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Smart, Fun & Screen-Lite Gifts for Kids 5–12
31
items Discover creative, educational, and active toys that spark imagination, build skills, and bring cozy, screen‑free fun. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime kids need engaging play!
Keywords: gifts for kids 5–12, screen‑free toys, educational ...
Sections
4
STEM + Learning
🎨 Creative + Crafty
Active + Outdoor Adventures
💆 Sensory + Comfort
STEM + Learning
STEM Building Kit – Hands-on learning that secretly teaches problem-solving.
Magnetic Tile Set – Creative play that keeps them busy for HOURS.
Kids Coding Robot – Screen-free coding fun (yes, it exists!).
Science Experiment Kit – Perfect for curio...
Hands-on chemistry fun with multiple experiments to explore reactions, science principles, and encourage scientific thinking — great for homeschool science days
National Geographic™ Amazing Reactions Chemistry Set
A “level-up” electronics kit for older kids: over 300 projects to create real circuits, lights, alarms, and more — perfect for kids who want to dive deeper into STEM.
Snap Circuits 300-in-1 Science Kits: Educational Electrical Circuit Board Toy for 2nd Grade Engineering Skills
A budget-friendly magnetic construction set that builds fine motor skills, geometry awareness, and creativity — especially good if you want lots of playtime without screen time.
Best Choice Products 110-Piece Kids Magnetic Tiles Set, Educational Building STEM Toy w/ Case - Earth Tone - Walmart.com
Intro-level chemistry kit for younger elementary kids: crystal growing, simple experiments, and early science exposure to spark curiosity.
National Geographic JR. Chemistry Set: Science Kit for Preschool to 7th Grade with Activity Guide
A more advanced project for ages ~7+. Kids build a mechanical “cyborg hand,” learning about hydraulics and engineering — educational and super cool.
Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand Science Kit, Children Ages 7+
Magnetic tiles for creative building and open-ended play. Excellent for spatial awareness, problem-solving, and imaginative construction.
MAGNA-TILES Builder XL 50-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The ORIGINAL Magnetic Building Brand
For the future scientists: fun experiments like slime-making, fizzing volcanoes, and color changes — screen-free and educational.
Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Set (2024 Box): Educational Science Kit with Chemicals & Tools for 1st Grade
Great first step into electronics: kids (8–12) build radios, alarms, lights, and more. Perfect for curious kids who love “making things work.”
Snap Circuits Jr. SC100, Electronics Explorer Kit, 100+ Projects, Stem, Child 8+, Elementary School
🎨 Creative + Crafty
DIY Jewelry Making Kit – Great for fine motor skills and big imagination.
Scratch Art Set – Mess-free creativity (moms everywhere cheer).
Slime Kit – Sensory fun with a learning bonus.
Watercolor Art Set – For your little artists with big feelings...
Affordable, screen-free, and super easy for kids 6+ to use. Perfect for rainy days, homeschool afternoons, or creative downtime
Scratch Art Book Craft Kit -Mondo Llama™: DIY Art Kit for Kids 6+, Includes Wooden Dowel & Paper, Choking Hazard Warning
A “mom’s dream” all-in-one art supply kit: crayons, paints, clay, glitter glue — ideal for kids who love variety and creative freedom
Crayola 115pc Kids' Super Art and Craft Kit: Drawing & Coloring Set, Washable Markers, Paint, Clay, Christmas Gift
Lets tweens and kids make personalized bracelets/necklaces — fun, expressive, and great for friendship bracelets or gifts
Word Wear Personalized Jewelry Making Set - It's So Me: Bracelet & Friendship Kit for Girls, 1175 Pieces, Beads & Charms
fun, slightly “crafty-science” project: kids design and shrink bracelets — feeds creativity and gives a sense of accomplishment
Target
Simple, no-scissors, no-mess — easy to supervise and great for younger kids (4–9).
Craft Tub by Creatology
Fun for doodling, drawing, or letting kids express themselves — also great for travel or on-the-go creativity.
Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes
Encourages fine motor skills and imaginative play; a slightly different twist on “craft kits,” which adds value and variety to your collection.
Creativity for Kids Make Your Own Water Globes
Active + Outdoor Adventures
If you’re like me and want your kids moving, laughing, and exploring instead of glued to screens — this is the list for you. These toys turn the backyard, park, or driveway into a place where imaginations run wild, energy gets burned, and little (or ...
Simple, classic cardio toy — perfect for quick bursts of movement when you don’t have room for big gear. Easy to pack on trips or backyard play.
Athletic Works Speed Jump Rope with Light Weight Handles, 9' Length, Black - Walmart.com
For the imaginative, active kid who loves a bit of friendly “battle” outdoors. Helps with coordination, running, and context-safe active play
Nerf Elite 2.0 Tetrad QS-4 Blaster, 4 Nerf Elite Darts, 4-Barrel Blasting, Tactical ...
A classic kick-scooter that gets kids zooming around the neighborhood. Great for building coordination, confidence, and giving them a bit of freedom while you sip coffee
Razor A2 Kids Kick Scooter - Foldable, Lightweight
A beginner-friendly skateboard that’s ideal for kids transitioning to independent outdoor play; for the bold, energetic kid who likes wheels and a little thrill
Tony Hawk 31” Metallic Gold Hawk Dagger Popsicle Skateboard, 50mm x 30mm Wheels, Kids Ages 5+
This multi-sport set packs a lot — football, flying disc, ring toss, and more — making backyard play super versatile and perfect for family fun
Ultimate 6-in-1 Sports Set, Multi-Game Pack, Outdoor Play, for All Ages, by MinnARK
A fun, active game that’s easy to toss around with siblings or friends. Great for coordination, outdoor energy, and spontaneous play sessions
Aerobie Bounce Disc, Outdoor Throwing Flying Disc, for Ages 5 and up
Fun for older kids (and even parents) — a simple racket set that encourages hand-eye coordination and gets everyone moving
2-Player Light-Up Badminton Set
A backyard hoop kids can grow with — perfect if you want them outside shooting hoops, building coordination, and burning energy after homeschool or chores
Lifetime Adjustable Youth Portable Basketball Hoop (32-Inch Impact)
A lovely summer pick: run-through sprinklers are an easy way to get kids excited about playing outside and cooling off on hot Colorado days
Pretty Petals Sprinkler
Sky + wind + imagination — this kite is perfect for breezy days, teaching kids a little about aerodynamics while they burn energy and enjoy the outdoors
Pocket Flyer
💆 Sensory + Comfort
A tactile, moldable sand set that lets kids shape, squeeze, and create. Great for calming restless hands and sparking imaginative play while staying screen-free.
Target
Similar sensory benefits: squishy, satisfying, and calming. Excellent for fine-motor skills, sensory regulation, or just quiet play time after homeschool or before bed.
Kinetic Sand Sandbox Set with 1lb Blue & 3 Molds
Small enough for little hands, this fidget set gives sensory stimulation and fine-motor practice. Perfect for restless kids or those who need calming sensory input.
Sassy Toys Sensory Fidget Set - 4pc
Soft, stretchy, and squishy, so it’s ideal when your child needs a calm-down tool, a stress reliever, or just a satisfying tactile outlet.
Giant NeeDoh Nice Cube - Sensory Squeeze Toy
Soft, cozy, and comforting — ideal as a cuddle buddy for car rides, bedtime, or movie nights. Brings comfort and security, especially for younger kids.
Squishmallows Dani Le Bigfoot Navy Blue 40cm
classic squeeze-and-release stress ball with a fun twist: it changes color. Great for restless hands, calming nerves, or helping kids focus — ideal for homeschool days or quiet time. Fidget/stress balls like this are among the best-selling sensory to...
NeeDoh Color Change, Novelty Fidget Toy, Multiple Colors, Children Ages 3+