A gift guide of books, games, and learning tools recommended by IAG Board members.
Welcome to IAG’s Favorite Things! IAG Board members have gathered gift ideas and learning resources for students, families, and educators. From books that open new doors to games and tools that spark curiosity, these picks make it easy to find something thoughtful, playful, or inspiring. Browse by audience or topic and discover a favorite for a curious learner - or for the people who support them.
Affiliate disclosure
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For StudentsBooksAges 0-5 | Ages 4-8 | Ages 6-10 | Ages 8-12 | Ages 12+ Ages 0 - 5Ada Twist, Scientist - Andrea Beaty Ada asks questions about everything around her, then sets out to investigate. We recommend this rhyming picture book for children whose curiosity leads them to ask “why?” and “how?”—and for families who want to celebrate wondering together. The Little Book with No Pictures - B. J. Novak This board-book version turns reading aloud into a silly game of unexpected sounds and words. We recommend it for little ones who enjoy making noise, being part of the story, and seeing what happens when a grown-up has to say something ridiculous. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Press Here - Hervé Tullet This interactive book makes a simple idea feel like magic: tap a dot, turn the page, and see what changed. We recommend it for children who like to participate, make predictions, and test whether their actions can affect what happens next. Mix It Up! - Hervé Tullet With lively prompts and colorful dots, this book invites children to pretend they are mixing colors right on the page. We recommend it for young readers who like hands-on play, experimenting, and seeing familiar ideas in a new way. Four Seasons Pop-Up Books These pop-up books invite little readers to explore seasonal changes through colorful, three-dimensional pages. We recommend them for children who enjoy looking closely, touching and exploring books, and noticing how the world outside changes throughout the year. Ditty Bird Bilingual Sound Books These sound books invite little ones to press, listen, and repeat as they explore words in two languages. We recommend them for families introducing a second language or making familiar words more engaging through sound and hands-on discovery. Ages 4 - 8Where Oliver Fits - Cale Atkinson Oliver is a puzzle piece searching for the place where he belongs. We recommend this funny, gently reassuring story for children who like playful illustrations and for grown-ups looking for an easy way to talk about belonging and being yourself. The Book That Can Read Your Mind - Marianna Coppo This clever interactive book performs a mind-reading trick: readers secretly choose a character, and the book guesses who it is. We recommend it for children who love magic, puzzles, and figuring out how a trick works—then trying it again. The Most Magnificent Books - Ashley Spires This series follows an inventive girl who keeps working through frustration and failed attempts to make something magnificent. We recommend it for young creators who like building, drawing, designing, or learning that mistakes can be part of making something new. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi - Chris Van Allsburg A missing dog leads a young boy into a mysterious garden full of surprises. We recommend this atmospheric picture book for children who enjoy a touch of magic, richly detailed illustrations, and stories that leave room for speculation. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Flotsam - David Wiesner A child discovers a curious underwater camera, and the wordless illustrations reveal its extraordinary history. We recommend it for children who love visual details and imaginative questions—and for anyone who enjoys making up a story together, one page at a time. What Do You Do with an Idea? - Kobi Yamada This thoughtful story follows an idea as it grows from something small into something worth sharing. We recommend it for children who enjoy imagining possibilities and for grown-ups who want to encourage a child’s creativity and confidence. Ages 6 - 10The Wild Robot - Peter Brown Roz, a robot stranded in the wilderness, learns to survive and build relationships with the animals around her. We recommend this adventure for children who enjoy nature, technology, and stories that pair big questions with a warm, engaging plot. The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids: For Ages 10 & Under - Judy Galbraith Written directly for young readers, this friendly guide offers ideas for understanding strengths, navigating friendships and school, and making sense of big feelings. We recommend it for families who want a child-friendly resource that helps younger kids feel understood and more confident. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales Series - Nathan Hale These graphic novels tell dramatic stories from history with humor, action, and plenty of memorable details. We recommend them for children who like comics and adventure, or who are more likely to explore history when it comes with a gripping story. Magic Tree House Series - Mary Pope Osborne Jack and Annie travel through time and explore different places, from ancient civilizations to the natural world. We recommend the series for children who like adventure and history, and for readers ready to discover the fun of chapter books. