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Smithsonian Motor-Works Kit
This model engine kit has more than 100 pieces and teaches future engineers and mechanics how a working, four-cylinder engine looks and sounds. Thanks to the clear body, kids can watch the spark plugs fire and valves open and close.
Smithsonian Rocket Kit
This rocket kit is a total classic. For just 20 bucks, kids can send their aircraft up to 50 feet in the air over and over again. After building the rocket, all they need is baking soda and vinegar (not included) to send this thing soaring.
Smithsonian Plasma Ball
You can think of this plasma ball as a STEM lava lamp. Kids can control the pattern of the lighting by tracing their fingers around the contraption. Or they can set it on sound mode and use their voice or music. What we especially love about this is that it also serves as a mindfulness toy, commanding kids’ full attention as they watch the plasma move around.
Smithsonian Mega Science Lab Kit
This mega STEM kit has six hands-on experiments and projects for kids ages 10 and up. They’ll dig for dinosaurs, grow crystals, learn about volcanoes, and more.
Gear Ball Puzzle
Calling all Rubik’s Cube fanatics! Kids — and teens … and adults — who have mastered the art of the legendary cube will be thrilled to get their hands on the Gear Ball. The object of the game is the same, but this puzzle is made up of gears that slide around the surface of the sphere.
Mega Cyborg Hand Kit
This toy is a hands-down winner. Cyborg hands, that is! With this kit, kiddos can make their own wearable hydraulic hand. And yes, we’re totally jealous. They’ll learn about robotics while building the 200-piece, water-powered hand. Homework Hack: Have them try to write their name while wearing the hand.
Smithsonian Kids Dino Tablet
OK, so this is technically a screen, but we love that it’s entirely educational. This tablet has four fun games that teach kiddos about 15 dinosaurs. Before you know it, you’ll have a little paleontologist running around sharing fun facts about their prehistoric friends.
Smithsonian Planetarium Projector
Little astronomers can fall asleep under the stars with this HD projector that rotates to show the star pattern of the northern sky and has over 50 image combinations they’ll never get tired of. (Well…until they successfully drift off…)
Smithsonian Electronic Crystal Growing Kit
Didn’t get your crystal fix from the Mega Science Lab Kit? Kids can grow 10 crystals with this kit that includes dye and a light-up base to color the crystals.
The Atom Brick Space Shuttle Discovery
If your teen is into LEGOs or other building blocks, they’ll love this 300-piece set for building the Space Shuttle Discovery. Especially if they’ve just seen the real thing in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. As they construct the iconic shuttle, they can learn all about its history and 39 flights in the thorough build manual.
Smithsonian Mars Dig Kit
There are so many cool components that make up the Mars Dig Kit. There’s the buildable scale model of the Mars Perseverance Rover, excavation tools, some basalt (the type of rock that’s found on Mars!), and a full-color poster for space enthusiasts to hang in their room.
Smithsonian Castle Mini Building Blocks Kit
Are my LEGO peeps still here? This building blocks kit has nearly 700 pieces that make up a miniature model of the infamous Smithsonian Castle. Little builders can start thinking about how they would design their own castle — which will hopefully still be standing strong centuries later. And it’s so affordable. At just 15 bucks, what’s the question?
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