Best STEM Gift Ideas for Kids

These 29 best STEM gift ideas make perfect gifts for different age groups and are suitable for boys and girls!

There’s no better way for kids to learn than mixing education and playtime and you can put your little scientist’s STEM skills to the test with these construction, engineering, chemistry, coding, and math gifts that are seriously worth the hype.

Science has never been more accessible (or fun!) than it is today thanks to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys that range from robotics to lab testing.

These educational toys will help kids open up their minds to science and learn new skills that will aid them in their intellectual development.

While these STEM gift ideas are designed to stimulate the learning process, they’re also a lot of fun too!

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What Do STEM Toys Mean?

If you’re unfamiliar, STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

STEM toys are learning toys designed to encourage and stimulate kids interested in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Best STEM Gift Ideas for Kids — *Best Stem Gift Ideas for Kids*

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.

Why Buy Kids STEM Toys?

STEM toys encourage creativity, stimulate imagination, develop hand-eye coordination skills, and promote spatial skills.

Developing these skills early on can lead your kids on the path to discovering their dream careers.

You can find STEM toys for toddlers as young as 3 all the way up to older teenagers and even adults!

STEM vs STEAM Toys

While STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

The arts inclusion in STEAM is needed to support creative thinking, innovation, and other artistic skills. It goes hand in hand with STEM.

There might be a bit of an overlay between STEM and STEAM toys within the gifts suggested in this gift guide.

The STEM toys recommended below are for different age groups and are suitable for all sexes.

What Are the Best STEM Gifts for Kids?

There are 29 stem gifts below but if you want a quick tip, my top 3 recommendations include Dear Smart Girl Cosmetic Engineering STEM Kit, Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids, and Educational Insights Artie Max

1. Dear Smart Girl Cosmetic Engineering STEM Kit

This DIY hand soap activity provides a stimulating STEM activity that also results in a cool product your little scientist can enjoy!

The easy-to-follow instructional video supports independent learning and the kit includes all materials required plus multi-modal instructions.

The STEM kit also includes fun extras such as an affirmation button and stickers. This product is offered by a black-owned small business. BUY HERE.

2. Foundation Chemistry Kit

The Foundation Chemistry Kit is a science enthusiasts’ gateway into the world of chemistry.

The set comes with everything your little scientist in the making could possibly need.

From a step-by-step experiment manual and beakers to personal protective gear plus household and lab-grade chemicals for hours and hours of experimental fun.

The Foundation Chemistry Kit is suitable for ages 8 – 12. BUY HERE.

3. ThinkFun Laser Maze

Are your kids obsessed with lasers? The ThinkFun Laser Maze is a mind-bending logic maze game that encourages children to use STEM skills.

Kids will have to use game grids, targets, beam-splitters, and mirrors to create the ultimate laser maze and challenge themselves to light up the target.

The ThinkFun Laser Maze is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

4. Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids

Anki Cozmo is more than just an epic real-life robot. Cozmo also introduces kids to the basics of coding with an easy-to-use interface that lets them program it.

Kids will get to learn to code creatively while playing games with the robot. Cozmo requires a compatible iOS or Android device and the free Cozmo app to operate effectively.

The Cozmo robot is suitable for ages 24 months and up. BUY HERE.

5. Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot

Dash Coding Robot teaches kids how to code in simple language they can easily understand.

The robot is equipped with a suite of tools that energizes the way kids interact with it. Dash can move, dance, make sounds, avoid obstacles, and much more.

Dash is suitable for ages 6 – 11. BUY HERE.

6. Snail World

Snail World Organic & Green Toys — **Snail World**

Snail World encourages children to learn more about nature and how to care for animals by providing them with the tools they’ll need to create a habitat for snails.

Best of all, the habitat, which comes with a cool backdrop sticker, can be filled with soil for land snails or water for water snails.

It’s an excellent way of teaching kids how to nurture and care for snails. It also encourages scientific learning, exploration, and empathy, and understanding of nature.

Snail World is suitable for ages 6 – 8. BUY HERE.

7. Sunflower Garden Kit

Kids can create a sunflower garden with this STEM science activity kit. A great way for children to build creative confidence and fine motor skills.

The kit includes sunflower seeds, pot, potting mix, markers, stickers, and a hardcover mini book to write their garden story.

The Sunflower Garden Kit is suitable for kids ages 6 and up. BUY HERE.

8. Crime Catchers Science Kit

Introduce the kiddos to the fascinating world of crime scene science with this kit that includes 2 exciting mysteries with 8 activities.

DNA, a magnifying glass, test powders and liquids, fingerprint matching, and much more.