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick - Chris Van Allsburg Each mysterious illustration comes with a short caption that hints at a larger story. We recommend this book for children who enjoy inventing explanations, spotting details, and turning an intriguing image into a story of their own. Calvin and Hobbes - Bill Watterson Calvin’s big imagination and Hobbes’s dry wit make these comic strips funny for children and grown-ups alike. We recommend the collection for readers who enjoy wordplay, silly adventures, and a character who can turn an ordinary afternoon into something wonderfully unexpected. Graphic Novel Classics: The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, and Heidi - Various authors and illustrators These graphic adaptations bring three classic stories to life through illustrations and streamlined storytelling. We recommend them for readers curious about classic characters and settings who may enjoy an inviting visual introduction before trying the original books. Ages 8 - 12Another Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids: Spatial Reasoning, Math Puzzles, Word Games, Logic Problems, Focus Activities, Two-Player Games - Dan Allbaugh With more than 200 activities across logic, math, word games, and spatial reasoning, this workbook offers plenty of variety. We recommend it for kids who love puzzles, enjoy a challenge that builds gradually, or like solving games with a friend or family member. Logic Puzzle Book for Kids and Teens: 50 Easy to Medium Difficulty Logic Grid Puzzles - Feline Puzzles Press Fifty logic-grid puzzles offer a fun way to practice deduction and careful reading. We recommend this book for young puzzlers who want a manageable challenge, with smaller grids and detailed solutions to help them build confidence as they go. James Ponti Books - James Ponti James Ponti’s books mix mysteries, clever young characters, and fast-moving adventures. We recommend exploring his series for readers who enjoy secret missions, codes, and teamwork, or who are ready to get absorbed in a story that continues across several books. Percy Jackson Series - Rick Riordan Percy discovers that Greek mythology is much closer to home than he imagined. We recommend this funny, action-filled adventure for readers who like mythology, friendship, and a hero who faces one impossible challenge after another. When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead Miranda’s ordinary life takes a mysterious turn when she begins receiving puzzling notes. We recommend this thoughtful book for readers who like quiet mysteries, close friendships, and stories that reward remembering small details along the way. The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart A group of unusual, resourceful children face puzzles and a secret mission that calls on their different strengths. We recommend this longer adventure for readers who like riddles, eccentric characters, and plots that reward paying attention. I Survived Series - Lauren Tarshis Each book follows a child caught in a major historical event or disaster. We recommend the series for readers drawn to history and high-stakes adventure; the vivid situations can be intense, so families may want to choose titles by subject. View on Amazon (Paid Link)The Gifted Life: A Guided Journal for Bright Kids (Grades 4–6) - Lisa Van Gemert These guided journals offer prompts to help younger gifted students reflect, process their thoughts, and better understand themselves; formats include different designs and stimulation levels. We recommend them for educators and families who want a gentle, structured way to encourage self-reflection. Ages 10 - 14The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Kelly Barnhill This richly imagined fantasy follows a girl whose life is shaped by magic, family, and a secret. We recommend it for readers who enjoy beautiful world-building, layered characters, and stories that leave plenty to think about. The Inquisitor’s Tale - Adam Gidwitz Three extraordinary children travel through medieval Europe in an adventure told from several points of view. We recommend it for readers who enjoy history, humor, and stories that explore fairness, belief, and what it means to be a hero. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition - William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer This true story follows William Kamkwamba as he uses curiosity and ingenuity to build a windmill for his village. We recommend it for readers who like inventions, real-life problem-solving, and stories about persistence. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L’Engle Meg’s journey across space and time combines adventure, science fiction, and questions about family and courage. We recommend this imaginative classic for readers who enjoy big ideas woven into a story with heart. The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin A group of heirs must use clues to uncover the truth behind a puzzling inheritance. We recommend this twisty mystery for readers who like matching wits with a story, noticing details, and changing their guesses as new clues emerge. Ages 12+The Inheritance Games - Jennifer Lynn Barnes A teenager inherits a fortune from a man she has never met and must solve the puzzles he left behind. We recommend it for readers who love riddles, family secrets, and fast-moving mysteries with plenty of twists. The Gifted Teen Survival Guide: Smart, Sharp, and Ready for (Almost) Anything - Judy Galbraith This practical, teen-friendly guide explores topics like school, friendships, emotions, and finding ways to make the most of your strengths. We recommend it for teens who appreciate honest advice and want useful ideas for navigating everyday challenges with more confidence. What If? - Randall Munroe Randall Munroe takes unusual hypothetical questions and answers them with science, humor, and delightfully detailed explanations. We recommend it for readers who enjoy asking “what would happen if…?” and following a question wherever it leads. Math Games with Bad Drawings - Ben Orlin This collection offers playful math games and puzzles with a generous dose of humor. We recommend it for readers who like exploring strategies, testing ideas, and discovering that mathematical thinking can be entertaining. The Code Book for Young People - Simon Singh Codes and codebreaking open a window onto mathematics, history, and secret messages. We recommend this book for readers who enjoy puzzles and want to see how people have used ingenuity to send—and decipher—messages through the ages. Scythe - Neal Shusterman In a future where people no longer die naturally, two teens are chosen to decide who will live and die. We recommend this thought-provoking science-fiction story for readers who like difficult ethical questions alongside a gripping plot. It includes violence and mature themes. The Gifted Life: A Guided Journal for Bright Teens (2026) - Lisa Van Gemert These journals give teens space to reflect on their experiences and better understand themselves, with options including different designs and stimulation levels. We recommend them for educators and families looking for a welcoming tool to support thoughtful self-reflection. Games and PuzzlesAges 0 - 5Find My Behind: An Animal Memory Game — eeBoo This matching game features funny animal illustrations and simple memory play. We recommend it for little ones who love animals, notice visual details, and enjoy a giggle. Hi Ho Cherry-O — Hasbro This beginner board game gives players practice counting and taking turns as they pick pretend fruit. We recommend it for young children who enjoy numbers and like seeing how game rules work. Tiny Polka Dots — Math for Love This collection of colorful games introduces early math concepts through hands-on play. We recommend it for children who enjoy numbers, patterns, and discovering more than one way to play. Ages 4 - 821st Century Pattern Blocks — Math for Love This colorful set invites students to build designs and explore shapes, patterns, and mathematical ideas. We recommend it for educators looking for an open-ended math tool that can grow from playful exploration into rich classroom conversations. Audubon Bird Matching Game — Audubon This matching game features bird illustrations and encourages careful observation. We recommend it for children who are captivated by nature and love noticing small differences. Balance Beans — ThinkFun This seesaw puzzle asks players to balance colorful beans according to clues. We recommend it for children who enjoy figuring out how pieces relate and exploring early algebraic thinking. Boggle Junior — Hasbro This early word game pairs pictures with letters and simple spelling challenges. We recommend it for children who are curious about words and eager to spot letter patterns. Clue Junior — Hasbro This child-friendly mystery game has players gather clues to work out what happened. We recommend it for children who enjoy careful observation and solving a case together. ColorKu — Blue Orange Games This hands-on logic puzzle uses colored marbles in a Sudoku-style format. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual patterns and tackling a challenge at their own pace. Deduckto — Blue Orange Games This deduction game has players use clues and questions to identify a duck. We recommend it for children who love mysteries and enjoy reasoning their way to an answer. Following Directions — Super Duper Publications This activity resource gives children practice listening to and completing multi-step directions. We recommend it for children who enjoy clear challenges and stretching their attention and working memory. GeoPuzzle— GeoToys These jigsaw puzzles make geography fun with engaging map puzzle games that encourage kids to explore. We recommend it for children who are curious about geography and how places fit together. Guess Who? — Hasbro This classic guessing game has players ask questions to identify a mystery character. We recommend it for children who enjoy reading clues, noticing details, and asking just the right question. Rack-O Junior — Mattel This number game has players arrange their cards in order. We recommend it for children who enjoy sequencing, finding patterns, and making quick strategic choices. Snap-2-It — Snap-2-It This fast-paced game challenges players to spot patterns and respond quickly. