Mr. Losik's "Best STEM Toys for the Holidays" Returns for 2025

 

For over a decade, I have been creating my list of the best holiday STEM gifts. Even though I retired from the classroom a year ago, the tradition continues with 15 new ideas for 2025. There's a little something for everyone aged 5 to 12. Shop early because there are some great Black Friday sales already underway, and lots of these items will go quickly.

Air Toobz - $159.99 - Fat Brain Toys - It's like they took the system that shuttles the money back and forth from the bank to the drive-through and turned it into a toy. Air Toobz lets little engineers build their own air-driven transport system. Here's what comes in a set: 20 colorful EVA foam balls, 6 transparent 12-inch tubes, 6 transparent orange corner tubes, 1 T-tube, 1 silicone funnel, 12 easy-fit connectors, 1 fan unit, a charging cable, and a durable carrying case. Little "Toobsterz", available separately, are fuzzy pets that travel the system just like the foam balls.

Foosbots - $22.95 Fat Brain Toys. While the idea of having a new foosball table in a beautiful game room might be the American dream for some, a couple of handheld Foosbots is a lot more practical. These 2.75-inch high soccer players spin vertically when you squeeze them, with the object of the game being to drive a ball past an opponent's goal line. Each set comes with two "bots" and two silicon goal lines. Games can be played by two or more players on any flat surface. Individual Foosbots can be added for $9.99 each. 

Magshutos Stunt Park - $21.99 Fat Brain Toys. "Load one of the Mag-Pods into the shooter, pull it back with just your finger, aim, and launch. From there, endless trick-shot possibilities explode into action," is how Fat Brain Toys describes "Magshutos", the fun pods that can be launched in endless ways. Each kit comes with a Mag-Pod with magnets that stick to different targets, plus 15 challenge cards. This sets includes one Stunt Module, Mag-Module, 2 Hex Rings, Tunnel Ramp, Rebounder, Launcher, 5 Mag-Pods, 15 challenges, and reusable sticky pads. Extra Mag-Pods can be purchased alone for $10.95.

"Little Woodchucks" Offerman Woodshop's guide to tools and tomfoolery - $23.95 Amazon. - Every year, I include a book in the list, and while I was cutting firewood this summer, I heard an interview with "Parks and Recreation" actor Nick Offerman describing his book for "little woodchucks". I knew it would be a perfect fit for this year's list. It's full of fun projects aimed at getting kids excited about woodworking in doable ways, infused with the real Ron Swanson's signature dry wit. 

"Are you an aspiring small woodchuck (an urchin) ready to get into some good mischief that involves a hammer, nails, and your very own pocketknife? Or are you a parent or otherwise amply-sized woodchuck interested in encouraging eye contact, giggles, handshakes, and other old-fashioned familial engagements, while introducing young woodworkers-to-be to the satisfaction and good, clean fun of hands-on crafting?

Either way, order your copy of LITTLE WOODCHUCKS so you and your wee workers can learn all about butt joints and the joys of woodworking." - Actor and master woodworker Nick Offerman.

LEGO Christmas Ornaments - $12.95 Amazon. LEGO seems to make kits to build everything these days. In the past, I have highlighted architectural and floral sets. Now LEGO is even making Christmas tree ornaments. Each kit makes the 4 ornaments pictured below and makes a fun Advent gift or stocking stuffer.

LEGO Speed Champions - $17-$248 Amazon. Speaking of LEGO making everything...since 2014, LEGO has released over 100 different Speed Champions car kits. I am partial to the Lightning McQueen or the Back To The Future DeLorean sets, but new for 2025 are 10 different F1 race cars. They can be purchased individually for $22 each or as part of the collectors' set for $248.

Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Hot Wheels Track - $43.19 Amazon. When I was little, the only thing more reliable than Santa's visit at Christmastime was that my Uncle Doug would get me something with wheels. One of my earliest memories of his gifts was the Fisher-Price Putt Putt Raceway, and this gift idea for toddlers reminded me of that classic. Not only is it fun, but there are also so many physics concepts to explore... even for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Here's what the 2025 version includes:

•Two 60-degree Hot Wheels racing loops, a double spiral racetrack, and a ring of “fire” stunt ramp

•Easy-lift ramp sends 1, 2 or 3 cars zooming down and around the tracks for cool racing and stunt action (Includes 2 Wheelies cars, additional vehicles sold separately.)

