Last summer we did a lot of science kits filled with experiments and learning how things grow. The kids learned a lot and really enjoyed the different kits we did, so it was no surprise to me when my three minis requested LIVE Pet Hermit Crab Complete Kit - SHIPPED WITH 2 Live Crabs
and LIVE Frog Growing Kit SHIPPED WITH 2 Tadpoles- Leopard Frog for Christmas. I absolutely love giving things like this as gifts because 1.) it's not a toy and 2.) it's educational, pleasing both the parent and the child(ren). Here are a few of our favorite kits that we've used in the last six month:
Insects/Bugs/and More:
Insect Lore Ladybug Land: To go with this kit, buy: Insect Lore Ladybug Life Cycle Stages and A Ladybug's Life (Nature Upclose) to help kids understand what's happening.
Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden: This book is a great tool to have as the kids watch the caterpillars progress: From Caterpillar to Butterfly (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1)
Toysmith Ant Universe Educational Kit and live ants to go with it Live Ant Farm Ants Shipped Now: Ant Farm Kit Refill (these were by far the creepiest thing I've ever had delivered to my door).
Fascinations GreenEarth Praying Mantis Kit
Science Kits:
4M Kitchen Science Kit
The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You!: This book has been fantastic! It's a cheap buy and would make a great gift. Look through and pick out a few fun experiments and buy the supplies the kiddos would need to do the experiment. I have yet to meet a parent that doesn't love this gift!
POOF-Slinky 0SA222 Scientific Explorer Disgusting Science Kit
4M Magnet Science Kit: This was great for the older kids. For the younger kids, I grabbed a few Toysmith Mighty Magnet Sets and let them experiment away with the large magnets.
4M Potato Clock
4M Eco Science Toys
4M Green Rocket
Most of these kits are for the 5+ crowd, but most of these kits can be simplified for the younger crowd too. We had kids ages 1 to 6 enjoy them over the last six months, with the older kids helping the younger kids.