Kits for Kids: 10 Gifts for Young Makers

As you play Santa this holiday and shop for the youngsters on your list, go for gifts that give all year long. The marketplace is packed with arts and crafts sets that guarantee fun again and again—and even sneak in a new skill or two. We've picked our favorites to get you started! These 10 holiday gifts are sure to ignite the imaginations of the little builders and creators in your life.

By Bob Vila Staff | Updated Aug 11, 2023 04:56 AM

AquaFarm

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Aquafarm

This kit can be assembled by a youngster with adult supervision, or solo by older kids. Not only does it provide children with a great intro to growing a garden and caring for animals, but it also teaches kids how a symbiotic ecosystem works. Available on Amazon; $59.98.

uncommongoods.com

NSI Imagination Nation Pottery Wheel

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Pottery Wheel for Kids

Throw your young DIYer into a new skill with this ceramics-making kit that includes a pottery wheel and foot pedal, two pounds of clay, and five paint colors. No need for a kiln or oven baking here; this starter clay is designed to air-dry. Available on Amazon; $26.99.

overstock.com

Discovery Kids Build & Play Construction Fort

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Building a Fort

The Construction Fort kit expands your child's imagination by providing materials he can use to build his own space. After he creates his structure from the 72-piece collection of rods and connectors, just throw a blanket over it to complete his fortress! Available on Amazon; $31.75.

amazon.com

Theo Klein Bosch 36-Piece Toy Tool Set

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Toolkit

If your kid already has a knack for building like Bob Vila, it's never too soon to give him a toolkit. The Bosch Toy Tool Set, for ages 3 and up, includes all the classics you'd find in your own workshop: drill, hammer, helmet, screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and more. Available at Toys "R" Us; $26.99.

toysrus.com

Darby Smart's Soap Making Set

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DIY Soap

Bath time will be even more fun with soap critters your kids crafted earlier that afternoon. This super-simple kit includes everything needed to make 12 soaps in a variety of shapes, colors, and scents. Available at Darby Smart; $17.99.

darbysmart.com

Thames & Kosmos Physics Discovery Science Kit

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Physics for Kids

Disguise mechanical physics as something a lot more fun with this model-building kit that helps kids grasp fundamental concepts in physics. Its 48 pages of illustrated instructions and more than 100 construction pieces add up to 12 different models, from a freight elevator (to demonstrate pulleys) to a bicycle (to learn about wheels). It's a perfect gift for young engineers ages 8 and up. Available at Toys "R" Us; $29.99.

toysrus.com

Walking Cardboard Animal Kit

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Animal Robots

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kinetic Creatures makes one thing and one thing only: walking cardboard animal kits. Included is everything a child needs to transform precut and scored cardboard into Elly the Elephant (pictured), Rory the Rhino, or Geno the Giraffe. Available at Kinetic Creatures; $39.95.

kineticcreatures.com

Trebuchet Kit

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How to Build a Trebuchet

No tools are needed to build this wooden trebuchet, only glue and a set of clamps. Once assembled, it stands 19 inches tall and can launch ammunition (a light plastic ball, also included) up to 30 feet. For children 12 and up, that's a ton of fun! Good luck getting a turn at playing with their new favorite toy. Available at Oakland Ballistics; $26.00.

oaklandballistics.com

Casagami Solar Night Light

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DIY Night Light

This cardboard house turned night light arrives flat for kids to assemble and decorate to their hearts' content. Once assembled, set it in a window to absorb rays of sunlight during the day, and the miniature home will give off up to five hours of LED light after dark—just enough to get sleepy Jimmy or Julie to bed. Available at the MoMA Store; $12.00.

momastore.org

Make Your Own Kaleidoscope Kit

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How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Give the gift of a bright and colorful Christmas with this crafty kit that has everything necessary to build a fancy-pants kaleidoscope. This childhood staple offers hours of entertainment both before and after it's built! Available at Uncommon Goods; $37.00.

uncommongood.scom

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