We researched the top STEM toys for girls, considering the educational value, ease of assembly, and challenging factors of each. Our top picks include the LEGO Women of NASA and the ever popular Snap Circuits Junior Exploration Kit for budding engineers. Here, the best STEM toys and gifts for girls of all ages. STEM toys are great for all children, regardless of gender. “Girls and boys both love STEM,” says Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia. “They have the same interests, and there’s no need to meet a certain marketing palette." We agree—any choices on this list make great options for both boys and girls.
Safety
Always follow the safety instructions included with a STEM toy. Many of our favorite STEM toys include small pieces, chemicals, or mechanical parts that could pose a safety hazard, especially for young children. If you are unsure, keep the toy or activity for times that you can supervise and play together.
Educational Value
STEM toys and activities are a great way to incorporate learning into your play. Look for a toy that teaches your child about something new or allows them to explore problems to create their own solutions. Building toys, chemistry sets, and other interactive toys are a great way to do this.
Open-Ended Play
One of the principles of STEM is to allow children to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math. Toys that allow for open-ended play get kids to use their imaginations and can offer hours of fun, coming up with a different path every time.
Why Trust The Spruce
This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. She loves helping her friends and family find unique, thoughtful, and wallet-friendly presents. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, lifestyle writer and assistant editor at The Spruce who regularly covers toy, gift, and holiday product roundups.
