Have you been looking for a unique gift for the kids in your life, but you’re tired of all the same old boring toys and games? If you’re trying to find the perfect gift that will inspire imagination, foster creativity, and introduce the kids in your life to the wide world of STEM – keep reading. Here are our top picks for the best STEM gifts for kids.  

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and math (sometimes written as “STEAM” to include the arts as well). STEM toys and games are focused on giving kids a hands-on introduction to complex scientific concepts, while providing a fun play experience at the same time. STEM gifts don’t have to be fancy or expensive, and they can cover a wide range of interesting subjects – there’s a STEM gift for whatever your kid is into!

Best STEM Toys 2020

Every year, parenting magazines and educational groups will provide lists of the “top toys” for kids for that year. Smithsonian Magazine offered their picks for the best stem toys for 2020, and many of them have been tried and tested by real kids for years. Some personal favorites from their list (approved by my very own kids) include Rush Hour, Robots in Motion, and Gravitrax. 

If you’re still stuck for ideas, any toy that gets your kid’s mind moving is probably a STEM toy. Marble runs, blocks, educational games, coding toys, or Lego bricks are all part of the STEM toy universe. And don’t forget about Lottie Dolls’ own Young Inventor STEM Doll – she’s ready for the world of STEM with hard hat, tool belt, and science-themed outfit. The only limit is your imagination!

STEM toys for 5-Year-Olds

Even the littlest scientists can benefit from a good STEM toy. STEM toys encourage fine motor skills, inspire young imaginations, and engage small children in an educational way. For the five-and-under crowd, check out Snap Circuits for Beginners,  Magnatiles, or take the learning fun outside with some high-flying Stomp Rockets. Remember though, the best gift of all would be sharing these toys and activities with the people they love the most. 

STEM Toys for Older Kids

Older kids can benefit from STEM toys too, even if they’re already using computers and learning scientific skills in school. After all, science can be a whole ton of fun! You can build a real working solar-powered robot, learn to code your own video games, or solve global mysteries. These STEM gifts are the perfect choice for your science-minded youngster or teen. 

Space Toys

Do your kids love outer space? They can send an astronaut to faraway planets in their imagination with this Bloco Toys 3-in-1 Galactic Mission rover and shuttle combo. Or, they can study the stars with Stargazer Lottie. If you need a quick add-on STEM gift, pick up some glow-in-the-dark wall decals to turn any space-loving kid’s bedroom into a dazzling galaxy!

Non-Toy STEM Gifts

While toys and games are certainly fun for kids of all ages, you can also find plenty of STEM gifts that include interactive activities. Dig for gemstones and learn about geology with this set from National Geographic, tackle chemistry with this miniature science laboratory kit, or introduce young scientists to basic experiments with this kit. Anything that’s hands-on and science-minded will be a hit with the kid who already has everything. 

STEM Subscription Boxes

For the gift that keeps on giving, a subscription box can be the way to go for your young scientist. Select from a wide range of subscription boxes that are designed for different age levels and interests, including Little Passports, Kiwico, or Steve Spangler Science Club. These subscription boxes are sent right to your door each month, and contain activities and projects based on your child’s age and interests. You can tailor your boxes to suit your kids’ needs, and they can provide a perfect way to continue learning over the long summer holidays. 

Other Gift Ideas

Here are some other unique gift ideas that we haven’t already covered:

• Educational Classes. Many local colleges and museums offer classes in cooking, science, robotics, and more! Check your local library or community center for more ideas. 
• Museum Passes. Speaking of museums, most of them offer educational programs or special passes – sometimes at a discount. Consider supporting your local museum by gifting a year-round membership. 
• Plan a Trip. Plan some time for a STEM gift into your family vacations. Spending time in nature studying a guide, hunting for fossils or rocks, or examining architecture of a new city can all be fun and exciting ways to incorporate STEM in your everyday life – while using the gift of a special trip!