If You Need a Fun and Educational Gift Idea, Here Are 2020's Best New STEAM Toys
There are so many toys that can teach kids science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) skills without them even realizing they're learning. And while there's certainly a ton of STEAM-specific toys out there for kids — think: coding robots — anything that teaches kids these concepts can encourage learning, even if it doesn't say STEM or STEAM on the box.
From colorful art-based science kits to Lego sets that highlight engineering concepts and AR technology, keep scrolling to see some of the best new STEAM toys that have come out — or are about to — in 2020.
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National Geographic Earth Science Kit
This National Geographic Earth Science Kit ($30) has over 15 science experiments and STEM activities for kids ages 8 and up.
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Learning Resources Botley 2.0
Learning Resources's Botley 2.0 ($65) teaches kids the basics of coding through active play without needing a device.
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Crayola Paper Flower Science Lab Kit
Ideal for your artsy mini-me, the Crayola Paper Flower Science Lab Kit ($30) lets kids ages 7 and up go crazy by making their very own colorful creations.
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Lego Technic Catamaran
The Lego Technic Catamaran ($40) has 404 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
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Lego Technic Dragster
The Lego Technic Dragster ($18) has 225 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 7 and up.
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Lego Hidden Side Haunted Fairground
The Lego Hidden Side Haunted Fairground ($40) has 466 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
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Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm
The Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm ($17) teaches kids 18 months and older sorting skills, colors, numbers, and fine motor skills.
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Ravensburger GraviTrax XXL Starter Set Marble Run
This Ravensburger GraviTrax XXL Starter Set Marble Run ($130) is a STEAM toy aimed at kids ages 8 and up.
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LeapFrog Pick Up & Count Vacuum
Kids 2 and up will get a kick out of copying their parents with the help from the LeapFrog Pick Up & Count Vacuum ($28). Available in both pink and green, little ones can pick up "dust pieces" that teach them to count.
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Lego Technic Stunt Show Truck and Bike
The Lego Technic Stunt Show Truck and Bike ($50) has 610 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
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Educational Insights Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car
The Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car ($18) includes a kid-friendly power drill, bolts, snap-together race car parts, pit crew figures, and reusable packaging.
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Lego Hidden Side The Lighthouse of Darkness
The Lego Hidden Side The Lighthouse of Darkness ($45) has 540 pieces and is best suited to kids ages 8 and up.
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Crayola Liquid Science Lab Kit
The Crayola Liquid Science Lab Kit ($20), aimed at children 7 and up, comes with 15 ready-to-do experiments for the budding brainiac in your family.
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Educational Insights Circuit Explorer Mars Colony Deluxe Space Station
The Educational Insights Circuit Explorer Mars Colony Deluxe Space Station ($60), available in October, includes working 3D circuit pieces that allow kids to build circuits safely while engaging in imaginative play.
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Tomy Dancy Beatz
Prepare to get down with Tomy Dancy Beatz ($70), an interactive dancing robot kids 6 and up are sure to obsess over. Complete with a free app, little ones can program Dancy Beatz to execute custom dance moves. Pretty neat, right? Look for it in stores in fall 2020.
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Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera
Inspired by Robert Irwin, the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera ($60) helps kids to learn about the nature around them through trivia, photos, and facts.
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Crayola Space Science Lab Kit
This gorgeous Space Science Lab Kit ($20) gives kids 7 and older an up-close-and-personal look at the solar system and is part of Crayola's STEAM collection.