The Ultimate Science Mill Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Finding the perfect gift for loved ones during the holidays is always a fun challenge — but why not make it a little easier? We’ve curated some of the best picks from the Science Store that are guaranteed to make the science enthusiast in your life ecstatic this holiday season. Browse the guide below and check them out at the museum during your next visit!

For the little tinkerers

1. KidzRobotix Tin Can Robot

Turn a used soda pop can into a cute, bug-eyed robot with this Tin Can Robot kit! This easy and accessible robotics kit will surely get your kiddos’ gears rolling. No special tools or knowledge required; the kit contains detailed instructions and all the necessary parts. Use the kit to create a silly robot or a motorized monster, or a combination of the two. Recommended for ages 8 years and up.

2. KIDZROBOTIX SPIDER ROBOT

For both robotics and bug lovers, this Spider Robot Kit is the perfect gift. The spider robot scuttles up and down its string like a real spider on silk thread and cleverly changes direction at the top and bottom. Recommended for age 8 years and up.

3. ASTROVERSE Zero Gravity Rover

Mesmerize little space cadets with the Astroverse Zero Gravity Rover. Modeled after the real-life Mars Rover, this small, toy version can be rolled around various surfaces to explore. Toy rover is magnetic – find small pieces of metal (not included) for the rover to pick up on its journey. When it’s ready to return home, this compact Zero Gravity Rover is easy to store.

4. Marble Run

Let their imagination run free with this Marble Run set! Suitable for kids 3+, the Marble Run 37-Piece Set includes 22 plastic pieces of various shapes and 15 marbles. Plastic pieces include ramps, tubes, funnels, and flippers for fun and complex creative builds. Two of the funnels are start funnels where marbles can begin their course. Every piece of the Marble Run set is brilliantly colored in one solid color and may be orange, red, blue, green, yellow, or purple. All pieces are made of high-quality, nontoxic plastic and designed to withstand numerous constructions and marble runs.

5. science mill cardboard pucks

Great news for Science Mill fans and future engineers! Our unique cardboard pucks are now available for purchase at the Science Store. Each box comes with 25 pieces you can bend, tear, and connect to form complex shapes and models!

FOR NATURE LOVERS

1. Magnifying Bug Viewer

Perfect for aspiring entomologists, this magnifying bug viewer is a great tool for observing your favorite insects while keeping them alive and unharmed. A 3" magnifying lid lets you see your favorite insects up close, and the air holes in the lid let them breath easy until you have finished your observation and release them back into their natural habitat. For ages 3+.

2. Beetle & Butterfly Net

A beautiful wood butterfly net, featuring a detachable handle. Easy to store and take with you. Measures 9.5" x 28" assembled. Recommended for age 5 years and up.

3. Rock Sample Kit

The Rock Science Kit teaches how to test, classify and identify different kinds of rocks. The kit includes fifteen (15) rock specimens, plus a magnifying viewer and a handy identification guide. Perfect for young science enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in geology. A plastic storage tray keeps the rock collection together when not in use. Recommended for ages 8 years and up.

FOR AXOLOTL FANS

1. Axolotl Plushie

Definitely weird, definitely cute — these axolotl plushies make for great cuddly buddies!

2. Axolotl Kiji Buddy Slime

The rare and trendy axolotl gets Kiji-fied as an adorably squishy figure. A popular slime and squish combo toy from Toysmith, the Kiji Buddy Axolotl Slime toy includes 1 pink plastic axolotl figure with adorable cartoon eyes and protruding gills and fins and comes with 2 ounces of gooey blue slime to swim in. Axolotl figures are super squishy and soft. If the axolotl gets dirty or too slimy, just wash him with warm soap and water.

3. Axolotl Squeezy

Kids’ new favorite amphibian pet is now available in a squishy, colorful squeeze ball. From Toysmith, the Axolotl Squeeze Ball offers a unique tactile experience that delights.

FOR THE SCIENCE MILL LOVERS

1. Science Mill Tees

A comfy tee and souvenir in one! Multiple sizes and colors available.

2. Gift Certificate

Give the gift of the Science Mill! E-gift cards can be used for memberships, Science Store purchases, museum admission and more. From $25

3. Annual Membership

Why gift one thing when you can give an all-in-one present? With a Science Mill membership, your recipient gets unlimited admission to the museum, discounts to the store and educational programs, movie selection privileges, and more!

PAY IT FORWARD

Looking to instead make a philanthropic gift for the holidays? We definitely have options for you!

Sponsor a class field trip - from $250

Spark curiosity with a Science Mill field trip! This gift will provide admission to the Science Mill for at least 40 kids and get them excited about science. Museum Exploration is designed for grades K-8, and all are supported by a TEKS-aligned guide to help tailor each visit to students’ learning goals and curriculum.

Sponsor a Learning Lab for 30 kids - from $180

Learning Labs are 30 to 45-minute enrichment activities over a variety of STEM topics and careers facilitated by Science Mill staff. The Labs are offered by grade groups K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. This is a field trip add-on that enhances the students’ visit!

Sponsor a summer camp for 30 kids

Keep the flame of curiosity burning by sponsoring a one-week STEM Career Immersion Camp (SCI Camp) for 30 kids! SCI Camps combine engaging experiences inspired by a variety of STEM careers across multiple disciplines with the fun and friendship of summer camp. Hosting a SCI Camp is the perfect way to boost students’ confidence and build 21st-century STEM career readiness!

No matter who you’re shopping for, the Science Store has something special for everyone. Each item is not just a gift; it’s an opportunity to inspire curiosity and a love for science. Happy shopping!

Pumpkin Toothpaste

MATERIALS

• 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide

• 2 tablespoons active yeast

• 6 tablespoons warm water

• Dish soap

• Food coloring

• 2 bowls / jars

• A small cup

• Craft stick / mixing tool

• Pumpkin

PROCEDURE

1. Carve your pumpkin and set aside. Make sure to keep the lid of the pumpkin close by.

2. Carefully pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into a bowl or jar, a big squirt of liquid dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring. Swirl to mix and carefully place inside the pumpkin. TIP: You can put another bowl face down inside the pumpkin to help fill the space! Then, carefully place the bowl with the mixture on top.

3. In a small cup, add 2 tablespoons of the active yeast and 6 tablespoons of warm water. Stir with the craft stick for 30 seconds then leave untouched for 5 minutes.

4. After 5 minutes, pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the hydrogen peroxide mixture and quickly place the lid back onto the pumpkin.