But the kit isn’t just a collection of evidence. Kids will also get to learn more about the suspects and examine evidence in great detail.

The activities will have kids taking on the persona of a real forensic scientist! The Crime Catchers kit is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

9. Snap Circuits Light Electronics Exploration Kit

Introduce kids to the world of electronics with the Snap Circuits Light Electronics Exploration Kit.

With over 55 parts and more than 175 projects, kids will learn how to create electronic circuits, Fiber Optic communications, and more using items like an infrared receiver and snap wires.

Best of all? They won’t need any tools because completing these projects is as easy as snapping the pieces together.

The electronics exploration kit is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

10. ThinkFun Gravity Maze

Help the little ones develop planning skills and learn more about spatial reasoning with the ThinkFun GravityMaze.

There are over 60 challenges that will keep them entertained for hours and help with developing critical skills.

Kids will have to build a path through the different towers on the board to ensure that the marble gets to the intended target.

The gravity maze is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

11. Numberblocks MathLink Cubes

The Numberblocks activity kit is based on a popular TV series and it focuses solely on the “M” in STEM.

It brings learning math to life and allows kids to build all the friendly characters from Numberblocks!

Kids can follow along with the show, or play on their own! Write ‘N’ Wipe cards also give them ideas for math-based activities.

Numberblocks activity kit is suitable for ages 3 and up. BUY HERE.

12. Educational Insights Artie Max

Educational Insights Artie Max helps kids take creative coding to the max – from simple designs to complex code!

Kids can start coding within minutes with Blockly, Snap!, JavaScript, Python, and C++ in addition to Artie’s own simple UI.

Tutorials and an easy-to-follow guide are also included in this STEM kit. Artie Max is suitable for kids aged 8 and up. BUY HERE.

13. LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set

Kids gain essential STEM skills as they build, code, and play with the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set.

The robot can shoot missiles, play ball, drive around, and much more plus they can share their designs on LEGO life.

The LEGO MINDSTORMS robot set is suitable for ages 10 and up. BUY HERE.

14. Magna-Tiles Metropolis Set

Magna Tiles Metropolis Set is one of the best magnetic blocks set designed to stimulate imagination and provide an interesting challenge.

The set contains 110 neon pieces that can be used to construct a variety of things from a high-rise metropolis to a thriving colony in space.

There is no limit on creativity provided by these tiles. They are made from 100% non-toxic, BPA-free, food-grade materials.

The Magna Tiles Metropolis Set is suitable for ages 3 and up. BUY HERE.

Other variations on this STEM building kit with a lower number of pieces include:-

If you’re getting this set, the Magna-Tiles Storage Bin & Interactive Play-Mat is a perfect companion gift.

They can store their tiles in the bin but also spread it out to play on. BUY HERE.

You can visit the Magna-Tiles store for even more gift ideas to boost kids’ imagination and creativity.

15. GoCube The Connected Electronic Bluetooth Cube

Say hello to the GoCube – a significant upgrade on the iconic puzzle cube.

The GoCube was nominated as one of the best techy gifts and best stem toys for 2 years in a row by WSJ and WIRED for good reason!

The glowing cube is equipped with smart sensors that connect with an app on your phone to assist with strategies to solve the cube.

Kids can also connect the cube with their friend’s cubes and play games. The GoCube develops spatial awareness, memorization skills, and hand-eye coordination.

The cube comes with a suite of accessories and is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

16. Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit

Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit enables kids to explore nature and science by growing their own terrarium.

They can craft, plant, grow and nurture their own mini-ecosystem right in their room.

The science kit features everything required for two plant life cycles and is a perfect mix of science and art. The terrarium is suitable for ages 6 and up. BUY HERE.

There is another design for a different version – Sparkle ‘N Grow Butterfly Terrarium.

17. Quercetti Kaleido Gears

Quercetti Kaleido Gears provide a great color recognition experience for little ones.

It’s an interactive activity that will encourage fine motor skills, color-matching, cause-effect learning, tactile exploration, and creativity.

There’s a design guide included in the package along with 3 fun designs. Quercetti Kaleido Gears is suitable for ages 2 – 5. BUY HERE.

18. K’NEX 70 Model Building Set

K’NEX 70 Model Building Set contains 705 classic parts and pieces that attach to one another in different ways.

Kids can easily create multiple shapes, figures, and models such as rolling cars, amusement park rides, and transforming animals.

The K’NEX set supports key areas of a child’s developmental growth and strengthens hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

This STEM gift also includes a convenient storage chest. K’NEX 70 Model Building Set is suitable for ages 7 – 12. BUY HERE.