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual challenges and lively, quick-thinking play. Ages 6 - 10Blokus — Mattel This spatial strategy game has players place colorful pieces while blocking one another. We recommend it for children who love planning, visualizing possibilities, and anticipating other players’ moves. Boggle — Hasbro This classic word game asks players to find words hidden among a jumble of letters. We recommend it for children who enjoy vocabulary, spelling, and spotting possibilities others may miss. Bounce-Off — Mattel This pattern game has players bounce balls into a grid to match a design. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual-spatial challenges and trying again to get it just right. Brainometry STEM Explorers — MindWare This collection of activities brings geometry, patterns, and problem-solving together. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual challenges and learning by experimenting. Brain Quest — Workman Publishing This portable question-and-answer resource covers school subjects and general knowledge. We recommend it for children whose curiosity ranges widely and who love sharing what they know. Cranium — Hasbro This team game combines drawing, wordplay, acting, and trivia. We recommend it for children with varied interests who enjoy creative challenges and sharing what they know. Gobblet — Blue Orange Games This strategy game combines stacking pieces with memory and planning. We recommend it for children who enjoy thinking ahead and finding clever ways to outmaneuver an opponent. The Genius Square — The Happy Puzzle Company This grid puzzle has players fill spaces around randomly placed blockers. We recommend it for children who enjoy quick challenges and seeing how differently people solve the same problem. Katamino — Gigamic This geometric puzzle uses pieces that can be arranged into many different designs. We recommend it for children who enjoy spatial challenges and the satisfaction of finding a solution. Otrio — Spin Master This strategy game challenges players to line up rings by size, color, or arrangement. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual patterns and thinking several moves ahead. Q-bitz — MindWare This cube-based puzzle game challenges players to recreate visual patterns. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual thinking and the satisfying moment when a pattern clicks into place. Qwirkle — MindWare This tile game combines colors and shapes to create matching lines. We recommend it for children who enjoy strategy and finding thoughtful ways to use each piece. Sequence — Jax This card and board game asks players to place chips and create matching lines. We recommend it for children who enjoy patterns and thinking ahead while keeping the rules simple. SET — PlayMonster This card game challenges players to find groups of cards that fit a visual pattern. We recommend it for children who love spotting patterns and making quick connections. Settlers of Catan Junior — Catan Studio This island-building game introduces resource collecting, trading, and planning in a streamlined format. We recommend it for children ready to explore more strategy through family play. Ticket to Ride Jr. — Days of Wonder This child-friendly route-building game has players connect cities by train. We recommend it for children who enjoy maps, planning routes, and finding connections between places. Valence Periodic Table Chemistry Game — Science Ninjas This card game introduces chemistry and the periodic table through play. We recommend it for children who are fascinated by science and love collecting new facts. Ages 8 - 1225th Century Games Diatoms — 25th Century Games This tile-placement game has players create colorful mosaics inspired by microscopic algae. We recommend it for children who enjoy the meeting place of art, science, and strategy. Animal Anatomy Floor Puzzle — Genius Games This large, double-sided floor puzzle features a scientifically detailed tiger illustration. We recommend it for children who love animals and enjoy learning from close observation. Animal Mah-Jong — Laurence King This animal-themed tile game brings matching and pattern play to illustrated mah-jong tiles. We recommend it for children who love animals, visual details, and thinking ahead. Apples to Apples — Mattel This word game has players match cards to prompts and share their choices. We recommend it for children who enjoy vocabulary, humor, and making unexpected connections. Azul — Next Move Games This tile-placement game combines colorful patterns with strategic choices. