The 26 Best STEM Toys of 2023

Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Discovery Kit

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If you have an aspiring engineer in the family, this Snap Circuits Jr. Kit could be the perfect introduction. Your little engineer can learn technical terms about electrical currents while staying entertained for hours completing more than 300 electronics projects. This kit includes more than 60 pieces that snap together, creating real electrical circuits without any soldering or tools.

You may need to provide some initial instructions to introduce young ones to circuitry basics to get them up and running. Once your kids complete all of the 300-plus experiments in the supplied manual, they're free to use their creativity to make their own designs. If your child loves it, you can expand this set with one of the several upgrade kits, which our tester loved. "Our kids tinkered away for an hour straight after we opened the box, then later requested even more playtime—and there was plenty to do! Because kids can create their own designs after they’ve gone through all of the experiments, there’s more to do beyond the pages of the manual, which adds a lot of value to this kit," they shared.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Dimensions: 17.4 x 2.2 x 12 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Kit | Age Range: 8 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

ThinkFun Gravity Maze

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Gravity Maze is a super fun logic game that kids will want to play again and again. It comes with 60 challenges of increasing difficulty, where you have to build mazes for marbles to roll down. It’s won a number of awards, including Toy of the Year, and makes a great gift for grade school children. The different levels of challenges keep kids entertained for hours, posing a fun challenge for various ages that grows with them.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Dimensions: 9.3 x 3 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Type: Toy | Age Range: 8 -15 years | Intended Use: Indoor}

LEGO Education BricQ Motion Prime Set

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Perhaps the most iconic STEM toy, LEGO, now has an entire range dedicated to promoting STEM education in various ages. This specific set allows kids to discover force and motion in the context of sports as they build different elements with the 562 LEGO pieces. The kit includes useful building instructions for multiple projects, language arts and math extension lesson plans, mini-figures, and more. This is a great option for educators, homeschoolers, and anyone looking to expand their LEGO collection.

Price at time of publish: $120

_{Dimensions: Not Listed | Weight: Not Listed | Type: Building | Age Range: 10 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Crayola Paper Butterfly Science Kit

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Whether a kid is interested in science or just loves nature, the Crayola Paper Butterfly Science Kit is sure to be a hit. Kids will get a hands-on learning experience in physics while they make one-of-a-kind creations.

The set includes 12 pre-cut butterfly wings and supplies, markers, and a display stand, so kids will have everything they need to get started. While they design each butterfly, they'll even learn about capillary action, making the set both fun and educational.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 2.75 x 11.5 x 12 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Type: Kit | Age Range: 7-10 | Intended Use: Indoor}

MEandMine Aha! Self Confidence STEM Kit

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Practice STEM concepts and foster self-worth with this activity kit from MEandMine. The kit includes a 28-page story and six hands-on projects all about self-discovery and self-love. Study memory by building a self-concept tree, make a kaleidoscope to discover your uniqueness and more. The brand has other STEM kits as well, revolving around concepts such as digestion, empathy, and more to explore once you're done.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 1.18 x 5.91 x 7.09 inches | Weight: 1.14 pound | Type: Tablet | Age Range: 2 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

VTech Smart Chart Medical Kit

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Aspiring doctors need this interactive medical tablet from VTech. Young kids will learn all about healing, the human body, different illnesses, and more. When faced with patients, they must use the correct instruments to heal them, fostering emotional skills as well. It also comes with a variety of adorable accessories including a thermometer and doctor's uniform.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Dimensions: 1.18 x 5.91 x 7.09 inches | Weight: 1.14 pound | Type: Tablet | Age Range: 2 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit

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For young scientists, this spy-themed kit will be the ultimate present. They’ll be able to solve two exciting mysteries by matching fingerprints, learning about DNA, testing powders, and decoding secret messages. The kit includes all the ingredients needed to complete eight activities.

