The Ultimate Guide of STEM Gifts for Kids: Inspiring Curiosity & Fun Learning

Tis the season!

When it comes to finding the perfect gift for kids, more and more parents want something that isn’t just fun, but also educational—something that fosters their curiosity, sparks their imagination, and gets them excited about the world. (Naturally, as a zoologist myself, this makes me happy to see!)

Enter STEM gifts—gifts that not only provide tons of entertainment value, but also help children develop essential STEM skills. (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.)

It's important to note here -- I don't think these gifts are great for kids simply because they will "help them be smarter" or even "more curious".

Rather, I think engaging with the natural curiosity that kids already have is a wonderful way to help them find themselves. 

Curiosity is really just an expression of what we value, and what we want to explore more about, so sharing some gifts that align with what your kids are already passionate about is only going to benefit them and their well being!

To me, it's as much about cultivating self expression and creativity as it is about learning "skills" that will help them overall in the workplace or world as a whole.

To a "STEM kid", a stem gift is like a vote of confidence that says "that stuff you're into? I think it's great that you love it!" And that kind of message to a young person is a wonderful thing indeed. 

As a bonus, because these gifts are built to support a broad range of different learning types with loads of tactile and sensory options to explore, this list also doubles as a great look into STEM gifts for neurodivergent kids. There are so many options!

Make sense? Onward!

Whether your child is interested in building robots, exploring the natural world, or getting hands-on with experiments, there’s a world of STEM toys and STEM kits that can fuel their passion for learning. And (personal belief incoming), I think we should be stoking that curiosity at every turn!

But there’s a twist: while the typical STEM kits might come to mind—like robotics or coding games—there are plenty of unconventional and unique gift ideas that take learning beyond the ordinary, and really engage with the curiosity your kids naturally have in different fields. Think mixing and matching gifts with different facets of their passions. I also wanted to emphasize gifts with a high creativity factor, so kids can take a single gift in different directions if that suits them. All kids are different, and their gifts should help them engage in the ways that make sense to them. 

So, in this post, I'll explore some creative STEM gifts for kids of all ages (regardless of gender, by the way -- STEM gifts are great for girls and boys and everyone!).

These ideas are perfect for curious minds, offering gifts that go in cool directions—and many of them include a little bit of nature, adventure, and exploration too!

A Quick Note: Why I Don’t Link to Specific Brands

At Wild Wonder Mail, I believe in creating a space where curiosity, discovery, and exploration take centre stage. While I'm happy to share ideas for exciting STEM gifts and activities, I'm not directly linking to specific brands here. This decision stems from my commitment to maintaining independence and staying true to our Wild Wonder Mail values: fostering authenticity, honesty, and trust with our community.

I've listed lots of brand options, but I don't do affiliate links!

I want you to feel confident that the recommendations I'm making are based on what I believe will inspire and excite your child, not influenced by an affiliate link or perk to myself! 

Instead, I'm going to share carefully curated ideas and resources that help your kids engage with the world, and I trust you to choose the products that best suit your family’s needs. Worst case, just Google the name of the gift idea itself or brand and you'll be able to explore even more options from there!

Let's dive in!

1. For the Aspiring Inventor: Pick up a DIY Robotics Kit!

For the kid who loves to build and create, a DIY robotics kit can give a perfect hands-on learning experience. These kits allow kids to build their own robots, teaching them the basics of coding, robotics, and engineering. Can't lose! In particular, these types of gifts are great for the kids who love to "know how stuff works", and enjoy taking things apart of exploring the bits and bobs of how life ticks. 

