Toy Insider Senior Editor Maddie Michalik joined Fox 19 in Cincinnati to show off some of the smartest STEM toys of the holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.

CRAYOLA STEAM PAPER FLOWER SCIENCE KIT

Learn about the science of water “wicking” as kids design and create up to 12 colorful paper flowers that can “re-wick” color over and over for a new look. This easy-to-use set teaches about physics and capillary action.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99; $24.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 7+

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DIY MUSIC MAKER SCIENCE LAB

Explore the science of pitch, vibration, and acoustics while making a box guitar, a pan flute, and an ocean drum. Features a 36-page, illustrated storybook and activity guide that includes 10 STEM-based activities. Explore the science of pitch, vibration, and acoustics while making a box guitar, a pan flute, and an ocean drum. Features a…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

BOTLEY 2.0 THE CODING ROBOT

Use the remote programmer to build coding sequences with up to 150 steps, code light shows with Botley's eyes, or play a game. New features include a light-up sensor and the ability to discover secret codes. Use the remote programmer to build coding sequences with up to 150 steps, code light shows with Botley's eyes,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $64.99; $88.00 CAD
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

MAGFORMERS BACKYARD ADVENTURE 61PC

Build magnetic houses and a playground using geometric shapes that contain magnets that never reject each other. The set also includes characters, playground accessories, and a light-up fireplace. Build magnetic houses and a playground using geometric shapes that contain magnets that never reject each other. The set also includes characters, playground accessories, and a light-up…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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