We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A Lego Minifigure Photography Kit from Klutz that'll make their creativity and storytelling talets bloom! It comes complete with everything they need to help them learn about and practice depth of field, perspectives, composition, lighting and more useful skills. It's basically Photography 101 in disguise!
It comes with a posing rod, six different backgrounds, a phone stand, a couple of mini figures, a bunch of accessories, and 64 pages of fun-to-follow instructions.
Promising review: "Great fun with good ideas. Imaginative play and story lines to photograph. Wish backgrounds were a little larger and more of them. As a grandma having as much fun as my grandson setting up and photographing action scenes." —olga
Get it from Amazon for $20.80.
2. And The Lego Animation Book so they can take those skills one step further into the realm of easy stop-motion video! All they need to get started is the book, a camera, a basic stop motion app (like from the Google or Apple app stores), and some Legos. Get ready to feel SO impressed with and proud of what they create!
Watch a YouTube video that the author made — it's where the screenshot above came from! It's best for ages 10+.
One reviewer says it covers everything to help your video look professional: from the "Lego walk" so your mini figures look "real", to building extra props and sets from your Lego collection, to changing the heads to different facial expressions to show emotion.
Promising review: "My son was given this for Christmas, along with an Amazon Fire tablet from Santa. It sparked quite an interest, and several hours and hundreds of photos later, he created a five-minute film that was very fun and entertaining to watch! This book gave him the foundation that he needed to learn stop motion and allowed him to apply the basics to his very own Lego movie. A great tool to have along with a tablet device for kids who complain often they are bored!" —Elle N
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
3. A subscription to Tynker, which uses ~block-based coding~ to make it super simple for kids to get started coding their own video games. Basically, instead of memorizing complicated code, they can use colorful puzzle pieces that snap together to create something new. Transform screen time into STEM time!
Read more about how the system works (as well as recommendations for other tools) on the Tynker blog, and see more about how it works with these 60-Second Tynker Tricks. Basically, it teaches them computer science basics that they can build on! All paid plans also include live coaching, to help them reach success.
Ages 7–12 (there's also Tynker Junior for ages 5–7).
Get a three-month gift subscription from Tynker (to try it out) for $90.
4. The puzzle game Kanoodle Gravity so they can hone their thinking and logic skills both at home and on-the-go (it's convieniently portable!). With 10 Tetris-looking puzzle pieces, they choose a challenge, set it up, and think through a solve.
Best for ages 7 and up. It can be played solo or with another person! And if you're looking for similar puzzles of different challenge levels, check out all of the Kanoodle games.
Promising reviews: "My kids love Kanoodle, so when I saw they had this new version, I had to get it. Again, the kids love it! It’s a great new challenge for them and I like that they can play by themselves. Great STEM toy!" —espresso_self
"Oh my gosh!! We bought one for each of the 12 grandkids. They have different games with different levels, all self contained in their sturdy travel case!! Great great gift… and they don’t need to “plug in” to have fun!! Kids from 3-16…. Every single one LOVED Kanoodles!!" —Jane M
Get it from Amazon for $13.11.
5. A National Geographic geodes kit that'll be the MOST fun geology lesson, between getting to whack rocks with a hammer and feeling dazzled but the sparkles hidden inside — and they can do it right in their own kitchen or yard.
This science kit includes 10 natural crystal-filled geodes, one pair of safety goggles, three display stands, and one learning guide.
Promising review: "My daughter is 10 and this kept her busy for HOURS! She had so much fun and was excited every time she got a glimpse of what might be inside. A couple of them were pretty cool, while the rest were just white. She didn't care, she loves them all. She was so proud to gift them to her grandparents." —Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four sizes).
6. Or a National Geographic crystal growing kit because it strikes the perfect balance between sparking their inner chemist and feeding their love of baubles. The included light board turns their creations into a night light that'll give them (and you!) *heart eyes* every time!
It includes the ingredients that grow crystals in eight colors, four silicone growing chambers, and a light display for five crystals. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Promising review: "Bought for a 8-year-old's birthday gift. Such a hit!! The excitement of making the crystal, watching them grow and the final product makes it a perfect gift. Taking out the seed crystal requires a sharp tool, like a pointy small paring knife and patience. Be careful! This is going to be a go-to gift for me in the future!" —JosieJo
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available with six or eight crystals).
7. A DIY car STEM kit — the budding engineer in them will love it because they'll see their patience and hands-on (but not too difficult) work pay off in the form of a battery-powered car!
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Alicorn Shop is a Rockville, Maryland based small business specializing in smart craft and STEM kits just like this one to help kids learn and reach their full potential.