Our tester loved that their 8-year-old was able to use all of the materials without adult interference, but it can definitely result in a bit of a mess. Still, the educational and fun value is worth it.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 10 x 2.75 x 12 inches | Weight: 11.2 ounces | Type: Toy | Age Range: 8 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

4M Water Rocket Kit

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It's not rocket science, but it's close. This kit includes everything kids need to create their very own water rocket using a plastic soda bottle, and the final product can be launched up to 90 feet in the air for hours of fun for all kids. Learn basic astronomy concepts with the helpful included instruction manual.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 8.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Type: Kit | Age Range: 14-15 years | Intended Use: Outdoor}

Horizon Group USA You*Niverse Cosmetic Colorist

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Learn about the intersection of cosmetics and science with this cosmetic kit that allows kids to create their very own eyeshadows using STEM skills. Build 15 unique colors by combining five pigments with a binder solution and you've got your very own palette to use and show off. The kit includes an informational poster full of fun facts about the cosmetic industry and how science comes into play, so you can learn as you create.

Price at time of publish: $12

_{Dimensions: 9 x 2 x 12 inches | Weight: 1.26 pounds | Type: Cosmetic | Age Range: 6 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Mega Pokemon Motion Building Set

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If you want to take your building skills a step further, look to Mega's completely mechanized Pikachu building set. Kids or adults can build the authentically designed Pokemon character, then watch him move with the mechanical elements. Cranks and gears move Pikachu around on his base. Once it's built, you can display it on your shelf as additional home decor or break the pieces down and start again.

Price at time of publish: $97

_{Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.4 x 9.4 inches | Weight: 1.87 pounds | Type: Building | Age Range: 12 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Mudpuppy Plant Anatomy Science Puzzle Set

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With two STEM toys in one, the Mudpuppy Plant Anatomy Puzzles make the perfect activity for a rainy day. The affordable set comes with three puzzles with a different plant featured on each: The puzzles reveal the different parts of the plant, teaching interesting science facts as you build. There are also additional informational booklets included, so the learning never ends.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Dimensions: 8.15 x 15 x 0.25 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Type: Puzzle | Age Range: 6 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Mattel Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game

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For those kids who love video games, why not give them the tools to make their very own game? With the Bloxels kit, kids can build real game settings using the game board and colored blocks, then play with their creations in the Bloxels Builder app. This kit is easy to set up and fosters hours of creativity while kids unknowingly practice STEM concepts.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 2 x 11.25 x 11.25 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Type: Video game | Age Range: 8-13 years | Intended Use: Indoor}

Tactbit Cubes

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These light-up blocks will unleash anyone’s creative spirit. The cubes are magnetic, so they snap together. It also contains LED lights that change color when the block is twisted. Some blocks even play music. Just note that it's not adjustable, so parents beware. Still, even adults will want to play with these awesome toys.

Price at time of publish: $98

_{Dimensions: 10.7 x 6.9 x 1.9 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Type: Toy | Age Range: 1 and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Sphero Sprk+ App-Enabled Robot

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Here’s another awesome robot that will get kids excited about programming. With Sphero Sprk+, kids will complete hands-on activities to drive and command the app-connected ball, which can travel at up to 4.5 MPH. For an added bonus, try to control the speed and the distance for more physics lessons. Be sure to purchase a protective shell to avoid damage to your robot and/or your furniture and walls.

Price at time of publish: $130

_{Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.8-inches | Weight: 14.3 ounces | Type: Robot | Age Range: 8-14 years | Intended Use: Indoor}

Hape Dynamo Kid's Wooden Domino Set

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This set puts a fun twist on a classic childhood activity. The Hape Dynamo Kid’s Wooden Domino Set includes more than 100 pieces that kids can line up and knock down, creating a domino effect. There are even special features, such as a bridge, bell, and other various tricks. Kids can practice color recognition, sorting, creative thinking, and more as they build, destroy, and rebuild.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 10.2 x 3.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Type: Toy | Age Range: 3 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor/outdoor}

Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game

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Children can learn early math skills with the fun Sum Swamp Game. On each turn, kids have to roll two number dice and a special die covered in math symbols. Then they complete the equation to move around the game board. Throughout the game, they will meet hilarious new creatures in the swamp while practicing pivotal skills.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Type: Game | Age Range: 5 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope

