Best Kids’ STEM Toys
In the past few years, there has been a massive surge in popularity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) toys for kids – and I couldn’t be happier about it. The best way for children to learn is to work in subjects hands-on, and when it’s fun to do it makes learning these subjects much easier. ???? Along with the popularity surge, there has also been a huge increase in the number of different toys from different brands – making it a bit tough to pick and choose which STEM toys might be the best for a particular boy or girl – which is why I created this list and keep it updated yearly.
What’s here: On this page is a top 10 list of the best STEM toys for kids based on a couple of factors – primarily popularity, then filtering through the toys with the highest consumer ratings. The picks on the list are for kids of various ages – including the tots.
For shoppers: For each of the STEM toys for kids listed on this page, one or more shopping resources is researched and recommended to buy it online. Merchants for each item are hand-picked based on low pricing, product availability and trusted reputation for safe and convenient shopping. Product review links are also provided where available.
Post Updated: April 9th, 2017
What’s Here:
1. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar
2. Makey Makey – An Invention Kit for Everyone
3. SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body
4. OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot
5. Kano Computer Kit
6. Fat Brain Toys Dado Cubes
7. Geode Explorer Science Kit
8. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Set
9. Edu Science Glow in the Dark Ultimate 3D Planets Set
10. Fat Brain Toys Reptangles
Top 10 STEM Toys:
1. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar
Ages: 3 – 6
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In the #1 spot among the top 10 STEM toys for 2017 is one for the little ones – the Think & Learn Code-a-pillarfrom Fisher-Price.
The Code-a-Pillar is on a mission, or several, to targets around your home. Kiddos tech-savviness and quick thinking to connect the bug’s segments, activating different codes that make the pillar
2. Makey Makey – An Invention Kit for Everyone
Ages: 8 and up
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For those young creators, 2nd among the best STEM toys for kids this year is Makey Makey , An Invention Kit for Everyone.
Makey Makey. Simple, awesome name for a cool and creative concept. For little inventors, this set uses the usual, everyday stuff to make wow-worthy, extraordinary devices. Use bananas, touchpads, cups, and more to connect with the interwebs, apps, and games
3. SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body
Ages: 8 and up
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Third up on the list – SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body.
Some kiddos might be totally grossed out by the Squishy Human. But many will love exploring the squishy insides of the human body replica. Everything that is in your body is included in this lifelike lesson in our internal anatomy.
4. OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot
Ages: 8 and up
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The OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot is a long-term favorite, and also makes it to the “best of” STEM toys for 2017 and into 2017.
One of my favorites. The Solar Robot is the same robot made in 14 different ways. Powered entirely by the sunshine, this bot reaches two levels of builders. And beginners can increase their skills by inventing and building new robots.
5. Kano Computer Kit
Ages: 6 and up
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Marking the next position of the top kids’ STEM toys this year – Kano Computer Kit.
I love that the instructions to the Kano Computer Kit states, “for anyone from 6 to 106.” Because everyone can be inventive, imaginative, and tech-savvy. This kit is a computer that anyone can make. And, afterwards, there are games, apps, and computing challenges that build confidence, tech-savviness, and skill levels.
6. Fat Brain Toys Dado Cubes
Ages: 3 and up
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Another for the little ones comes in 6th of the top ten STEM toys this year with Dado Cubes from Fat Brain.
Dado Cubes are colorful originals that enhance the possibilities of what kiddos can build with the usual building blocks. The blocks are 3D with slits that interlock with other cubes. Stack them into towers that might seem impossible. Then, when playtime is over, nest them one colorful cube into another.
7. Geode Explorer Science Kit
Ages: 6 and up
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The Geode Explorer Science Kit also hits one of the spots among the 2017 best STEM toys.
I love this! For geologists-to-be, or kiddos who simply love pretty rocks and what might be inside, this set tells little scientists to break open pint-sized “boulders.” There are beautiful and amazing crystal combinations inside. Perfect for a curious classroom.
8. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Set
Ages: 3 and up
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A returning favorite from last year, Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Set from Learning Resources hits the 8th spot of the STEM toys for kids this year.
Probably my number one favorite on the entire list. Gears! Gears! Gears! is all about…you guessed it. Gears! These colorful cogs and wheels fit together, steampunk style, to create new, interesting structures. Includes flat plates to act as hold-everything bases.
9. Edu Science Glow in the Dark Ultimate 3D Planets Set
Ages: 5 and up
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Next up – Edu Science Glow in the Dark Ultimate 3D Planets Set.
WOW to the max! I love this! This set is a glow-in-the-dark replica of our solar system. And kids get to connect, create, and hang it from their bedroom ceiling. To accentuate the planets, this set comes with lots of sticky, glow-in-the-dark stars.
10. Fat Brain Toys Reptangles
Ages: 6 and up
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The final pick of this year’s best kids’ STEM toys is another from Fat Brain Toys, with Reptangles.
STEM toys are all about stimulation and interaction while exploring imagination, creativity, and curiosity. In other words, something like Fat Brain Toys. Specifically, the Reptangles are colorful blocks that kiddos snap together into cubic, reptile replicas, like turtles and alligators.