Promising review: "My granddaughters loved this. They laughed and had so much fun with it. I couldn't be more happy! I highly recommend this toy." —Cynthia
Get it from Alicorn Shop on Etsy for $12.
8. A wooden puzzle for a brain-stimulating way to learn how the shapes fit together — just like Tetris — but without a screen in sight.
According to reviewers, it's an excellent toy for all ages — from 3–12.
Promising review: "I got this for my 5-year-old for Christmas and she really enjoys trying to figure it out. Colors are vibrant, wood isn't too thick or too thin, and it's a nice size as well. She was thrilled when she finally figured out a combination to complete the puzzle. Great gift for a kid especially given all the screen time kids have now. Gets their brains working!" —lr
Promising review: "I was looking for stuff that will keep my kids entertained without electronics and this is one of the things I got them. From my 5-year-old to my 10-year-old, they’ve all sat down and played around with it. It’ll be a great road trip game as well. Small. Compact. Has a bag to carry the game." —MGS
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
9. And a wooden geoboard that'll occupy them for hours while they exercise their imagination and pre-writing muscles turning rubber bands into all kinds of different shapes and designs. It includes 35 different pattern cards to serve as fun problem-solving challenges!
Promising reviews: "This item was exactly what I needed for some of the younger children because handling the rubber bands helps develop their fine motor muscles. It also encourages imagination and creativity and counting. They make designs and love it. For older ages there are cards with designs for them to try and duplicate. Young children can also make shapes and letters thus developing math and literacy skills. This is a sturdy, well-made geoboard." —Kathleen Loden Barbuti
"Bought the geoboard for my 4-year-old grandson who enjoyed making his own pictures and designs. As a retired math teacher, I can tell you that geoboards are great hands on learning tools for children of any age. My seventh-grade students loved when our lessons involved 'playing' with geoboards!" —anne porter
Get it from Amazon for $21.
10. A sight word Bingo game because learning them doesn't have to be frustrating — instead, make practicing fun! Several reviewers say it's what *finally* made the difference and got their kiddo excited about sight words.
The box comes with 36 playing cards, 264 playing chips, caller's mat and cards, and a storage box. It's similar to the classic game, but the leader calls out words instead of letter/number combos. Then each player searches their card for a match, and when they have one, they mark it with a red chip. Once someone has all the spaces covered on their card (or whichever spaces you decide count as Bingo), they get to yell BINGO!!
You can also get Sight Words Level 2 or Bingo for lots of other skills — including Multiplication and Division, Rhyming, Colors and Shapes — on the company's Amazon store page.
Promising review: "Getting my daughter to do sight words has been a nightmare lately, she pretends she has no idea what anything is and refuses to sit down and try. But, with this game, she wants to play for hours!!! I give her two cards and we all play together as a family, she thinks it is the best game and it really is helping her learn her sight words!! Finally something that gets her excited about learning!!" —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
11. A LeapFrog 100 Words Book that features learning friends Turtle, Tiger and Monkey to help ignite your munchkin's love of learning and build both their English *and* Spanish vocabulary. All they have to do is touch the words on the pages!
Promising reviews: "My 1-year-old loves to touch the different animals and hear the book say their name and animal sound. He’s got a good vocabulary, but we’re working with him to encourage more and more words. His doctor recommended teaching him animals and the sound they make, so this is great to add to what we’re already doing. Great toy that is fun and also teaches. They learn through repetition — and this was just what I was looking for! I also love that this toy will grow with him. He using the name/sound mode right now, but is also has a mode that gives facts for when he’s older and also has Spanish! 10/10 recommend." —Jessica Grace
"What a great learning toy! My little boy loves it. It’s touch sensitive and his little fingers don’t have to press it too hard. He already knows 75% of the words but hasn’t lost interest in it yet. I believe this book will be good for 3–4 more years when he enters K-first grade and learns to spell some of the words in the book." —Luciane D. Costa
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
12. A marble run set because it secretly (shh) teaches them how to problem-solve with their creativity, but they'll just think they're playing. Don't be surprised if they're so thrilled with success they want to show you how the marbles roll, spin, and spiral through their epic maze creations!
