Science and Discovery Toys
The great thing about being a kid is getting to learn about all the amazing things in this universe. From biology  to chemistry to astronomy, there are oodles of fun and educational toys that focus on science and learning. Kids will not only have a great time playing with these products, but they will also learn life-long lessons. Parents and guardians can also take an active role in parenting by helping kids out with the science projects and using their new toys. In fact, when choosing science and discovery toys for kids, it's important to consider if the toy or kit will require adult supervision. If so, will the parent or guardian be able to take time out to participate? If not, perhaps a kit that a child can play with without the help of a grownup might be better gift choice.
Other points to remember when choosing science and discovery toys: - Consider what the child will like, not what you find cool.
- Make sure it's fun and doesn't appear to be too much work. Use your best judgment about the child's interest in science and maturity to determine how much fun is enough.
- Don't choose something too easy. It should be age appropriate and challenging. If the toy or game is too simple, then what's the point? Children lose interest quickly unless they have something to keep them engaged and curious about the outcome.
- The toy should inspire and engage a child leaving him or her with plenty of questions.
- Try to get a toy or game that is an extension of what the child is studying in school.
All-in-One Science Kits
Here is a listing of some of the top picks for children by age. They are easy to buy and give because they come with all the necessary ingredients for a fun-filled science-oriented playtime.
Toys By Discipline
Sometimes kits don't cut it. That's when you need to get down to the nitty gritty. Which subjects does a child like best? Is he or she more of a dinosaur dude or a deep space diva? Below you'll find a variety of hand-picked toys that satisfy a child's toy needs no matter what his or her interests.
Biology
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Owl Puke Book and Pellet
Very fun and exciting for kids as young as seven years old! They'll dig through these pellets to search out the bones of the owl's last meal. |
Mind's Eye Science Kit
Discover how the eyes perceive light and learn how visuals can trick the brain. Great for groups of kids to share. |
Disgusting Science - Anatomy
Something eating at you? Pick apart an edible brain or heart and discover its inner workings. |
Hugh the Human Skeleton Kit
Already built all the dinosaur kits? Now try a human skeleton. 25 inches tall and it doesn't require any glue, making it a mess-free project. |
Science Wiz Extract your DNA
Become a forensic expert! Not only can kids learn about DNA, but after extracting it they can put it in a pendant and wear it. Yuck! |
Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Beasts
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Discovery Remote Control Pterodactyl
See this realistic prehistoric creature comes alive with a remote. Unfortunately, it doesn't fly, but it is a great first RC toy for dino lovers. |
Discovery Remote Control Chromashift Roboreptile
He'll run, jump, stalk and hunt, all without breaking a sweat. He's also fully interactive and can see, feel and hear. He also remembers tricks. |
Dinosaur Toob
A tube of dinosaurs is better than one. The 12 hand-painted replicas are packed into the tube for easy transport and storage. |
Woolly Mammoth - Carnegie Collectible
This hand-painted collectible is an authentic replica. Other models (mostly dinosaurs) are also available. |
I Dig Dinosaurs
Dig, dig, little paleontologists, but carefully. Within the block, children will discover a skeleton of a T. rex or brachiosaurus after tapping away with the mini hammer and chisel. |
Electricity
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H-Racer/Hydrogen Station - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
A must-see, this car runs on a hydrogen fuel cell. Not only does it teach about science, but about important current environmental issues. |
Super Inventor's Lab
The possibilities are endless with these blocks that connect together to create working technology. Kids can build everything from an alarm clock to a lie detector. |
Air Zinger Robot Kit
This is a very basic robot kit for starters that is controlled with a wired remote. It's key feature is the ability to such up and launch balls from its mouth with wind power. |
SC-100 Snap Circuits Jr.
This award-winning toy contains a multitude of parts for conducting more than 100 projects. Because the parts are easy to snap together, kids can let their imaginations soar for never-ending fun. |
AM/FM Radio Kit
This is a good beginning kit for a child between seven and nine and it teaches everything about radios with ease and simplicity. |
Physics
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Physics Solar Workshop
The ultimate kit for inspiring scientists who are curious about solar energy; kids will surely stay busy with this 320 part kit. With the help of step by step instructions, children can put together 13 models and conduct 30 experiments. |
Erector Set Design 4
This is an award-winning design kit that comes in a variety of model styles including a helicopter and motorcycle. Kids will love the sense of achievement they get from completing this 400+ piece set that actually works! |
Our Amazing Bridges Architecture Set
Little builders will love constructing a bridge. Choose from three different styles including the Roman Arch, The Truss Bridge, and The Suspension Bridge. The kits come with all the necessary tools. |
K'NEX Pirate Ship Park
Build and understand kinetics, gravity, and motion while having fun at the same time. This battery-powered toy won a Dr. Toy Award and acts as an educational toy and a playset. |
Levitron Cherry Wood
Fun for kids and adults, this toy acts as a learning tool as much as a game and even display. The trick is to figure out how to get the discs to levitate properly. Once you've mastered the method you'll be glad you spent the time to make it work. |
Plants and Insects
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Big Bad Booming Bugs
For less than $20 you can give the gift of learning and help a little kid gross out his or her squeamish cohorts (not to mention siblings and parents). With this "electronic observation station" you can capture and examine insects inside a clear container. IT features an amplified observation platform, which connects to a set of headphones. As the bug goes about its business inside the contraption, a child can listen to its chirping, chattering and buzzing. |
Ant Habitat
