The Top 6 Best Science Gifts for Kids

August 09, 2018

Do you have a child in your life you would like to delight with an engaging S.T.E.M. gift? Club SciKidz has been educating and inspiring young people since 1997 with our science and technology camps, after school programs and in school field trips. Twenty years’ experience working with children gives Club Scikidz a unique perspective into which S.T.E.M. products truly challenge and captivate young minds. We have compiled some of our favorites by interest below, all have been kid tested by Club SciKidz campers. Happy Shopping!

Coding

Developed by DevTech Research Group at Tufts University, the KIBO robot combines technology and design to teach young children the basics of coding and encourage creativity. No screen time is necessary for the KIBO; 4-7-year olds learn coding basics by using colorful, barcoded blocks to create sequences. Kids scan the blocks with the KIBO, which can also be decorated, and the robot follows their program. The KIBO18 robot comes alive with light, sound, and distance sensors. Each kit comes in a roomy plastic container for easy clean up and storage. Find more information at www.kinderlabrobotics.com

Piper Computer Kits

Named Tech Toy of the Year 2018, the Piper Computer Kit teaches children 7-12 how to build their own working computer. The kit contains easy to follow blueprints and materials, no soldering required. Once assembled, the Piper connects with a Raspberry Pie edition of Minecraft. Kids learn to code and build custom electronics to modify their programs, play games, and solve puzzles. The Piper Computer Kit can be found on www.Amazon.com.

3D Printing

If there is a child in your life who prefers tactile play and learning, the 3Doodler Start Essentials 3D Printing Pen makes a great S.T.E.M. gift. With the 3Doodler Start, kids can create their own 3D objects by “drawing” with the pen. Safe for ages 8 and up; there are no hot parts! The set comes with Start Pen, two packs of Eco-Plastic, a USB charger and activity guide. 3Doodler is the perfect introduction to 3D printing and encourages creativity, design and fabrication. Learn more about 3Doodler Start and other related products at www.the3doodler.com

Engineering

Elenco’s award winning Snap Circuits are a great way to teach young engineers about basic technology. One of favorites from Elenco is the RC Snap Rover. Using the easy to read illustrated manual, kids can put together their own wirelessly controlled moving vehicle. The Snap Rover demonstrates the mechanics of circuits and power sources; kids can build over 20 projects using colorful Snap Circuits. Three rovers can be run at once, perfect for racing! For extra fun, the RC Snap Rover lights up for nighttime play. The rover is recommended for kids 8 and up. Younger kids will enjoy Snap Circuits Beginner, also found at www.Elenco.com.

Nature Crafts

Put a little S.T.E.A.M in a child’s life with one of Nature Watch’s science and nature-based art projects. Visit www.Nature-Watch.com to check out their wide variety of nature themed craft projects as well as other activities. Kids can enjoy making and decorating their own hummingbird bird feeder, designing and assembling a working Lodestone compass and creating a pocket sundial. Each activity comes with educational materials that align with national and state education standards.

Robotics

The OWI 536 3-1 All -Terrain Robot Kit is great for older kids curious about robotic engineering. The All-Terrain Robot can be constructed and reconstructed into three different types of machine; the forklift, rover, and gripper. The forklift and gripper variations can handle up to 100g of weight and the rover can travel even the roughest surface. Kids command their robot to perform various tasks by using a wired controller. Check out www.owirobot.com for this great gift and other cool robot kits.

Subscription Boxes

Kids love to get mail, especially something as fun as a monthly science subscription box. Club SciKidz offers a great monthly S.T.E.A.M box sure to engage and delight any youngster, adults too! Each month a science-themed box will arrive at your door full of experiments, activities, a nature craft, “secret formulas” and much more. Past themes have included Exploring Our Solar System, Fun with Fossils, Grossology, Crime Scene Investigation, and Veterinary Medicine. Each box also includes lab supplies to build a science and technology lab at home. And there is always a fun science surprise! Individual boxes can also be purchased on www.ClubSciKidzLabs.com. There you’ll also find information about our different subscription offers.