Gifts for Little Scientists

by Leanna

Monkey has so much fun with science play that I wanted to create this list of gifts for little scientists, to share some of the science books and kits we have that are great for kids!

For more ideas for science fun, be sure to follow my Science Experiments for Kids board on Pinterest!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. I appreciate your support!

Great Books for Little Scientists

I cannot say enough good things about this book! This is one of Monkey’s absolute favorite books. I keep recommending it to friends and giving it as gifts. It answers burning questions like, Why do I have to eat vegetables? Why do my feet get wrinkled in water? Why do doughnuts have holes? National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why is a fun book for any child (or adult!), even those that may not think they like science. Companion books are National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space
and National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals.

We also enjoy DK Eyewitness books like this one on Volcanoes & Earthquakes. The pictures are amazing and the content first-rate. These are designed for older kids, but younger ones will still find plenty to enjoy, so it’s a great gift for them to grow into.

Magic School Bus And of course, you can’t go wrong with the Magic School Bus! These books are so fun and engaging, plus they are packed with great information – I learn a lot reading these books! Monkey’s current favorite is The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body. These books are so wonderful, it would be well worth buying a box set. And now that his reading is advancing, I’m excited to jump into the Magic School Bus Chapter Books!

Great Kits and Toys for Little Scientists

I adore Little Blast, monthly themed science kits for kids (suggested ages 3-7). I recently had the chance to review the Pulley Blast. Monkey loved it! The activities are do-able without being boring, and the science behind them is presented in a fun, engaging way. You can sign up for the monthly subscription, just purchase a single kit (Blast), or even just buy digital downloads of the printed material.

We bought a Smart Lab You Explore It: Human Body Model for Monkey for his last birthday, and it has provided hours and hours of concentrated play time for him. He loves taking it apart then putting it back together again. He also likes to have me read him the information cards over meals, or we’ll take them on road trips. I will warn you, though – if you are squeamish it may take some getting used to, finding these squishy body parts around the house!

I looked into a number of science kits before purchasing this one for Monkey. As one reviewers phrased it, many kits are more about glitter and flashy colors than actual science experiments; or they require that you have a lot of additional materials at home. The Magic School Bus, however, is different. The price is very reasonable, yet the science is sound, it is packed with different activities, and you are not required to have any materials other than ones you typically already have on hand at home, such as tape and vinegar. We have had hours of fun with The Magic School Bus: A Journey into the Human Body and can’t wait to try other Magic School Bus kits!

One product that I want to try with Monkey is Elenco Electronic Snap Circuits, Jr. Kit. This award-winning educational toy receives great reviews and looks like a wonderful hands-on way to learn about electricity!