My kids are all about science. We have been doing science experiments for as long as we can remember. They are interested in everything science, and that includes things like these great gift ideas for aspiring scientists.
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All kids like to mix and make potions, and it doesn’t have to be for homeschool lessons either. They want to do it for fun, and they want to make a mess, to create something awesome!
Kids don’t just want the mess, they want to see a reaction, and they want to know why the reaction happened.
Gift Ideas for Aspiring Scientists
Aspiring Scientist Gift Ideas
These are gift ideas for the budding scientist on your shopping list. These are ideas for the elementary aged child.
101 Great Science Experiments: A Step-by-Step Guide
Forget about mad scientists and messy laboratories! This incredible, interactive guide for children showcases 101 absolutely awesome experiments you can do at home.
The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8
In The Curious Kid's Science Book, your child will learn to design his or her own science investigations to determine the answers! Children will learn to ask their own scientific questions, discover value in failed experiments.
Science: The Definitive Visual Guide
The ultimate visual guide to the discoveries that changed the world, telling the story of science from the earliest times to the present day.
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)
As kids grow older, they become more curious about the world around them, often asking, “How does this work?” Science Experiments for Kids teaches budding scientists ages 5-10 the nuts and bolts of the scientific method.
Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to do with your Canine Companion (National Geographic Kids)
Learn about science with the most faithful lab partner you'll ever have -- your dog! Discover how your canine companion thinks, moves, drinks, stays warm, gets clean, cools off, and more.
STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (Lab for Kids, 17)
STEAM Lab for Kids is an art-forward doorway to science, math, technology, and engineering through 52 family-friendly experiments and activities.
The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids: Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present
Replicate a chemical reaction similar to one Marie Curie used to purify radioactive elements! Distill perfume using a method created in ancient Mesopotamia by a woman named Tapputi! Aspiring chemists will discover these and more amazing role models and memorable experiments.
Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit - Over 60 Experiments, Fun with Science!
he kit allows your young scientist to explore, learn and have great fun with their very own science kit.
Playz Explosive Kitchen Lab 26+ Physics, Chemistry & Biology Science Experiments Set - Make Salt & Pepper Electricity, Sour LED Lights, Colorful Milk Explosions, Citrus Rockets, & Orange Peel Candles
Inspiring young children to learn has never been more fun with this Playz science kits that allows kids to learn about acids, bases, pH scale, DNA, electricity & diffusion through volcanic activities powered by lemon fuel!
4M Bubble Science - Physics, Chemistry Lab - Educational Stem Toys Gift for Kids & Teens, Boys & Girls, Model:5591
The experiments in this kit include creating an unbreakable bubble, a giant bubble, a bubble film, and more.
Kids Rocks Collection - 15-Piece Rock Collections for Kids - Cool Geology Gem Kit with Identification Sheet - Gemstones Set Box with Learning Guide and Storage Case - Educational Gift for Kids
Discover the ultimate rock collection with rock collection box for kids and surprise your little geologist with a magnificent 15-rock set that will spark your kid's curiosity and love for science and geology.
UNGLINGA Kids Science Kit Lab Coat Set First DIY Chemistry Experiment Activity Exploration STEM Toys, A Great Educational Gift Scientific Tools Pretend Play Scientist Costume for Boys Girls Age 4+
It comes full of useful tools, from beaker to magnifying glass, and a pack of activity cards to prompt learning and discovery. Starting from this set, you can grow a kid’s curiosity towards hard sciences.
Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids - 21 Experiments Science Set, Hours of Fun.
The science kit for kids has 21 exciting and interesting activities including; create your own lava lamp, creative crystals and of course volcano science kit the favorite of every child.
Anpro Science Experiment Kit for Kids, Children's Scientific Experiment kit STEM Education, with 15 Scientific Experiments Gift Toys, for 4 5 6 7 8 9 Years Old Boys Girls
Scientific experiment kit that includes 15 experiments, each experiment has a corresponding instruction explanation, through the detailed operation steps and scientific principles to introduce different experimental steps.