Brands to check out:

• LEGO Robotics Kit – Perfect for kids who want to combine creativity with coding to build their own functional robots. (And don't worry if they aren't currently into coding - from what I hear of this brand, simply being into robotics alone is enough to spark interest, and the coding is a 'perk' of the gift!)
• Makeblock mBot – A great introduction to robotics, this kit allows kids to assemble a robot and program it with simple coding commands. From checking this brand out, my read is that it's a wonderful all-around look at robotics, while also using drag and drop software to help kids learn to code. Pretty cool!
• Thames and Kosmos Bionic Robotic Arm Kit – This one is exactly how it sounds! Your kids will learn how to build a robotic, bionic arm that is controlled by a joystick! Once it's assembled, they can use the controller to pick up different objects, all while learning about how bionics work. Really great idea for any robot-loving soul! 

Summing up - try these robotics kids if your kid loves to build and program, or you have an inkling that they'll enjoy the "puzzling out" process of building a robot and becoming an inventor!

image credit: LEGO

2. For the Future Engineer: Building Blocks with a Twist

Building blocks are a great tool for learning, but to really engage a future engineer, look for sets that teach kids about structural engineering and a free-for-all design that lets them experiment. These kits let kids design and build working machines, vehicles, and even bridges.

Example Brands:

• K'NEX – An oldie but a goodie! My brothers and I had K'NEX growing up, and I know the brand has done a great job of innovating with new ideas over the years. K'NEX lets kids to build more than just structures—these kits teach them to create moving vehicles, bridges, and machines. Neat!
• Tinkertoy – Another classic building set that helps kids engage with basic engineering principles by designing different structures. These guys have been around since the 1900s (the early 1900s, that is -- not like us millenials!) 😆 and they've got loads of great reviews.

Or... try a Marble Run Engineering Set

Another twist for the future engineer! Building stuff is fun, but building stuff that moves other stuff is even more fun! For kids who love physics, marble run sets offer a great way to experiment with motion and gravity while building intricate paths for marbles to travel. 

Brands to check out:

• Marble Genius – A popular marble run set that challenges kids to design their own courses and experiment with different configurations. Throw in a little digital timer with your gift and let them have mini races against the clock for some added (good) family drama! 
• Ravensburger Marble Run – A fun way to introduce kids to the basic principles of mechanics and engineering. These kits all have a really fun, futuristic vibe that will appeal to sci-fi lovers, too -- and they're big on expansion packs so you can keep adding to the collection if they really love it.
• ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge – Who wouldn't want to build a roller coaster?! This kit comes with 40 challenge cards so kids can build to their heart's content, and watch (with glee) as they set cars free on their creations.

image credit: thinkfun

In other words, this is a great idea if your kid loves building or designing or enjoys playing with futuristic ideas. I also personally think these types of gifts are great for any kid who likes (or needs) to have their hands moving. It's a great way to channel that energy.

3. For the Kids Who LOVES Animals & Nature: Wild Wonder Mail

I mean, I can't make a gift guide for STEM-loving kids without including Wild Wonder Mail!

Personally, this is the gift that I wish I could have had as a nature and animal-loving kid. Wild Wonder Mail is like Wild Kratts meets Indiana Jones meets PenPals, and I think it's the ultimate subscription for kids who are curious about the world.

How's it work? Every month, kids receive a letter from a travelling animal explorer, writing directly to them and sharing exciting animal expeditions, nature facts, stories, and explorations to connect them with the wild world around them.

• Why It’s a Great Gift: Screen-Free Learning Adventures!
  Wild Wonder Mail offers kids the chance to learn about wildlife, nature, and scientific concepts from the comfort of home, all while encouraging them to think critically, explore, and engage with the world around them. The letters are beautifully designed (written by a bestselling author and zoologist!👋) and feature a personalized touch to help them really feel special and part of the world around them.

Everyone deserves to get beautiful mail -- and this is an affordable option that gives a monthly gift all year long!

4. For the Budding Biologist or Nature Lover: Backyard Bug Safari Kit

For the bug lovers! If your kid is fascinated by insects and the outdoors, a backyard bug safari kit is a fantastic STEM gift. This kit gives kids the tools they need to explore the natural world, catch insects, and learn about entomology. It's a classic for a reason!

