There are several excellent shops in the area that have lots of science and engineering gifts. If you like kids, toys, art, science, engineering, math, puzzles, games, or anything fun, get over to Green Planet Kids at 22 Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands. This little store is jam-packed with the best toys, art activities, and STEM related kits. All the items are hand-picked by the owner, Annabelle Ship, and she knows every item she stocks. I’ve frequently seen someone ask about something, and Annabelle will give them the ins and outs of that particular toy or kit, and then introduce a couple of alternatives.
The first floor is stocked with STEM-related kits (robots, science, chemistry, electronics, engineering kits) as well as a number of crafty kits, and in the back, toys for little kids and babies.
The STEM kits range from topical “educational” kits around mummies, music, electronics, to more free-form “inventor” kits, and just plain fun things like bubble machines. There are also great “systems” (including Lego, of course) that allow you to make things freestyle.
One of my favorites in this category is a system called MakeDo which is really a system of connectors and tools to connect cardboard, plastic bottles, and other recyclables to make just about anything you can imagine. Giant Robot? Check! Submarine? Check! Model Dinosaur? You Betcha! Green Planet sells both themed kits (like the robot I mentioned) and assortments of parts, but of course you still have to supply the materials and imagination. It’s a great exercise, even if you are following the instructions, as you will have to “make do” to adapt to the actual materials you are using, since your cardboard boxes, and soda bottles won’t be identical to whatever the designer used.
The other thing that makes Green Planet one of my favorites is the large selection of art supplies on the second floor. This may seem unrelated to STEM, but I’ve found one of the best way to get kids interested in STEM is to add Art to the mix. Think Peacock Robot! (feathers and googly eyes available upstairs!)
If you’re still looking for STEM gifts, here’s one place you can not go wrong!