Promising reviews: "My 5- and 3-year-olds (and me) have spent hours building towers and watching marbles clatter down these chutes, steps, gears, and spirals, HOURS! And they’re not bored yet! It’s also educational learning the physics of slopes by experience. Plus, it comes with enough marbles that losing a few doesn’t matter." —Joyce Parker
"As a teacher of 25 years, I can say that marble runs are by far one of the best toys for kids of all ages! This is a fantastic one! Kids don't even realize the math, science and problem skills they are using when building their runs. They can play with it alone or with a group of friends, building countless creative marble runs! My 3-year-old niece loves playing with the marble run, and I used it in classrooms with K–fifth-grade students. Great for home or for indoor recess at school!." —Lorraine Marie
Get it from Amazon for $46.95.
13. And a Gravity Maze designed to exercise their spatial reasoning skills as they build and engineer paths that lead the marble to the target cube. Success!
The game builds on itself over time (and will keep them interested!) as they learn, because it comes with 60 challenges from beginner to expert levels.
Promising review: "What a great combination of construction, puzzles, and games! My 5-year-old and 8-year-old niece were able to challenge themselves to some of the levels (the 8-year-old was was more capable of solving them on her own). The adults also found themselves fixated on playing the different levels as well! It was challenging and fun! We love marble runs and games so this was a perfect fit. This is one of the few games that everyone asks to play and it's perfect when we have guests of kiddos over and keeps everyone busy and engaged for hours!" —Crystal Brown
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
14. A classic "Speak & Spell" electronic game so they can learn spelling and pronunciation just like you did back in the 1980s — and it works just as well now as it did back then, which is to say, darn well!
It has three different game modes and a variety of challenge levels, so they can continue to build on their skills! Best for ages 7 and up.
Promising review: "I bought this item for my daughter who played with my 1980s Speak & Spell so much that it began to malfunction. My Speak & Spell is still one of the most memorable toys from my childhood. I played and played with that thing. It is what ultimately taught me how to spell the word 'language' 'lang-u-age' and taught me to challenge my mind with brain games. Now I pick up my daughter's for a round or two just to reminisce. We love it." —Holly McKellop
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (also available in an E.T. version).
15. A LeapFrog 2-in-1 laptop because it'll let them work on the computer just like you do, but it'll teach them their (sing it with me) ♫♪ABCs♫♪ and ♫♪123s♫♪ — that's how easy ~learning~ can be!
Promising reviews: "One of my 2-year-old son's favorite Christmas gifts. He loves having his own touchscreen 'laptop' and it’s helping him to really learn his letters and numbers. There are different modes to play and he knows how to turn it on and do it all himself. It keeps him occupied for a while. He is two. A lot of his 3-year-old friends also have this toy and I’ve heard nothing but good things." —AKD and NRD
"I have a 2-year-old and this laptop is like a Rosetta stone program for her. She's learning new numbers and words by repeating to press the buttons constantly which she loves a lot. This has definitely helped with her vocabulary and I highly recommend it." —Holly Erevera Santos
Get it from Amazon for $17.49.
16. A Snap Circuits kit to enchant your budding electrical engineer with over 30 (completely safe) electronic parts and 100 circuit projects that actually work, with no additional supplies required! Seriously, how could building a flying saucer and a loud siren with your own two hands NOT be fun??
They'll get over 32 electrical components including snap wires, slide switches, an alarm circuit, a music integrated circuit, and a speaker. (Each piece is numbered and color-coded for no-stress identification.) A plastic grid and a project manual with 101 different electronic projects completes the kit.
Recommended for ages 8 and up, with adult supervision advised. You can also get a car kit, a green energy kit, a light kit, and more options on the Snap Circuits Amazon store page.
Promising review: "I bought this for my 9-year-old son last Christmas. It was a bigger hit then I had anticipated. He plays with this for hours on end experimenting with all of the different set ups that are in the book. He has learned so much from this! I am a Montessori teacher and this item has all the great learning properties we look for in the materials we use in our classrooms. It is self correcting which allow your child to experiment with it on their own learning so much without adult direction. I even suggested that his teacher buy one for his classroom. I am planning on buying one of the larger sets this year! I would definitely recommend this product!" —Teacher
Get a set from Amazon for $35.99 (also available with 500 projects).
17. A Klutz bath bomb making kit because it'll disguise a lil' fizzing chemistry lesson (STEM? check!) *and* bath time motivator as a fun parent-and-me activity. It comes with everything you'll need — molds, instructions, and ingredients — for making twelve bombs in cute shapes!
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Promising review: "This is a cool gift for kids who like to take baths or kids that are interested in science (BONUS if they like both). Parents may need to assist, especially if they don't want their bath towels turning colors from the colored baking sodas little hands will wipe off on the nearest plush towel.
Making each bath bomb takes much longer than how long it takes to use it. It's all about the process but the result is fun, too!" —Throw It In The Bag
Get it from Amazon for $21.46.