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual design, planning, and thoughtful competition. Bananagrams — Bananagrams This fast-paced word game has players build their own crossword grids from letter tiles. We recommend it for children who love language, spelling, and a lively challenge. Creative Crafthouse Puzzles — Creative Crafthouse Creative Crafthouse offers wooden puzzles, brainteasers, and games, including hands-on packing, number, and logic challenges. We recommend exploring the collection for children who love a good challenge, enjoy testing different solutions, and relish the moment a puzzle finally clicks. Dimension — Kosmos This three-dimensional logic game challenges players to arrange colored spheres according to changing rules. We recommend it for children who enjoy spatial reasoning and complex visual puzzles. Disruptus — TDC Games This creativity game invites players to rethink familiar objects and imagine new uses for them. We recommend it for children who love inventive ideas and seeing everyday things differently. Got Five! — Blue Orange Games This strategy game has players arrange tiles to make a line of five. We recommend it for children who enjoy quick games and spotting opportunities before others do. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Hedbanz — Spin Master In this guessing game, players ask yes-or-no questions to identify the picture on their headband. We recommend it for children who enjoy wordplay, clever questions, and making connections. Hues and Cues — The Op Games This color-guessing game has players describe a shade with clues while others try to find it. We recommend it for children who enjoy creative language and noticing subtle differences. Laser Maze — ThinkFun This logic game has players arrange mirrors to direct a laser through a puzzle. We recommend it for children who love hands-on STEM challenges and experimenting to find a solution. Mastermind — Pressman This code-breaking game has one player create a hidden color pattern for another to solve. We recommend it for children who enjoy logic, patterns, and refining a theory with each clue. Math Path Monster — Math for Love This board game has players guide a monster along a path using math. We recommend it for children who enjoy numbers and using their thinking to make a plan. MindWare Marble Circuit Puzzle — MindWare This marble maze presents logic challenges that players solve by planning a route. We recommend it for children who like focused, hands-on problems with a clear goal. MindWare Marble Circuit Deluxe — MindWare This expanded marble maze offers a large collection of logic puzzles. We recommend it for children who love independent challenges and are always ready for another puzzle. Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8–12 — Brian Soonho Yoon, illustrated by Kate Francis This kit guides young paper-folders through step-by-step projects, from beginner models to more challenging creations. We recommend it for students who enjoy hands-on making and the satisfying process of building patience, precision, and spatial thinking with each fold. Prime Climb — Math for Love This board game incorporates arithmetic and prime numbers into a race around the board. We recommend it for children who enjoy math and using it to make strategic choices. Prime Suspect Directional Logic Game — ThinkFun This detective-themed logic game uses directional clues to solve a case. We recommend it for children who love mysteries and enjoy carefully connecting clues. Quacks of Quedlinburg — Schmidt Spiele This strategy game has players draw ingredients from a bag to build potions while deciding how much risk to take. We recommend it for children who enjoy weighing options and adapting their plans. Rummikub — Pressman This tile game has players arrange numbers into runs and groups. We recommend it for children who enjoy numbers and rearranging pieces to discover a better solution. Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game — ThinkFun This solo logic game asks players to move cars and clear a path for the red car. We recommend it for children who enjoy planning several steps ahead and sticking with a tough puzzle. Settlers of Catan — Catan Studio This strategy game has players gather resources, trade, and build settlements across an island. We recommend it for children who enjoy planning, negotiation, and games that unfold differently each time. The Infinite Maze — Laurence King This illustrated maze game invites players to trace paths through intricate artwork. We recommend it for children who enjoy visual detail and are happy to linger over a puzzle. What Do You Meme? Family Edition — Relatable This party game has players pair caption cards with images to create funny combinations. We recommend it for children who enjoy humor, wordplay, and seeing how others interpret a prompt. Ages 10 - 14Charty Party — Dolphin Hat Games This party game pairs charts with humorous captions. We recommend it for children who enjoy data, interpreting information, and making surprising connections. Creative Crafthouse Safecracker 50 — Creative Crafthouse This wooden brainteaser asks players to align number rings to solve a math puzzle. We recommend it for children who enjoy tough number challenges and hands-on problem-solving. