Find STEM Toys and Gifts by Age and Interest
A good STEM gift starts with what someone enjoys: building, solving puzzles, writing code or exploring the natural world. Use our guides to compare the activity, the setup and the help each kit needs, then choose a project they will want to come back to.
Find a gift for their age
Start with our guides for 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 12-year-olds, teens or adults learning coding and engineering. More age guides are listed below. Follow the manufacturer’s age and safety guidance for the individual product.
Follow their interests
For a child who likes making things move, browse take-apart toys or middle-school robotics kits. For a budding programmer, compare coding toys for kids. For a young stargazer, explore telescopes for teenagers.
For more specific projects, browse science gifts for 10-year-olds, LEGO sets for 6-year-olds, build-your-own computer kits and engineering kits for adults.
Check the fit before buying
- Adult help: Decide whether this is a shared project or something the recipient wants to use independently. Assembly and troubleshooting can need different levels of help.
- Devices: Check the exact app, operating system and connection requirements. A school Chromebook or family tablet may not run every kit’s software.
- Supplies and space: Look for batteries, tools, consumables and any extras sold separately. Allow room to build, use and store the finished project.
Shopping for the holidays? Check our Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer status before treating a sale label as a saving.
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About Me
Hi, my name is Mark Coster and I am the driving force behind STEM Geek. With over 20 years of experience in chemistry education and research, and 3 willing children as guinea pigs, I have a passion for inspiring kids and adults to combine fun and learning with STEM Toys!
Whether you are a parent or educator looking for the perfect STEM toy for your child or students (or for yourself!), you’ll find the best in STEM-focused educational toys, sets kits and more. We also have a fantastic range of STEM activities, projects, home science experiments and tips to get more STEM in your day. Take a look around, have fun and keep learning!
Fun STEM Activities & Home Science Experiments!
What Are STEM Toys?
If you’re a parent, teacher or educator, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered STEM toys. However, you might still be wondering “what exactly makes a STEM Toy?” Well, our definition of a STEM toy is a toy or kit that offers opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering or math through play.
A STEM activity might involve testing an idea, following a build sequence or changing a design to see what happens. The useful part is what the person gets to do, rather than the label on the box.
STEM Toys range from build-your-own robots that let you learn programming, to constructing towers, vehicles and contraptions, and erupting volcanoes. A microscope to examine the smallest of bugs from the garden to a telescope to view far-away galaxies. There’s something for everyone!
Our Top-Rated STEM Sets & Educational Toys by Subject
Board Games Against Boredom!
Educational Board Games
Depending on the game, players can practice following rules, weighing choices, spotting patterns and talking through a strategy.
What Can You Practice with STEM Toys?
Different toys offer different activities. Look for opportunities to practice:
- Trying a solution and changing it when it does not work
- Sharing tasks and explaining ideas during a group project
- Making and comparing different designs
- Handling components and following a build sequence
- Observing results and asking what might happen next
A toy does not guarantee an educational outcome. Choose an activity that fits the recipient’s interests and experience, leave time to explore it, and offer help when needed. A simple project they enjoy can be a better fit than a complicated kit they never unpack.
Expert Reviews of the Latest STEM Kits & Toys
What Does STEM Geek Do?
STEM Geek reviews & recommends the best Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) toys. From babies to adults, robotics to biology, we advise on educational toys for a wide range of interests, ages and audiences.
The toys and kits featured on our site are our subjective recommendations. Your needs may differ from our suggestions.
When choosing a STEM toy for your child, please pay attention to the manufacturer requirements, including the intended age range.
Our mission is to encourage more people of all ages to gain valuable STEM skills by providing trusted advice for the selection and use of STEM toys. Have fun while you learn!