Looking to inspire your budding engineer or scientist with amazing STEM toys? Look no further than this list for some of the newest and hottest STEM toys, tested by our own panel of future scientists, engineers and awesome kids!
Want more fun? Check out our other 2018 Holiday Gift Guides!
This is not the first time Meccano has appeared in our gift guides. We love STEM toys, and Meccano robotic building sets have always been a favorite in our home. The Meccano M.A.X. combines two of our favorite STEM activities – engineering and programming! M.A.X. is designed for kids ages 10+, although my 8 year old was able to build and program M.A.X. independently, so younger kids can definitely enjoy this if they have some robotics experience.
First children get hands on engineering experience by building the robot. Next they can expand their programming knowledge as they personalize M.A.X. Once built this robot stands 12″ tall, the perfect size for navigating indoors, features expressive facial graphics and can be controlled using voice commands, the buttons on the MeccaBrain or the free app. This is one little robot that is packed with high-tech fun and will encourage kids to learn as they play!
BUY IT: $93.99 on Amazon.com
Smart Labs Tiny Science
This itty-bitty 24 piece set packs big STEM fun! The Smart Labs Tiny Science kit includes an assortment of science tools and a 24 page lab book that allows children to conduct 20 real science experiments! All of the tools fit into the included lab cabinet, making this a great set for on the go fun. My son loves to take his to friends houses for mad scientist playdates and even takes it outdoors so that he can experiment in nature. He loves the portability, and even familiar experiments are more exciting when they’re done in teeny tiny form. This set is small enough to be a great stocking stuffer too!
BUY IT: $20.00 on Amazon.com
Smart Lab Smart Circuits
This kid-friendly electronics kit teaches kids about electronic engineering by allowing them to create fun, playable games and projects. With a powerful microprocessor and instructions for creating 50 games and gadgets, kids will learn how to create interactive games like full tilt baseball or quiz game shows, room alarms, DJ Light Show and so much more. Once kids are familiar with the set they can go on to create unlimited projects. This set gets daily play and has held up to all sorts of creativity, making it a durable set for kids eager to discover more about engineering!
BUY IT: $26.99 On Amazon
Thames & Kosmos Sensors Alive
Real life and digital play combine with this innovative set that allows children to bring physics to life. Connect the three physical sensors to your tablet and use them to gather information about light, sound and temperature. Use the information you collect to hatch and raise infinite creatures and bring the planet back to life. We love experimenting and learning about how physics plays into the creatures and worlds we create!
BUY IT: $129.99 on Amazon
Archi-Tech Electronic Smart House
Learn the fundamentals of electrical engineering and technology and you build houses and structures, then wire them up with lights, sensors, elevators, alarms and more! My son loves building his very own smart house and with 20 projects included there is plenty to do as you learn the in and outs of circuitry.
BUY IT: $42.99 on Amazon
Shifu Orboot
Orboot Globe is unlike any other – with and iOS, Android and Kindle app Orboot allows your child to take an augmented reality based journey around the globe. Discover new sights and languages as your child builds knowledge and cognitive skills. Each globe comes with a passport, stamp, country flag stickers and detailed guide.
BUY IT: $49.99 on Amazon
Found the perfect STEM toy? Let me know in the comments!
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