12 STEM Gifts for Creative Kids
As the 2021 holiday season quickly approaches, we want to help you find a gift for every kid on your list. So we’ve put together a holiday gift guide full of fun STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) gifts that are sure to encourage creativity and an innovative spirit.
Categorized by cost and covering a wide variety of ages, these STEM gifts will help light up the holiday, no matter your budget. We’ve included books, toys and more from the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) and other awesome brands. As you shop, remember that items do not always have to be labeled “STEM” to inspire STEM exploration, creative problem solving and design thinking.
$0 - $24
The Magnificent Makers #1: How to Test a Friendship (Ages 7+)
In this chapter book written by neuroscientist Theanne Griffith and illustrated by Reggie Brown, main characters Violet and Pablo go on an incredible adventure covering lessons in science as well as teamwork and friendship.
Abby Invents: STEM Picture Books for Future Inventors (Ages 4+)
The “Abby Invents” book series was created by Arlyne Simon, a biomedical engineer, patented inventor and 2013 Collegiate Inventors Competition® Finalist. This series celebrates diversity in STEM fields and introduces kids to important topics like patents and innovative thinking!
Prehistoric Sea Creatures Terrarium (Ages 8+)
For young scientists who enjoy caring for creatures, this kit allows them to hatch and nurture living Triops from eggs! The kit comes with all the necessary equipment to raise the 220-million-year-old species while encouraging exploration and developing fine motor skills.
Shivers the Penguin (Ages 8+)
Crafty innovators will enjoy putting together Shivers, the shivering penguin. This activity kit combines sewing and circuitry to safely allow kids to investigate electronic components and build a functional arctic friend!
$25 - $49
Butterfly Garden with Live Cup of Caterpillars® (Ages 4+)
Calling all future entomologists — this kit includes a shelter, food, feeding tools and even live caterpillars! Kids can complete learning activities while experiencing the full life cycle of a butterfly in the span of a few weeks. They then can help their local environment by releasing the beautiful pollinators into the wild.
Smithsonian Planetarium Projector (Ages 8+)
The Smithsonian Planetarium projector brings the night sky indoors with a rotating view of the northern sky. It comes with a wide selection of space images and a STEM educational poster. Plus, the projector has an auto-shut-off feature, so kids can sleep under the stars from the safety of their room!
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope (Ages 4+)
With this awesome microscope, children can experiment with a scientific tool to identify a large selection of close-up images and expand their knowledge of flora and fauna! The microscope has modes of play for learning and quizzing and is voiced by Bindi Irwin.
Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House (Ages 8+)
Encourage creativity and persistence as kids design and build their own mini electronic smart house! Along with architecture and design, children learn about circuitry from 20 unique projects included within the accompanying activity book.
$50 - $99
Makey Makey® Classic (Ages 8+)
The Makey Makey board helps turn ordinary objects into incredible opportunities. With thousands of possibilities using common items in place of keys for their computer, kids can experiment with fun projects (like a banana piano!) at their own pace.
Botley® 2.0: The Coding Robot (Ages 5+)
Botley 2.0 gives kids an early understanding of coding through lights, music and movement — all without the need for a tablet or screen! Kids can build critical thinking and observation skills as they work through fun STEM games and challenges.
$100+
Summer 2022 Camp Invention® (Grades K-6)
If you’re looking for an exciting, experiential idea that is sure to inspire young innovators, give the gift of Camp Invention. Campers learn fundamental STEM concepts through hands-on fun. With four all-new, action packed modules, this program allows children to explore and collaborate while building important skills like confidence and creative problem solving! Camp is led by certified educators and fosters teamwork with other campers. Learn about the Give the Gift of Camp Invention Sweepstakes to save $35 and be entered for a chance to get your 2022 registration for free if you register before Dec. 31!
Wonder Workshop Dash – A Coding Robot (Ages 6+)
Dash combines learning and play while introducing children to fundamentals of coding. Combined with five Wonder Workshop apps that emphasize different skills, Dash responds to voice commands and builds coding confidence while exploring conditions, sequences and more.
Looking for More STEM Fun?
Stay tuned to our blog for more exciting ways to bring STEM fun and learning to life this holiday season