Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life

The holidays are nearly here. So, if you haven't already, now's the time to think about gifts for the science-obsessed kids in your life. Check out our suggestions.

Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life
The Sphero Specdrums are app-enabled musical rings

Are your favorite little ones into robots and science? Then, as a doting parent, aunt, or uncle, you’ll want to check out the best STEM gadgets and gift ideas below. These are some of the best educational toys for their interests.

Related: 15 Best gadgets under $150 you can buy this holiday season

The whole family will enjoy playing with the ClicBot Kids’ coding robot. This adorable and engaging robot has a fun modular design that includes pieces like a brain, wheel, and smart foot. It comes with hundreds of built-in emotions.

Then, the creators at iRobot always have cool STEM-related toy ideas. Both the iRobot Create 3 and the iRobot Root rt0 offer fun, challenging projects.

Surprise the budding engineers in your life with these cool STEM gadgets and gifts.

1. The iRobot Create 3 buildable robot is excellent for high school or college students. It’s a mobile robot development platform for ROS 2 learners.

iRobot Create 3
iRobot Create 3 and a child

Give a high-school-age robotics enthusiast the iRobot Create 3 buildable robots for the holidays. Inspired by a Roomba robot vacuum, it helps innovators build a scalable robot. Plus, with smart technology like sensors, LEDs, modules, and more, it supports robotics exploration.

Get it for $299.99 on the official website.

2. The ClicBot kids’ coding robot comes in kits for all levels, from beginner to expert. It lets kids build a robot pet they can cuddle with.

ClicBot product video

The whole family can have fun building, programming, and playing with the ClicBot kids’ coding robot. It boasts simple pieces that fit together easily as your child constructs a robot pet. It even acts like a puppy when its owner is nearby. Plus, the modular design provides many building possibilities.

Get it for $499.99 on the official website.

3. The Computer Engineering for Babies educational book helps your tiny engineer-to-be explore and learn basic computer logic gates.

Computer Engineering for Babies educational book
Computer Engineering for Babies on a play mat

Know a baby or toddler who loves switching the lights on and off? The Computer Engineering for babies educational book is the ideal holiday gift. This book explores computer logic gates like OR, NOT, AND, a Latch, and XOR. It even uses a light sensor to detect an open page and change the operands, making it one of the best STEM gadgets and gift ideas.

Preorder it for $33 on the official website. The estimated delivery is December 2022.

4. The Squaregles Starter magnetic building set helps your child build problem-solving skills through play with 105 magnetic pieces.

Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life
Squaregles Starter Set in a lifestyle photo

Help your child stretch their creativity with the Squaregles Starter magnetic building set. It offers 105 magnetic frames, 3D panels, and everything your kids need to create structures and stories.

Get it for $119.99 on the official website.

5. The CodeRover sustainable and programmable robot offers a build-it-yourself design suitable for students and teachers.

CodeRover
CodeRover on a moon-like surface

Treat your child to a robot that can evolve with their coding skills when you give them the CodeRover sustainable and programmable robot. That’s right, Blockly, Javascript, Scratch, Python, C, and C++ are compatible with this platform. Beginner friendly, this robot comes with everything you need.

Preorder it for $70 on Indiegogo.

6. The iRobot Root rt0 kids’ coding robot is packed with projects, lessons, and activities for hands-on problem solving and family fun.

iRobot Root rt0
iRobot Root rt0 with a group of people

Invest in your child’s learning with the iRobot Root rt0 kids’ coding robot. Featuring over 20 sensors and capabilities, this robot teaches fundamental coding logic—no reading skills necessary! Your child can program Root rt0 to draw, drive, light up, play music, and more. It’s one of the best STEM gadgets and gift ideas.

Get it for $129.99 on the official website.

7. The Osmo Genius Starter Kit for kids works with an iPad or Fire Tablet. It delivers award-winning math, spelling, and creativity games.

Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life
Osmo Genius Starter Pack with a child

Make your child’s screen time more educational with the Osmo Genius Starter Kit. This STEM kit is compatible with an iPad or Fire tablet and offers hands-on learning games for math, spelling, and more.

Get it for $69.30 on the official website.

8. The Sphero Specdrums app-enabled musical rings let kids create their own music with a tap. They can make sounds, beats, and loops.

Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life
Sphero Specdrums with a smartphone

Let your kids experiment with music creation with the Sphero Specdrums app-enabled musical rings. All they have to do is tap any surface or the included play pad to make music. It’s suitable for kids as well as experienced musicians.

Get it for $45.87 on Amazon.

9. The Learning Resources Switcheroo Coding Crew offers fun preschool-age coding rescue challenges, building STEM skills without a screen.

Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life
Learning Resources Switcheroo Coding Crew in use

Give your preschooler experience with STEM and coding skills when you buy the Learning Resources Switcheroo Coding Crew. This car-based rescue activity offers 2 modes and a variety of rescue missions kids can complete to save the day.

Get it for $38.40 on Amazon.

10. The QUBS Cody Block educational toy is designed for ages 3–12 and teaches computational thinking skills through tactile play.

Best STEM gadgets and gift ideas for the budding engineers in your life
QUBS Cody Block with kids playing

The QUBS Cody Block educational coding toy is another excellent screen-free coding activity. It shows kids basic coding concepts, including sequencing, algorithms, debugging, and more. Even better, it’s entirely screen free.

Get it for $240 on the official website.

Support your child’s interests with these cool STEM gadgets and gift ideas. What educational toys do the kids in your life love? Tell us!

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Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she's not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two daughters.
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