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The Ten Best Stem Toys To Gift In 2024 Realclearscience

Leo Migdal
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the ten best stem toys to gift in 2024 realclearscience

Maybe you’re organizing a White Elephant for your kid’s class. Maybe you need a gift for that hard-to-please niece or quirky nephew. Maybe, like me, you’ve just stalled out and can use some inspiration. INSPIRE, a non-profit engineering research institute at Purdue University, has taken the guesswork out of choosing amazing gifts. And not just any gifts. Their annual gift guide is a goldmine of toys that hit what I call the “triple bottom line” of gift-giving: kids love them because they’re fun, grown-ups love them because they’re hands-on/minds-on, and they...

Oh, and did I mention they’re all science, engineering, math, or technology focused? #you’rewelcome [If you’re looking for more gift inspo, or you just love STEM toys, check out my 2023 gift guide, which includes remote-controlled airplanes and a fabulous picture book, and my 2021 gift guide, with... Once all the gifts are opened and the hot chocolate drunk, there is nothing more fun, memorable, or STEM-y than getting on the floor with your kids and building a fort out of shipping... Happy holidays, friends — here’s to more of what’s good in 2025! An age-by-age guide to sneaking science, technology, engineering and math into their playtime.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Adults are always on the lookout for educational toys, but here's the truth: Nothing is educational if a kid won't play with it. Toys have to be fun first and foremost, otherwise they'll just sit on a shelf collecting dust. The great news is there are plenty of toys that help kids understand science, technology, engineering and math and will keep kids entertained.

To uncover the best, we looked to the Good Housekeeping Institute pros who test toys and gifts all year . This includes checking them out in the Labs then handing them off to real kids to play with and give their honest feedback. With kid opinions in mind, these are the best STEM toys for all ages — including current and previous Best Toy Awards winners. The best STEM education toys encourage children’s interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math while still being fun! We’ve updated & rounded up our favorite toys for 2024. Looking for a coding robot for kids?

Or more interested in a science kit? We’ve picked our favorite educational toys for every category & subject, so you can find the perfect gift that combines education & FUN! There are a number of coding robots for kids that make learning to code fun. You can choose from cute little bots like Cozmo or versatile bots like Sphero SPRK. All are great options to learn the fundamentals of programming. My personal favorite is Sphero.

The activities you can do with it are endless! The drag & drop coding interface makes it easy to program your Sphero’s commands so that you can race it through mazes and more! If your child is under 8, look at Botley instead! It’s the best coding robot on the market for early learners. Ideal for children ages 6-8. You can check out our full list of the best science kits for every age and scientific study!

But if I have to pick just one, I love this Ooze Labs Chemistry Station Science by Thames & Kosmos. It includes 57 pieces, including beakers and test tubes that you can reuse on future experiments. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more › Product news, reviews, and must-have deals. STEM toys are a fantastic way to combine fun and learning, sparking curiosity and creativity in children of all ages.

Whether shopping for science gifts for kids or searching for activities that teach valuable skills, these toys offer engaging ways to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. From hands-on activities like the GraviTrax JUNIOR Starter-Set for younger kids to the advanced challenges of the LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance for teens, the best STEM toys offer something for every age... STEM toys can range from really high-tech gadgets to simple, hands-on activities like marble runs and model rocket kits to even more traditional options like classic paper toys. These toys are designed to build essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and math, providing fun ways to learn while encouraging problem-solving and creativity. Whether your child loves tinkering with building sets, experimenting with science kits, or exploring engineering challenges, there’s something for every budding inventor. High-tech children’s STEM toys can introduce coding and robotics, while simpler toys offer valuable lessons in physics and engineering.

They all help foster critical thinking, making STEM toys for kids an excellent choice for playtime and learning. Explore our recommendations to find the perfect educational gift that balances fun and learning for every child. Our top STEM toy recommendations are based on extensive research. We reviewed expert opinions, user feedback, and product reviews to compile a list of standout options and tested them thoroughly. Read on to discover the best STEM toys that balance innovation, ease of use, and educational value, providing your child with engaging opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and... From model cars to geology kits to buildable robots and more.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? STEM toys can be a great way to help kids gain a deeper understanding of science and mathematics. But they aren’t just for children: These educational learning tools are also fun for adults who want to keep their minds engaged and can help everyone take a break from screen time. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Sometimes Art is added as well, making the acronym STEAM. These types of toys are great for developing minds because they can build the basic skills kids would need for everything from computer coding to mastering mechanics. Presenting these complex subjects in a simple, fun way could help inspire a lifelong career or passion. There’s more to STEM than just traditional science kits that feel a lot like school. Everything from drones to Lego sets to robots and even slime fit the bill! These toys have an educational aspect while still keeping things fun and engaging.

Are you shopping for the best STEM toys and gifts for your kids this holiday season? Here, you’ll find what’s new and recommended for 2025, as well as the best classic STEM gift ideas for kids. Discover robots, building blocks, science kits, circuitry, math games, and more. This is the best list of science, technology, engineering, and math toys and gifts curated by a teacher for parents who want double-duty gifts that are both fun and educational. Use the indicated age recommendation to help you in your shopping. Go here for the entire 2025 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR KIDS.

From the newest STEM toys for kids to hit the market to the favorite classics, these amazing educational gifts and toys will give children a big value with both fun and learning. 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.

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We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Adults are always on the lookout for educational toys, but here's the truth: Nothing is educational if a kid won't play with it. Toys have to be fun first and foremost, otherwise they'll just sit on a shelf collecting dust. The g...

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To uncover the best, we looked to the Good Housekeeping Institute pros who test toys and gifts all year . This includes checking them out in the Labs then handing them off to real kids to play with and give their honest feedback. With kid opinions in mind, these are the best STEM toys for all ages — including current and previous Best Toy Awards winners. The best STEM education toys encourage chil...

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Or more interested in a science kit? We’ve picked our favorite educational toys for every category & subject, so you can find the perfect gift that combines education & FUN! There are a number of coding robots for kids that make learning to code fun. You can choose from cute little bots like Cozmo or versatile bots like Sphero SPRK. All are great options to learn the fundamentals of programming. M...