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Daybreak - A Stopping Climate Change Game — CMYK This cooperative game has players work together to address climate change through shared decisions. We recommend it for children who care about big issues and enjoy solving problems collaboratively. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Dr. Livingston’s Anatomy Puzzles — Genius Games These detailed jigsaw puzzles illustrate the anatomy of the human body. We recommend it for children who ask big questions about the body and love learning how things work. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Fire Tower — Runaway Parade Games This strategy game has players compete to control a growing forest fire. We recommend it for children who enjoy planning, shifting strategies, and a strong game theme. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Harmonies — Libellud This strategy game has players create landscapes and animal habitats with colorful tokens. We recommend it for children who enjoy nature, patterns, and balancing several choices at once. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Poetry for Neanderthals — Exploding Kittens This word game challenges players to describe words using only one-syllable clues. We recommend it for children who love language, quick thinking, and playful challenges. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Unmatched — Restoration Games These tactical games feature distinctive heroes and sidekicks competing on different battlefields. We recommend it for children who enjoy imaginative characters and adapting their strategy as the game unfolds. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Ages 12+Trekking the National Parks — Underdog Games This family board game has players explore U.S. national parks and plan their routes. We recommend it for children who enjoy maps, nature, and learning about the wider world. Turing Machine — Scorpion Masqué This logic game uses an analog device and clues to help players identify a hidden code. We recommend it for teens who enjoy systematic reasoning, deduction, and challenging assumptions. Wingspan — Elizabeth Hargrave, Stonemaier Games This strategy game has players attract birds to habitats while building a collection of cards and resources. We recommend it for children who love nature facts, birds, and thoughtful play. Wyrmspan — Connie Vogelmann, Stonemaier Games This strategy game has players build underground habitats and gather dragons. We recommend it for children who enjoy fantasy worlds, intricate planning, and games with room to explore. Building, STEM, and ConstructionAges 0 - 5DJECO Animambo Kids Kalimba — DJECO This child-friendly kalimba is a small percussion instrument with plucked metal keys. We recommend it for young children who enjoy exploring sounds, rhythm, and making music their own. View on Amazon (Paid Link)Hape Dynamo Wooden Domino Set — Hape This wooden domino set includes pieces for building tracks, towers, and chain reactions. We recommend it for children who enjoy planning a design, testing it, and watching what happens. KAPLA Wooden Construction Set — KAPLA This set of wooden planks can be used to build towers, bridges, and other structures. We recommend it for children who enjoy open-ended building and seeing how far an idea can go. Janod Sensory Sound Blocks — Janod This colorful set of 12 wooden blocks invites children to listen and match six pairs of sounds, building auditory memory and concentration through play. We recommend it for curious young children who love listening closely, matching patterns, and exploring with their senses. Uncle Goose Blocks — Uncle Goose These wooden blocks feature letters and other learning designs for open-ended building and play. We recommend them for young children who enjoy arranging, stacking, and discovering new patterns. Ages 4 - 8Hape Quadrilla Marble Run Vertigo — Hape These wooden marble run sets let children build tracks and watch marbles travel through them. We recommend it for children who enjoy construction and figuring out how each piece affects the run. Magnet Pyramid — Various makers These magnetic construction toys let children build and experiment with shapes and structures. We recommend it for children who love experimenting, building, and seeing where their ideas lead. Makedo Explore Cardboard Construction Kit — Makedo Thess reusable tool kits help children turn cardboard into forts, vehicles, and other creations. We recommend it for children whose ideas are big and who love making them real. Teifoc Garden House Building Kit — Teifoc This miniature construction kit uses bricks and mortar to build a small garden house. We recommend it for children who enjoy realistic projects and take pleasure in careful, detailed work. Ages 6 - 10GiiKER Puzzle Games — GiiKER GiiKER’s handheld puzzle games offer challenges such as breaking color codes and arranging shapes to match patterns. We recommend exploring the collection for children who enjoy logic, visual challenges, and working through one more level. Heebie Jeebies Wind Walker STEM Activity — Heebie Jeebies This build-it-yourself model is inspired by Theo Jansen’s walking Strandbeest sculptures. We recommend it for children who are curious about engineering and love seeing a surprising idea take shape. LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Animals — LEGO These LEGO sets can be built as different animals. We recommend it for children who enjoy animals, creative building, and imagining new possibilities for a set. Makeblock mBot — Makeblock These programmable robots combine building with coding activities. We recommend it for children who want to explore robotics and see their code bring a creation to life. Marble Run — Various makers Marble runs let children design a track and watch marbles travel through it. We recommend it for children who enjoy building, testing, and adjusting their creations until everything works. Makey Makey STEM Kit — Makey Makey This invention kit lets children use everyday objects as computer inputs. We recommend it for children who like experimenting with technology and making unexpected connections between objects and code. MindWare KEVA Contraptions — MindWare These sets of wooden planks and track pieces can be used to build marble runs and other contraptions. We recommend it for children who love open-ended design and testing their own inventions. Robotics Kits — Various makers These kits give children materials and activities for building and exploring robotics. We recommend them for children who enjoy constructing, testing, and discovering how machines work. Snap Circuits — Elenco This electronics kit lets children build working circuits with snap-together components. We recommend it for children who are full of “what if?” questions and love seeing ideas work. Space Racers: Make Your Own Paper Rockets — Isabel Thomas This activity book combines paper rocket projects with exploration of flight. We recommend it for children who love building, asking questions, and improving a design through experimentation. Thames & Kosmos Engineering Kits — Thames & Kosmos These hands-on STEM kits invite children to build models and explore engineering ideas such as structures, machines, and motion. We recommend them for children who love figuring out how things work, testing designs, and learning by making. Ages 8 - 12HEX BOTS Remote Control Tarantula — HEX BOTS This remote-controlled toy is designed to move like a mechanical spider and includes glowing eyes. We recommend it for children who are fascinated by gadgets, movement, and how things work. LEGO Mini Modulars: Around the World — Nicolas Carlier and Thomas Carlier This book features small-scale LEGO builds inspired by architecture and landmarks around the world. We recommend it for children who enjoy design, travel, and recreating places in miniature. National Geographic Magnetic Marble Run — National Geographic These magnetic construction sets include tracks and pieces for building marble runs. We recommend it for children who love inventing designs and experimenting with how marbles move. Ages 10 - 14LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance — LEGO This detailed LEGO Technic set recreates NASA’s Mars rover with moving parts. We recommend it for children who are fascinated by space and enjoy detailed engineering builds. Ages 12+FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3-D Printer — FLASHFORGE This 3-D printer turns digital designs into physical, multi-color objects. We recommend it for teens interested in design, engineering, and bringing original ideas into the real world. LEGO Art: The Milky Way Galaxy — LEGO This large LEGO art set creates a wall display inspired by the Milky Way. We recommend it for teens and adults who love astronomy and immersive creative projects. MindWare Gearjits: Solar System — MindWare This wooden 3D building puzzle becomes a model of the solar system. We recommend it for children who are fascinated by space and enjoy detailed construction projects. ROKR Space Shuttle 3-D Wooden Puzzle — ROKR This wooden model kit builds into a detailed space shuttle with moving parts and lights. We recommend it for teens who enjoy engineering, patience, and seeing how mechanisms fit together. Arts, Music, and Making
|
About These Recommendations
The resources featured here are recommended by IAG Board members and members. Recommendations reflect individual contributors’ perspectives and experiences. Inclusion on this page does not mean that IAG or its Board has independently reviewed or formally endorsed every item or every idea expressed in each item.
More from IAG
Explore the IAG Resource Library
Visit the Resource Library for curated resources related to high ability education, Indiana guidance, programming, advocacy, and family support.
Find Ways to Get Involved
Explore ways to connect with IAG, share your expertise, participate in events, and take part in IAG’s work.
| Contact UsEmail: mail@iag-online.org Indiana Association for the Gifted PO Box 84, Whitestown, IN 46075 |
© 2026 Indiana Association for the Gifted. All rights reserved. IAG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
Website by Merge Creative Inc. |