•50+ sounds and musical tunes play as kids launch their Wheelies cars

•Includes car “wash,” gas station, and mechanic stops for added pretend play

Poraxy Remote Control Puzzle Car - $9.95 Amazon. Both a 3D puzzle and a functioning remote control car, this vehicle kit from Poraxy is easily the best value on this year's list. It's great for kids 8-12 who enjoy a construction challenge that results in a functioning racecar. 

Construction Vehicle Advent Calendar - $23.79 Amazon. The vehicle theme continues with this cool Advent calendar. As kids count down to Christmas, they open a different door each day to reveal a new die-cast construction vehicle or engineering accessory. Not only will they know how many days are left until Santa makes his journey, but they will also have something new to add to their construction site.  

National Geographic Motorized Marble Run - $29.97 Walmart. The marble run has been around for decades and continues to prove to be a great toy and learning activity. What makes this one different is the motorized spiral elevator that not only takes marbles to the top of the structure, but can also serve as a catch basin at the end of the run, creating an endless loop of marbles traveling through the elements. 

Picasso Tiles $15 and up PicassoTiles.com. What started as a company creating simple plastic tiles that attach to each other with magnets has evolved into one that offers all kinds of themed playsets that still use the original magnetic tiles. The company is dedicated to making learning fun. It states, "We believe that open-play is essential for children’s development, as it allows them to develop skills that are not typically taught in the classroom. We are an art-focused STEM-backed company that prioritizes creativity while also letting kids learn on their own." 

PicassoTiles can be found at several retailers, but check their main website for their complete line of products and several holiday discounts. 

Flycatcher smART Sketch 2.0 Projector - $79.95 Flycatcher Toys. This year's list has been light on the technology side, but this gadget is one that really fosters engagement and all kinds of learning benefits. The projector displays images for users to trace from Flycatcher's library of themed cartridges or from the companion app, which allows kids to upload their own photos. It's especially fun this time of year to place cookies under the projector and trace festive patterns with frosting. 

Themed cartridges hold 60 images each and run $19.99 each. There's also an AI version of the projector for $114.99 that listens to user voice prompts and then generates that image for them to trace. So, if you tell it to create a picture of Santa by a Christmas tree, an original drawing will pop up to trace. 

Brainometry 3D Pattern Blocks $18.99 Learning Resources. The STEM Explorers Brainometry set from Learning Resources combines the benefits of geometric pattern blocks with the fun and challenge of building in 3D. Each set comes with 24 stackable blocks and 10 double-sided activity cards, housed in a sturdy storage case.

"Develops critical thinking and mathematical skills through colorful pattern-matching activities that challenge young minds while making learning fun and engaging for ages 5+" - Learning Resources.

BLDR Squishmallows - $4.99 and up Jazware. The world of LEGO-compatible plastic bricks continues to expand. Last year, I recommended generic creative and engineering bricks. This year, we dig into the world of BLDR and specifically their Squishmallow series. Playsets start small with individual characters, but expand to include all kinds of buildings. 

D&D Kids Planting Root Viewer $12.99 Walmart. Here's a great way to bring a little green inside this winter and see kids marvel at what really happens when plants grow underground. D&D creates all kinds of fun learning kits, and this one is described this way. 

•Real-Time Root Growth: The transparent planter lets kids watch roots develop below the surface, turning gardening into a fascinating science adventure.

•Complete Growing Kit: Includes root viewer box, nutrient-rich soil, Spring Onion and Cilantro seeds, tracking stickers, fun decals, and a step-by-step guide.

•Educational Booklet: The illustrated booklet teaches kids all about plant life while guiding them through planting, growing, and observing.

•Indoor Gardening: No outdoor space? No problem! This kit brings the joy of gardening indoors, rain or shine.

•Hands-On Learning: Watch science come to life with the Root Viewer Kit, sparking curiosity, responsibility, and a love for nature right from the windowsill.

Hopefully, this year's list has given you some ideas that are both fun and highly engaging. Everything is hands-on, and kids learn without even realizing it. There is a wide array of price points across this list, and it's designed to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests. 

