviewer
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
While it appears as a simple word puzzle, WordStruct 3.0 offers much more.
WordStruct ESSENTIALS brings facets of spatial reasoning to an incredibly enjoyable word game.
WordStruct MEGA is a 3D wordplay puzzle game that integrates grammar and engineering thinking. Item may be purchased from product website.
This book by Shari Eskenas uses nursery rhymes and fairy tales as fun contexts to explain Python's coding fundamentals to kids ages 10-18.
Thames & Kosmos' Hydraulic Boxing Bots are a fun and creative way to allow a child in your life to play with a toy they spend the time building themselves. Children learn how the internal mechanisms of the toys operate, as well as how hydraulics are used. An attached booklet allows children to make connections between the hydraulic systems they are fabricating, and the usage of hydraulic systems are in real-world engineering disciplines. The Hydraulic Boxing Bots are great fun to play with siblings or with friends, since users build two robots and battle against each other. While building the kit can take a while, children practice not only spatial reasoning and fine motor skills, but also perseverance and engineering communication. ― Daisy Coble, Purdue Reviewer
Artificial Intelligence has been a blossoming topic this year that will only continue to grow. Introducing your children to the basics can give them a head start, and make a seemingly scary topic a lot more accessible. This toy takes the wide, complex topic of artificial intelligence and makes it simplistic enough that children as young as ten can understand it. An included booklet explains why and how artificial intelligence is used in different fields while the KAI toy allows children to train an “artificially intelligent” robot that they build themselves, practicing a hands-on understanding of the topic. Build a robot, gather data, and execute code with KAI: The Artificial Intelligence Robot by Thames & Kosmos. ― Daisy Coble, Purdue Reviewer
Technology is for everyone...at least, that's the moral of Ada & Zangemann: A Tale of Software, Skateboards, and Raspberry Ice Cream by Matthias Kirschner and Sandra Brandstätter. This beautifully written and illustrated story follows a technological revolution that occurs when an inventor becomes enraged by the use of his creations for fun, rather than their intended purposes. Encouraging creative, out-of-the-box engineering thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance, as well as endless tinkering, Kirschner and Brandstätter weave a story that will encourage children to question who owns the technology around them, and why. ― A.R. Miller, Purdue Reviewer
In this new world of internet access, teaching and prioritizing internet safety is of the utmost importance. Outsmart Cyberthreats by Start Engineering would be a great guide for many children new to the internet that introduces them to everything from ransomware to safe passwords. Interesting programming guides in the back of the book reinforce computational and logical thinking, walking children through the world of cracking passwords and explaining how short and simple passwords are less safe than long, complex ones. A perfect stocking stuffer or educational item, this guide would be perfect year-round for children learning to use the internet. While this guide is more informative than fun, reading like this is essential to maintain proper internet safety. ― A.R. Miller, Purdue Reviewer
A Day in Code: Python, written by Shari Eskenas and illustrated by Ana Quintero Villafraz, details the story of two siblings and their journeys in creating a method to convey stories to their computers through coding.
