There are some kids that you watch, and you just know that they're going to grow up to be engineers. If you have a child who is always interested in the latest science, technology, engineering, and gadgets, then these recommendations are for them! With these ideas for a birthday or Christmas gift, kids can learn basic engineering principles while spending hours of fun, no matter their skill level.
Here are our top thirty toys for children who are aspiring engineers in their heart of hearts.
1. Mega Cyborg Hand
This engineering toy kit allows kids to build an entire cyborg hand, with the help of detailed instructions and all the included pieces. It is a great way to practice basic principles of engineering, and it incorporates physics and electronics skills, too.
Learn More: Thames & Kosmos
2. Picasso Tiles
These are magnetic building tile kits for kids to help them unlock creativity and endless possibilities. There is a wide variety of colors and shapes that allow children to build and create whatever they want, which makes it a great birthday or Christmas gift for kids of all ages.
Learn More: Amazon
3. Lego Spike Prime Robot
This is one of Lego's education sets, and it comes with everything that your young aspiring engineer needs to build a whole robot! It's a great introduction to electronic engineering and basic coding skills. The kit builds an impressive robot that can follow basic commands.
Learn More: Lego Education
4. Erector Building Kit
The main feature of this toy is the mini-motorized construction vehicle that kids can use to build whatever their hearts desire. they can practice motor skills as they operate the erector and build creative new things with real-world machines.
Learn More: Amazon
5. Hexbug Pick and Drop Machine
With this kit, children follow the instruction manual to build a robot that can pick things up and put them down again. Kids will learn basic coding skills to talk to the robot, and they'll apply block coding sequences to reach the end result.
Learn More: TTPM Toy Reviews
6. The Magic School Bus: Secrets of Space Kit
This kit introduces kids to the solar system and all the stars that lie beyond. It's a great introduction to space exploration, and it brings in several different branches of science, including earth sciences and physics. The sounds & motion of all the supplementary materials really make learning about space fun!
Learn More: Home Science Tools
7. PlayShifu Tacto Chess
Kids can use a tablet and tactile chess pieces to learn the classic game. They can sharpen their critical thinking skills as they apply the steps of a careful learning process to becoming chess champions.
Learn More: Play Shifu
8. Wonder Workshop Dash
This is a little robot that introduces kids to the field of engineering by promoting problem-solving skills and basic coding skills. The easy-to-follow instructions from the friendly robot will guide kids through basic coding projects.
Learn More: Make Wonder
9. Particula Go Cube
The Go Cube is a rubix cube that can connect to your smart device. That way, you can analyze your moves, times, and strategies. It's a great way to promote reflection and problem-solving skills as you unlock all of the secrets of the cube.
Learn More: Get Go Cube
10. Keva Contraptions
This may look like a standard block set, but it's actually 200 pieces and detailed instructions to help kids build several exciting projects. The pieces are also optimized for little hands, so that young learners can also join the fun!
Learn More: Avalanche TV
11. National Geographic Rock Tumbler
A rock tumbler is a machine for kids of all ages, and it's the perfect gift for the kid with a rock collection. The machine tumbles the rocks to show the gleaming beauty beneath the rough exterior, and it's a great introduction to science, technology, and engineering.
Learn More: Target
12. K'Nex 70 Model Building Set
Next on the gift guide is this building kit that combines physics and fun. There are endless creative possibilities when it comes to what kids can build with the more than 700 connectable pieces included in this kit.
Learn More: knexteam
13. Elenco FM Radio Kit
This kit features one of the most eye-catching experiments: kids can build their own working FM radio. It is a great way to lay a foundation for working with real-world machines and electrical engineering. Kids will be able to pick up FM radio stations once the kit is complete.
Learn More: Elenco
14. Thames & Kosmos Physics Workshop
This fun kit focuses on the basics of mechanical physics. Kids will be able to discover and learn about the physics of the world around them, and they'll get to apply this new knowledge to fun projects, as well.
