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18 Best Teenage Science STEM Gifts (in 2024)
Last updated: September 21st, 2024
Know a curious teenager who’s thinking about a career in STEM? You’re probably looking for something that makes learning fun and inspires them on their journey. When I was in high school, I remember two distinct gifts that set me on my path in STEM. That’s all it takes!
But with so many cool gadgets and gizmos out there, choosing the right STEM gift for your teen can be tricky. Below are our favorite STEM presents for teens, regardless of whether they are just starting to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) or are now experts. One of these might be the perfect catalyst to inspire them to pursue a STEM career!
1. The Pocket Scientist - High School Edition
How about a little card-sized science ruler and equations reference to help them with daily homework and hands-on experiments? Designed for ages 14-19, The Pocket Scientist High School Edition is a tool that reinforces STEM fundamentals every time they use it, preparing them for a brilliant career.
The backside is laser-engraved with basic science equations and physical constants to save them time and help them memorize critical information. See the product page for a full list of features we've packed in!
You can also add a custom logo to this for outreach events or STEM kits! Custom orders start at 100 pieces - just email us for more info.
Available with free shipping from our website or with Amazon Prime.
P.S. We also have versions specifically for college-aged scientists, Chemists, Physicists, Paleontologists and Engineers if those are a better fit for the person you have in mind!
2. Fun Light & Optics Activities Kit
Light technologies are going to be the backbone of our future civilization, so I think it's super important to understand the basics of how light works at an early age. It's not magic, after all, and luckily this kit made by Laser Classroom makes it simple and easy to learn and explore for kids around the ages of 11-14.
This heart of the kit are 3 LED sources in red, green, and blue. They can project squares of color to play with color-mixing theory, or they can project narrow rays of color to study reflection, refraction, and diffraction using the included lenses and mirrors. The 9 included lessons and worksheets should guide you through many hours of "wow" and "ohhhhh..." moments!
3. New 100% Cotton Lab Coats designed for Scientists
If scientists work in a laboratory, they usually wear lab coats daily. And the truth is, most of them hate their lab coats. We even have data showing that poorly fitting lab coats can make young students feel like they "don't belong" in science.
We know how important it is that someone's 1st lab coat makes them feel great, and enables their passion rather than causing frustration.That's why we spent 3 years designing and modifying a lab coat that scientists love! Released in 2024, the Louis and Curie lab coats are consistently reviewed as "the best lab coat I've ever had".
For young students playing with chemistry sets and physics kits, the quick-release snaps, higher collar, and extra wrist coverage give an extra level of safety compared to your average Amazon lab coat! The two versions are tailored to fit male and female builds differently, with a wide size range and adjustable belt so their 1st lab coat won't be their last.
Louis and Curie Lab Coats
It's now also available on Amazon!
4. NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 Outer Space Model Rocket
The NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 outer space model can help them grow their passion for space exploration. Featuring a 1 meter-tall (1:110 scale) miniature rocket that recreates mankind's lunar journey, it simulates the thrilling moments of the Apollo Moon missions with 3 removable rocket stages, a launch escape system, a command and service module, and 2 mini figures.
With the three supplied platforms, you can display the Saturn V rocket horizontally and watch as the Lunar Orbiter launches it into space while the Lunar Lander docks with the command and service modules. Be sure to read the brochure included to learn more about the manned Apollo Moon mission. This NASA toy is a must-have for space enthusiasts!
Check the price on Amazon
5. Beginner 3D Printer (Open source)
3D printing will be everywhere soon, and any teenager who masters it will have a big advantage in their early career. For those just starting out with 3D printing, this printer comes with a Safety Protected Power Supply and several assembled parts. With its Resume Printing Function, you won't miss a beat if there's a power outage. Let your teen's imagination run wild and see what amazing things they can make!
Check the price on Amazon
6. STEM Electricity & Magnetism Kit
Magnetism and electricity are also extremely important concepts for any budding STEM student to understand, and getting the hang of it in early high school will be a huge help before choosing a college program.
