Welcome to the Science Mill’s STEM Toy Gift Guide for 2019! STEM is all about asking “How…,” “Why…” and “What if…?,” so these gifts guarantee to spark curiosity and stoke creativity. Everything featured here (and much more) can be purchased at the Mill’s Science Store, which has the largest selection of science toys, kits and books in the Hill Country. All store proceeds support STEM programming for tomorrow’s science leaders — so give a gift that gives back!

Makey Makey GO

Makey Makey can turn almost anything into a computer keyboard: bananas, Play-doh, even people! (It’s the secret behind the Science Mill’s banana piano.) The object just needs to conduct electricity, allowing you to create a simple circuit. Makey-Makey GO is the pocket-sized, single-connector USB version for inventors on the go.

Why Diane picked it: “It’s so much fun to create circuits with Makey Makey. No programming knowledge needed — kids pick up the principles of circuitry as they play and experiment. For extra inspiration, there are lots of great Makey-Makey projects shared online.” Suggested age: 6+

Motorized Robot Hand

Bring a robot hand to life! The kit includes all the parts to build an articulated robotic hand. Compose a rhythm, then program the hand to tap out the beat. Explore anatomy, build engineering skills and get creative with programming.

Why Sherri picked it: “A great gift for kids who wonder how things work (like the Science Mill’s Colossal Robotic Hand), because they get to do every step of the process.” Suggested age: 8+

Grow Your Own Crystal Nightlight

Create a captivating, color-changing crystal nightlight. Use alum powder to grow your own crystal structures; the kit explains the chemical processes involved. Then learn how to wire the base using a circuit with color-changing LEDs. Put the crystals on display and get glowing!

Why Bonnie and Cheyanne picked it: “This toy is a chemistry experiment and an engineering tool kit all in one. It introduces kids to multiple fields of STEM learning.” “The end product is so colorful; it reminds me of the Science Mill’s Fractalarium.”  Suggested age: 8+ (with adult supervision)

Academy Books Series

Step into different STEM careers (Architect, Engineer, Scientist, Coder, and more) with the interactive books in the Academy series. Each book includes how-to sections, activities based on real-world challenges and playful extras, such as stickers, posters and games. 

Why Bradley and Mary picked it:  “These books are simple but informative and interactive. I would have much preferred Architect Academy to my textbook in college. Probably would have been more helpful as well!” “Scientist Academy covers a lot: it shows you how to make a pendulum, and it talks about chemistry, biology, forensic science, geology, space and fossils.”  Suggested age: 7+

Hatchin’ Grow Turtle

Place your “turtle egg” in water to watch the foam turtle hatch and grow. (The ideal solution when your kid wants to take home one of the Science Mill’s baby tortoises!)

Why Portia picked it: “Growing up, I loved sea monkeys: growing the little creatures, seeing their different stages of life and taking care of them. The Hatchin’ Grow Turtle is a nice first step for kids who aren’t quite ready for a real pet. It’s a mini life science lesson.” Suggested age: 5+

Experimental Greenhouse Kit and See-Thru Garden View

Nurture observation and problem-solving skills essential to STEM with these botany kits. Watch seeds sprout and roots spread thanks to the See-Thru Garden’s clear walls. Or make a living laboratory with the Experimental Greenhouse Kit: it comes with tools and an activity book with a variety of experiments, including a DIY automatic watering system.

Why Holly and Aubry picked it: “I love to garden and it's always fun to watch things grow before your eyes!” “The Aquaponics Greenhouse is one of my favorite places at the Science Mill. An interest in nature can be an entry point to STEM for many kids.” Suggested age: 5+

Synth Kit

See — and hear — how circuits and sound work together with the Synth Kit. Build three different synthesizers with unique sounds, or remix parts for new combinations; everything is designed to be rebuilt again and again, helping kids home in on the role each part plays in the circuit.  Experiment with pitch, frequency and volume as you make your own electronic music.

Why Joel picked it: “If you like to tinker around, take things apart and put them back together, this gift is for you! Suggested age: 13+

Spiral Art Set

A classic artmaking toy that’s also mathematics in disguise. Create cool and complex geometric patterns by experimenting with the spinning discs. What happens when you try a new shape or change where you place your pencil? Everything packs inside the slim kit for art on the go.

Why Alexis picked it: “This is a miniature version of our Wondergraph exhibit. It’s a memorable experience that allows people of all ages to be creative and enjoy unique art anywhere.” Suggested age: 6+

Kids First Biology Lab with Microscope

Reveal cell structures and invisible organisms with a real microscope. The Biology Lab includes premade microscope slides, plus tools and guides for making your own. How is the cat’s fur different than your hair? What’s living in a drop of lake water? See the world with new eyes under 750x magnification! (For tweens, check out the precision TKx400i Dual-LED Microscope.)

Why Wendy picked it: “My favorite toy as a kid was a microscope with pre-made slides and a slide making kit. Kids are fascinated by the microscope views of zebrafish embryos in our BioLab, and this is a wonderful way to build on that curiosity at home.” Suggested age: 8+

Happy Atoms Set

“Atoms are the building blocks of life”: The Happy Atoms set lets kids play with that idea and learn by building. Make atoms and molecules using magnetic connectors that represent bonds. Scan what you build with a smartphone or tablet camera, and use the Happy Atoms app to explore that molecule in depth (similar to the Science Mill’s Chemical Reactions table).

Why Amber picked it: “As a kid, I loved science experiments that incorporated kitchen chemistry: volcanoes made with baking soda and vinegar, alka seltzer rockets, etc. Chemistry felt like a struggle in high school, but became my favorite thing to teach to 6th and 8th graders.” Suggested age: 10+

For Kids at Heart

The Science Store has gifts for the grown-ups on your list, too. Hailey’s top pick is the heat-changing mug: fill it with hot coffee to reveal how caffeine interacts with your brain. Emilee suggests the bee notebooks to add bit of nature to any desk. Browse the store for more, including scarves, puzzles, bags and books. (But don’t be surprised when the adults have just as much fun with the kids’ toys above!)

For Kids of All Ages

Need a gift for the kid who has everything? Something you know they won’t outgrow? Or want to avoid all the wrapping and skip straight to the memory-making and fun? Treat the whole family to a Science Mill membership or day passes! Pre-sale tickets are also available now for Snow Day 2020.