Some brands to explore:

• Backyard Safari Bug Kit – Provides all the tools needed to catch and identify bugs, making it easy for kids to learn about the world of insects.
• National Geographic Nature Explorer Kit – Always a rock solid brand; their kits includes binoculars, bug containers, and guides to help kids observe wildlife and nature. Bonus points if you throw in a book or two (I recommend all of the DK Guides if you want a little extra!)

Or, why not try a plant growing kit?

For the young biologist, plant growing kits teach kids about the life cycle of plants, photosynthesis, and ecosystems while they grow their own plants. Not only is this a great life skill as they age (who doesn't love a garden?!), but it's also a really calming way to tend well being and emotional development, not to mention it helps kids learn skills we often overlook, like patience! (Raise your hand if you can always learn a bit more patience!) 🙋‍♀️

Some brands to check out:

• National Geographic Plant Growing Kit – Includes everything kids need to grow their own plants and understand their environmental role. These kits are super sweet (they even include cute pots that kids can paint themselves), and also includes peat pellets, along with nasturtium, zinnias, and cosmos seeds -- all varieties that are beginner-friendly so odds are good they'll get to see some lovely blooms! 
• Miracle-Gro 'My First Root Viewer"  – We're all familiar with Miracle-Gro for our own garden beds, but did you know they have a cute kit for kids to help them learn about botany and watch their own plants from from the inside out? This kit has a clear-sided pot that helps kids examine the roots of plants, and also includes fun measurement tools so they can 'get their botanist on'. Love this idea!

If your child has a curiosity for insects, plants, and the environment, these plant-based STEM gifts will help nurture that interest and introduce them to the world of botany without being overly messy or intimidating.

5. For the Aspiring Scientist (who loves experiments!): A Chemistry Experiment Kit

Another old standby - but these are NOT the chemistry kits from our childhoods!

Today's chemistry sets come loaded with user-friendly experiments and lots of different pathways for discovery. A chemistry kit allows kids to explore chemical reactions, materials, and science in a fun and engaging way -- but since chemistry can be intimidating, you also want to make sure it's laid out in approachable, digestible ways. These kits below fit the bill!

A few brands to check out:

• The Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab – I had to mention this one because it's a literal bus (a small one that is) that forms the kit box! MSB knows what they're doing, and this kit lets kids experiment with chemical reactions, all through the lens of the beloved TV show. Get messy, make mistakes! (But rest assured this one is totally safe!) 😉
• Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Set – Two words: SLIMY OOZE. If your kid is into slime, or enjoys tactile learning, this is the one to check out. There are 20 oozy experiments in this kit that are sure to keep them entertained and 'ewww-ing'! I would buy this one for myself. I admit it.
• National Geographic Mega Science Magic Kit – This kit frames science as 'magic', so if you've got a fantasy lover on your hands, this might be a great overlap, too! There's even a magic wand included. This is also a great one if your kid loves to 'perform' in any way -- they can share their experiments in the form of a magic show if that sounds fun to them!

credit: Thames & Kosmos

Or, you could try a solar-powered science kit...

Does your kid love chemistry and reactions and also has a bent for environmentalism? This might work for you: A solar-powered science kit is a fantastic way to introduce them to green energy. These kits allow kids to create simple solar-powered machines and gadgets. I'd probably pair either of these with an age-appropriate book on green energy and weather! (I've got weather tracker pages in my free Nature Journal, by the way!)

Some brands to check out:

• 4M Solar Robot Kit – This kit allows kids to build a robot powered by solar energy, teaching them about renewable energy. It looks a lot like Disney's Wall-E, so it also happens to be truly adorable. 
• Thames and Kosmos Solar Race Car – Another really cute and fun solar car DIY kit that lets kids build a solar-powered car and learn how solar energy works. There are only 22 snap-together parts to this kit, so it's a simple yet functional design that won't intimidate.