Holiday STEM Toys: Mr. Losik's 2023 Wish List

It's another holiday season and here comes another round of great gift ideas that aren't just fun, but are also good for kids. Whether we're fostering curiosity and creativity or bolstering social interaction, every one of these items is likely to put smiles on faces this December. I have been doing this list annually for a long time so be sure to check out previous versions going back to 2018. 

Whether you turn on your Christmas lights before the Thanksgiving dishes are done or after, finding the right present can be a yearlong task. I am always on the lookout for the right stuff for the upcoming year's list and I am always listening to my students to find out where their excitement lies regarding the latest and greatest toys that also carry some educational value. Just like every lesson or experience I design for my STEM classroom, I am looking to see which learning domain it fosters. Is it cognitive (gaining knowledge) or affective (appreciation for the beauty of the natural world or artistic culture)? Does it strengthen creativity? Is it social or does it build large and small motor skills? I don't mean to dampen the spirit of the season with this nerdy stuff but just wanted to share a little bit of the thought that goes into selecting each of these items. Okay, enough of that, onto the good stuff!

Educational Insights checks in this year with its GeoSafari Jr. line a handful of great options for 3 to 8-year-olds designed to bring them closer to their natural worlds. 

First up are the Kidnoculars binoculars that magnify things 2x and have comfortable eyepieces and a handy neck strap. Their best feature is the $12 price tag. 

GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars

GeoSafari Jr. Mighty Magnifiers

While the kidnoculars are great for spotting nature far away, the Mighty Magnifiers are wonderful for taking a closer look at nature up close. At around $16, the two items make great companions in an explorer bundle. A super cool feature is the built-in LED that makes these fun after dark as well.

Additionally from the GeoSafari Jr. line comes the SubScope. Priced at just under $40, young explorers can check out underwater habitats without getting wet...or at least that is the goal. With three built-in LEDs, the scope helps illuminate what's swimming around down below. Exploring ponds and lakes is great, but pack it on your next tropical adventure and check out some mangroves or tide pools. 

GeoSafari Jr. SubScope

For kids 8+ who might be looking for something on the techie side, Educational Insights offers Pyxel, the coding robot dog. While priced at $89, Pyxel is $100 less than some comparable robotic coding toys like the Sphero Bolt. As a STEM teacher, one of the main things I notice when it comes to kids learning to code is that the experience is so much more meaningful when they can make something in the real world happen as a result of their coding. It would be great if Pyxel just moved like an RC toy, but with an array of sensors, it doesn't take much for kids to really deepen their computational thinking and creativity with the code they're building. Pyxel uses the Blockly language that students in my STEM classes use as early as kindergarten so most will have a familiarity with it. 

Here's another techie suggestion for older kids. Just as Pyxel was all about coding the toy to do what you want, the Snap Circuits RC Snap Rover $89  is all about building the vehicle that can eventually be controlled with a wireless remote. Snap Circuits kits are great at teaching scientific and technical principles, but they also allow for modifications and creativity. The rover is like a puzzle in that kids need to pay attention to detail for it to function correctly, but then like an RC vehicle, they can further modify. This one was highly recommended by my students. 

RC Snap Rover

Let's take a look at some of the newest offerings from a list mainstay, Fat Brain Toys.

Nothing fosters kids' interpersonal social skills like board games, and man almighty do kids need help with their interpersonal social skills! Fat Brain's Make That Most Magnificent Thing Game $19.95 is based on the Ashley Spires picture book The Most Magnificent Thing $11.95 where a girl faces the challenges of building something "magnificent" from everyday items. In the game, all players are given the same task like "Build a musical instrument," and they are given two minutes to gather item pictures, arrange their contraption, and prepare a story about it. When time is up, each player explains their creation and then the group hands out award ribbons in categories like "Best Story" or "Most Creative Name". 

