STEM toys are made to complement time spent with a parent or teacher, not replace it.
Buying an educational toy for a child is not "the end of a parents’ involvement in how the toy is used and perceived by the child," according to the Association for Psychological Science. "The leader is the lynchpin," according to Jill Berkowicz & Ann Myers, authors of The STEM Shift: A Guide for School Leaders.
Learning through "guided play" isn't a new approach: A UNESCO report from the 1980s explored the use of "Games and Toys in the Teaching of Science and Technology." But, for whatever reason, this method of teaching fell out of favor for many years.
Today, learning-by-playing is an accepted teaching tool, albeit one that is not fully understood, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
A Word About STEM Toys 'For Girls and Boys'
"If you want to develop children's physical, cognitive, academic, musical, and artistic skills, toys that are not strongly gender-typed are more likely to do this," according to Judith Elaine Blakemore, a professor of psychology at Purdue University.
In other words, the best STEM toys are for everyone -- not girls, not boys -- just kids.
Unfortunately, boys are more likely to receive educational toys than girls are, according to an analysis of Amazon reviews published by the American Society for Engineering Education. Boys are also significantly more likely to receive money for college than girls are, according to a T. Rowe Price study.
This is a double-standard that parents, grandparents and other adults can break, one gift at a time.
Here are the best inexpensive educational-toys for the money, organized by theme:
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Biology
Scientific Explorer Disgusting Science Kit (Ages 8 and Up) - These science projects are fun, educational and gross in a good way, according to several online customers. Many parents say their kids loved these science experiments, but wished the kit was larger. A good value at $13 or less. (Available at Amazon.)
SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body (Ages 8 and Up) - This model is a kid-friendly way to learn human anatomy, according to several parents. Some online reviewers complained that the organs fell out of place or lost their stickiness over time. A good value at $25 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Insect Lore Butterfly Growing Kit (Ages 4 and Up) - Insect Lore's transformation station is a fun way to observe the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that the caterpillars are shipped separately and cost an additional $8 in handling fees. A good value at $17 or less. (Available at Amazon.)
Bysameyee 48-Piece Prepared Slide Kit (All Ages With Supervision) - These color-coded slides are interesting, diverse and made of kid-friendly plastic, according to several online customers. Some customers warn that the specimen is small and sometimes obstructed by air bubbles. A good value at $13 or less. (Available at Amazon.)
Chemistry
Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only: Kids Science Kit (Ages 6 and Up) - This science kit has clear instructions and fun experiments, according to several online customers with children between the ages of 4- and 7-years old. Some reviewers say this kit is virtually identical to the "My First Mind Blowing Science;" others say that many of the experiments are similar to one another. A good value at $15 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Scientific Explorer: My First Mind Blowing Science Kit (Ages 6 and Up) - Many online customers with children aged 4-6 had a blast doing these science experiments with their kids. Some parents wished that the included ingredients came in resealable bags. A good value at $17 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
4M Crystal Growing Experiment (Ages 10 and Up) - The majority of online customers (and their kids) had fun making these colored crystals, but warn that the crystals take several days to grow and the dyes (used to color the crystals) stain hands, materials, etc. A good value at $19 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Be Amazing Insta-Snow Jar, Makes 2 Gallons (Ages 3 and Up) - Insta-Snow is easy to make and fun to play with, according to several online reviewers, but some parents wished that clean up was easier. Many of this product's negative reviews involve a problem with the packaging (e.g. the powder arrived in a generic, unmarked container). A good value at $10 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
MindWare Science Academy Lip Balm Lab (Ages 8 and Up) - Mindware's lip balm lab has easy-to-follow instructions, requires minimal adult supervision and is a fun introduction to chemistry, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this kit is overpriced relative to the small amount of materials that it contains; others caution that this gift is not suitable for a child with a nut allergy. A good value at $22 or less. (Available at Amazon, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond.)
Earth Science
National Geographic: Break Open 10 Geodes (Ages 8 and Up) - The rocks in this kit look plain on the outside, but are full of crystals on the inside. Some online customers were disappointed that the geodes had similar looking crystals, but rock formations are luck-of-the-draw. A good value at $25 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
ROCK ON! Geology Game with Rock and Mineral Collection (Ages 8 and Up) - Made in the USA - Rock On is a well-designed game that features a wide variety of mineral specimens, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish the game had a sturdier carrying case; others say that the rocks are hard to identify because they've been over-polished. A good value at $25 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
National Geographic Mega Gemstone Dig Kit (Ages 8 and Up) - Nat Geo's is a screen-free way to keep children occupied for hours, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that this kit is messy; others say that the minerals are hard to identify. A few customers say their kit contained fewer than 15 gemstones. A good value at $25 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Engineering
ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge (Ages 6 and Up) - This build-your-own roller coaster game is a fun way to learn about physics and engineering, according to several online customers. Parents and grandparents say this game is better suited for older kids (around age 10). Some reviewers wish the game had sturdier pieces and included more than one roller coaster car. A good value at $25 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit (Ages 8 and Up) - This circuit kit teaches the basics of electronics and problem-solving skills, according to several online customers. Some parents say their kit contained a dead piece; others say the pieces are hard to assemble. A good value at $21 or less. (Available at Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy.)