There are tons of other options for solar-powered kits out there, so check your reviews and these would all be great to will fuel your kid's passion for renewable energy and introduce them to the exciting world of sustainable technology. (Okay, that sentence sounded kinda boring, but I promise it is interesting!) 

6. For the Kid Who Loves Space and Exploration: A Star Gazing Kit

A star-gazing kit introduces kids to the beauty of the night sky, teaching them about astronomy and helping them identify stars and constellations. 

Some brands to explore, that are generally known as the best telescopes for kids:

• Bresser Junior 70/400 refracting telescope with backpack – There are oodles of telescope brands, but this brand is always a solid choice. This is a high-quality yet affordable telescope designed specifically for young stargazers.
• Celestron Kids 50TT Telescope – I've personally purchased this brand myself (a non-kid version, that is), and they are another great option for introducing kids to astronomy in a fun, engaging way.

• National Geographic 90mm Automatic Telescope – Another Nat Geo shout out, but with good reason. It is on the pricier end for kids telescopes, but if it's in your budget, it's a good one that won't need upgrading anytime soon. They won't outgrow this one quickly!

Or, try a planetarium projector...

I would have loooooved this as an astronomy-loving kid! Why not bring the stars into your home with a planetarium projector? Kids can use these to project the night sky onto their walls and explore planets, constellations, and galaxies. Plus, I find them to be super relaxing. Great choice for kids of all ages!

Great brands to explore:

• Smithsonian Planetarium Projector – Projects stunning images of stars, planets, and galaxies right onto your ceiling. This is also a great gift for kids who might have a harder time sleeping, as it can bring a sense of calm and well being! I'd buy it.
• The Sega Homestar FLUX Planetarium Projector – Another great choice, albeit a pricier option. This model also looks like a little planet or Death Star situation itself, which is pretty fun!

credit: Smithsonian

When I was younger, it was common to hear "get your head out of the clouds!" These days, I'm happy that we're encouraging the dreamers and space-lovers to keep their heads firmly planted in the skies -- there is so much to discover. For the right kids, these gifts will lift them right up, and really feed their fascination with the stars, planets, and galaxies, helping them see the universe in a whole new light. It's a win all around!

7. For the Kid Who Loves Problem Solving: STEM Puzzle Sets

Sometimes a really great puzzle just scratches the itch in your brain like nothing else. These STEM puzzles help kids develop critical thinking skills while having fun. They'll challenge kids to solve problems and complete tasks that require logic and creativity, and 

Some fun bands to check out:

• ThinkFun Gravity Maze – A puzzle game that improves spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. It comes with 60 challenges so it won't be a one-and-done game!
• SmartGames Temple Trap Maze – A fun puzzle game that engages kids and improves their ability to think through complex problems. Plus, there's a fun explorer vibe story to go with this one.
• The Particula GoCube – A complex new take on the classic Rubix cube, this puzzle toy has taken it up a notch with a Bluetooth connection. Paired with a phone app, this cool gadget helps kids visualize the inside of the puzzle, and teaches some really neat algorithms to solve their puzzle in different ways. Perfect for the tinkerers and puzzlers. If this sounds neat to you, the brand has lots of options to explore!
• PlayShifu Tacto Chess – Turn every iPad or tablet into a chess board! This cool kit not only teaches chess, but it also comes with has a cute story and animated app to go with it. Their website also tells me that you can get other kits (dinosaurs!!) from this brand, so that's something to look for, as well!

credit: GoCube

These puzzly STEM gifts are perfect for kids who love to figure out challenges, and create solutions through critical thinking. They're also great ways to engage kids during quieter times in the day, so they can develop those quiet, mindful skills that are so valuable as we age. Don't miss them!

10. For the Budding Environmentalist: Earth-Friendly Explorations

Because the world needs as many environmentalists as we can manage! There are a lot of different avenues you can take "eco gifts", but here are a few that caught my eye. A water filtration kit lets kids learn how water purification works and understand the importance of clean water, while the other options can get them playing with natural paint or breeding butterflies!