 

Hey Clay ($19.95) is quality air-dry clay that hardens within 24 hours and comes packaged in a big range of kits depending on what young sculptors want to build. Some of the kits available on Amazon include:

Winter Holidays

Ocean

Animals

Monsters

Dinos

Forest Animals and others

Along with 15 jars of clay per kit, access to a free interactive app is also included that gives step-by-step instructions and teaches kids and tweens professional sculpting techniques. 

screenshot from the instructional app

In over 30 years of working with kids, blocks are still one of the best things kids can play with. Fat Brain's Timber Planks are a cornerstone of my STEM instruction and have been featured on previous lists. This year I wanted to share something for the littlest builders. These are rated for 3 years and older and have reflective edges in order to create a sensory experience as well. The Montessori Woodwerks Reflection Blocks 27 Piece Set ($49.95) encourages kids to not only stack and create but to strategically arrange the blocks so the shatter-proof mirrored surfaces play off of one another and create optical illusions. 

reflection blocks

I always like to include a book in the list and this year, I really like Boxitects ($11.95) by Kim Smith. It's a picture book that encourages kids to be creative and find joy in making things, but the real message is that learning to work with someone else can be tough but also tremendously rewarding. 

Hopefully, this helps with your Christmas and holiday shopping for elementary-aged kids. Again, be sure to go back and check out the lists from previous years for even more ideas. 

Here are some additional quick recommendations as picked by my students.

• Butterfly Gardens
• Kinetic Sand
• ThinkFun Gravity Maze
• Tempera Paint Sticks
• Robotic Tumbling Pet Hedgehog
• Eco Robots
• LEGO Gingerbread House
• Volley Shot
• Digital Bookmark with Timer
• 5000 Awesome Facts

Ready or Not Here Comes Mr. Losik's 2022 Holiday STEM Guide

 
If it was still 1982, I would be frantically circling in the JC Penny catalog all of the Green Bay Packers stuff, Stomper 4x4 sets, an Atari, and most of the stereo equipment like the gem pictured to the left. The days of big "Wishbook" showing up annually in our mailboxes may be as ancient as somebody actually riding over the river and through the woods to grandma's house in a one-horse open sleigh, but my  STEM Christmas list is here for 2022 and it is full of great brain-engaging kids' gifts. 

Like every year, I have tried to find items that keep our kids active both physically and mentally. Some of these toys will have to wait to go outside until spring in colder climates, but it will be worth the wait. I have also included at the end some all-stars that have appeared on previous lists that are worth a mention as they continue to stand out as some of the most fun and engaging materials I have in my classroom.

The bald-headed principal in "Back to the Future" might've called Marty a "slacker", but all of the accessories that can be added to a slackline these days create adventuresome and active kids. Just find two sturdy trees (or posts) and you can string up a set of climbing and balancing obstacles faster than you could even get a stand-alone playset out of the box. Ancaixin products are available on Amazon and off a wide range of toys designed to keep your kids on the move. This set is currently $39.95 on Amazon, half off of the original $79.95 price. This is just one example available on Amazon. Search "slackline attachments" and you will find all kinds of other options. 

Another fun outdoor adventure item is this set of tree climbing holds (Amazon $39.99). They're just like the climbing holds that are bolted onto climbing walls, but they are threaded onto ratchet straps. Wrap the holds around the trunk of a tree and your kids will instantly have access to the branches. With the straps, they are portable and will not damage trees. 

Here's an active toy that keeps kids out of the weather and closer to the ground but builds balance and core muscle strength. The Teeter Popper from Fat Brain Toys ($39.99) lets kids rock in a sitting or "surfing" position. The suction cups on the bottom not only provide much-needed stability, they deliver as the name implies a whole bunch of popping. The rocking and the sounds make this a great gift for children with sensory needs. When kids aren't teetering or popping, they can recline in it to watch TV or read. Teeter Popper was a 2014 American Specialty Toy Retailers Association (ASTRA) toy of the year award winner and comes in 3 available colors.

Bringing home 2022 ASTRA Toy of the Year honors in the category of Active Play is Dueling Stomp Rockets ($19.99 Amazon) where two players each jump on individual air pumps and try to make their attached rockets launch higher than their opponent's rocket. The dueling rockets are the latest in a line of Stomp Rocket products available. Do a search on Amazon to see the full set of offerings, including  Stomp Racer air-powered dragsters. 

Wham-O's Yeti Footprints ($19.99  Dick's Sporting Goods) are the perfect inspiration for getting kids outside and into the snow. The oversized plastic feet attach to snowboots and act as snowshoes that leave giant footprints of the elusive abominable snowman. These not only elicit hours of silly fun, but get children thinking about the animals that leave tracks in the snow where they live. Also check out the Sno-Stompers available on Amazon. Those are a bit more at $31.99. 

