Let’s talk about the best science kits — kits that make good gifts for kids.
How do I know these are the best? Many are highly rated, award-winners from either Parents-Choice, Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy, Mensa, Family Fun Magazine, or Oppenheim Toy Award.
Discover a science kit to get your kids enthusiastic about learning science.
Best Science Kits for Kids
Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Activity Set ages 6+
This set is perfect for the youngest of learners. It includes activity cards for kids to start experimenting with the eyedropper, flask, tweezers, test tubes, funnel, and magnifying glass.
My First Mind Blowing Science Kit ages 6+
A 20-piece kit for young scientists to learn about chemical reactions.
National Geographic Mega Slime & Putty Lab ages 8+
Do your kids love slime like mine? This is a great starter kit for kids to make 8 types of slime and putty including magnetic putty, fluffy slime, and glow0in0the-dark putty. Includes storage tins and accessories and a 16-page guide. Non-toxic.
ALSO ON: 2018 STEM GIFT GUIDE
Creative Cosmetics Lab Ages 8+
Mix personalized soaps, bath bombs, salt scrubs, and more. A 32-page guide shows the science, history and step-by-step directions. Safe chemicals and substances, jars and stickers included.
ALSO ON: 2018 STEM GIFT GUIDE
Magic Science for Wizards Kit ages 6+
Make your own chemistry magic!
Snap Circuits Electronics Exploration Kit ages 8+
Learn about electricity and magnetism in this 40+ part kit that will guide you through projects using switches, electrodes, an electromagnet, a motor, and much more.
National Geographic Geode Kit ages 8+
Isn’t this the coolest? Break open these geodes then read the learning guide to learn more about them.
Edible Candy! Food Science Chemistry Kit ages 8+
Yum! Make chewy jelly candies, crystal rock candy, chocolates, lollipops, and experiment with food chemistry!
Microscope Kit ages 6+
Wow– this is a fantastic microscope with three magnification levels as well as a petri dish, stains, forceps, dropper, slides, guides, and more.
Electric Motors Catalyst ages 8+
I can’t wait to try this with my kids — it looks so cool! Build and rebuild a robotic creation using an electric motor and over 50 parts!
littleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit Ages 9+
Marvel comic book fans, now you can make your own gauntlet! Snap together the electronics to build circuits the customize your gauntlet. Videos for over 18 in-app activities, wearable Tech sensors, in-app block coding, customizable LED Matrix light design, and authentic Marvel Avengers sound effects.
ALSO ON: 2018 STEM GIFT GUIDE
Sick Science! Fast Physics ages 6+
Discover inertia, potential and kinetic energy, gravity, acceleration and more.
Gyrobot ages 8+
Explore the astonishing powers of the gyroscope by building seven motorized models, including a robot that can balance on two linear wheels and move along a tightrope.
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Ages 8+
Get your kids into geology! Start polishing your own gems with the included half lbs of gemstones, rock information, and jewelry fastenings.
ALSO ON: 2018 STEM GIFT GUIDE
Build Your Own V8 Engine ages 12+
Easily assembled with over 100 parts, includes a working electric motor, light up spark plugs, engine sounds and automatic shut off. Discover how an internal combustion engine works. Construct a fully working model with see-through workings and chrome plated plastic trim pieces.
Crystal Growing Experimental Kit by 4M
7 crystal experiments.
Butterfly Garden by Insect Lore
Observe five real caterpillars eat and grow to form their chrysalis and then emerge as Painted Lady butterflies. We’ve done this for several years and it is absolutely enchanting!
Groovy Lab in a Box
A monthly subscription of hands-on science kits.
AntWorks by Fascinations
Watch ants live and work without food or water with AntWorks, a space-age habitat for ants. This unique, self-contained environment consists of a nutritional gel that promotes healthy growth in ant colonies.
Glow-in-the-Dark Slime Lab ages 12+
Slime is hot right now! This kit gives kids everything they need for cool slime experiments along with an activity guide.
