If you have a school-aged child, chances are you've heard all about how important STEM learning is. STEM focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math skills. If you have a child who is naturally into these things, it can be awesome. There are a lot of interesting directions to explore . The activities you can do can be really enjoyable. When you have a kid who isn't naturally interested in these things, you've got more of a challenge on your hand. The key is to introduce these subjects in a way that isn't too teachy or preachy. Instead, find activities that your kids will enjoy regardless. Then you can explain to them how STEM is connected while having fun or after the fact. You can start making a change this holiday season. There are so many awesome, fun STEM gifts that kids will love out there. Here are a few ideas your kid will be excited to unwrap this year.
Abco Tech 13-in-1 DIY Solar Robot Kit
You can make 13 awesome and interesting solar-powered robots with this entertaining kit. This is a wonderful way to explore scientific curiosity with younger kids. It's also a fun excuse to get outside!
Shop Now: Abco Tech 13-in-1 DIY Solar Robot Kit (Walmart, $19.97)
Bottle Rocket
This bottle rocket is a blast, pun deeply intended. Assemble your launcher, rocket, funnel, and launch mixture to experience some extremely fizzy fun. The set includes blueprints and a link to step-by-step instructions.
GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
The GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope is the first to walk kids through the world of exploring nature up close. It includes 60 beautiful full-color images and two modes of play: Fact Mode and Quiz Mode. Even cooler? The talking is voiced by Bindi Irwin!
Ice Skating Rink
Let your little one build their own mechanical ice skating rink! It's a perfect seasonal decoration that kids will be beyond proud of putting together. They'll learn about gears and magnets as they do. The pretty winter wonderland scene comes with three little skaters: a snowman, a penguin, and a gingerbread man.
Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space 500-Piece Puzzle
Puzzles are a fun way for kids to learn critical-thinking skills. This one also explores the solar system and encourages kids to do the same. When you've put it together, learn science vocabulary and find items in this search-and-find.
Shop Now: Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space 500-Piece Puzzle (Amazon, $14.26)
Santa and Snowman Wobbler
Your kiddo will be so proud to craft these fun and festive wobblers! They're made of felt and fluff and will teach your child all about balance. They also make for an adorable gift in their own right, if you want to share the fun!
Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit
Kids will build a motion sensor that they'll use to control the elements. They learn all about the sensor as they make it to prepare them for the next step, where they can use it to make different things happen. You can make snowflakes, create blizzards, or conjure up an ice palace of your own.
Crystal Chemistry Garden
Growing crystals is fun, but this takes the craft to the next level and makes it truly stunning. The crystals grow over two days, which is fun for kids to watch. All the while, learn the science that makes the crystals grow.
LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit
Your favorite Star Wars fan will cherish the opportunity to make their own R2-D2. There are three different ways to play once it's built for countless hours of fun. You can teach your droid up to 22 new skills.
Shop Now: LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit (Amazon, $81.59)
Educational Insights Design & Drill See-Through Creative Workshop
Create fun and pretty designs with the Design & Drill See-Through Creative Workshop. Kids can use a drill made especially for them, as well as a hand screwdriver and combination wrench. It's easy to create with a see-through base and pattern cards you can follow.
Shop Now: Educational Insights Design & Drill See-Through Creative Workshop (Kohls, $39.99)
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer
This fun kit comes with a storybook following two inquisitive young engineers, Ty and Karlie, and their family's robots, Huxley and Remus. Kids make boats that pop up throughout the story using the pieces included. There are 52 pieces for kids to build with.
Shop Now: Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer (Amazon, $39.99)
Electro Dough Kit
Conductive dough teaches kids about building electrical circuits. There are tips online for 20 different projects that kids will love. Once they see what it can do, they'll be eager to try their own ideas.
Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Science Kit
Kids get to put their detective skills to the test with two exciting mysteries and eight activities. They're challenging enough to keep kids busy but easy enough that they can work independently or with a friend or sibling.
Shop Now: Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Science Kit (Amazon, $15.99)
Thinkbox Inventors' Box
The Thinkbox Inventors' Box arms kids with the tools they need to make some of their wildest dreams a reality. It comes with suggestions for inventions and room to make mistakes and discover new things. No matter which way you approach it, you can discover something amazing.
Shop Now: Think Box Inventors' Box (Target, $24.99)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