Let's switch gears to some indoor fun and the various straw construction sets that are now available. I featured Strawbees construction kits two years ago that let kids build with straws and plastic connectors. One drawback to that original is its $50+ price tag for a 450-piece kit. Since then, toy companies have begun creating much cheaper alternatives. Amazon offers several 600-800 piece kits in the $25 range. Search for "straw construction kits" and check out all of the options. 

 

One of the best things about Fat Brain Toys is how they take classic toys and then rework them. Marble runs have always been great toys, but sometimes the pieces don't stack very well or the marble action can be really clunky. The way Fat Brain has reworked the marble run into its Trestle Tracks Deluxe Set ($39.95 - Amazon) is truly artful. The small steel bearing flow gracefully and the obstacle pieces are engineered to accelerate the balls through the track. Of course, the neatest aspect is that the tracks can be reconfigured over and over again. 

Speaking of new spins on a classic, check out how Fat Brain is introducing a generation to the age-old art of knitting. Getting kids into knitting has actually been happening for a while now as easier-to-use plastic looms have simplified the process. Fat Brain has taken that simplification to the next level with its hand-crank Loom Bot ($59.99). Thread the machine for either tube or panel knitting and crank away to create perfectly knitted material. The set includes 5 different needles, yarn, and detailed instructions. Fat Brain Toys includes an age-appropriateness scale and rank this item highest for 8 to 10-year-olds.

Easily the best combination of fun, learning, and value comes from Klutz and their Lego kits. This year, I am a big fan of the Lego Race Car STEM Activity Kit ($28.99 - Amazon) as it comes with 124 LEGO elements, a 64-page book, and a 3-foot section of track that kids build. The book features different scientific challenges and encourages creative mixing of the race cars' parts to experience the engineering process. 

Here's a piece of nostalgia that is making a much-needed comeback. Choose Your Own Adventure books  were a staple of my childhood and I am a strong advocate for our current school-age children experiencing them as well. Most of my lists over the years have included books and what these classics do is help kids grow their navigational skills. The books offer different paths that cause the reader to make choices based on calculated risks. We need kids to be more adventuresome as I see students all too often who are hesitant to make choices and want to be told what to build or make instead of trusting their own ideas. Sets of four books start around $15. Check Amazon for both original titles and newer ones, including ones based on Minecraft. 

Let's wrap up this year's list with some of the all-stars from lists of Christmases past. These are all items kids love to use in STEM and will keep them occupied and their brains engaged all season long. 

• Worx Cardboard Cutters - ZipSnip $39.99
• Make Do Cardboard Tools - $14.99, Extra Screws $18.00
• Fat Brain Timber Planks - $39.95
• Lego Compatible Building Bricks - $24.99

Here also are my most recent lists from 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Mr. Losik's 2021 Holiday STEM Toy Guide

 It's that time of year again. Time to start sorting through the best bets for bringing holiday smiles to our kids while keeping their brains engaged. There's no shortage of choices this year, but it's important to start early because even in years with no supply chain issues, the hottest toys always end up in short supply. 

If there is a common theme running through this year's list, it's all about creativity and building new things. You will also notice there are very few screens involved. I've built a very rewarding teaching career in the arena of educational technology but after the last two years, the last thing our kids need is more screen time. There's technology involved with a lot of these toys, but ultimately this year we are looking at stuff to help our kids move beyond anything virtual and start making real, cool stuff. 

Playmake 4-in-1 Woodshop - $120 - Amazon, The child-friendly, working wood shop was the hottest thing on last year's list but nobody could find them available in time for Christmas. So far this year, there are units to be found at Amazon and Walmart, among other online sellers.

Woodworking is not only a fun hobby, but it gets kids creating in ways that develop all of the skills we are trying to build in stem. There's engineering involved with tackling a project and there are all of the different motor skills involved with applying the tools to wood.

This item is also sold under the PlayMat brand but appears to be the same product. They're in stock in mid-November so nab them quickly.

Jixelz - Free Form Puzzle Pieces - $4.95 to 16.95 - Fat Brain Toys is a company that has been a star on this list for years and this year they check in with a number of offerings. First up is Jixelz, a whole new take on jigsaw puzzle pieces. Instead of having to find the exact pieces to complete a puzzle once, kids take colored pieces and build out their own creations. The possibilities are seriously endless.

