What better way to expose your child to STEM than through the power of play? Check out this gift guide for inspiration to encourage their love of learning.
By Gail O’Connor
Explore Scientific Explore One Explorer Set A perfect simple starter set for kids who want to examine critters under a magnifying glass, and keep them (but not for too long!) in three catch-and-release specimen containers. A whistle with compass teaches good safety and navigation habits early. $9.95
Grades: PreK – 5
Ages: 3 to 6
Explore Scientific Explore One Junior Outdoor Set This all-in-one kit for the young nature explorer in your life comes with binoculars, an LED headlamp, a compass, and a water bottle and a nylon carry bag for on-the-go fun. $19.95
Grades: PreK – 5
Ages: 3 to 6
Explore Scientific Explore One Metal Detector Light enough for a kid to handle, with enough capability to detect metal six inches below the surface. A fun flashlight feature helps kids better spot all their buried treasures in the backyard or at the beach. $24.99
Grades: 3 to 10
Ages: 8 to 15
National Geographic 40x-640x Microscope How cool is this for the tween or teen on your list: Your junior scientist can use this microscope’s included smartphone adapter to document and share their discoveries with friends. This model also comes with a zoom eyepiece, a rotating turret of three lenses, LED illumination, prepared and blank slides, and a shrimp hatchery! $34.99
Grades: 5 and up
Ages: 10 and up
Discovery 76mm Starcapture Telescope Visit the deep sky’s galaxies with this reflector’s ample 76mm aperture, and enjoy detailed views of jagged lunar terrain and planetary features with two interchangeable eyepieces. Comes with adjustable full-size tripod and astronomy software to pinpoint observing targets. $149.50
Grades 5 to 12
Ages 10 to 18
Insta-Snow Powder Why wait for snow when you can make it? Just measure the right amount of water and add to create your own winter wonderland. Get a sensory boost when you feel the “snow” cool, just like real snow, as the water evaporates. A one pound-bag ($20) makes 10 gallons.
Grades: PreK and up
Ages: 4 and up
Lego Women of NASA Building Kit Role-play a moon landing and more while discovering the professions of four groundbreaking women in space, with these minifigures and three builds demonstrating their awesome areas of expertise. $25
Grades: 5 and up
Ages: 10 and up
Learning Resources City and Engineering Set Create skyscrapers, bridges, and other architectural marvels with easy-to-assemble pieces. Help your child soar higher with the activity cards that offer engineering challenges. 100 pieces for $25.
Grades: K and up
Ages: 5 and up
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit Design and build working electrical circuits with simple snap-together pieces. Watch kids wow over building a flashing light, an adjustable volume siren, a photo sensor, and over 100 other projects. $35
Grades: 2 and up
Ages: 7 and up
National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Finally: a toy that’s meant to be broken! Bust open these real rocks to discover crystals inside. Comes with a 16-page learning guide about how geodes are formed and the variety found in nature. (Make sure to wear safety glasses!) $25
Grades: 3 and up
Ages: 8 and up
