Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Gifts for Your Little Scientist
There’s no better gift for children than one that offers both educational exploration and fun. Kids are naturally curious and interested in learning about the world around them. By providing science-oriented holiday gifts, you can help children develop a passion for learning in an active environment.
Here are five of the best gifts you can give your little scientist this holiday season.
Real Fossils
There’s something about dinosaurs that captivate children and ignite their thirst for knowledge. Imagine the wonder and amazement on your child’s face when you present them with real fossils!
Ammonites are one of the best real fossil options for kids, according to FossilEra. These fossils are abundant and accessible, which makes fragility less of a concern. Ammonite fossils are similar to nautilus shells, formed from the remains of ancient mollusks. With their unique pattern and texture, kids will love learning about them.
Amber, fossilized insects, leaf impressions, and teeth are also great starter fossils for your child to start building a collection.
Source: FossilEra
A Coding Robot
Coding is the wave of the future. At some point, it will become a regular part of educational curriculums, as more focus is put into teaching STEM subjects at an early age. Right now, children can learn the basics of coding through interactive play.
Coding robots are a fun, exciting way for your child to learn basic coding structure. There are many different approaches to this form of scientific explanation, from dolls to robo-pets, the options are endless.
The Lego Boost is the best coding robot toy on the market. The kit comes with over 800 pieces of Lego, and pairs with an app that instructs the child how to build and operate different models. This robust platform is great for children (and parents) aged seven and up.
A Science Experiment Laboratory
This holiday season, get back to the basics. Buy your mad scientist a laboratory and experiment guide, so they can learn their way around a science lab and conduct fun, informative experiments.
Look for a kit that includes:
- beakers
- safety goggles
- flasks
- tweezers
- funnels
- a magnifying glass
You can also purchase kits that have instructions for common experiments, like inflating a balloon with vinegar and baking soda. For an extra special treat, have a lab coat embroidered with your child’s name.
Field Exploration Tools
Field exploration tools combine scientific discovery with the great outdoors. This is the perfect way to offset tech time and get your child excited about what’s happening in your backyard.
Field exploration tools often include:
- a net
- brushes
- digging tools
- tweezers
- a canister
- a magnifying glass
Look for something with a carrying case or utility belt for optimal hands-free exploring. Pair this gift with a terrarium so that your little scientist can study creepy crawly critters up close.
A Kid-Friendly Microscope
A microscope is a scientist’s best tool for seeing the world’s hidden secrets. Invest in a high-quality, kid-friendly microscope that your child can use to dive deep into their discoveries and learn more about the world.
Microscopes come in a wide range of cost and complexity. For smaller children, look for something simple and easy to operate, like the Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope And Activity Journal. For young teens, the AmScope M158C-E Compound Monocular Microscope takes things to the next level.
Celebrate Science This Holiday Season
Nurturing a love for science at a young age will create a lifelong love of learning and success. Science-oriented gifts are amazing for children of any age, and offer hours of entertainment that will last well beyond the holiday season.
