Top 12 Science Toys for Children

We saw the Toy Retailers Association's Top 12 Toys for Christmas and thought that the discerning parent (or other relative/friend) might want something a bit more challenging for their kids. So we've put together our list of science-oriented toys that we think deserve to be popular this Christmas:

1. Motorised Solar System by GeoSafari. A toy orrery and planetarium; be aware that the planets aren't geared so orbit at the same rate. Want to expand young astronomers' horizons further? Bring the night sky into your home or classroom! Use the stardome to create your own personal planetarium. Age 8+.
2. Fun Fly Stick by Unitech Toys. A miniature Van der Graaff generator, without the shocks. Enjoy levitating incredible metallic-looking shapes and learn physics in the process without even realizing it! Illustrated full-color Magic Wand Manual provided with the set offers tons of tips and tricks for becoming a better wizard. Age 5+.
3. C1000 Chemistry Set, by Thames & Kosmos. Enroll in CHEM C1000 and prepare yourself for a lifetime of fascination with this essential science through 75 diverse experiments. Age 10+.  T&K produce excellent science kits, and there are also the C500, C2000, and C3000 for different budgets.
4. Zero Launcher by Zero Toys. Blow 'smoke' rings (not really smoke - no flames). Launches 2 to 6 inch diameter non-toxic fog rings that sail up to fourteen feet. Easy to use, they are great stress busters and with practice you'll be able to create bigger and better rings. Age 10+.
5. The Explorer2 electronics kit is designed to build upon the skills already learnt and to increase the student's knowledge of the principles of electronics. The kit is for use in the home or the classroom and could be used to enhance the understanding of Key Stage 3 and 4 electronics. Age 10+.
6. Internal Combustion Engine Model, by Haynes. Build your own realistic working model engine, learn about the 4-stroke cycle! Includes light and sound features, light up spark plugs and moving pistons, valvegear and fan belt. Includes a 'Haynes Manual'. Age 10+.
7. TK2 Microscope & Biology Kit. Another fine product from T&K, much better quality than toy microscopes, for not much more money. Comprises a sturdy dual light 40x, 100x and 400x microscope with an illustrated 48 page experiment manual. It also contains prepared slides, and all the bits and pieces for slide-making.Age 8+.
8. Milestones in Science, also from T&K. My personal favourite, a wide-ranging kit with many models to build. Learn about famous scientists and inventors, like Archimedes, Copernicus, Einstein, Watt, and Darwin, as you reproduce their ground-breaking experiments and instruments. Age 10+.
9. Volcano Making kit, by Kidz Labs. A classic science toy mixing chemistry and geology. Make a solid volcano with the mould and plaster provided. Paint and decorate it with lava flow, landscapes etc. Put in baking soda and vinegar into the "creater" and perform an amazing eruption in front of your friends and family. Age 7+.
10. Gyro Ring, by Fascinations. Hold the metal ring and strike the smaller, brass discs. As you rotate the ring, the discs begin spinning faster and faster, like mini-gyroscopes! At first, the challenge is to keep all the discs spinning. Once you can do this, there are several tricks and stunts to master!
11. Triop World, by Interplay. For the kid that loves animals, these ancient creatures descend from the age of the dinosaurs. See how your Triops double in size each day. Triops hatch in 24 hours, can grow up to 4cm long and have an incredible life cycle. You may also hatch other creatures such as Clam Shrimp, Fairy Shrimp and Daphnia. Age 7+.
12. Galileo Telescope kit by AstroMedia. Similar to the one made by the great Italian scientist Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century, with which he first observed the Moon, planets, and stars. Upright image, easy assembly.

Some of these may also be suitable for teens or adults, but see also our separate

Top 12 Science Gifts for Teens & Adults