Gift Ideas for Young Astronomers and Space Explorers

Are you shopping for a space-obsessed kiddo this year? Maybe you live with a budding astrophysicist or a future astronaut. Then you've come to the right place! Here are some fun gift ideas from spacesuits for dress-up play, to telescopes and board games. These are gifts that any young scientist would be excited to see under the tree or on their birthday.

These space and astronomy gift ideas come in a range of prices, you are sure to find something that fits your gift-giving budget. Each item has been chosen for its play and education value. Just like gift-giving, with the right items, learning can be joyful and fun!

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Astronaut Dress-up Play

Melissa and Doug: Astronaut Dress Up Set

High quality for year-round play. Comes in one size.

 

Aeromax NASA Jr. Astronaut Suit

Built for dress-up, not just Halloween! An authentic NASA look, with embroidered patches. Comes in several size options.

Don't forget to round out your space ensemble with a space pack, some gloves, boots and a helmet!

Interested in other science-themed gifts? 

 

Astronomy Kits and Activities

I Dig Meteorite Rocks
Excavate a real meteorite! Fun small gift or stocking stuffer. 

 

Color the Galaxy
Kids can color in the galaxy on this inflatable ball. 

 

Magic School Bus: Secrets of Space Kit

Hands-on space science kit with activities like constructing a night-vision flashlight and building a constellation box!

Qurious Space: 4 STEM Card Games
Great set of matching, memory, and photo trivia games. Small and portable, great for trips! Recommended for age 7 and up.

 
3-Dimensional Glow-In-The-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit

Build and paint this 3-D solar system model and then put it on display! Recommended for age 8+.

Exploring the Night Sky

Exploring the Night Sky: The Equinox Astronomy Guide for Beginners

A user-friendly introductory guide best for students 10 and up.

The Night Sky Star Finder

You might have an app, but there is nothing like having a tool that you can manipulate without a device! Once you've turned to the correct date and time you can look to see what constellations and stars are in the sky above you.

 

Nancy B's Science Club: Moonscope and Sky Gazer's Activity Journal

Ready to look at the night sky, but not sure you're ready to commit to a telescope? This moonscope is the perfect tool to foster a love of astronomy.

Thames and Kosmos TK1 Telescope and Astronomy Kit

A telescope perfect for beginners. Refractor telescope with 35x, 75x and 140x magnification power comes with many accessories. Excellent for finding planets and observing the moon. 

Discovery Kids Projection Alarm Clock

Project images of the night sky on your bedroom ceiling! Besides being a working, digital alarm clock, projector creates four foot wide space images up to ten feet away. Projected image turns off after a set amount of time to preserve battery life. Uses 3 AAA batteries, not included. 

Space and Astronomy Play Sets

Big Bucket of Astronauts

Includes 60 astronauts, space vehicles and accessories. Great for pretend or small world play. Ages 4 and up.

Interchangeable Kinetic Space Lab 

Create different space-themed marble runs with this set. Kids can move and design different tracks. Recommended for kids 8-12 years old.

Discovery Space Center

A four-level wooden space center play set, complete with a pulley elevator! Imaginations can run wild with this! Ages 3+.

Check out these picture books that your child can read alongside an astronaut on the International Space Station through the Story Time From Space program.