WEmake Do-It-Yourself FM Radio Kit with Tools (Ages 12 and Up) - This radio kit is a great introduction to radio design, electronics and the mechanics of soldering, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say they opted to use a higher-wattage soldering iron than the model that was included in the kit. A good value at $21 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Logic
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery (Ages 13 and Up) - This puzzle book is beautifully illustrated, deceptively simple and yet somehow maddeningly complex, according to several online customers. Some nostalgic parents wish that the book was still available in its original (larger) size. A good value at $13 or less. (Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AbeBooks.)
Mastermind: Codemaker vs. Codebreaker (Ages 8 and Up) - This deductive reasoning game is fun and challenging for parents and children alike, according to several customers. Many reviewers wish the game had a neater storage solution. A good value at $12 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Triazzle Brain Teaser Puzzle (Ages 8 and Up) - Dan Gilbert's "Triazzles" (triangular puzzles) are extremely difficult, addictive and fun. A good value at $16 or less. (Available at Amazon.)
Mathematics
Learning Resources Head Full Of Numbers (Ages 7 and Up) - Head Full of Numbers is simple, easy to follow and engaging (like a numeric version of Boggle), according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that this game is not made of durable materials. A good value at $13 or less. (Available at Amazon, Walmart and Office Depot.)
Proof! - The Fast Paced Game of Mental Math Magic (Ages 9 and Up) - Made in USA - This fast-paced game is a fun and engaging way to learn mental math, according to several parents and teachers. Some reviewers caution that a slower pace is necessary for younger children or those who are less proficient in math. A good value at $18 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
ThinkFun Math Dice Chase: Mathematical Hot Potato (Grades 3 and Up) - This classroom-based game (it requires 4-6 players) is a fun and tactile way to help children improve their multiplication skills, according to several teachers. Some reviewers were disappointed that this game can't be played in pairs. A good value at $7 or less. (Available at Amazon.)
Observation
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars (Ages 3 and Up) - These 2X binoculars are safe, sturdy and perfect for pre-schoolers to explore with, according to several online customers. Some parents say that the breakaway neck strap is "too safe," and falls off constantly. A good value at $13 or less. (Available at Amazon, Walmart and Kohl's.)
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope (Ages 3 and Up) - This toy is a lighted magnifying-glass that's shaped like a microscope. Many Amazon reviewers said their kids went running around the house and the yard looking for things to examine under the lens. A good value at $21 or less. (Available at Amazon, Walmart and Kohl's.)
Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Activity Set, 22 Pieces (Ages 3 and Up) - A majority of online reviewers like or love this miniature science lab. The kit is full of tools and experiment guides, but it doesn’t include ingredients like vinegar, salt, baking soda, food coloring, etc. A good value at $24 or less. (Available at Amazon and Kohl's.)
Physics
Sunnytech Stirling Engine (All Ages With Supervision) - This "low temperature difference" engine is a great way to demontrate thermodynamics and mechanical engineering, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say their Stirling engine required some modification and lubrication to function without squeaking. A good value at $30 or less. (Available at Amazon.)
4M DIY Water Rocket Kit, Bike Pump Not Included (All Ages With Supervision) - 4M's water rocket kit is fun, educational and a safer alternative to model rockets, according to several online customers. Some parents were disappointed that this kit does not include a pump; others say that the plastic fins break too easily. Note: This rocket uses a Presta valve (Schrader pumps require an adapter). A good value at $18 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow, 4 Rockets (Ages 3 and Up) - Kids love this toy, however, many parents say that they had to secure the rocket base with zip ties to prevent it from falling apart. Online reviews suggest that this is a cheaply made product. A good value at $14 or less. (Available at Amazon, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond.)
Robotics
LEGO Creator Robo Explorer (31062) Robot Toy (Ages 7 and Up) - Most online customers like or love this robot. Parents were happy that their 5-10 year old children built this robot independently and used the pieces for other Lego builds. A good value at $17 or less. (Available at Amazon and Walmart.)
4M Table Top Robot (Ages 8 and Up) - This robotic crab is fun to assemble and play with, according to several online customers. The crab is designed to avoid obstacles, but some reviewers said that their robot walked right off the edge of a table. A good value at $14 or less. (Available at Amazon and Hobby Lobby.)
4M Tin Can Robot (Ages 8 and Up) - 4M's inexpensive robot kit is fun and easy to assemble, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the instructions are poorly worded; others caution that the tiny screws require patience, dexterity and help from an adult. A good value at $10 or less. (Available at Walmart and Amazon.)