Soap & Bath Bomb Making Kit for Kids - 3-in-1 Spa Science Kits for Kids : Complete Soap Making Kit & Make Your Own Bath Bombs, Soap & Bath Scrubs : Kids Science Kit for Kids - Gift for Girls and Boys
This innovative STEM.org Authenticated 3-in-1 Spa Science Lab kit for kids is the best gift for your child that loves crafts and science. Includes a beautifully illustrated learning guide so that any child can follow along.
Uptown Farmer Kids: Terrarium Kit w LED Night Light - Perfect Kids Science Experiment Kit
Gift that any child will love to watch grow by day and glow at night. Perfect educational stem toy they will love - learning about the natural world and giving them a sense of belonging.
JUMA Science Kits for Kids Beginner Microscope with LED 100X 400X and 1200X-Include Suction Cup Phone Holder (Type B)
Educational microscope kit encourages scientific exploration and discovery, introduces a key scientific tool in a fun way.
Playz Yummy Lip Balm Makeup Arts & Craft Kit to Create Fruity Lipstick, Shimmering Balms, & Solar Lip Screens Using Science Experiments for Girls, Teens, Teenagers & Kids Ages 8+
Inspiring young children to learn has never been more fun with this Playz STEM arts and crafts science kit that allows kids to learn about natural iridescence & SPF factor using UV detector beads & crafty science activities!
Water Bottle Stomp Model Rocket Launcher Outdoor Toys Baking Soda DIY Science Experiment Kit NASA Space Opters STEM Gift Age 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Years Old Kids Teenagers Boy & Girl Science Lovers
Water rockets can make outdoor activities more interesting and exciting. Suitable for young science lovers, especially those interested in rockets and space.
Bonus Ideas & How to Make the Gifts More Impactful
If you’re looking to go beyond just buying, here are ways to make your gift extra special, plus a few more ideas for budding scientists of different ages.
Add Learning Moments
Include a “why this matters” note with the gift. For example, if you give a microscope set, add a card explaining how microscopes let scientists see things invisible to the naked eye, like cells or tiny organisms.
Pair the physical gift with an experience: a visit to a science museum, a planetarium show, or a local observatory. Sometimes getting hands-on with real tools or seeing real exhibits makes the inspiration stick.
Bundle in a simple workbook or experiment log so kids can record what they try, what worked, what didn’t. That builds scientific thinking: observation, hypothesis, experimentation, reflection.
Tailor to Age & Interest
- For younger kids (preschool–early elementary), focus on tactile, visual, and mess-friendly kits: simple chemical reactions (baking soda & vinegar), grow crystals, make slime, etc.
- For tweens & middle schoolers, include more challenging kits: beginner electronics (simple circuits), coding kits, robotics basics, or a more advanced microscope that shows more magnification.
- For teens, consider subscriptions or memberships: science magazines, monthly STEM kits, or even online classes/workshops in topics they’re interested in (astronomy, environmental science, biotechnology, etc.).
Make It Personal & Homemade
- If you’re crafty, assemble a DIY science kit tailored to their interests: gather items like safety goggles, magnifying glass, pH paper, small test tubes, droppers, etc., and present it in a nice box.
- Include an “experiment of the month” card: each month give them a simple experiment to do with everyday items, plus some extra supplies (chemicals, materials) so they can explore without always needing a big kit.
- Use your own photos or sketches: e.g., take photos of nature, bugs, plants, or stars near your home, print them, and include them with a notebook so the young scientist can make observations locally.
More Gift Ideas to Consider
- Pocket-sized field guides for insects, birds, plants – so they can explore science outdoors.
- Star maps or a planisphere + quality binoculars: astronomy can be fascinating without having a telescope.
- Kitchen science kits – there are kits that allow edible chemistry (making ice cream, candy, etc.), or kits that explore food science like fermentation.
- Build-your-own robot / coding robot toys: many kinds are affordable now and offer a mix of engineering + fun.
- Science-themed board games or escape rooms: reinforce science concepts in a social & fun way.
Encouraging the Curiosity Spirit
- Praise their questions, even the silly or odd ones. Say things like, “That’s a great question — how could we find out the answer?” That helps reinforce scientific thinking.
- Let them fail safely. Some experiments won’t work or something will go wrong—but that’s part of how science works. Encouraging troubleshooting is just as important as the successful moment.
- Give them time and space. Even simple tools are amazing when kids have enough time to tinker, explore, and follow their curiosity without rush.
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