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16 Stem Toys Your Little Genius Will Adore In 2025 Cnet

Leo Migdal
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16 stem toys your little genius will adore in 2025 cnet

Pyxel is a great STEM toy that teaches kids to code, no matter their level of coding. This cool pet is fun for both beginners and those who already have some experience with coding. There's a simple remote for basic fun and Blockly coding for those starting out. Take it up a notch, and you can also use it to learn Python. Here's a different twist on the DIY robot. Kids can build anything their young minds can imagine out of plastic with this 3D printing pen.

The 3Doodler Start Plus is slim and light, making it easier for small hands to hold. With a 30-minute charge, this pen melts sticks of plastic so kids can draw them into any shape, but the nozzle and melted plastic aren't hot, so it won't burn little hands. (I've tested it; you can put the tip to your skin and draw on your finger. I had no worries giving it to my kids.) Draw right on paper or a table and the plastic creation pops right off. It comes with 72 filament strands and an activity guide with 10 new projects. National Geographic's kits are a great way to get kids excited about science.

Even if your kid isn't totally into science (yet), they'll be impressed with all the varieties of slime and putty in this kit, including glow-in-the-dark and bouncing putty and snotty slime. The kit comes with seven premade slimes and putties and all the ingredients so kids can make their own. There's also a learning guide, so you can learn all about slime and putty and try out some experiments. This award-winning STEM toy is a step up from your standard marble maze. Not only is it fun, but kids get introduced to problem-solving mechanics and engineering. Players can choose from 60 different challenges at varying levels of difficulty.

STEM toys blend hands-on play with real-world skills to spark curiosity and critical thinking in kids of all ages. The Toy Insider’s top picks cover everything from physics and biology to coding and problem-solving in fun, engaging toys. Kids can explore momentum and motion with Hot Wheels sets or sketch their own video games with Pixicade. Crafty kids can get hands-on with Chompsaw, a tool that makes “woodworking” (with cardboard!) safe and fun. There are also planting kits that encourage kids to grow and track real plants while learning about biology and sustainability. And when it’s time to dig deeper, the Blue Marble National Geographic Microscope offers a close-up look at the natural world from the kitchen table.

Check out 30 standout STEM toys that are bound to be hits for the kids on your shopping list. This kit contains nine VR experiences, 23 experiment pieces, and a 40-page educational book. With the VR headset and included app, kids can witness a real rocket launch, explore the International Space Station, return to Earth in the Orion Capsule, and more. This set features Smart-Spin technology, enabling magnets to rotate 360 degrees within the tile so that it clicks into place. It includes smaller tiles and a refined color palette so older builders can make more intricate designs. Every year, children get new toys — many that they play with for just a few hours and never pick up again.

This list introduces the best STEM toys to capture their interest and spark curiosity. With a little nudge, these educational toys, books and games can prove that learning is indeed very fun. "Young children are wired to discover and figure things out," says Tovah P. Klein, director of Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of "How Toddlers Thrive." "This is what we call curiosity and it is what drives them to want to engage with toys or... STEM toys fit here. Any toy or game that gives them the opportunity to figure something out, such as puzzles, building sets, magnets or materials that support discovery such as science kits (let's make a volcano), will support...

STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys do more than entertain. They introduce children to coding, electricity and complex concepts that build math and science skills that expand beyond the classroom. Click the links below to shop the best STEM toys for kids by category or keep scrolling to learn more about STEM activities and see all of our top picks. "Children learn best through hands-on play," says Amanda Sullivan, senior program director at National Girls Collaborative Project. "Any toy that allows children to have fun while exploring foundational STEM content is beneficial for learning and development. The most impactful STEM toys foster creativity, support intellectual curiosity, promote cognitive skills, social skills and more.

Additionally, STEM toys support children’s role-playing and imaginary play by helping them to imagine themselves as doctors, engineers and scientists." In 2025, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys are more than just a trend—they’re essential tools for nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in children. As technology evolves and the need for problem-solving skills grows, families are turning to evidence-informed play experiences to set a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Whether your child is building their first tower of blocks, coding a simple robot, or experimenting with magnets, the right STEM toys can engage, inspire, and empower them at every age. STEM toys are intentionally designed to spark curiosity and creativity. By encouraging hands-on exploration, these toys help children develop skills that go far beyond the playroom.

Here’s how STEM toys support children’s growth: With thousands of options on the market, picking the best STEM toy for your child can feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision: Check the manufacturer’s recommended age range, but also consider your child’s interests and abilities. Toys that are too advanced may frustrate, while overly simple toys may not hold attention. Look for toys that allow for creativity and multiple solutions, rather than only one “right” way to play.

Open-ended toys adapt as your child grows.

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Pyxel Is A Great STEM Toy That Teaches Kids To

Pyxel is a great STEM toy that teaches kids to code, no matter their level of coding. This cool pet is fun for both beginners and those who already have some experience with coding. There's a simple remote for basic fun and Blockly coding for those starting out. Take it up a notch, and you can also use it to learn Python. Here's a different twist on the DIY robot. Kids can build anything their you...

The 3Doodler Start Plus Is Slim And Light, Making It

The 3Doodler Start Plus is slim and light, making it easier for small hands to hold. With a 30-minute charge, this pen melts sticks of plastic so kids can draw them into any shape, but the nozzle and melted plastic aren't hot, so it won't burn little hands. (I've tested it; you can put the tip to your skin and draw on your finger. I had no worries giving it to my kids.) Draw right on paper or a ta...

Even If Your Kid Isn't Totally Into Science (yet), They'll

Even if your kid isn't totally into science (yet), they'll be impressed with all the varieties of slime and putty in this kit, including glow-in-the-dark and bouncing putty and snotty slime. The kit comes with seven premade slimes and putties and all the ingredients so kids can make their own. There's also a learning guide, so you can learn all about slime and putty and try out some experiments. T...

STEM Toys Blend Hands-on Play With Real-world Skills To Spark

STEM toys blend hands-on play with real-world skills to spark curiosity and critical thinking in kids of all ages. The Toy Insider’s top picks cover everything from physics and biology to coding and problem-solving in fun, engaging toys. Kids can explore momentum and motion with Hot Wheels sets or sketch their own video games with Pixicade. Crafty kids can get hands-on with Chompsaw, a tool that m...

Check Out 30 Standout STEM Toys That Are Bound To

Check out 30 standout STEM toys that are bound to be hits for the kids on your shopping list. This kit contains nine VR experiences, 23 experiment pieces, and a 40-page educational book. With the VR headset and included app, kids can witness a real rocket launch, explore the International Space Station, return to Earth in the Orion Capsule, and more. This set features Smart-Spin technology, enabli...