This is not your average ant farm. In fact, the gel that is used, rather than sand, is a nutrient-based substance that was used by NASA for an in-space experiment. That means you'll never have to add water or food, just the ants. What's even better is that this little unit is lit up from the base with LCD lights to show the ants in all their glory. For worried parents: rest assured, the gel is non-toxic. |
Nyokki
These super cute, egg-like faces have to sit since their legs are soft, but they'll provide kids with a first-hand experience of raising plants with a no-hassle formula. The grass is ultra-hardy and since it looks like hair, girls will love to snip and style it. Also see Egglings, a similar, yet less cutesy product. |
World Alive Kit
Watch butterflies, praying mantis or lady bugs grow and live right in front of your eyes. Kids and parents alike will enjoy watching the bugs develop right in front of their eyes. For long-term living experience, consider an aquarium or terrarium. For some kids begging for pets, this might be the first step for them to prove they are ready for the challenge and responsibility of caring for an animal. |
Microscopes
Look for kits with medium magnification that include all the necessary accessories so that kids can easily get into examining bugs, plants, pond water and more. For older kids, a better quality microscope might be a better option since it will be sturdier and have better optics for more detailed observations. |
Robotics
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Mindstorms NXT
This super humanoid robot by LEGO must be built by your two hands to make him budge! When he does, watch out, because he's interactive and intuitive. Why buy Robosapien when you can build your own robot from the inside out? A hot toy for boys and girls with an interest in building. Don't have $250 to spend? Try the Discovery Build Your Own Robot Kit ($20). |
Soundtracker Kit
What's that you say? At the sound of your voice this little bot will back up and change direction. Throw a road block in its way and this determined little bot will find a way around it. Talk about an intelligent robot. What's best? You build it yourself and see your creation in action. |
Moon Walker II
This kit will teach a kid more than just how to build, but he or she will learn about sensors (the robot is built to react to both sound and light), robot history and how to create motion. Best for ages 10 and older. |
Triple Action Solar Car
This race car is more than just fun, it's a fun-filled learning project that teaches children about solar energy and power. Once finished building, they'll be able to race this car just like any other RC vehicle. It's like two toys for the price of one! |
Tekno the Robotic Puppy
Kids can have a pet without all the fuss! Perfect for kids dying for a puppy, but whose parents won't allow it. This pup reacts to sound, light and touch. He also walks, talks and shows emotions with light up expressions. Watch out for the puppy dog eyes. Kids won't want to stop playing with him. |
Space
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Star Theater 2
Watch the stars from your bedroom! This illuminating apparatus shines the stars as they appear in the night sky on your ceiling, complete with all the constellation names. Take it outside, line it up with help of the onboard compass and stargaze until morning! |
Solar System Floor Puzzle
For $10, children can soar into the depths of space without leaving their bedrooms and learn about the solar system. |
Star Explosion Glow in the Dark Stars
These classic glow-in-the-dark stick-on stars have been popular with kids for years and don't show any signs of fading. If you are worried about the damage of the stars on the walls, try the Discovery Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Model, which hangs, keeping walls clean and safe. |
Buzz Aldrin Space Voyagers Ultimate Saturn V Rocket
Rockets are very educational and very fun. Usually parents or a supervising adult should help kids out with these, but who can complain with all the fun at stake? Choose from a variety of brands, sizes and strengths. Usually the bigger the rocket, more bang for the buck you get. |
Telescopes
Read the guide to learn more before buying one. There is a big difference between a serious telescope and a toy. You'll be happy to invest in the proper equipment for an avid star gazing teenager, but best count the kiddies out. |
Older Children
You can use any of the ideas on this page to come up with your own homemade science kit that caters to an older child's different interests. (The Web is a great resource for finding science experiments, too). Simply use your imagination to figure out what will spark a child's interests. Remember that while kits and activity sets are the perfect all-in-one product for simple gift giving for younger children, don't forget the other science oriented toys that can grow with a child for years to come.
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Gardening
Perhaps he or she is into plants and flowers. You could purchase some seeds to start a vegetable or flower garden, a few basic tools, gloves, an inexpensive gardening book and package it all it a pint-sized gardening basket. Another option? Help get a child into an environmentally friendly mind set and plant a tree together. (If you're ambitious, you and your child can try to replicate Mendel's famous experiments!) |
Lab Science
Items such as microscopes, telescopes, gyroscopes and magnifying glasses last a long time and provide hours of entertainment and learning. One hint to make the gift better: include some sort of a book with it that will help a child learn to use it properly and to make the most of these tools. Otherwise, it's easy for them to gather dust in the attic. |
Practical Tools
Calculators and computers are good science-oriented gifts for the older child who may need these tools for school. Along with computers come Software, including electronic encyclopedias, dictionaries and science games. |
Building
Know a kid who's a builder? Try an elementary tool set and help him or her build a bird house, go cart, playhouse or other small wood working project. Especially for girls who enjoy working with their hands, pre-fab kits for building doll house furniture are a perfect starting place. |
Animals
Getting a pet for a child is a major decision that you and your child should make together. Don't buy a pet for a child until he or she is old enough to care for it and always make sure to get a book explaining proper pet care that you can read together. For more about pets, see the Pets section. A small starter aquarium is a good place to start. |
Shop by Category
There are many more options to choose from. Pick a category from the list and search ShopWiki for more fun gift ideas.
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