This little electricity and magnetism STEM learning kit does a great job of keeping it simple and straightforward, and can be self-guided for students in grades 9-12, or with a little help in grades 7 and 8. Once they master magnetism, electricity, and light - they will be ready for their mad scientist career!
Check the price on Amazon
7. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
New York Times Best-Selling author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky has created a beautiful collection of 50 illustrated portraits of women who have made significant contributions to STEM fields throughout history.
The book not only highlights these inspiring women's achievements, but also has infographics on lab supplies, the percentage of women working in STEM disciplines today, and a scientific glossary. From primatologist Jane Goodall to mathematician Katherine Johnson, who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon, "Women in Science" is a must-have for any teen interested in science and history.
Check the price on Amazon
8. Cellulose: A Plant Cell Biology Game
For a teenager who loves plants, biology, and board games, Cellulose is a great way to spend an hour or two competing to win while also learning about the mechanisms that make plants grow.
This is a "worker placement" style game (for you board game nerds) where you must manage resources wisely in the "day" and "night" phases of each turn to keep the plant cells alive and thriving! One unique thing about Cellulose that I love is that there are two included alternate game modes to keep it interesting (Cactus and Mangrove modes), plus there's a 1-player version to keep them busy for hours!
Check the price on Amazon
9. Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game
This Cytosis board game is just like Cellulose above, except for animal cells. Both games are created by people with PhDs who make sure everything is accurate. They even include a detailed booklet explaining the concepts of the game in a longer educational format (totally optional)!
If your STEM student is more into animals than plants, choose Cytosis. Otherwise, just start with one and after they play it so much they get bored, get the other one for a fresh start in a new world of cellular mechanisms!
10. Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars
Anyone interested in astronomy, ecology, or biology will love the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 Binocular. With 70 mm objective lenses and 15x magnification, these binoculars are excellent for viewing night skies and distant land targets. But that's not all!
The built-in tripod adapter allows you to mount your binoculars on any traditional tripod. The rubber-armored housing protects your binoculars from damage while providing a secure grip. Whether you're exploring the night sky or observing wildlife in the field, these binoculars are the perfect gift for any science enthusiast.
Check the price on Amazon
11. Magnetic Marble Run Puzzle Set
This puzzle game is SO COOL. Think of it as a Hot Wheels track with marbles as cars that sticks to a magnetic surface. The Magnetic Marble Run set includes many different little connectors, stairs, gears, levers, and redirecting pieces, plus the marbles of course.
I purchased this for my 12 year old nephew and he has a BLAST constructing, destroying, and rerouting different runs while taking videos of each one for his friends. It works great on a refrigerator, a big magnetic white board, or especially a filing cabinet or large freestanding tool box.
Check the price on Amazon
12. AM/FM Radio Kit
The kit includes everything they need to build an old-school working radio, including a 56-page training course, a detailed manual, and all the components! Featuring two separate audio systems (IC and transistor), this radio kit makes a great introduction to electronics, reminiscent of many engineers getting their hands dirty repairing radios in the 1950’s.
The PCB design makes it easy to place the parts over the corresponding symbols on the printed circuit board. Plus, they can practice their soldering skills with this kit! This is a fun and educational STEM gift that will keep high school students entertained for hours while they learn radio technology basics.
Check the price on Amazon
13. Microscope Slides Refill Set
If they have a microscope already, consider adding some supplies for it to encourage them to get out and use it more! Sometimes when you only have 20 slides left, you get selective about what to look at.
This set of 100 glass microscope slides is a perfect way to revive their love of looking at the unseen world around us. 100 slides should last a year or two with a curious young STEM student!
14. 3D Printing Pen
Simple 2D sketches can be turned into stunning 3D art with this innovative pen. For artists, engineers, and kids who like exploring their imaginations, the 3D Printing Pen is a must-have. It features a temperature adjustment screw for switching between ABS and PLA.
You get three colors of PLA plastic filament, an AC adapter, and a slim, ergonomic touch pen. With the stepless speed slider, you can match the extrusion speed to what you're doing. This makes it easy to create intricate details or larger fills. The possibilities are endless with this pen!
Check the price on Amazon
15. Pocket Field Microscope and Flashlight (with UV)
Kids who love science don't stay in one place for long. A regular microscope is a great tool but sometimes you just want a closer look at that weird bug on the tree or a little fossil you found in the stones outside.
This little pocket microscope has a built-in light for nighttime use and UV lighting with 20x magnification for identifying small features of a fossil or other critters right away. The UV helps with organisms that have hidden fluorescence - typically nocturnal creatures and some plants. It's a great way for curious science students to explore the world around them!
Check the price on Amazon
16. Prime Climb Math Game for Kids
This is a brilliant math-based board game that has many layers which makes it fun for different age groups in different ways. The key is the color-coded circles - the colors correspond to the numbers which multiply to make that number! So even if your STEM student can't rattle off mental math (yet), the colors serve as a guide to reinforce the building blocks of each number.
You basically start at 0 and work your way up to 101 by rolling two 10-sided die. You can move by adding, multiplying, dividing, or subtracting the numbers you rolled while trying to bump off opposing players! So, there's a ton of strategy available in deciding how to use your dice rolls but it can be as simple as addition and subtraction depending on the age group.
Prime Climb is the type of game that can change a STEM student's perception of math and makes it more approachable to build a solid foundation for a long career.
Check the price on Amazon
17. KiwiCo Eureka Crate
For an engineer who wants to spend more time with their kids and get them engaged in STEM, a great approach is working on small engineering projects together. KiwiCo came up with a line of project boxes for different age groups and subjects. You get a new project box every month and can pause or cancel any time. They are often made of laser-cut wood which you assemble with included electronics to make things like a trebuchet, an adjustable desk lamp, or an automatic pencil sharpener!
The Eureka Crate is targeted at ages 12+ (shown below), so it's perfect for high school students and can also be a ton of fun for a passionate engineer who loves hobby projects. If these are too advanced, try the Tinker Crate instead!
Check the price on the KiwiCo website
18. MakeBlock mBot Ultimate DIY Robot
This is really the ultimate in DIY STEM kits for early teens. It's expensive, but will build confidence with your teenager that they are capable of doing programming and robotics. Step-by-step, it helps de-mystify these challenging subjects and might spark some serious DIY projects over the coming years.
The problem with most "science kits" is that once you build them, you play for a few minutes and get bored. My favorite thing about the mBot Ultimate is that is interfaces with Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Combining the two, with some help from some forums, gives you endless opportunities for new and interesting configurations, tasks, and fun with one kit!
Check the price on the MakeBlock website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is a good gift for a teenagers in science and STEM?
Anything that's practical, functional or can help them show their love for the sciences. Here are our favorites:
- The Pocket Scientist - High School Edition
- Fun Light and Optics Activities Kit
- New 100% Cotton Lab Coats Designed for Scientists
- NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 Outer Space Model Rocket
- STEM Electricity and Magnetism Kit
- Cellulose: A Plant Cell Biology Game
- Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game
- Beginner 3D Printer (Open source)
- Microscope Slides Refill Set
- Pocket Field Microscope and Flashlight (with UV)
- Prime Climb Math Game for Kids
- Orion SpaceProbe Equatorial Reflector Telescope
- Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
- Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars
- MakeBlock mBot Ultimate DIY Robot
- AM/FM Radio Kit
- 3D Printing Pen
- KiwiCo Eureka Crate
More gift collections for specific types of scientists:
We've further curated several collections of our own inventions depending on the type of scientist you're looking for. See these more niche collections below for more ideas!
Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Scientists
Gifts for Professors and Grad School PIs
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