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Every budding scientist needs a microscope, and this one is designed especially for kids ages 3 and up. It magnifies items up to 8x and has a variety of kid-friendly features, such as a chunky focusing knob and extra-large eyepieces for inspecting flowers, bugs, or anything else you can find in your own backyard.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 1.1 x 8.1 x 10 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Type: Toy | Age Range: 3 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Pathfinders Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit

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Children will learn all about physics as they build a miniature replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s catapult. All the pieces are precut, and the instructions are easy to read, making this kit an ideal present for older kids interested in tinkering like the greatest scientists that have ever lived.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 10 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Type: Kit | Age Range: Not listed | Intended Use: Indoor}

Kinetic Sand Moldable Sensory Play Sand

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This sand isn’t anything like the stuff you find at the beach. Kinetic Sand stimulates kids’ creative and sensory skills as it oozes and melts through your fingers yet holds its shape when pressed together. It will keep kids engaged for hours—and it’s fun for adults, too.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 3.1 x 7.25 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Sand | Age Range: 3-5 years | Intended Use: Indoor}

Fat Brain Toys Shape Factory

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Your curious tot will have fun with this toy for hours on end. The puzzle comes with 10 shapes, and they have to fit the appropriate block into the right space. The pieces are large enough so small hands can easily grip them, and the toy encourages problem-solving and motor skills, making this a perfect gift for curious toddlers. 

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 7.25 x 7.25 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Type: Toys | Age Range: 2 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Educational Insights Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Pick-It-Up Truck

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Giving your kids tools can be scary, but a kid-safe tool, like the one in this Educational Insights toy, is safe and educational. Children can use the drill to operate the pickup truck's lift arm and other functions. If you're into sustainability, you'll be happy to know the packaging is actually a part of the play set, so you can teach eco-friendly tips while practicing STEM skills.

Price at time of publish: $19

_{Dimensions: 5.8 x 11 x 6 inches | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Type: Robot | Age Range: 3-7 years | Intended Use: Indoor}

4M Crystal Growing Experimental Kit

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This fun science experiment yields dazzling results. With the crystal-growing kit, children can grow a variety of cool crystals, all while learning about science and geology. The kit even includes display domes so they can keep the resulting creations. The fun doesn't end after all the crystals have grown. Now, it's time to identify them and discover their properties and uses.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Dimensions: 8.5 x 9.5 x 3.25 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Type: Experiment kit | Age Range: 10 years and up | Intended Use: Indoor}

Fat Brain Toys Horse Automata Kit

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Though this is a perfect gift for tweens and older kids, parents may be tempted to tinker around with this as well. The laser-cut pieces, cranks, and gears need to be assembled to form a galloping horse. This item teaches children about engineering and motor skills, and the final product is an absolute masterpiece anyone can be proud to display.

_{Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 12 inches | Weight: Not listed | Type: Kit | Age Range: Not listed | Intended Use: Indoor}

Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Deluxe Building Set

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This building set gives kids the chance to create beautiful garden displays while honing their creativity, problem solving skills, and critical thinking all at the same time. The interchangeable parts means there are almost-endless ways to set up the pieces, which include flowers, butterflies, bees, ladybugs, wiggly stems, and colorful gears.

Price at time of publish: $49

_{Dimensions: 14.5 x 11 x 4.1 inches | Weight: 2.16 pounds | Type: Kit | Age Range: 4-12 years | Intended Use: Indoor}

Fat Brain Toys 200 pc Mega Marble Run Marathon Building & Construction for Ages 6 to 8

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Encourage creativity and critical thinking with this marble run toy. The set comes with 175 tracks, obstacles, connectors, drop-ins, and landing bases that introduce kids to the principles of physics and engineering while encouraging their spatial reasoning and fine motor skills. Once your kiddo creates a setup they like, the 25 marbles can be sent on a thrilling ride through the tracks.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 15 x 4.38 x 18.18 inches | Weight: 5.72 pounds | Type: Kit | Age Range: 6+ years | Intended Use: Indoor}