Each set of Jixelz is themed and comes with instructions to build pre-designed objects that end up looking like old-school pixelated graphics. There are all kinds of themed sets from festive Santa and Rudolf mini sets to the 1500 piece "Under the Sea" (pictured) and "Up In the Air".

Once kids follow the instructions and build a few designs, it's time to go free-form and build creatively. Jixelz is an amazingly simple idea that gives kids endless opportunities to create their own art. It makes you wonder why it took this long for someone to come up with it.

Off-brand Legos - 1000-1500 piece sets, $22.99-$29.99. - While looking to add more Lego bricks to our STEM repertoire this fall, I discovered that not only do quality, fully Lego-compatible bricks exist, they can be had on Amazon at a major discount compared to Lego-brand bricks. I remember being in elementary school and having well-intentioned relatives buy me Lego-like bricks but they never worked well together. These bricks are essentially identical minus the Lego name stamped on the studs.

The other key fact I learned from my students when I introduced these this year is that many kids who are nuts for Legos and have hundreds of dollars worth of them often struggle to free build with them. I had kindergarteners almost in tears because they didn't have instructions on how to build something. They'd just built a Millenium Falcon but had hardly ever just built for fun. The Star Wars and Harry Potter sets are a blast, but after kids build the thing on the box, hide those instructions.

Buying bundles of Legos that aren't themed gets kids creating freely and coming up with their own ideas beyond the instructions.

Fun Forts - 83 piece set - $33 - The blanket, of all things was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2011 because the joy of building forts has been a part of childhood for centuries. Power For Fun and Fun Forts bring architecture and engineering formally into the process with these easy to assemble frame kits that can then be draped with the hall of fame blankets of your choice.

There are two great aspects that stand out with this one. 1) All of your couch cushions will remain on your couch. 2) As families and friends begin to gather again, this toy gets kids playing together. It's heartbreaking to think how few opportunities kids have had to play and build together since the 2019 holiday season. That lack of socialization is showing up in the classroom as many kids struggle to work cooperatively as we resume more group activities that require them to work together.

3D Home Kit - $27.95 - Fat Brain Toys delivers something for the creative big kids on your list. For under $30, you and or your budding architects can use the same kinds of design tools to not only plan but actually build paper models of your own home or dream home. Enough materials are included to build a model representing up to a 6,000 square foot structure. This one carries a degree of difficulty best suited for teens or super creative adults.

Artie Max - $99.00 Drawing Robot  - As we move into the gadget portion of the list, the only toy on this list that connects to a tablet is the Artie Max drawing robot. It might involve some screen time, but the big benefit of Artie is that it draws what the kids code. This is a toy that bridges the gap between creating something on a device and making something in real life. 

My favorite aspect of Artie Max is that it is packed with potential and room for learning growth. It has very basic built-in activities for beginners, but as kids get deeper into coding, the robot supports 5 different coding languages and is capable of seriously high-end creations. 

Botley The Coding Robot - $49.37 This 2019 Innovative Tech Toy of the Year is for the young coder (5-7) in your family. Botley is a screen-free robot that uses sequencing cards and other sensors. It is wonderful for building logical reasoning and problem-solving in kids. Also, check out Botley 2.0. It's a price jump at $73.99 but offers some new futures like being able to interact with other 2.0 robots in the room. Both models come with lots of accessories, games, and "hidden" features that kids will discover as they play.

Deluxe Eco Robots - $33.95 - Fat Brain Toys - While we are talking robots, let's up the age level. As I asked my 3rd and 4th graders to recommend toys for the list this year, this robotics kit from Elenco Electronics was a heavy vote-getter. One kit allows kids to make 14 different robot variations. Being able to create in so many ways is one plus, but kids love that these utilize solar so they're not as dependent on batteries.

Mega Cyborg Hand - $39.95 - Speaking of award winners, Mega Cyborg Hand is the 2021 STEM Toy of the Year. This offering is from another great, brain-engaging toy company, Thames and Kosmos. Assembling an oversized and wearable hydraulic hand carries lots of STEM benefits in itself. There is physics involved, but also some anatomy as it's designed after the mechanics of the human hand. A not-so-obvious benefit is the empathy kids develop for people with disabilities that have to rely on prosthetics like artificial hands. There is a ton of potential for creative play that comes with this project too.

