17 Best Science Gifts For Teens | Fun STEM Kits

We’ve tested a lot of subscription boxes, but KiwiCo Labs consistently delivers the best hands-on engineering challenges for teens. Each box includes a project that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, making science feel like play rather than work.

One of our favorites was the articulated desk lamp—not only did my teen build it, but they actually use it every day. If your teen enjoys designing, building, and tinkering, this is a must-try.

This floating globe isn’t just a cool desk accessory—it’s a mesmerizing demonstration of magnetic levitation and physics. My teen still gets a kick out of showing it off to friends, and it’s sparked plenty of conversations about how magnets and electromagnetic fields work.

It’s a simple but fascinating way to bring science into everyday life.

This game isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s guaranteed to bring laughter (and maybe a few jumps) to any gathering. The goal? React faster than everyone else to avoid getting zapped.

My teen and their friends can’t get enough of the challenge, and even the adults in our family have gotten competitive. It’s a hilarious mix of science, reflex testing, and pure adrenaline.

If your teen has a sharp sense of humor, this periodic table-inspired t-shirt will be an instant favorite. My teen wears it all the time, and it’s always good for a laugh, especially in science class.

It’s a fun, casual gift that lets them show off their science smarts and sarcastic streak at the same time.

A good microscope can turn the everyday world into something extraordinary, and the AmScope has done just that in our home. From examining plant cells to inspecting tiny insects, this microscope has added an interactive element to science learning.

Whether for school projects or just curiosity, it’s an excellent STEM gift for teens who love exploring the unseen world.

Part logic puzzle, part physics experiment, Gravity Maze challenges teens to design a working marble run using gravity and problem-solving skills. My teen has spent hours testing different pathways, and I love that it reinforces STEM thinking in such a fun way.

It’s hands-on learning that feels like a game, making it one of our go-to educational gifts.

This fun science board game makes learning about cell biology surprisingly fun. Instead of memorizing facts, teens get to play through biological processes like protein synthesis and cell respiration.

We’ve played it as a family, and it’s amazing how much you absorb just by enjoying the game. If your teen is interested in biology or medicine, this is a great way to reinforce key concepts in a hands-on way.

This kit blends real science with magic tricks, making it a huge hit in our house. My teen loved learning the chemistry and physics behind each illusion while putting on a show for the family.

The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, and the experiments are just the right balance of fun and educational. If your teen enjoys hands-on learning with a creative twist, this is a great pick.

Mel Science subscription boxes have been one of the best ways to keep science exciting in our home. The experiments are easy to follow but engaging enough to hold a teen’s attention, and they often include projects we wouldn’t have thought to try on our own.

It’s a great option for teens who love hands-on learning and want to explore topics like chemistry, physics, and engineering beyond what they get in school.

Carry on reading our Mel Science reviews to see what exclusive discounts we have available for you.

This has sparked so much creativity in our home. My teen loves experimenting with different designs, and it’s been a fun way to build 3D models without the commitment of a full printer. It’s perfect for artistic kids who enjoy hands-on projects, whether they’re into architecture, engineering, or just freeform creativity.

This science book is both hilarious and fascinating. My teen couldn’t put it down, and I kept sneaking pages myself. It takes everyday situations and applies ridiculous, science-based solutions, like building a jetpack out of machine guns.

If your teen has a quirky sense of humor and a love for science, this book is an absolute must-read.

This set has been one of the best ways to bring chemistry to life at home. It’s packed with experiments that kept my teen entertained for hours, and I love how it explains not just how things work, but why.

We even ended up using household ingredients to extend the experiments, making it a great way to keep the learning going beyond the kit itself.

We’ve always loved LEGO, but this set takes it to the next level by combining building with coding. My teen was hooked from the start, creating projects that required real problem-solving skills.

It’s a fantastic introduction to engineering and programming, and because it’s LEGO, it’s just as fun as it is educational.

Check out all of our favorite gifts for Lego lovers.

Finding a science gift that teaches a real-world skill can be tricky, but this soldering kit is a great place to start. My teen loved learning how to solder, and now they’ve started working on small electronics projects on their own.

It’s hands-on, practical, and a great introduction to circuitry and engineering for anyone interested in tech.

This kit is a fun way to introduce teens to the basics of architecture and structural design. My teen enjoyed building everything from bridges to domes, and the flexibility of the pieces made it easy to get creative with new designs.

It’s a great mix of problem-solving and hands-on learning, making it perfect for kids who love to build and experiment.

Watching rough stones transform into polished gems never gets old. My teen had so much fun with this tumbler, experimenting with different rocks and even making jewelry from the polished stones.

It’s a great way to explore geology in a hands-on way, and the final results are pretty impressive.

Want to take rock science even further? Try our free rock cycle coloring page, which pairs perfectly with this kit!

Bringing ideas to life has never been easier. My teen jumped right into designing their own projects, from practical tools to creative art pieces. Whether they’re interested in engineering, architecture, or just love experimenting with new technology, a 3D printer is an amazing way to foster creativity and problem-solving.