18. A pack of Numberblocks MathLink Cubes so they can concretely understand how numbers actually work with classic MathLink Cubes — and they can even play along with their favorite episodes of Numberblocks, because each set of the blocks (it comes with 10) makes one of the characters!
Each pack includes 100 MathLink Numberblocks Cubes, 59 faceplates, 54 stickers, 11 Numberlings, 11 character cards, 15 double-sided write 'n' wipe activity cards, 1 stand for zero, and 1 activity guide.
Promising reviews: "My almost 3-year-old LOVES IT. It’s the closest toy I’ve seen to the actual Numberblocks and it includes their faces, their number over their head, and images from the show. It’s actually perfect for teaching numbers and as a toy! I would def recommend and even buy again!" —Matt & Ava
"My 4-year-old's favorite show is Numberblocks, I was so thrilled to find these for play. Numberblocks has taught him so much and now he can do math problems on his own without the show. Highly recommend! Would be a great Christmas gift." —Kayla Williamson
Get a set from Amazon for $22.76.
19. A Melissa & Doug magnetic calendar because it boasts slots for the days of the week, months, the weather and temperature, activities for the day, and mood so your preschooler can start updating it every morning. It might help them start anticipating events big and small, from weekends to sunny days to birthdays!
Promising review: "My 3-year-old son loves updating this calendar each morning. It's a great daily activity and helps with planning what activities are on the schedule for that day. It also helps him learn the days of the week and what day of the month it is." —familyof3
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
20. A 360-degree-rotating 3-in-1 LED globe, constellation map, and night-light open their eyes to the wonders of the planet we all live on, and the universe that surrounds it.
Promising review: "My 12-year-old and 6-year-old sit and play with it for hours at a time. It lights up. Not too big fits on a desk perfectly." —Kristina Chew
Get it from Amazon for $59.95.
21. Or an interactive globe designed to hook up with a tablet or smart phone so they can virtually explore our beautiful world, then tell everyone they know all kinds of enthralling facts they've learned!
Promising review: "I read reviews religiously before purchasing products I’m not familiar with. I was a bit skeptical about such positive reviews but after receiving our Orboot, I’m convinced they’re authentic. The first thing I liked about the Orboot is the packing materials aren’t excessive (read: eco-friendly). My children just turned 4 and 6 and took to this immediately (even figuring out features on the app that were over my head). They were excited to 'travel' the globe and the included passport and stamp were a nice touch. Best: While on a recent trip to DC, we saw a helicopter overhead and my 6-year-old excitedly told us they were invented in Russia. I love having a toy that engages them, is educational, and gives me less screentime guilt! I’m excited to see the new features on the horizon." —Paul F
Get it from Amazon for $54.99.
22. A magnetic shape-shifting puzzle cube for a captivating and hypnotic exploration of geometry that dares them to find the 70-plus shapes all contained in one. Like, just look at that gif for a second. Whoa.
If you get more than one — there are 12 puzzle box designs — they can even connect many cubes (magnets!) to explore even bigger structures and sculptures.
Promising review: "A gift for our twin granddaughters' 10th birthday, and mama says they have played with them for hours. Discovering shape upon shape and connecting them in endless patterns. An extremely creative and educational toy. I prefer gifts and activities that stimulate a child's mind and these cubes hit the mark." —K
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 22 designs).
23. A talking microscope featuring 60 full-color slides they can easily place under the lens, then listen to all the facts the microscope tells them about the pictures of bugs, plants, and animals on the slide! Nature is wild.
The microscope features Spanish, French, and German in addition to English. Recommended for ages 3 and up!
Promising review: "This is by far one of the coolest products I’ve ever seen! My 4-year-old loves this talking microscope! Every day while her baby sister naps I spend some quality one-on-one time with her and this was the perfect product for our special time together! She didn’t want to stop looking at all the different slides and I love how each slide has three images and the fact mode shares fun facts about the slide chosen! I love that she was learning new facts while looking at it up closely! She has been having so much fun using it and asks me daily to use her new microscope! This is such a great learning tool in a fun, different way for a 4-year-old and it is a big win in my book, especially because it can be used for many, many years! It also includes a quiz mode that we haven’t used yet but it’s nice that it has different modes for older kids. Highly recommend for all preschoolers and older kids!" —JC Mommy
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
24. And for kids 8 or older, a microscope STEM kit to nurture their inner curious scientist. It features a real metal microscope with three different magnification options up to 1200x (!!) prepared and blank plastic slides, and all the other goodies they need to see things like ladybugs, lettuce leaves, and and tree bark up close!