Learn More: Thames & Kosmos
15. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Science Kit
This kit is for the next green energy buff out there. It uses the same technology that makes electric cars go, and it's a great way for older kids to learn about electricity and renewable energy sources.
Learn More: Horizon Educational
16. Power Up 4.0 Electric Paper Airplane Kit
With this specialized building kit, young engineers can take their paper airplanes to a whole new level. This toy allows the user to control paper airplanes with a smartphone, and piloting and STEM principles come together to make a super cool kid-made product.
Learn More: PowerUp Toys
17. Happy Atoms Magnetic Molecular Modeling Complete Set
This modeling set is perfect for the aspiring chemist, or for the student who's just learning about molecules for the first time. It offers materials that explain the basis of molecular modeling, as well, which is a great intro for young learners.
Learn More: Amazon
18. Snap Circuits Light
With this kit, children can learn the basics of electronics without any dangerous or bulky tools. They can simply snap together the components of countless electric circuits, and they can create different light displays while learning about currents, resistance, and the flow of electricity.
Learn More: Elenco
19. Creality Cr-100 Mini 3D Printer
Who said kids couldn't use a 3D printer? This version of a 3D printer is designed especially for young users, and it's a great way to grow spatial reasoning and design thinking skills. It's also an impressive way to make even more toys from a fun STEM toy!
Learn More: ruiraptor
20. Learn & Climb Science STEM Toy
With this set of toys, kids are encouraged to tap into their curiosity. It's a full set of toys that help kids get in touch with all of the STEM fields, and it's great for young children who show an aptitude for science and math studies.
Learn More: Argos
21. Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Alien Slime
What a perfect way to start learning basic chemistry! This kit gives great detailed instructions about making gooey alien slime that kids love. It's a great way to get children interested in chemistry and the scientific process from a young age.
Learn More: Amazon
22. Sphero Indi At-Home Learning Kit
This at-home learning kit includes everything you need to set up a whole lab for your young aspiring engineer. The tasks and projects focus on block-based coding for young learners, which is a great foundation for computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
Learn More: Sphero
23. JitteryGit Dinosaur Eggs
With this set of 12 dinosaur eggs, kids can dig and chip away to find what is hidden inside. It's perfect for young aspiring archeologists, and it's a sure way to help feed the curiosity of your favorite dinosaur enthusiast.
Learn More: Jittery Git
24. Pi Marble Run Starter Set
With 99 pieces and endless possibilities, this marble track set is a great way to keep little engineers occupied for hours. The challenge cards add an extra element of fun and critical thinking, and race tracks are a great way to bring more than one kid in on the fun!
Learn More: Target
25. Thames & Kosmos Ultralight Airplanes
If your kid is interested in model planes, then this is a great option for them. They can build a super light aircraft that can fly for impressive distances. It requires a nimble hand and attention to detail, so it's probably best for middle school kids and older.
Learn More: Ironhunt
26. Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is a toy and a tool as kids get older. It's a great material that allows kids to design and create whatever they can imagine. It's also perfect for making components for larger projects, and it's a safe and easy way to get a strong base for any of your kids' inventions.
Learn More: Wikipedia
27. Blue Orange Dr. Eureka Speed Logic Game
This game is perfect for teaching and practicing logical thinking skills. Players have to complete the experiments and mix the right molecules in order to advance. The first person to get all of their experiments solved is the winner!
Learn More: Board Game Geek
28. JitteryGit Robot Building Kits
These building kits feature some robots that kids can create all on their own. They're also a great basis for learning some basic coding skills and exploring electronic connections.
Learn More: Amazon
29. Nintendo Lab Cardboard Kits
With these kits from the video game company Nintendo, young engineers learn about both hardware and software. The hardware is built from everyday materials, and the software programming is taught through instructions that are included in the kit.
Learn More: Nintendo
30. PlayShifu Orboot Earth
This is an interactive globe to help younger kids get a bigger perspective of the earth. It connects to your tablet, and the tactile pieces are great for little hands. It teaches kids about cultures, food, and people from all over the world, and stresses the importance of human connectivity in the STEM fields.
Learn More: Play Shifu
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