Coding & STEM Gifts for 2020
Every year companies try to grab your child’s attention with the latest and greatest toys. Purdue University also has a list each year full of some great STEM toys.
We try to take a step further; however, because we’re also parents. We know that educational toys are most useful when your child plays with them more than once. So we’ve chosen toys that have a high “stickiness factor” — either our own children or those children in our classes have enjoyed playing with these toys over and over again.
We’re also a big fan of LEGO toys for any age level. While we haven’t included any specific LEGO sets below (besides those with programmable brains), any LEGO set is a great learning tool for kids.
Ages 3-7
Sphero Ollie ($79.99)
This bot is super fast and rugged (which makes it great for K-2 coders). Your students can use the Sphero Edu app to control and program Ollie to perform various tasks. Plus, the pill shape makes it much easier to tell which direction the robot is facing.
LEGO® Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set ($197.95)
We use these same sets in our K-2 classes. Build robots and control them via an app on a tablet. Your child will be able to learn how to manipulate the robots using loops, sounds, and events.
STEM Robot Mouse ($29.99)
We’ve used Jack, the fully programmable robot mouse, during workshops with Kindergarten students. Students can quickly start giving step-by-step instructions to complete challenges that come with the kit. No tablet or computer needed!
Coding Toys for Ages 8-12
Sphero Bolt ($149.99)
These tough, round bots are a step up from the Ollie’s above. They’re not quite as fast but have tons of sensors and customization options.
You might also consider this terrain park ($19.99) that gives your child more play options. Plus, who doesn’t love a good ramp?
littleBits Base Inventor Kit ($49.99)
littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit ($99.99)
littleBits are a great introduction to circuits. They’re similar to snap circuits but my kids have enjoyed playing more with the littleBits. The pieces hook together with tiny magnets and can be re-configured many different ways. There are many kits available but these are two of the best deals for starters.
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 ($349.99)
These robots are like the ones we use in our classes! They take a little more effort than some of the other items in this list, but they offer great variety in the different things you can do.
Gift Idea for Teen Coders
We once wrote a post about purchasing or selecting a refurbished laptop for your child. This is a great idea if your son or daughter has never owned a computer before. Computers allow your child to use advanced programs like Unity, build websites, or do more complex computer programming.
This is a great all-in-one VR headset. That means it doesn’t require a computer to render the graphics inside the display. Up to this point, there hasn’t been a ton of VR content. However, that is starting to change and your child can access an app store from within the headset.
Bonus: your child can also create content to load within the headset. Check out this article from Oculus that tells you how to get started with Unity 3D.
