9 of the best gifts for your little scientist

When I was a toddler, my mom got me my first book about outer space, and it quickly became my favorite toy. Cut to decades later, and I’m a science reporter.

Perhaps the easiest way to guarantee that your child will love science is to start them young. And the best way to start them young is to show them that science is fun. 

So, in honor of that, we’ve chosen some of the best science kits for your kids of all ages.

Ages 5 and up

Gifts for your little scientist: Primary Science Kit

This beginner’s set is designed to help your youngest get their bearings in the science world by introducing them to safety guidelines, teaching them common terms, and how to use certain tools. Plus, the basic experiments are interesting enough to keep them (and hopefully you) engaged. 

Price: $18.96

Gifts for your little scientist: Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit

What’s more fun that a little mystery solving? This crime catcher’s kit could be the first step on the way to your child’s lifelong career as a forensic scientist. Or not. Either way, there’s nothing wrong with fostering a little curiosity through some scientific problem solving. 

Price: $13.99

Gifts for your little scientist: Botany Experimental Greenhouse Kit

Green thumb? Pass that knowledge along with this botany kit that allows kids to explore horticulture while learning about the inner workings of plant life cycles (and grow some leafy greens while they’re at it). 

Price: $39.99

Ages 8 and up

Gifts for your little scientist Weather Science Kit

This kit allows you to make a cloud in your hand and aims to teach children that weather only seems like magic, but it’s actually science and that’s pretty cool. 

Price: $10.86

Gifts for your little scientist: Volcano Making Kit

While volcano making is a go-to for science projects, that doesn’t make them any less exciting. Think of it as baby’s first controlled explosion! The kit includes volcano mold and paint to make the experience as realistic as possible. Just add baking soda and vinegar.  

Price: $9.41

Gifts for your little scientist: Magic Science Kit

Prep your favorite scientist to receive their letter to Hogwarts with this magic science kit. Experiments include crystal growing, glow-in-the-dark potions, crystal balls, and more, aiming to prove once and for all that science is cooler than magic. 

Price: $11.35

Ages 10 and up

Gifts for your little scientist: Telescope & Astronomy Kit

Stars! Planets! Constellations! Every kid should be a space nerd. Gift them this telescope to teach them about the planetary bodies and remind them of their place in our cosmic neighborhood.

Price: $122.88

Gifts for your little scientist: Crystal Growing Kit

Want a hands-on way to teach your preteen about crystal structure and formation? This crystal growing kit has 15 different experiments to show your future geologist how much fun rocks can really be. 

Price: $15.96

Gift for your little scientist: Squishy Human Body Kit

Despite the silly name, this science kit is a useful way to teach your preteen about the organs inside the human body — and hey, that’s good for everyone to know, but especially hormonal pre-teens.

Price: $24.95