2025 STEM Gift Guide
Welcome to the second annual LA STEM Collective STEM Gift Guide!
Our LA STEM Collective team is excited to continue our tradition of curating a list of STEM gifts for all ages. Thanks to your help, we are excited to share this list of 60+ gift ideas sourced from our community for the holiday season, including our LA STEM Collective Members. It’s never too early or too late to inspire someone with a STEM themed gift!
LA STEM will not receive commission from purchases made through these links. If you’d like to donate directly to the LA STEM Collective, we invite you to do so here!
*Items marked with an asterisk (*) are gifts that can be purchased through an LA STEM Collective Member store. Proceeds from these sales directly benefit Members of the LA STEM Collective.*
Jump to an age range using the links below or scroll through the full list!
🎁 Ages 3-7
🎁 All Ages
🎁 DIY STEM Activities and Gifts
Ages 3-7
Sunprint Cyanotype Kit ($10)
Recommended for ages 4+
Did you know you can take photographs with the sun and water? This kit combines art & science in one!
– recommended by Laura at Pacific Marine Mammal Center
The Case of the Abandoned Sea Otters by Katie Pelon ($10)*
Recommended for early readers
Join Riley, a 3rd grader, and her friends as they explore the mysterious abandonment of sea otter pups outside the aquarium. Can they solve the mystery?
The Little Bulker by Katerina Perganti Shaw ($11)*
Recommended for ages 3-7
Follow the “Little Bulker” a cargo ship setting off for her first sail around the world! Learn about the maritime industry with this cute children’s book.
First Day of Grapes by L. King Perez ($12)*
Recommended for ages 7-10
Meet Chico, a 3rd grade California math whiz whose family migrates up and down California picking fruits and vegetables. One day at a new school, a group of bullies confront Chico – but little do they know how brave he is.
Crystal Chemistry Garden ($12)
Recommended for ages 7+
Grow a colorful crystal garden with this science kit and learn about the science behind crystallization.
Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find? ($13)
Recommended for age 6
This kid-friendly field guide and activity book encourages kids to explore the outdoors with look-and-find challenges, games, and crafts.
– recommended by Joan at Nonscriptum LLC
Steve Spangler Science Energy Stick ($14)
Recommended for ages 4+
Learn all about electricity and circuits with this hands-on science experiment. Touch both ends to make a human circuit!
Canister Rocket Kit ($15)
Recommended for 1st grade+
Create a chemical reaction in your backyard with these canister rockets! Watch Newton’s Third Law of Motion — where there’s an action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction — in real time.
Mud Pies and Other Recipes by Marjorie Winslow ($16)
Recommended for ages 5-9
Get your hands dirty with this make-believe cookbook. Make crabgrass gumbo and left and right handed mudloaf.
Plui Rain Cloud ($19)*
Recommended for ages 3-7
Add some physics to bath time fun with this rain cloud water toy. Fill up the raincloud and then release the top to watch the water rain out of the cloud.
The Ocean in Your Bathtub by Seth Fishman ($20)*
Recommended for ages 3-7
Did you know that the ocean covers 71% of the planet? Learn more fascinating facts about the ocean and its ecosystems with this children’s book.
Skype a Scientist Eel Facts Advent Calendar ($25)
Learn all about eels this holiday season with the Eel Facts calendar! Crab Facts and Frog Facts are also available.
– recommended by Lia
Butterfly Garden Kit ($30)
Recommended for ages 4+
Watch caterpillars as they transition into butterflies inside this mesh habitat. Includes live caterpillars!
MadScientist STEAM Kit ($30)*
Recommended for ages 7-10
Get hands-on with STEAM with 4 experiments in one kit. From sensory slime to a 3D dinosaur puzzle, this kit will encourage your child to explore and think outside the box.
Handheld Microscope ($36)
Recommended for ages 4-12
Explore the world around you with this handheld microscope. Take this battery operated microscope into the field and spy on insects, flowers, and more.
58-Piece Microscope Kit ($39)
Recommended for ages 5-12
Learn about the microbial world with prepopulated and blank microscope slides with this microscope kit.
Kids First: Science Laboratory ($40)*
Recommended for ages 3-7
Explore science and nature with this hands-on laboratory kit complete with 10 experiments and plastic scientific tools.
* available for purchase at Discovery Cube Los Angeles *
Magna-Tiles Travel Set ($40)
Recommended for ages 3+
Help your littles learn fine motor skills and test their engineering prowess with this travel sized Magna-Tiles kit.
Ages 8-12
Jane’s Endangered Animals Guide by JJ Johnson and Christian Simms ($17)*
Recommended for ages 8-12
Learn about 10 different endangered animals in this scrapbook style book. Perfect for fans of Jane on Apple TV!