The kit comes with sample slides, cover slips, tweezers, scalpel, specimen vials, adjustable lenses, collecting lamps, and a sturdy storage case.
Promising reviews: "My 9-year-old niece was asking for a microscope for her birthday and I decided to buy it and I am so happy that I did. This kit has everything that your young scientist needs! I mean it has everything, there are blank slides and labels, tweezers and 'scapulas,' small vials, and so much more. It even includes shrimp eggs to hatch. How cool is that?!? My niece was so excited about this present that at her birthday party she had all the kids taking turns looking at slides of onionskins and dragonfly wings and leaves. This is a great starter microscope for a little scientist and it is educational fun for the whole family. This makes a great way to get kids and adults off the electronics and learning about the world around them." —craftysarah
"Gift for 10-year son. He loves science! This is a GREAT microscope, especially for the pricing. Love that it comes with a carrying case and everything fits really well into it. Thanks is his first experience with a microscope and definitely needs adult supervision in the beginning." —Patricia VanAmberg
Get it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in two colors).
25. A Stomp Rocket launcher that'll be a physics lesson in a fun disguise! They'll spend hours chanting "3... 2... 1... blast off!!" before hopping on the launchpad to send the four soft foam-tipped rockets shooting SO high — up to 200 feet!
Promising review: "I ordered this for my grandson so he and his little brother could both stomp on it and fly the rockets. He was excited and so was my younger grandson. This has to be one of the most awesome toys. There are lots of things you can do with it to learn about the science behind rockets. Buy one — you'll have so much fun!" —Mimi
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available with four or six rockets).
26. A solar-powered DIY robot kit that comes with all the parts they need to build 12 types of robots that actually move (hello, did someone say STEM?) — including ones that can float on water! — at two different complexity levels.
The kit includes 190 pieces, a solar panel, and detailed instructions; recommended for ages 8 and up. Some reviewers say kids on the younger end may need some help, but that can be an excuse for a fun afternoon together!
Promising review: "I purchased this as a gift for an 8-year-old boy. He loves to build, loves robotics, dinosaurs, and Godzilla. :) He LOVES this set! He sits for hours on end, which is an amazing accomplishment for any 8-year-old, playing with and building all the different robot toys. And, this isn't just for little boys. A friends 8-year-old daughter loves them, the 48-year-old parent loves them, and the 75-year-old grandpa loves them. Fun for the whole family!" —MBC
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
27. A Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 activity set for an easy, screen- and app-free way to develop basic coding concepts, like coding by color. Botley can become a train, police car, ghost, Simon Says leader, and can be programmed with up to 150 steps at a time!
Recommended for ages 5+.
Promising review: "My kids (ages 4, 7, 9, and 11) have all been having fun playing with this robot. It’s easy to set up and I love how even preschool-aged kids can use it (no reading necessary). All you do to program the robot is press the directional arrows to control the robot’s movements. The set also comes with flags, obstacles, and fun tiles to make courses. Great STEM toy and intro to coding concepts. My older kids were able to do more complex functions like if/then statements and there is a short manual that explains everything and gives example challenges. Highly recommend!" —Andrea
Get it from Amazon for $59.49.
28. An LCD writing tablet because it'll be a fun and colorful way to practice their writing and drawing skills, then easily erase everything. It's super portable and mess-free, too, making it an excellent travel activity!
Promising review: "My 2-year-old and 5-year-old love this product! They are fighting for it, got to buy another one. Perfect for practicing writing and drawing, and I don’t need to worry my kids ruin my wall and sofa anymore, no more color pencils and crayons! I have it in my bag, so whenever we are in restaurant, car or a waiting line, I took it out and let them draw. Ten-inch screen is big enough for the kids; it is almost like letter-size paper. The colorful writing is attractive for kids, it has vivid colors. and it can be locked when kids are drawing, it has a screen lock button. The best thing is no more paper, we can save the trees.'" —Jennifer C
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
29. An adorable personalized bug box so they can collect some of they super cool and interesting insects and even plant specimens they see on your beloved weekly nature walks and examine it up close (then later release it back where they found it, of course).
Promising review: "I got a bug box for my son and he has been having so much fun using it. It’s also super easy for him to use; being only 3. He has caught tons of bugs already and he loved picking out what designs to put on the front and back. I’ve gotten tons of compliments!" —Kelly Keyser
A Timber Heart is a small business selling all kinds of handmade wooden crafts, from earrings to bug boxes like these to wooden cutting boards.
Get it from A Timber Heart on Etsy for $45.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.