It can be challenging to find thoughtful presents for your loved ones this holiday season....thankfully, the Science Mill Science Store is full of fun STEM goodies for your kids, nephews & nieces, and even the inner child in you! Here are some ideas, which also makes for a great excuse to visit the Science Mill this month (or shop online!):

For the plushie lover

Cute, soft, squishy…what’s not to like?

Axolotl Lil’ Huggy Plushie

For those who can’t resist the weird cuteness of the iconic Mexican salamander, this axolotl plushie would make a perfect gift! As an educational bonus, it can serve as a talking point for what endangered animals like axolotls are.

sand animals

This classic, sand-filled toy makes for a versatile holiday present. Suitable for reptile lovers or as a stress-relief toy for kids or adults, this sand animal comes in four different, shimmery reptiles. They also make for a great display when collected as a set!

For the tinkerer

Stitch-A-Circuit Robot

Discover the joy of science with this electrifying game! Stitch your robot together with the conductive thread provided, which carries an electric charge that will cause your robot to light up and play different sounds when fully stitched.

For ages 8 and up.

Eco-Tech Bulb

Power up this overhead lamp with gravity to light up your surroundings. Crank the handle to manually power the torch.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

For the nature lover

Wood Butterfly Net

This sleek, durable, and FSC-certified wood butterfly net is a great gift for the outdoorsy kid! Its handle is detachable for easy storage and travel. It measures 9.5" x 28" when fully assembled.

Pollution and Waste book

For the eco-conscious kid, this book will make a great gift! It’s packed with scientific facts, experiments, and activities linked to pollution and waste and explains how they damage the environment. It brings a lively, hands-on approach to practical science experiments. Children can find almost everything they need for the experiments around the home. The materials and instructions are simply, safely, and clearly presented. This STEM-focused book will show readers how to test for air pollution, watch global warming at work, clean up an oil spill, and much more.

For the budding chemist

Clean Water Science: Mini Water Filtration

This Clean Water Science kit introduces kids to basic chemistry by allowing them to explore ways of reusing water. They will filter dirty water to make it clean, experiment with distillation to make clean water, and use solar energy to purify water.

Crystal Growing Kit

This all-inclusive crystal growing kit allows kids to grow their own custom-colored crystals! It includes red, blue, and white colored crystal seeding mixtures which you can mix to produce a fully-grown crystal measuring 4 cm x 5 cm (1.5" x 2"). So many different color possibilities! Kit comes with detailed instructions and a clear case for display and protection. For ages 10+.

For the brainiac

Stay Curious! A Brief History of Stephen Hawking

A role model worth looking up to! Here’s a picture-book biography about science superstar Stephen Hawking, whose visionary mind revolutionized our concept of reality and whose struggle with ALS inspired millions. Perfect for parents and teachers looking to instill curiosity and a love for STEM.

100-piece Puzzle: Upcycled Robots

Here’s a gift sure to stimulate the mind and hands of any curious kid—or adult for that matter! This 100-piece “Upcycled Robots” puzzle is thoughtfully commissioned and beautifully designed in an ideal format for transitioning from simple children’s puzzles to more challenging adult jigsaw puzzles. It offers a screen-free, relaxing way to practice patience and concentration while sharing a gentle cooperative activity with friends and family.

Ages 5+

For last-minute shopping

Nothing delivers faster than a gift card! If you’re pressed for time, why not give your loved one a gift card to the Science Mill? They can use it for admissions, membership, or Science Store purchases. Once you purchase them, your recipient instantly gets their digital gift card code in their inbox. Buy them below!

Buy gift cards

What to buy your kids for the holidays: 2023 Science Store gift guide