Thames and Kosmos Arcade Maker  Lab Candy Claw Machine - $37.99 - Having your own arcade claw game would be fun in itself but what's even more fun, and what makes this a great STEM toy is that kids actually build the machine themselves. The game comes with candy that has loops attached for the claw to grab. It also contains looped pouches that kids can fill with their own prizes.

Battat Roadster and other vehicles - Ages 3-6, $17.00 - Here's one specifically for the younger engineers this holiday season. These all disassemble with a battery-powered driver, requiring kids to choose the right screw head or socket. Like with free-building Legos, the real fun and creativity starts when users start "Frankenstein-ing" vehicles back together and swap parts across toys because the screws and bolts are all compatible. These are available online, but check your local Target as well. That is where I first found them.

Snap Circuits - Various Kits - $21-$105 - Elenco continues to grow their line of Snap Circuits toys that use principles of electronics in hundreds of fun projects. Projects vary from building transistor radios to codeable games and a new kit that teaches how to wire a smart home. As the offerings from Elenco has grown, so has the popularity of these kits. 

Gooey, smelly, and sticky stuff - Back in the 70s and 80s, playing with a chemistry set literally meant kids had the potential to actually blow something up which was pretty much the essence of being a kid in the 70s and 80s. Today's chemistry sets are a whole lot safer and actually a whole lot more productive. All we were doing was mixing random powders and seeing if they'd ignite. Now, chemistry sets make everything from bath bombs to gummi worms. Check out all of these fun items to concoct! Kiwico Bath Bombs - $15.95 KiwiCo has made the list before for its awesome subscription STEM crates, but now the company lets you purchase individual projects that are sent out in crates and others exclusive to their website. The bath bombs won't blow up your tub, but they will help young makers combine several ingredients and do some chemistry to create bombs to make bath time more soothing.

Ooze Labs Soap - $29.95 - While we're talking about chemistry in the bathroom, check out this Thames and Kosmos kit for its "Ooze Labs" line of toys. The company describes its product this way, "Real science and pretend play come together in this activity-filled kit that can be used alone or as an extension of the Ooze Labs Chemistry Station (a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor winner!). As you mold different glycerin soap shapes, you learn about the chemical properties of soap that help it pick up and wash away dirt. While you’re concocting bath bombs, you learn about how acids and bases combine to form fizzing reactions, and what a pH level is. Expand your cosmetics knowledge with an overview of the biology of skin care and other science related to soap and bath products. All materials and chemicals are non-toxic." It sounds like a good way to get kids cleaning up and in the bath tub. 

Soaps and bath bombs are fun, but let's make some candy. The Thames and Kosmos - Gummy Candy Lab - $19.99 involves a lot of the same scientific principles as young chemists experiment with polymers, flavors, and colors. Change up the Ph with some citric acid and turn those unicorns into sour unicorns. 

Molds of clouds, unicorns, and rainbows add to the joy. 

Slimey Stocking Stuffers - 

At only $4.99 to $7.99 each, Thames and Kosmos lets you wrap up the little gifts with their "Ooze Labs" family of slimes and magic sand. These might actually be more fun to give to a child of one of your really up tight relatives. Watch your sister-in-law with the museum quality house squirm as your giddy nephew opens up a tube of glow-in-the-dark slime that potentially get everywhere. Check out Amazon for all of the creepy options. 

And finally...by the time the presents are all unwrapped and we are rapidly approaching that "all out of fun" limit, here's a cozy place for your little ones...or you to find a little respite and some "me time". The Sky Nook - Hammock Swing - $39.95 is a great retreat where kids can escape the sensory overload that the season brings with it. We know that children who struggle with sensory processing greatly benefit from a space where they can do some nesting. Truth be told, a little nesting is healthful for all of us. This one is from Fat Brain Toys and is designed for 3 to 8 year olds. Check Amazon though for other hammock chairs to fit all members of your family. 

So there you have it, this year's list. This year it's all about getting away from the screens and start creating. Let's get our kids viewing themselves are makers and builders and not just students who fill out digital worksheets for school and stuck on devices at home. There is a little something for everyone to create something from these suggestions. What will you and yours create? Whatever it is, I hope it brings you great joy. The world needs joy more than ever!