Some brands to explore:

• National Geographic Water Filtration Kit – Teaches kids about the process of water filtration and provides hands-on activities.
• Natural Earth Paint Kit – For the kid who loves art and the planet, this user-friendly paint set is made from 100% natural earth pigments, and is a great conversation starter about sustainability. 
• Insect Lore Butterfly Kit – An adorable way to teach kids about butterflies and ecology, just be sure to check with your local Parks or Game organizations to make sure any specific species are possible problems for your area!
• A WWF Symbolic Adoption -- this is a gift I've received and gifted numerous times in my life and it's always lovely to feel like my dollars are going towards protecting the earth. WWF sends a lovely little plush animal and certificate, and you can pair it with a great nonfiction book on whatever animal you choose. There are tons of species on their site to "adopt" -- and you can rest assured it's a top notch charity. 

If your child is passionate about protecting the environment and learning about sustainability, any of these gifts will share valuable lessons in conservation and environmentalism, while maintaining a positive outlook overall.

11. Last but not least, a few unique STEM gift options that I love:

The perfect STEM gift might not fit into a category -- but it can still make your kid's day! Here are a few ideas I've seen recently that look really engaging and fun. In no specific order, they're just fun!

• Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope -- I mean, it's a talking microscope, enough said! This is a great option for any curious kid who loves getting a closer look. I had a cheap microscope (that didn't talk) when I was little and it was one of my favourite gifts ever.
• Kinetic Sand -- another classic for a reason. Kinetic sand is not only fun to play with, it's also relaxing and wonderful to help regulate kid nervous systems who might need a little extra TLC!
• Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Become the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist -- I could do an entire post on amazing STEM books for kids (would you like this? Let me know!) but I'd be remiss to not mention this one. Full disclosure: I wrote it! But with thousands of 5-star reviews, it's also by far my most bestselling book, so it's worth a mention! If you've got a shark-loving kid on your hands, Shark Lady will become a hit in your household. 

• National Geographic Rock Tumbler -- I've talked before about my love of people who pick up rocks on everyday outings. This rock tumbler can reveal even the most mundane rocks into some beautiful specimens! Pair it with a fun rock guide and you've got a solid gift for the future geologist in your house.
• hand2mind Numberblock MathLink Cubes -- It can be difficult to find great math-related gifts. (Especially fun ones!) These cubes are linked to the Netflix show Numberblocks, and kids can create their favourite characters from the show, as well as explore all kinds of math-related goodness. It came highly recommended to me!
• LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover -- Because Mars is always a hit with kids! This is a more advanced kit -- about 1000 pieces! -- but also really well developed to teach kids about Mars explorations. There's also an app that teaches about the Mars missions.

credit: LEGO

• Pinxies Marvelous Mermaid Ship -- Not gonna lie, I want this one for myself! Mermaids are a perennial hit, and this ship is a colourful (and quite gorgeous!) way to learn about design and construction. There are loads of different designs (like ice castles, fairy tree houses, and unicorn barns!), but the mermaid ship has my heart as an ocean-loving soul. Check them out!

credit: pinxies

Phew! That's a lot of gifting!

Whether your child is an aspiring scientist, engineer, or biologist, I hope these unique STEM gifts gave you some ideas for the curious kids in your life, especially to help them find something wonderful and exciting that makes them want to explore the world even more.

And don't forget! Along with these wonderful gift ideas, Wild Wonder Mail is the perfect companion to any STEM gift.

Every month, your child will receive letters from around the world, filled with animal-inspired facts, scientific exploration, and wildlife discoveries—making it the ideal STEM gift for any kid who loves the planet.

I've added a 20% off discount to all annual subscriptions for you! 

Just click here to load your discount!

Thanks for reading -- and happy gifting!