I often hear moms lament that their kids are growing up and it’s no longer fun to buy gifts for them.
All they want is cash and gift cards.
Well, I beg to differ. Teen boys can be great fun to buy for if you hone in on their interests, and most all teen boys love science! I know that Ben does, and he is never disappointed to unwrap a gift that will keep him building, creating, and exploring for hours at a time.
From robots and building kits, to chemistry sets and microscopes, the choices for science gifts for teen boys are limitless. So go ahead, skip the cash gift this year and enjoy buying fun, engaging, creative (even educational!) science gifts for your teen son.
Here are some ideas to get you started! And just so you know, each choice has the (wishful) stamp of approval of almost 15-year-old, Ben.
Stopmotion Explosion: Complete Stop Motion Animation Kit with HD Camera & Book (Windows & OS X)
This kit contains everything needed to create amazing high-definition stop motion films. Fun for all ages and experience levels! Video tutorial access included. Learn techniques for animating LEGO®, action figures, toys, clay, and many other materials. Build your own custom armatures and movie sets.
Snap Circuits Lights Electronics Discovery Kit
Watch and be amazed at what your music can do with the new Snap Circuits Lights. Connect your iPod or any MP3 player and enjoy your music as the lights change to the beat. Features: Infrared Detector, Strobe Light, Color Changing LED, Lighted and Glow-in-the-Dark Fans, Strobe integrated circuit (IC), Fiber Optic communication, Color organ controlled by iPod or other MP3 player, voice or finger.
Robotikits 14-in-1 Solar Robot
The solar powered robot can be transformed into 14 different robot modes which include a multitude of comical and functional movements. Easily change from a wagging-tail dog; running beetle; walking crab; surfer; speedster; zombie chaser The robot kit provides unique accessories (included) and parts that make the robot move on land and water.
Laser Pegs National Geographic Landmarks and Archaeology Building Kit
Travel the globe and discover historical treasures of old and new with this jaw dropping 30 in 1 National Geographic Landmarks and Archaeology kit from Laser Pegs! Become a world famous explorer by building models like the Colosseum, Big Ben, the Lincoln Memorial, the Egyptian Pyramids, and many more. Your building experience is simply the beginning, once your finished you can light up your creations to make them world famous!
Thames and Kosmos Rocket Science Kit
Physics comes alive in this action-packed series of experiments centered around a specially-designed “stomp-on” rocket launcher with three foam rockets. Launch water- and air-powered rockets to learn about action and reaction forces. Build a balloon-propelled rocket, boat and race car. Play a game to try to hit target “planets” with the foam rockets. Explore the physical principles of gravity and inertia. Learn about air pressure. Read up on the different vehicles humans have used to escape Earth’s gravitational pull.
LEGO Architecture Studio
Bring your architectural creations to life in LEGO form with LEGO Architecture Studio. In this amazing set you get over 1200 LEGO bricks and an inspirational guidebook filled with 272 pages of tips, techniques, features and intuitive hands-on exercises endorsed by leading design houses. LEGO Architecture Studio gives you everything you need to create your very own unique buildings. Let your imagination guide your design!
LEGO Mindstorms
This is the ultimate set for engineers and programmers-in-training. Create and command robots that walk, talk, think and do anything you can imagine. Follow the step-by-step 3D building instructions to bring your creation to life with an easy, intuitive and icon-based programming interface.
Thames & Kosmos CHEM C3000 Chemistry Set
CHEM C3000 is the ultimate chemistry set. This kit includes all of the components from CHEM C2000, plus dozens of additional tools and chemicals, and 100 additional experiments, for a total of more than 333 experiments. The 192-page, full-color experiment manual is written at a more advanced level than the other CHEM kit manuals. You could call it a textbook, but the manual is too much fun to make that comparison.
DX SkyExpedition 60 Computerized Telescope
With the Celestron SkyExpedition 60 you can automatically locate over 4,000 wonders of the Universe with its motorized system and on board computer! Fully adjustable tripod features a convenient accessory tray. Easy to use computerized hand control allows user to locate objects at the touch of a button. This fantastic family-friendly lightweight telescope comes complete with tripod, Altazimuth mount and accessories.
Odyssey Neptune WiFi Drone
Capture HD Photos and Videos with this FPV video Streaming Drone View amazing footage streamed & recorded directly to your smartphone with this WiFi drone. Featuring a 6-axis flight system, you’ll be impressed with its maneuverability as it cuts through the sky.
Perplexus Twist
The Perplexus Twist will amaze players as they try to solve the latest in the line of award-winning 3-D puzzles. Perplexus Twist challenges players to move the stainless steel marble through 30 different transition points while it rotates on its own axis. Intriguing and fun, the Perplexus Twist will help with hand-eye coordination, thinking steps ahead, practicing impulse control, and even memory skill.
Some Like It Hot! Make Your Own Hot Sauce
Challenge your creativity while pleasing your taste buds with hot sauce you make using the ingredients in this kit and your choice of pepper(s).
Celestron 44308 Handheld Digital Microscope Pro
The Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is an easy to use, low-power microscope with a 5.0 MP sensor for capturing photos and video of your discoveries. At low magnification, the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is ideal for viewing stamps, coins, bugs, plants, rocks, skin, gems, circuit boards, and more. You can even view traditional slides at high magnification.
Create high-resolution images, VGA quality video, and time-lapse animations using the included Micro Capture Pro software.
Elenco Deluxe Learn To Solder Kit
You will learn to solder on a state-of-the-art printed circuit board using an electronically-controlled soldering station with a temperature range of 350F to 900F. If you have never soldered before or just want to sharpen your skills, this Learn by Doing module makes soldering fun.
Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter
The SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars from Celestron offer phenomenal performance for astronomical viewing. They are also a great choice for terrestrial use, especially over long distances. All models feature high quality BAK-4 prisms and have multi-coatings for enhanced contrast. Field of view is 230 feet at 1,000 yards.
Lortone 3A Deluxe Rock Tumbler Kit
Kit includes professional tumbler, rough rocks, 4-step polishing kit, plastic pellets, spare drive belt, and detailed instructions.
What gifts are you considering giving your teen sons this Christmas?
Don’t miss my list of 5 Great Gifts for Active Teen Boys!