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You are here: Home / Holiday Gifts and Traditions / The Best Educational STEM Gifts for Curious Kids

The Best Educational STEM Gifts for Curious Kids

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The Best Educational STEM Gifts for Curious Kids 1
The Best Educational STEM Gifts for Curious Kids 5

Inside: Do you have a curious kid on your hand? These gifts will enhance critical thinking, creativity, and imagination. The best STEM toys and games for 5 to 8-year-olds, updated for 2020.

We have entered the stage of QUESTIONS. If I am honest, we’ve been at that stage for a while now. And I am constantly stumped — why is the sky blue, but how does the touch lamp actually work, and how many volcanos are there in the world?

Thank goodness for Google. But half of the time I reply with “What do you think?” The theories kids come up with are so creative. Just thinking through the answer to these kinds of questions fosters more curiosity and critical thinking.

This holiday season I am thinking about gifts that will stimulate and satisfy the most curious minds. These Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) gifts are aimed at ages 5 through 8.

Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) gifts are aimed at ages 5 through 8.
Best Stem Toys and Gifts and for 5 to 8 old kids!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. See my Policies for details. Clicking on images will take you to Amazon for more information about the products. 

Toys for Curious Kids: Science

These toys are the most exciting science-based toys out there. From Geology to Astronomy – there is something to capture every child’s curiosity.

Kids naturally want to explore their world and these kits allow them to explore in new ways — through microscopes, combining chemical elements, exploring the planet and the stars, measuring elements of the weather, harnessing solar power and so much more!

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Earth Science KitNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Earth Science KitMega Biology SetMega Biology SetKids Beginner Microscope STEM KitKids Beginner Microscope STEM KitMagic Chemistry SetMagic Chemistry SetSmart GlobeSmart Globe4M Weather Science Kit - Climate Change, Global Warming, Lab4M Weather Science Kit – Climate Change, Global Warming, LabKids First Botany - Experimental Greenhouse KitKids First Botany – Experimental Greenhouse Kit4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit

 

Coding Robots: Technology

My son is really into robots. We got the Wonder Workshop Dash for his birthday over 6 months ago and it remains one of his favorite and most played with toy. Wonder Workshop Dot is a smaller version and includes many creative coding accessories. The great thing about Dash & Dot are the Apps and accompanying challenges your child can do.

Coding is a different way of thinking and these toys expose children to that kind of logic when they are young and their brains are primed for learning new types of languages  — coding, like music, is a type of language.

 Boost is a Lego version that looks really great that has similar features. And the new Lego Mindstorm Inventor kit allows for flexibility with over 1000 pieces.

Wonder Workshop DashWonder Workshop DashWonder Workshop Dot Creativity KitWonder Workshop Dot Creativity KitLEGO Boost Creative ToolboxLEGO Boost Creative ToolboxLEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building SetLEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set

 

Building Toys & Projects: Engineering

Nothing quite captivates curious kids better than an open invitation to create and experiment.

Hands-on activities that involve planning, trial and error, and critical thinking are the most engaging. All of these building or project kits are things that help stimulate kids to get started on an afternoon of strategic problem-solving!

Lego Chain ReactionsLego Chain ReactionsLego GadgetsLego GadgetsQ-BA-Maze 2.0 Mega Stunt SetQ-BA-Maze 2.0 Mega Stunt SetCity Engineering and Design Building SetCity Engineering and Design Building Set5 Set STEM Kit,DC Motors Electronic Assembly Kit5 Set STEM Kit,DC Motors Electronic Assembly KitStructural Engineering: Bridges & SkyscrapersStructural Engineering: Bridges & SkyscrapersNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Solar Model KitNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Solar Model KitKEVA Building ContraptionsKEVA Building ContraptionsMoving Creations with K'NEXMoving Creations with K’NEX

 

Games and Books: Math and Logic

Some of the most fun games are also great practice for math skills. We love Rat A Tat Cat and if your child’s grandparents like card games, this is one they can play together.

Rat-A-Tat-CatRat-A-Tat-CatMath Dice JuniorMath Dice JuniorRush Hour Traffic Jam Logic GameRush Hour Traffic Jam Logic GameKitki Three Sticks Creative Fun Math Board GameKitki Three Sticks Creative Fun Math Board GameProof! Math GameProof! Math GameSum Swamp GameSum Swamp GameThe Grapes Of MathThe Grapes Of MathThe Times Machine!The Times Machine!

 

STEM Books Kids Will Love

My son loves to pour over books that have tons of facts. These books do just that but in a beautifully illustrated way. These books will captivate your curious kid for hours.

The Planets: The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar SystemThe Planets: The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar SystemThe Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and BeyondThe Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and BeyondEngineered!: Engineering Design at WorkEngineered!: Engineering Design at WorkNature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural WorldNature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural WorldScience StumpersScience StumpersThe Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its EcosystemsThe Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its EcosystemsThe Street Beneath My FeetThe Street Beneath My FeetTimelines of EverythingTimelines of EverythingKnowledge EncyclopediaKnowledge EncyclopediaAtlas of AdventuresAtlas of AdventuresLife in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia EarleLife in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle

 

I hope you and your little curious minds have an imaginative and creative holiday!

best STEM toys for kids, new for 2020
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Category: Holiday Gifts and TraditionsTag: games, gifts, holiday gifts, toys

Hi! As a mom and a child psychologist who spent over 15 years studying children's emotional development, I am excited to share science-backed information with you so that you can do your best parenting.

I believe that good parenting is a combination of instincts and knowledge. Sometimes that knowledge helps you trust your instincts and sometimes all you need is a little change of perspective. Here, at nurture and thrive, you'll find the tools you need to strengthen your children's hearts and minds. Read Our Story...

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Comments

  1. Amanda

    December 10, 2016 at 9:33 am

    These are great ideas for gifts! My son would like many of them! Thank you!

    • Ashley Soderlund Ph.D.

      December 10, 2016 at 9:39 am

      Thanks Amanda!

  2. Alvaro Brown

    December 11, 2016 at 11:51 am

    My kids would definitely love these gift. Great idea!

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