Gift guide

STEM Gifts for Kids Who Love to Build

Circuit kits that turn play dough into light-up creations. Kids push LEDs, buzzers and motors into conductive dough and watch them light up, beep and spin. No soldering and no screens. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Gift ideas by age and budget

Every kit works with the same dough and parts, so it is easy to add on later.

Stocking stuffer or add-on

Lite Kit

$16.50

A battery holder, 15 LEDs and a tub of conductive dough. Also the easy add-on to a bigger kit: every builder needs a battery holder, so a Lite Kit lets two kids share one Deluxe Kit.

See the Lite Kit

Best first kit, ages 8+

Standard Kit

$38.50

Our best seller. Light and sound with 25 LEDs, a buzzer, 4 tubs of dough and 3 project guides. Everything for the winter projects below.

See the Standard Kit

For siblings or big builders

Deluxe Kit

$82.50

Adds a motor with fan, a switch, two buzzers and 8 big tubs of dough. Sharing with a sibling? Add a Lite Kit so each builder has a battery holder.

See the Deluxe Kit

Add-on for any kit

Dough Kit

$25.00

Seven colors of conductive dough plus white insulating dough. A great refill for anyone who already has a kit.

See the Dough Kit

For a teacher, club or homeschool group

Group Kit

$300.00

10 stations in a carrying case, enough for a class of up to 30. Add 2 Dough Kits for dough.

See the Group Kit

Gift tips

  • Each battery holder takes 4 AA batteries, not included. Add AA batteries so it works on the first day.
  • Recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger children can build with an adult. Small parts: not for children under 3.
  • Orders ship from Minnesota within 3 business days. Order early for the holidays.
  • Two kids sharing one kit? Add a Lite Kit so each has their own battery holder.

Winter STEM Activities for Kids

Free step-by-step projects for snow days and winter break. Each one comes with a printable instruction card.

Snowman Project Light-Up Snowman Stack a snowman from white insulating dough and light him up with LEDs.Learn: how insulating dough keeps a circuit from shorting outFree steps and printable card Reindeer Project Reindeer with a Glowing Nose Build a reindeer with a scarf and a nose that lights up.Learn: LED polarity: the long leg goes to the red wireFree steps and printable card Wreath Project Holiday Wreath A green dough wreath with four LEDs glowing at once.Learn: parallel circuits, with every LED connected the same wayFree steps and printable card Stars Project Night Sky Stars Shape dough stars and connect them with an LED to light up a winter sky.Learn: how an LED closes the gap to complete a circuitFree steps and printable card Campfire Project Cozy Campfire Four LEDs make a glowing campfire you can build indoors.Learn: lighting several LEDs from one battery holderFree steps and printable card Flashlight Project Dough Flashlight Build a flashlight for long winter nights.Learn: why a light needs a complete circuit to turn onFree steps and printable card

These projects use LEDs, a battery holder, and conductive and insulating dough, so they work with the Standard, Deluxe or Green Engineering Kit. Dough colors are suggestions, so use what you have. See all 45+ free projects

Gift questions

What is a good STEM gift for an 8 year old?

The Standard Kit is our most popular first kit. It has everything to build light-up and buzzing creations, plus 3 project guides. For a smaller gift or a stocking stuffer, start with the Lite Kit.

What is a good STEM gift for a 10 to 12 year old?

The Deluxe Kit adds a motor, a switch and more dough for bigger builds. For older kids who like science experiments, the Green Engineering Kit covers solar, wind and stored energy.

Can two kids share one kit?

Yes. The dough and parts go a long way, but each builder needs their own battery holder. Add a Lite Kit to any bigger kit for a second battery holder, 15 more LEDs and another tub of dough.

Are batteries included?

No. Each battery holder takes 4 AA batteries. You can add AA batteries to your order.

Is the dough safe?

The dough is non-toxic, and the kits are tested to the ASTM F963-23 toy safety standard. It contains wheat (gluten). Keep the conductive dough sealed in its tub so it does not dry out.

What winter STEM activities can kids do at home?

Try the free projects on this page: a light-up snowman, a reindeer with a glowing nose, a holiday wreath, night sky stars, a campfire and a flashlight. Each has step-by-step photos and a printable card.