STEM toys are a fantastic way for your child to be learning while having fun with Christmas presents. However, the prices for some toys in this category can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve made this post of STEM gifts under $50 to give your kids gifts they’ll love while staying in budget!
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STEM Gifts Under $25
At the time of publication these items were under $25.
1. Poof! Mental Math Game
This fast-paced mental math card game is fun for everybody in the family and a great way to practice quick math skills!
2. Robot Building Kit
This set comes with everything your child needs to build 5 different robots! And, if you purchase batteries, all 5 robots have an electronic component to experiment with.
3. Intro to Programming Course
If your kids love computers and video games, why not let them learn how to make their own games? This 4-week intro course is from us here at FundaFunda, and if your child likes it, we have several more levels available!
4. Book on LEGO Inventions
This book has more than 40 ideas for unique LEGO builds using pieces you likely already have! If you have a child who loves LEGOS and is looking for new idea, this book is for them!
5. Contraption Maker Game
This creative, open-ended puzzle game is a great way to exercise your children’s critical thinking skills. And, it’s a video game, so you know it will be a hit with kids!
6. Snap Circuits Jr.
This beginners Snap Circuit set has instructions and pieces for more than 100 circuit-related projects!
7. Magnet Lab
This item contains supplies and instructions to perform experiments related to magnets, levitation, and gravity. It would be great as an introduction to physics for a middle or elementary school student!
8. Indoor Herb Garden
Growing plants is a great science lesson that’s easy to observe over time. This kit comes with a container that your child gets to decorate, as well as several herb plants to grow!
9. Inventioneers App
This game is similar to the Contraption Maker game, but it’s on the iTunes store. If your kids enjoy video games, this is a great way for it to be educational and help students think creatively and solve problems!
10. Smart Labs Circuits
This set of circuits has various buttons and connections to allow for a wide variety of projects. Students can build games, sensors, lights, etc. all while learning about electricity and circuitry.
STEM Gifts Under $50
At the time of publication these items were under $50.
11. Bridge-Building Set
This bridge-building kit is a great way for older kids and teens to learn concepts of structural engineering. There are 20 different models you can build with this kit, and they contain lessons on
12. Electric Motor Kit
This building set from Butterfly EduField has 20+ projects for ages 5 and up. The projects deal with electricity, basic mechanical principles, engineering, and of course is lots of fun!
13. “Cytosis” Board Game
This is a strategic biology board game where players compete to gather chemicals and cell parts in order to build a functioning cell and generate the most ATP. The science is accurate and well-explained by the game, and it is so fun and competitive!
19. Beginner Microscope Set
This would make a great first microscope set for any child who is interested in biology!
14. Osmo Starter Set
Osmo is an educational tool that works with an iPad to bring an interactive element to children’s screen time. This set includes the basic Osmo device as well as number and word tiles and games that exercise children’s creativity skills while bringing their shapes to life on the iPad screen. There are several other sets for Osmo with different games and for various age ranges, so be sure to look around and see what there is!
15. Wooden Marble Run
A step up in difficulty from the marble run kit earlier in the post, this kit has 260 wooden pieces for your child to assemble into a mechanical marble roller coaster!
16. Forensic Detective Mysteries
This set has 15 forensic science experiments and activities for your child to use to solve pretend mysteries in the kit. It’s a great way to exercise children’s critical thinking and science skills!
17. Starter Rock Tumbler
This rock tumbler from National Geographic contains information about rocks your child may find as well as some basic jewelry equipment so they can make something with their rocks!
18. 3D Pen
This 3D pen starter set has everything your child needs to get started in the world of 3D drawing! Not only is it a great way to exercise creativity, but it also teaches planning and design concepts that can be applied to numerous areas later in life.
19. ThinkFun Coding Game
This game teaches the basics mechanics and principles of coding through an exciting and competitive game! It’s recommended for ages 10 and up
19. Da Vinci’s Machines Building Set
This set from National Geographic allows teens to build 3 simple machines using wooden puzzle pieces to create the 3D design. The machines can move and are functional, and this kit is in a “battalion” theme, so it would be perfect for anyone with an interest in battles!
20. Chemistry Experiment Set
This kit from National Geographic has supplies and instructions to perform exciting chemistry experiments at home! And they have other kits for various subjects as well, so be sure to look and see what you can find to fit your children’s interests!
21. Code Piano
This interactive, hands-on kit allows kids to code their own piano! It also helps kids understand the basics of programming and computer science!
22. Mindware Marble Maze
Marble mazes are a fun way for kids to experiment with building and creativity. This kit is a great starter set, and you can always buy expansions for your kids to make even larger creations!
23. Kiwi Co. Kits
Many of you might be familiar with Kiwi Co’s subscription service, but they now also sell individual STEM-themed activity kits as well! There are a variety to choose from that are under $25, so be sure to look around!
We hope you and your kids will enjoy these STEM gifts under $50! For more gift ideas from all of us here at FundaFunda, check out this post on Stocking Stuffers for Homeschool Families , or this one on 25 Fun and Educational Gifts for Teens and Tweens! Happy holidays!
