What is STEM? STEM stands for Science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is at the core of a new group of educational toys kids can’t get enough of. Toys built around STEM are designed to foster creativity and teach kids important skills vital like problem solving as they learn through play. While there’s a variety of options out there, our list of the best STEM coding toys to make learning fun allow kids of all ages to take control of how they play. Many of these toys pair with a app enabled smart device like a phone or tablet and teach kids how to enter simple commands like navigating around obstacles. As they grow and learn soon many of these toys will be navigating mazes or playing games all on their own. Its no wonder then that parents love STEM toys just as much as kids do!
1. Anki Cozmo
Best for: Fans of Wall-E
Don’t let his small size fool you as Cozmo is one tiny little robot packed with some big features. Cozmo can drive freely around any surface thanks to his rubber treads and with his forklift like hands can manipulate a variety of objects. And kids can easily program Cozmo to play games and solve puzzles with his easy to use interface. Additionally, this cute little robot has tons of personality. Cozmo is super emotive with fun expressions that display on his face so kids can see if he is happy, sad, kidding or confused.
2. SmartGurlz Coding Dolls
Best for: Girls who need a friend for Barbie.
The SmartGurlz coding doll is a fun and educational toy that helps girls learn how to code as they play. Barbie this is not! Once the SmartGurlz doll and her scooter are connected to their smartphone app the real fun begins. Girls can use the app to code the doll’s scooter path to travel around obstacles or solve fun and exciting puzzles. With over 100+ coding combinations, girls learn computer skills through natural play and their innate sense of wonder. We also LOVE that each of the SmartGurlz has a strong personality and positive background. For example, Jun is a chemistry whiz while Jen is mechanically inclined and loves to fix things. SmartGurlz are the perfect STEM toy for curious and tech savy young girls.
3. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
Best for: LEGO maniacs
The only thing better than coding your own robot is to build your own. And now with the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox they can do both! Included in this kit are all the pieces any child would need to build a working robot, electric guitar, animatronic cat, a tank and a factory robot. Once kids finish building the kit’s motors and sensors can be adjusted with the included app to respond to light, color and movement. And once kids get the hang of building and coding they can use their own LEGOS to build even more creative toys. And besides, who doesn’t LEGOS?
4. Code Gamer
Best for: Gamers
Now this is cool! With the Code Gamer kids will learn the ins and outs of what it takes to make their very video game! First they’ll need to build their very own controller then pair it with a smart device to begin coding their very first video game using the easy to learn Arduino coding language. As kids build and complete levels they’ll learn step by step what it takes to make more complex games of their own. And when they’re ready to really get creative, the Code Gamer includes additional inputs to include things like motion and light control into their levels. The Code Gamer is the perfect gift to get the video game lover in your house engaged and thinking creatively. After all, learning through play is what STEM is all about!
5. Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit
Best for: Muggles and wizards
Bring the wizarding world of Harry Potter to life with this awesome coding kit. The kit comes with everything kids will need to build their very own electronic magic wand. Once done, the real fun begins with the included coding app that turns any tablet into a spell book of their own. The app teaches kids to code as they play create their own magic spells. With the wand as an input device, children can create magic with a wave of the wand up in the air or shoot fireballs with a circling gesture! An easy to read step-by-step guide teaches coding basics as they advance their knowledge. The Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit is a fun and educational toy any fan of Harry Potter or technology will love. Without a doubt, this is one of the hottest toys for boys this Christmas in 2018.
6. Wonder Workshop Dash
Best for: My first STEM toy
As an introductory STEM toy, you can’t do any better than the Wonder Workshop Dash. Dash is the easy to use robot friend who is easily programmable and responds to a variety of commands. Kids will have fun setting up obstacles course for their intelligent friend to race through or solve puzzles with. An array of accessories is also available to expand Dash’s capabilities that include a xylophone for playing music and a catapult for launching objects. Or, pair Dash with it’s companion buddy, Dot for more fun STEM projects and games. And because Dash comes charged right out of the box, it’s ready for play right away!
7. Ozobot Bit Educator Entry Kit
Best for: Teachers and classrooms
STEM toys are a natural fit for the classroom which is where the Ozobot Educator Entry Kit comes in. Included in this kit is everything a teacher would need to introduce basic coding skills into the classroom. Easy to follow instructions help guide inexperienced learners through the coding process. With over 150 lessons that range from screen free coding using makers and color to a fully developed visual language, this kit is perfect for teachers and parents who want to learn coding along with their children. The included Ozobot is packed with sensors and lights to perform a variety of tasks and is easily customizable with a variety of skins and cases to enhance the leaning experience.
8. GJS Robot – App-Enabled Augmented Reality Gaming Robot
Best for: Battlebot fans and gamers
Lots of STEM powered robots are good at solving puzzles, but how many of them can actually fight? What sets the GJS apart from the other robots here, other than it looks like a futuristic tank, is that this one is designed for combat. Able to play in both single player and multi-player games of laser tag, this STEM toy is ready for action! The GJS features 360 degrees of movement with it’s unique design. And it’s built in camera allows for first person control when linked to a smart device. Or, like any STEM toy, it can be coded with instructions further enhance the fun and learning!
9. Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
Best for: Screen free coding
While most of the STEM toys on this list require some kind of smart device to input code into, we know not every child will have access to one. That’s where, Botley comes in as this cute little STEM robot needs no such device for programming. Instead, Botley can be programmed with a simple remote to do all his tricks. This makes, Botley perfect for young minds who want a programmable robot of their very own. Easy and fun to use, all kids will love, Botley.
10. Kano Computer Kit
Best for: Up and coming hackers
Build your very own computer with the Kano Computer Kit! This kit is packed full of everything a young coder needs to build there very own powerful computer. Included is a miniature Raspberry Pi 3 board, wireless keyboard with touchpad, memory, and HDMI cables. Easy to follow instructions to create a real working computer. Once made, kids can run any number of applications from the online Kano community. Or they can code their own applications and upload it for others to enjoy. The Kano Computer Kit pairs with any HDMI screen to open up an endless world of possibility and STEM coding fun.