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The Best Educational STEM Gifts for Curious Kids

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 12-year-olds, updated for 2021.

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 volcanoes are there in the world?

Thank goodness for Google. Most 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.

Do you have a curious kid in your life? These gifts will stimulate and satisfy even the most curious minds. These Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) gifts are aimed at ages 5 through 11.

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

Coding, like music and math, is a type of language. Learning to code involves learning a new and different way of thinking. These types of toys expose children to coding logic in a way that is both fun and educational. It is also great exposure to learn code when they are young and their brains are primed for learning new types of languages.

We recently received Marty the Robot from Robotical to review and my son loves this robot. It is his all-time favorite! Marty comes assembled and is ready to go right out of the box. Once you download the app, your child can start controlling Marty through the control panel immediately! Watch the video below to see how much fun we had with Marty — his dance moves are the best. Marty uses Scratch coding software from MIT. The Scratch coding interface is so intuitive that my son created his own program within minutes.

Wonder Workshop Dash was one of my son’s favorites when he was younger. The great thing about Dash is the coding interface in the Apps that you download to your smartphone or device. There are a series of challenges designed to help your child learn coding in a fun way.

The new Lego Mindstorm Inventor kit allows for flexibility with over 1000 pieces and the ability to create robots with different functions.

And a great less expensive option is the snap circuits Teach Tech Mech, this stem robot can throw, lift, kick, draw, and more. It is designed to teach mechanical engineering principles as well as coding basics.

Marty the RobotMarty the RobotWonder Workshop DashWonder Workshop DashSnap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5, Mechanical Coding RobotSnap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5, Mechanical Coding RobotLEGO 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!

Klutz Lego Gear Bots ScienceKlutz Lego Gear Bots ScienceLego GadgetsLego GadgetsGravitrax Starter Set Marble Run & STEM ToyGravitrax Starter Set Marble Run & STEM ToyCity 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 ContraptionsK’NEX Beasts Alive – K'NEXosaurus Rex Building SetK’NEX Beasts Alive – K’NEXosaurus Rex Building Set

 

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 GameProof! Math GameProof! Math GameSum Swamp GameSum Swamp GameThe Grapes Of MathThe Grapes Of MathThe Times Machine!The Times Machine!Numbers Multiplication Table GameNumbers Multiplication Table Game

 

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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About Ashley Soderlund Ph.D.

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 tips and tools with you so that you can thrive as a parent.

I know that good parenting is a combination of instincts and learning. Sometimes new knowledge helps you trust your instincts, and sometimes it gives you a new perspective. As we grow and learn, so do our kids. Here, at nurture and thrive, you’ll find the tools you need to nurture your children’s hearts and minds.