19. 4M Clean Water Science

4M Clean Water Science breaks down the science of water purification and recycling.

The personal desalination kit contains the components required to perform three different experiments.

The experiments stimulate young science minds and expand their knowledge of chemistry and the environment.

The clean water science kit is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

20. Inventors’ Box

Kids can design, build and create endless creations with the Inventors’ Box.

The box is full of various activities for stimulating ideas and a guide booklet for bringing imagination to life.

The Inventors’ Box is suitable for ages 8 and up. BUY HERE.

21. Arckit Model Stadium Kit

Model Stadium Kits — **Arckit Model Stadium Kit**

Kids can create different types of stadiums for different kinds of sports from the Arckit Model Stadium Kit.

Create stadiums for football, baseball, soccer, rugby, baseball, and more plus customizable stickers for your kid’s favorite team.

The Arckit Model Stadium Kit is suitable for ages 10 and up. BUY HERE.

22. STEAM Kids Experiments Book

Created by an MIT engineer, award-winning educators, designers, and homeschooling experts, the STEAM Kids book contains a year’s worth of hands-on, engaging STEAM activities.

All the step-by-step activities included in the book are coded with difficulty indicators and estimated project times.

The book also includes a handy weekly planning guide, project shopping lists, STEAM journal, and more. Suitable for ages 4 – 10. BUY HERE.

23. Coding Critters Ranger & Zip

Coding Critters Ranger and Zip — **Coding Critters Ranger & Zip**

Kids will dive right into the world of coding with Coding Critters Ranger & Zip. This toy includes a 22-piece playset.

Kids will be able to embark on their first coding journey by coding along with adorable pets.

They can also design their own coding challenges and feed and interact with a pooch named Ranger and his faithful companion Zip, who is a total rascal. Suitable for ages 4 and up. BUY HERE.

24. Sphero Specdrums Musical Rings

Forget about expensive musical instruments. The Sphero Specdrums Musical Rings with Play Pad allows kids to tap any surface to create sounds, beats, and loops and create their own songs.

It’s portable, too, so kids can stick the two rings on their fingers and start making music wherever they are. Suitable for ages 6 and up. BUY HERE.

25. Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit

Are the kiddos Star Wars fans? Then they will undoubtedly love this Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit.

They’ll be able to add, remove and rearrange parts to engineer their very own droid.

Kids will get to control their droid with code and thanks to 22 coding missions that will teach their robot new skills. Suitable for ages 17 and up. BUY HERE.

26. Crayola Color Chemistry

Make chemistry fun by adding some color to it. The Crayola Color Chemistry Set comes with 16 easy-to-do experiments and instructions on how to perform 34 additional experiments.

All the experiments are colorful, bold, and unique. Kids will be able to create glow worms, colorful erupting volcanos and more! Suitable for ages 7 and up. BUY HERE.

27. Osmo – Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad

Have kids around ages 3 and 5 that could use a head start on phonics and letters? Well, the Osmo – Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad is right up their alley.

This award-winning learning toy helps children develop problem-solving skills through stories, identify social clues, learn phonics, and play around with clothes and colors.

The only thing you’ll need is an iPad, which is not included in the kit. BUY HERE.

28. Water Rocket Kit

Kids are going to get a kick out of building their own water rocket with a little help from a plastic soda bottle.

This is the perfect gift for children who have an interest in space travel and dream about rocketing into space someday.

The kit itself contains all the necessary items needed to create a powerful enough water pressure to blast the makeshift water rocket about 90 feet in the air. Suitable for ages 14 and up. BUY HERE.

29. Ooze Labs: Soap & Bath Bomb Lab q

With the Ooze Labs: Soap & Bath Bomb Lab, kids will learn about the chemical process required to create their own bath bombs and molded soaps.

Along the way, they’ll gain knowledge of different acids, pH levels, and how the skin works through 10 fun experiments.

And you don’t need to worry about safety because all the materials used are non-toxic. Suitable for ages 6 and up. BUY HERE.

Best STEM Gift Ideas for Kids Roundup

Below is a round-up of the STEM gift ideas above for easy reference:-

STEM Gift Ideas for Boys and Girls — *Stem Gift Ideas for Boys & Girls*

Abi started 365 Gift Guide as a hobby to curate the best gift ideas for all occasions. It has become a popular online destination where you can find gift ideas for every occasion from the usual to the unusual. You’ll never be stumped for a gift idea again! Popular categories – AMAZON WISHLISTS | CHOCOLATE GIFTS | COUPLE GIFTS | CHARCUTERIE GIFT BASKETS

This post may contain affiliate links which means we will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.