Back to the Future II Time Machine Model Car ($19)*
Recommended for ages 8+
Go “Back to the Future” with this model Delorean car! With working car doors and details from the movies, any movie buff will love this.
Explore STEM with Ada Lovelace ($20)
Recommended for ages 8+
Did you know Ada Lovelace was the world’s first computer programmer? Dive into hands-on challenges exploring the basics of computer programming, from binary code to algorithms – all without a computer!
– recommended by Maddie at LA STEM Collective
Hydraulic Box STEM Kit ($20)*
Recommended for ages 8-13
Explore engineering concepts by crafting a box that opens through hydraulics.
Harbor Seal Shoulder Bag ($20)*
Bring your fuzzy seal friend with you the next time you leave the house! This shoulder bag combines the cuteness of a harbor seal plush and the usefulness of a purse.
Elephant Toothpaste Kit ($23)*
Recommended for ages 8-12
Watch chemistry come alive with this elephant toothpaste kit! Measure and mix household ingredients to create a massive (and easily cleanable!) reaction.
BBC Micro:bit V2.2 ($26)
Recommended for ages 8+
Code and program projects with this electronic board complete with 25 LEDs, buttons and sensors.
– recommended by Joan at Nonscriptum LLC
Blue Gel Ant Farm Terrarium ($27)
Recommended for ages 8+
Watch ants burrow and create complex tunnels in this gel ant terrarium.
Spider Robot ($35)*
Recommended for ages 8+
Unleash your inner inventor with this spider robot! Construct your own robot and watch it scurry around your home.
– recommended by Jamecca at LA STEM Collective
Battleship IOWA Model Kit ($35)*
Recommended for ages 10+
Build a piece of history with this model kit of the Battleship IOWA. Includes moveable seaplanes and turrets.
Circuit Maze Logic Board Game ($40)
Recommended for ages 8+
Build a circuit with this logic board game, and watch it light up as you complete each challenge!
Matter Subscription Box ($45 monthly subscription)
Recommended for ages 10+
Learn about the world with real scientific marvels and artifacts that you can hold. From fossils to exotic specimens, these boxes will wow the whole family!
Symbolically Adopt a California Sea Lion ($55)*
This symbolic adoption kit comes with a California sea lion plush toy, stickers, and games to learn about sea lions.
– recommended by Laura at Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Ages 13-18
STEM Enamel Pin Set ($12)
These adorable science pins will show off your love of all things STEM! From molecules to a mol(e), it’s time to show off your STEM style.
Inventors Logbook Guided Lined Notebook ($13)*
Sketch your latest inventions or jot down your ideas in this logbook. Unleash your biggest ideas!
Newton’s Cradle ($15)
Recommended for ages 13+
Explore conservation of momentum and conservation of energy as the balls swing and transfer energy. Mesmerising!
* available for purchase at Discovery Cube Los Angeles *
Spaceteam ($28)
Recommended for ages 13+
Collaboration is key as you race against the clock to fix your spaceship in this card game. Fans of Among Us will love the wrenches the game throws at you and your team as the clock ticks down. Fun for the whole family!
EurekaCrate ($30 monthly subscription)
Recommended for ages 13+
Engineer amazing projects with this monthly subscription box. Build a working laser speaker or printing press and learn engineering skills along the way.
Ecologies Card Game ($30)
Recommended for ages 13+
Build and maintain diverse ecosystems and food webs in different climates while your opponents try to sabotage your biomes. Made with beautiful cards!
Make: Calculus ($30)*
Recommended for math students ages 13+
Make: Calculus teaches calculus concepts through 3D printed models, construction toys, programming, craft materials, and more for hands-on math lessons. Additional books on Trigonometry and Geometry are also available. Books are available through Nonscriptum LLC’s publisher, MakerShed.
– recommended by Joan at Nonscriptum LLC
Little Woodchucks: Offerman Woodshop’s Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery ($35)
Recommended for ages 13+
Dive into family-friendly crafting and learn how to build a wide range of projects, including a handmade box kite and a garden planter.
– recommended by Jonathan Bijur at Rediscover Center
Wingspan ($55)
Recommended for ages 14+
Unleash your inner ornithologist with this complex board game. Build bird habitats, draw unique bird cards, and strategically play your resources to be victorious!
Thames & Kosmos: Roller Coaster Engineering Kit ($55)*
Recommended for ages 13+
Build a roller coaster and explore physics, forces, and motion with this engineering kit.
* available for purchase at Discovery Cube Los Angeles *
Science News Subscription ($59)
Recommended for ages 13+
Stay up to date on all things science with this year’s subscription to “Science News.”
