Gifts Ideas for Tinkerers, Makers and Engineers

gift ideas tinker, maker engineer, STEM

Do you have little builders, innovators and creators on your list this year? If so, then you are in the right place. These gifts have been specifically chosen to encourage creativity, innovation, hands-on play and learning.

If you are interested in other science themed gifts, be sure to stop by the other posts in this series: Fun and Educational Gifts for the Young Scientists on Your List.

This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosures for more information.

Creative Building 

K'NEX Intro to Simple Machines
Levers, pulleys and gears! K'NEX building systems allow kids to explore simple machines while using creativity to build an unlimited number of different structures. Sets come in a range of prices.




Goldieblox Craft-struction Box
Supplies for crafting a variety of projects like a Spring-Car that moves and a Leap bot that leaps, in addition to unlimited creative options. Access to bloxtown.com where you can find new ideas on videos uploaded daily! Compatible with all other Goldieblox sets. 
goldieblox craft-struction kit
Magna-tiles Clear Colors 32-pc set
Literally hours of play for all ages. I have worked with students from Preschool through Middle School who love building impressive structures with these magnetic blocks. Although a little more expensive, these are definitely worth the investment!

magna-tile building set
Pley.com
Did you know that you can rent LEGO? Yes, that is right! K'NEX and other toys too. With a Pley subscription, kids can play with a toy and then swap it out for a new one when they are done. A variety of pricing options.


Pley Rent LEGO Toys

Roominate Chateau
Open ended structure building. Beyond simply building a structure, materials are included to wire up motor and light circuits to add to your building. Create elevators, windmills and more. Compatible with all other Roominate sets.

roominate chateau STEM building system

Making with Electronics

Makey Makey
Makey Makey is just plain awesome. This electronic invention kit gives you an endless world of possibilities. Create music with a banana, play Mario with a play-doh gamepad. Easy to use, no programming knowledge needed. Alligator clips easily connect to objects to play with the world in ways you hadn't imagined until now! Recommended age: 8 and up.

Create over one hundred electronic projects with this introductory circuit board. Components like switches, wires, alarms and a speaker easily snap together. Awesome kit to get kids excited about electronics!
  snap circuits electronics for kids great gift idea




Kits and Sets

Auto Mechanic Super Engine Repair Set
Do you have a kiddo who likes taking things apart and putting them back together again? This is the perfect gift! They can tinker away with this toy car engine, with removable parts, horn and lights. Ages 3 and up.
http://shrsl.com/?~ag6c
TinkerCrate
Give a gift that will last throughout the year! Hands-on science and engineering projects delivered to your door monthly. Each box contains a hands-on project with instructions, Tinkerzine (a magazine of additional projects) and access to online tutorials. Pricing options vary with subscription. Ages 9-16. 

http://shrsl.com/?~ag6k


Groovy Lab in a Box
Groovy Lab in a Box is another awesome hands-on science and engineering project subscription service. Subscribe to receive monthly STEM projects, or purchase individual boxes. Projects include building your own light-up dance pad, and airplane design challenges. Ages 8 and up. Prices vary depending on subscription or single box purchase.

2 Groovy boxes that might be of particular interest to your engineer are:  

http://shrsl.com/?~ag6z

http://shrsl.com/?~ag70


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