The 9 best gifts for your little scientist as chosen by a bigtime science nerd
When I was a toddler, my mom got me my first book about outer space, and it quickly became my favorite toy. Cut to decades later, and I'm a science reporter.
Perhaps the easiest way to guarantee that your child will love science is to start them young. And the best way to start them young is to show them that science is fun.
So, in honor of that, we've chosen some of the best science kits for your kids of all ages.
SEE ALSO: 9 gift ideas for the science geek in your life
Ages 5 and up
1. Give baby their first science experiment
Image: Learning resources
This beginner's set is designed to help your youngest get their bearings in the science world by introducing them to safety guidelines, teaching them common terms, and how to use certain tools. Plus, the basic experiments are interesting enough to keep them (and hopefully you) engaged.
Price: $18.96
2. Help your little scientist solve crimes
Image: scientific explorers
What's more fun that a little mystery solving? This crime catcher's kit could be the first step on the way to your child's lifelong career as a forensic scientist. Or not. Either way, there's nothing wrong with fostering a little curiosity through some scientific problem solving.
Price:$13.99
3. Give them a green thumb
Image: thames & Kosmos
Green thumb? Pass that knowledge along with this botany kit that allows kids to explore horticulture while learning about the inner workings of plant life cycles (and grow some leafy greens while they're at it).
Price: $39.99
Ages 8 and up
4. Create clouds in the palm of their hands
Image: kidz labs/4m
This kit allows you to make a cloud in your hand and aims to teach children that weather only seems like magic, but it's actually science and that's pretty cool.
Price: $10.86
5. Show them that volcanoes are still cool
Image: kidz labs/4m
While volcano making is a go-to for science projects, that doesn't make them any less exciting. Think of it as baby's first controlled explosion! The kit includes volcano mold and paint to make the experience as realistic as possible. Just add baking soda and vinegar.
Price: $9.41
6. Teach 'em that science is better than magic
Image: scientific explorer
Prep your favorite scientist to receive their letter to Hogwarts with this magic science kit. Experiments include crystal growing, glow-in-the-dark potions, crystal balls, and more, aiming to prove once and for all that science is cooler than magic.
Price: $11.35
Ages 10 and up
7. Show them the expanse of our universe
Image: thames & kosmos
Stars! Planets! Constellations! Every kid should be a space nerd. Gift them this telescope to teach them about the planetary bodies and remind them of their place in our cosmic neighborhood.
Price: $122.88
8. Grow crystals in their own kitchen
Image: thames & Kosmos
Want a hands-on way to teach your preteen about crystal structure and formation? This crystal growing kit has 15 different experiments to show your future geologist how much fun rocks can really be.
Price: $15.96
9. Let them explore their insides
Image: Smart lab
Despite the silly name, this science kit is a useful way to teach your preteen about the organs inside the human body — and hey, that's good for everyone to know, but especially hormonal pre-teens.
Price: $24.95
WATCH: We met the mind behind the Rubik's Cube — Mashable Originals