All Ages
Explore Ballona! Naturalist Guide ($10)*
This guide is a great tool for all explorers to learn about the plants and animals found at the Ballona Wetlands.
Bison Plushie ($15)*
Adventure with your very own Catalina Bison plush!
Vaquita Porpoise Water Bottle ($15)*
Stay hydrated in style with this porpoise imprinted water bottle. Vaquita Porpoises are native to the Baja California waters and are critically endangered.
Wildflower Honey (24 oz) ($18)*
Sweeten the season with this local Long Beach honey from Community Services Unlimited! Available online or at the Village Market Place.
Bees Wrap Holiday 3 Pack (non plastic food storage) ($20)
Reduce your plastic use with this 3 pack of Bees Wrap, an eco friendly and reusable alternative to plastic wrap. Keeps food fresh!
Wings Over Bolsa Chica 2026 Calendar ($20)*
Enjoy 2026 with this calendar featuring stunning photographs of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. All purchases include a membership to the Bolsa Chica Land Trust.
Dragon Robots Wallet ($20)
Combine your love of robots and dragons with this cute wallet!
Keep it Salty, Not Dirty Canvas Tote Bag ($22)*
Start where you are – every small action counts to protect the ocean and the planet, including choosing canvas over plastic at the grocery store.
Gold DNA Ring ($23)
Show off your scientific style with this handmade DNA helix ring.
Oaks of Southern California Oversized Shirt ($25)*
Represent the trees of SoCal with this leafy shirt. Test your knowledge of oak tree leaves while you’re styling your outfit.
Hand-painted Seashell Claw Clip ($26)*
The beach is always in style with this seashell claw clip! Add some color and beach vibes to your updo no matter where you are.
Great Egret Plushie ($30)*
Cuddle a great egret and show your support for the Ballona Wetlands with this snuggly plush. Red-tailed hawk and Mallard duck plushies are also available.
15” Space Shuttle Endeavor Plush with Boosters ($35)*
Blast off with this space shuttle plush and stay tuned with the California Science Center to find out when you can visit the Endeavor space shuttle in person.
I am a Scientist Robot Tee ($35)*
Let the world know that YOU are a scientist with this snazzy t-shirt featuring a robot. Thumbs up!
Doodle Sweatpants ($35)*
Show off your STEM Style with these cotton sweatpants. Perfect for lounging while thinking up your next invention!
Original Vacuum Bottle ($39)
Looking for a new water bottle? Look no further! This 26 fl. oz. bottle is double insulated and keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. “Every bottle sold by Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 lbs. of ocean-bound plastic, equivalent to 1,000 plastic bottles in weight”
Hollywood to Honolulu: The Story of the Los Angeles Steamship Company ($40)*
Read about the elegant steamships that traveled from Los Angeles to Honolulu in the roaring twenties.
Cordless Rainbow Lightbulb ($43)*
Bring the neon colors of the rainbow into your home this holiday season! This lightbulb recreates the look and feel of a classic Edison lightbulb – complete with an LED rainbow.
Legacy Cozy Set with Blanket and Socks ($60)*
Style your home and support Black Girls Code by purchasing the “We Belong in the Room” blanket and socks.
At the Center of Itself the River is Silence Tee Shirt ($65)*
Represent the LA River with this retro t-shirt.
“Get it Done” Refurbished Chromebook Laptop ($129)*
Upgrade your technology and get online with a refurbished laptop from Human-i-t. Backed up with a year of free technical support and hardware warranty.
NEMO Equipment Roamer Self Inflating Mattress ($225)*
Camp in comfort with this XL self inflating mattress and explore California with Bewilder’s camping trip guides.
Skywatcher Heritage Dobsonian Telescope ($310)*
Gaze into the night sky with this telescope and learn about the night sky.
A Membership to museums, aquariums, zoos, and more! (Price varies)*
Enjoyable by all ages
- Aquarium of the Pacific ($119+)
- Bolsa Chica Land Trust ($10+)
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium ($25+)
- Heal the Bay Aquarium ($55+)
- Los Angeles Maritime Museum ($40+)
- Kidspace Children’s Museum ($145+)
- Los Angeles Zoo ($75+)
- National History Museums of LA County ($109+)
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center ($50)
- Petersen Automotive Museum ($85+)
- Rediscover Center Family Crafting ($120+)
The LA STEM Collective is a network of over 130+ organizations passionate about increasing access to STEM learning opportunities around Greater Los Angeles. Check out our complete member list here.
BONUS! DIY STEM Gifts
Recycle paper and create your own journal with this step by step guide to crafting your own paper.
With water, moss, soil, and plants, you can create a biosphere in a jar and watch it grow over a few weeks.
Combine glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to make slime at home!
