The Best STEM Toys for Brainy Kids

STEM equals Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In recent years, these types of toys have surged to the forefront of kids’ want lists, especially brainy kids with a knack for learning about anything and everything. The best STEM toys are interactive and hands-on, offering youngsters the chance to research and learn by doing and experimenting.

I am ALL for STEM toys! They are the stimulating answer to the dilemma of uniform education, where many of our children are left behind in the most important subjects. With these gadgets and project sets, kids can learn at home, at their own pace – all while having heaps of awesome fun.

My favorite three STEM toys for brainy kids are –

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Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100

When I was a kid, it would routine practice to take everything in our house apart to see how it worked. Of course, I got into A LOT of trouble doing this, but it sparked my lifelong fascination with engineering and science.

For kiddos who have considered tearing apart their televisions, clocks, and radios, this set saves the electronic gadgets around your home. There are over 30 circuits on a base board, each connected to a different energy source that allows youngsters to make something by simply connecting the circuits.
Kids can experiment with different circuit combinations, creating over 100 unique projects, like a burglar alarm, clock radio, and pager beep.

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LEGO Ideas Birds Model Kit

This model kit is one of my all-time favorites! Sure, it is a great, stimulating STEM toy – but it also teaches patience, encourages imagination, and sparks creativity.

Artsy kids will love spending hours building elaborate birds from over 500 LEGO building bricks. Each kit comes with a diagram and concise instructions, detailing how to make a beautiful blue jay, gorgeous hummingbird (with accompanying flower), and red-breasted robin.

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Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit

I remember when the first Harry Potter book came out. I was skeptical at first, but after reading the initial book, I gulped down the others in record time – resulting in a full-blown Potter-head.
This set reminds me of my childhood spent reading about the misadventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione – only this set’s magic is totally based in science.

Kids can mix potions that cause scientific reactions, such as color-changing sunsets in a tube, or dancing powders. Or, they can read silly rhymes as incantations to get the true ‘magic’ feel.
Adult supervision is a must!

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And - check out this video short - it's the "top 5" among the top 10 best-selling and highly rated STEM toys this year.  Some nifty picks: