Gifts for kids who love science, ages 8–12
Science kits, microscopes and building sets for curious 8 to 12 year olds, compared across stores.
At this age the best science gifts are hands-on and repeatable: kits with many experiments, a real microscope, or something they build and then use. Check the age range on the box.
Before you choose
- Check the recommended age and whether an adult needs to help.
- Kits with refills or many experiments last longer than one-time projects.
- For younger kids, avoid kits with small parts or strong chemicals.
At a glance
| Idea | Why it works | Prices right now |
|---|---|---|
| Experiment kits | Many experiments in one box keep the fun going for weeks. | $24–$88 |
| Microscopes and telescopes | A real instrument turns curiosity into a long-term hobby. | $26–$90 |
| Build and code | Robots and building kits mix engineering with play. | $14–$70 |
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Prices and stock are set by each store and were checked Tue, 10 Nov 2026 UTC.
Experiment kits
Many experiments in one box keep the fun going for weeks.
UNGLINGA 150 Experiments Science Kits for Kids Chemistry Lab S.T.E.MToys | Volcano, Crystal, Magic, Dig, Reation, Physics, Scientist Tools Set, Educational Project for Boys Girls Birthday Gifts Ideas
$28.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
National Geographic Amazing Chemistry Set with 100+ Experiments Ages 8-12 | Crystal Growing, Chemical Reactions, STEM Projects, Hands-On Science Experiments, Science Kit, Birthday Gift
$39.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Melican 60+ Science Experiment Kit for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8+ | S.T.E.M Educational Project Toys for Boys Girls Birthday Gifts Ideas, Volcano, Chemistry Lab Tools Scientist Set
$23.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
National Geographic Science Magic Kit with 100+ Experiments for Kids 8-12 | Magic Tricks, Chemistry Activities, Hands-On Science Experiments, STEM Projects, STEM Learning Toy, Birthday Gift
$29.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Amazing Reactions 45-Experiment Chemistry STEM Kit for Kids
$87.99
This hands-on chemistry STEM kit for kids includes 45 experiments, including more than 15 experiments in the kit and 30 additional bonus activities using common household items. It gives school-age children and teens an…
View at Smart Kids Planet
Science Project Kit
from $29.99
Spark a love for science and engineering with the 4-in-1 Science Project Kit from Best Choice Products. This comprehensive STEM and STEAM bundle features four distinct experiments: a Dynamo Torch to explore electrical…
View at bestchoiceproducts.com
Science Magic STEM Experiment Kit for Kids – 25 Chemistry & Physics Activities
$29.99
Turn scientific principles into amazing hands-on demonstrations with the Science Magic Kit for Kids. Featuring 25 science-based tricks and experiments, this educational kit combines chemistry, physics, creativity, and…
View at Sunny Sprouts Education
4-in-1 Science Project Kit
$29.99
This 4-in-1 STEM and STEAM science project kit provides an engaging educational experience for children. The set includes four individually packaged projects: a Dynamo Torch to explore electrical energy through hand…
View at macys.comMicroscopes and telescopes
A real instrument turns curiosity into a long-term hobby.
Uarzt 58-Piece Kids Microscope Kit with Carrying Case, Beginner Science Set with Metal Parts, Prepared Slides and Accessories for Hands-On STEM, Experiment Toy for Kids Ages 5-12, Birthday Gift
$39.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
National Geographic Microscope for Kids with Up to 400x Magnification | Prepared and Blank Slides, Rock and Mineral Specimens, Easy-to-Use Science Kit, STEM Project Toy, Ages 6+
$39.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Kids Microscope Kit with Blank and Prepared Slides | 61 PCS Science Kit 100X-1200X with LED Light,Phone Holder, Carrying Box, STEM Project Toy, Educational Gift for Ages 6-12
$25.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
National Geographic Dual LED Microscope Science Kit for Kids Ages 8-12 | Dual LED Illumination, 10 Prepared Slides, 10 Blank Slides, 50+ Pieces, Biology Experiments, STEM Learning, Birthday Gift
$89.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:17 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Future Scientist Microscope STEM Kit with 400x Magnification
$87.99
This kids’ microscope STEM kit features three magnification settings up to 400x for children ages 6 and up who want to explore science like future scientists. It combines microscope discovery, hands-on experiments, and…
View at Smart Kids Planet
Wsdmic Kids Microscope Kit
$42.99
An educational STEM microscope kit designed for children and teens, featuring a magnification range from 40X to 1600X. The kit includes a compound microscope with high-quality optical glass, a dual LED illumination…
View at home.woot.com
Celestron Kids' 28-piece Microscope Kit
$49.00
Kids can marvel at the microcosm with this microscope kit designed for young scientists. Details: Includes a 10X eyepiece with 10X, 60X, and 120X objective lenses for up to 1200X power Plastic carrying case Bonus 2X…
View at The Boeing Store
Microscope Science Kit
$42.99
This comprehensive 30-piece STEM science kit includes a bright blue kids' microscope with 100x, 600x, and 1200x zoom capabilities. Designed for young scientists, it features a rotating eyepiece, LED illumination for…
View at bestbuy.comBuild and code
Robots and building kits mix engineering with play.
BeAndge Robotics STEM Kits for Kids Science Robot Building Crafts Age 8-12 | STEM Toys 6 7 8 Year Old Boy Birthday Gifts, Science Experiments Engineering Projects Kits for Kids Activities 5-7 6-8
$16.19
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:11:22 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Sillbird STEM Robot Building Kit with Remote Control Gifts for Boys 8-13 | Coding Robotic Set, Educational Birthday Gifts, App-Controlled, Buildable 5in1 Models, Rechargeable Toys for Kids, 488 Pieces
$59.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:11:22 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
STEM Kit for Kids Ages 8-12, Science Building Boys Toy 6 7 8 9 Year Old | 5-in-1 DIY Science Kit with Engineering Projects, Educational STEM Toy, Birthday Gifts for Boys Girls, Holiday Gifts for Kids
$19.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:11:22 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4 Set Bulk Craft Robot Kits for Kids, STEM Building Toys for ages 6-8 8-13 | STEM Robotics Science Kits for 1st 2nd 3rd Grade, Classroom Activities Projects Toys Gifts for 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 Year Old
$13.99
View at AmazonPrice as of Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:11:22 UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Makeblock mBot: Kid's First Robot Kit for DIY and STEM Learning
$69.99
Beginner-Friendly Learning Master electronics, robotics, and programming effortlessly with mBot—perfect for beginners. Easy to Build Assemble mBot in just 15 minutes and start coding within the hour! Progressive Coding…
View at Makeblock
STEM Robot Building Kit for Kids 8-12 - Remote & APP Control, Educational Coding, DIY Engineering, Rechargeable Toy Gift
$49.99
The Anysun STEM Robot Building Kit is a 635-piece educational set designed for children aged 8-12. It allows users to construct a maneuverable robot featuring 360-degree rotation, powered by advanced servo motors and an…
View at bestbuy.com
5-Model Moving Robot STEM Kit for Kids Ages 6–12
$53.99
This hands-on robotics STEM kit lets school-age kids ages 6–12 build five unique moving robots, making it a practical choice for children ages 8 and up who enjoy building and engineering. Each project supports…
View at Smart Kids Planet
Anysun Robot Building Kit for Kids Ages 6–12 – Remote Control STEM Coding Toy
$49.99
A STEM-focused robot building kit for children aged 6-12, consisting of 635 snap-together pieces. The robot features a white and blue color scheme with a red bow tie, light-up eyes, and tank-style tracks for movement.…
View at bestbuy.com