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Science Gifts that are Super Fun for Kids!

Why Science Gifts?

Parents are always asking me for suggestions about science and STEAM gifts that I think their child would like.  So are grandparents and aunts and uncles!  They want to know what the best ideas are for certain age groups (all of the recommendations in this post for children ages four to eight).

These parents know that children often develop an interest in a subject which they are exposed to at a young age.  As a STEM teacher, I have seen hundreds of students turned onto science!  Many have gone on to further their learning in college and have entered STEM fields.

Besides that, the wonder that accompanies science is a great gift in itself!  Especially, when the experience is shared with a loving adult or friend.  Since all experimenting with young children should be done with adult supervision, this comes naturally!

So, why not give the gift of science!

Some Basic Science Gifts

What child scientist wouldn’t love a little lab coat?  This coat is recommended for children from 4 – 8, but I would say to stick to age 4 – 6.

Another classic is some something that children can get a close up of objects!  I would recommend a hand lens or microscope depending on the child’s interest and/or age.  Two 10x magnifiers come in this package which is perfect because someone else always wants to take a look!  This microscope has very high ratings for a budding scientist.  It comes with some premade slides as well as slides and directions for making your own.  For an older child, there are other microscopes with good ratings that are a little more costly.

 

Science Gifts for the Nature Lover

All kids should have a critter catcher when they are outdoors!  There are so many different organisms to collect.  This can range from bugs and worms to plants parts!  This Critter Barn comes with a built-in light for nighttime collecting too!

Binoculars are great for observing animals outside like birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and more!


I’m also partial to this butterfly garden.  I have personally had lots of success with this, as have others I know.

monarch in the butterfly garden

Science Gifts for Those that Love Experimenting

This science kit comes with easy to follow directions.  The materials needed to supplement the kit are food coloring, salt, vinegar, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and cotton balls.  I recommend having them on hand.  A plastic box would be great for storing the items and carrying them around.  That way experiments can be done outside or even in the bathtub!

Kids who love to watch the Magic School Bus will love this chemistry kit!  As with the kit above, it does require some everyday household items.  There are 51 different experiment cards.  Children can make slime, learn about acids and bases, and more.  A journal for recording observations is included too.


This kit is great for the price!  Unlike the other kits, it includes some of the household items like vegetable oil, cornstarch, baking powder, and coloring tablets.

Gifts for Children that Enjoy Tinkering and Building

Every child should have blocks to build with.  Wooden blocks and Legos are great!  I would definitely start there.  This highly-rated set is a little different.  Children build with colorful, magnetic tiles.

Children create over 100 different electrical circuits with this kit.  Lights, sirens, and more will keep kids aged 8 and up busy.  Even 6 and 7-year-olds will enjoy it when used with an adult.  It takes AA batteries, so be sure and include them with the gift!  There are other Snap Circuit kits that can be added later for more complicated circuits.

Books are Always a Great Gift!

As an advocate of reading, I have to say there are hundreds are great science books out there!  It is hard for me to choose, so I will limit myself to 10 that complement the topics above.

     For Nature Enthusiasts

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs  As with all National Geographic books the photographs are stunning!

Backyard Explorer: On the Nature Trail  This book is a field guide for children ages 4 – 8.   It shows a good variety of plants and animals that might be found outside.  It includes a scavenger hunt and stickers.

Animal Discoveries  This book is on the NSTA list of Outstanding Science books of 2019.  Read about some fascinating animals that have recently been discovered by scientists.

A Child’s Introduction to the Night Sky  Learn about the sky from this awe-inspiring book.

Plant Adaptations: How We Live in Our Habitat  This was written by yours truly, so I had to include it!

     For Experimenters

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You!  This book is just loaded with a variety of fun experiments!

Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!  What can I say!? Yum!  This book is part of a series of STEAM books for children, so if your child likes this, there are others.

     For Creators

Boxitects  After reading this book, your little creator will be begging to make something out of boxes!

Rosie Revere, Engineer  Girls that enjoy creating will love this book!

What Do You Do With an Idea?  On the NY Times bestseller list, this book is about a little boy, with a big idea!  Adults will enjoy this book too.

Please forward this post to parents and other family members who would be interested!

And remember, it’s all science!

Yes, I am an Amazon Affiliate, which means I get a small percentage if you are to purchase something directly through one of these links.  This does not cost you anything extra.  Amazon is the place where I purchased most of the materials for my STEAM lab.  I have used many of these items, and I have taken the time to sort through numerous reviews, as well as choose items that fit into many people’s budgets.

Sarah

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