Science Experiment Kits for Kids

If you have an inquisitive child (or grandchild, niece, or nephew), then you recognize that they take in a lot of interesting information, formulate ideas, and love to regurgitate their interpretations...or spit out random facts at odd times!  That inquisitive child has a zillion questions to ask, and while that may challenge our patience, it's the stuff that leads to a future of dreamers and inventors!  I wonder what life was like in the Jobs and Gates homes. 

Science experiments kits for kids can provide an exciting slate of activity for that curious one, and there are so many unique kits to choose from.  Even some of the most basic (and in some of our eyes, boring) science sets for children are apt to intrigue, at the right time. 

One year, my children received Smithsonian science kits from an uncle, for Christmas, and they had the best time with the building of a volcano, making of gummy bugs, and examining crystals growing. 

Mr. Rootbeer Kit:  The Science of Carbonation!
A fantastic experience, and study, for curious kids!

Another year, the kids received a Mr. Rootbeer kit, and we became fans of homemade root beer in the process.  The science is a blast, and everyone enjoyed the outcome!  Yum!

A Microscope Kit in a carrying case is a helpful choice,
providing a means of keeping a science set together, easily accessible,
and ready for the next use.

My tween daughter is constantly pulling out her microscope set, lately, as a botany study provides lots of interesting concepts to explore.  There are plenty of applications for this kit, and the opportunity to be curious, and to follow through on ideas, is a fantastic means of encouraging higher level thinking. 

Each kit is going to have its own slant and focus, and when selecting science sets, and experiment kits for children, you will need to consider a few things.  The child's interests can direct your choices, but at times, we may not be certain of these things, especially with nieces and nephews.  Age is an important element, as well.  Under the age of 10, most children will need a great deal of oversight and supervision, not to mention direction.  While the gift is intended for a child, the parent is going to be an important player in the process.  This doesn't mean it's not a good gift idea, but it does mean that you want to be conscious of this factor. 

When you get into the 10 to 12 age range, a child will have the ability to work more independently.  Some fun science kits at this level may pertain to the nature of the age group.  Tween girls may absolutely love a spa science kit.  Tween boys, on the other hand, will get a kick out of "Disgusting Science".  Both boys and girls are apt to enjoy food related science experiment kits for kids, such as Tasty Science.  There are a host of options, and user reviews can really assist you in decisions, many of which you will find with the products linked here, and in the kids' science kits available through Amazon.

Magazine Subscriptions for Kids Make Fantastic Educational Gifts

As a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, you may be struggling with gift ideas for your young family members.  Sometimes, the toys on the market seem like such "twaddle" (mindless, unchallenging junk!), and you don't want to simply throw away your money, in order to satisfy an obligation.  It's much nicer when you know that your gift is meaningful, that it will be enjoyed and appreciated. 

My parents took the magazine subscription approach for a couple of years, and it was really a pleasant experience for the kids.  I don't know about you, but I love it when a new magazine arrives, and my kids equally enjoy the experience of thumbing through and looking at pictures, reading articles, and discussing their observations.  If you are looking for a great way to boost a particular interest, or to encourage reading skills, this could be just what you are looking for.

There are so many magazines available, that you shouldn't have any trouble finding something suitable.  My youngest daughter received High Five from Highlights for two years, while an older child received the actual Highlights Magazine.  My youngest son received Thomas and Friends.  Another son received Spider.  Dig, Muse, Ranger Rick, and National Geographic Kids have also been pleasing choices for the kids.  Older children received titles suited to their interests:  Polymer Clay, Cooking, Baking.  The activities, articles, and photos are great.  The kids have loved looking forward to that monthly arrival in the mail, and have dreaded that "final issue" notice. 

Christmas Puzzle Game Ideas

When holiday time rolls around, it's always fun to find great puzzle games for stockings, gift exchanges, and party prizes.  Christmas puzzle games provide brain puzzle fun in a small package, and aren't strictly holiday oriented, making for great diversion on a rainy day, or a road trip.  There are varying types of brain puzzles for young people, with some trending more toward game, while others trend more toward the manipulating of pieces, together, and apart.

Wire Brain Puzzle Games




Wire brain puzzle games involve figuring out how to separate, and re-connect wire shapes.  You can find individual wire brain puzzles, or sets.  Perfect as stocking stuffer gifts, or as an entertainment device for rainy days and road trips.

Brain Bogglers Sets
Images are clickable, for current Amazon pricing.

Wood Brain Puzzle Gift Ideas

Interlocking wood puzzles make striking and interesting small gifts, but can be very challenging to re-assemble.  Great for the visual or kinesthetic learner.  Additional wood puzzles include those with gameboard style play, moving pieces about.






Maze Puzzles

Perplexus Puzzle Balls are interactive brain puzzles, which involve guiding a metal ball through a series of paths inside a clear plastic ball.


ThinkFun Brain Puzzle Games

Strategy and logic are challenged and stretched with popular ThinkFun Brain Games, including Rush Hour, River Crossing, and others.

Cards and Facts Brain Puzzle Games:  MindTrap

MindTrap is an interesting game, suited to older (upper elementary and above) children.  Interesting questions challenge thinking.  Mind Trap questions dare you to examine the question for the potential clues, and to think beyond those drill and kill facts that are memorized and forgotten in a traditional school setting.  My tweens and teens love MindTrap, and are endlessly catching me unable to answer.

Perplexus Puzzle Ball Toys

Challenge the spatial thinking of your tween, teen, or elementary aged child.

There are several Perplexus Maze Balls, ranging from the Rookie version, to the latest release, Perplexus Epic.  Similar in nature to the familiar carnival toys in which a youngster guides a ball through a maze, this brings the endeavor into a round environment.  The 3D puzzle ball provides a really big challenge for the older child, and can be an interesting diversion for the younger.