Nature and Science Gifts For Kids and Teens
Ranked #1,210 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #13,194 overall | Donates to Chimp Haven, Dolphin Communication Project
Looking for a nature or science gift for a child or teen?
We have quite a selection of science or nature gifts for kids and teens. These include live animal habitats, robot kits, nature journals, flower and leaf presses, lego mindstorms, science kits, science games, microscopes and slides, bird house and bird feeder kits, telescopes, science books, magnifying glasses, and more!
I've also included information about my family's personal experiences with several of these nature and science gifts.
Working telegraph (above) from the science inventions kit. Photo © 2012 Janiece Tobey.
Article © 2012 Janiece Tobey.
All rights reserved.
I've also included information about my family's personal experiences with several of these nature and science gifts.
Working telegraph (above) from the science inventions kit. Photo © 2012 Janiece Tobey.
Article © 2012 Janiece Tobey.
All rights reserved.
Science and Nature Gifts: Main Site Map
Here's what you'll find here!
These links will take you directly to that category of gifts, including my personal comments on many of them.
Animals - Habitats and Bird Watching
Live Animal Habitats, Kits, and Books
Bird Watching
Nature Related Items
Nature Journals and Take Along Books
Flower and Leaf Presses
Science Kits , Robots, & Science Books
Science Kits
The Magic School Bus Hands On Kits and Books
Robot Kits / Lego Mindstorms
ScienceWiz Kits
Science Books
Science Equipment and Books
Microscopes and Slides
Exploring the Night Sky
Magnifying Glasses
Science and Nature Related Games
Science / Nature Related Games
About Squidoo
About The Author
Guestbook
Animals - Habitats and Bird Watching
Live Animal Habitats, Kits, and Books
Bird Watching
Nature Related Items
Nature Journals and Take Along Books
Flower and Leaf Presses
Science Kits , Robots, & Science Books
Science Kits
The Magic School Bus Hands On Kits and Books
Robot Kits / Lego Mindstorms
ScienceWiz Kits
Science Books
Science Equipment and Books
Microscopes and Slides
Exploring the Night Sky
Magnifying Glasses
Science and Nature Related Games
Science / Nature Related Games
About Squidoo
About The Author
Guestbook
Animals: Habitats and Bird Watching
a sectional site map
Live Animal Habitats, Kits, and Books
Nature Gifts That Are Exciting And Fun!
Photo © by Janiece.
Explore the life cycle and habits of animals by watching them grow!
What better way to learn about nature?
Raising live animals teaches children so much more about the animals, their habits and various stages, than reading books alone. It's a fabulous experience!
My son and I were there, watching, as our painted lady butterflies came out of their chrysalises and began to dry their wings. We observed tiny frog eggs become swimming tadpoles and then slowly grow legs. We watched as our little frogs began one by one to leave the water and crawl up on land. We sat spell bound waiting for our praying mantis to reach out for it's prey. Neither of us will ever look at a frog, a praying mantis, or a butterfly in the same way again, as now, well, every one we see feels like a part of our family.
By the way, we took lots of photos and kept records of the changes our tadpoles were going through. To see some of these frog metamorphosis photos and find out about our personal experiences with raising tree frogs (as well as quite a few tips on feeding and caring for tadpoles and frogs), please visit: Tadpoles To Frogs.
My son and I were there, watching, as our painted lady butterflies came out of their chrysalises and began to dry their wings. We observed tiny frog eggs become swimming tadpoles and then slowly grow legs. We watched as our little frogs began one by one to leave the water and crawl up on land. We sat spell bound waiting for our praying mantis to reach out for it's prey. Neither of us will ever look at a frog, a praying mantis, or a butterfly in the same way again, as now, well, every one we see feels like a part of our family.
By the way, we took lots of photos and kept records of the changes our tadpoles were going through. To see some of these frog metamorphosis photos and find out about our personal experiences with raising tree frogs (as well as quite a few tips on feeding and caring for tadpoles and frogs), please visit: Tadpoles To Frogs.
Raise Painted Lady Butterflies!
This live butterfly kit makes a wonderful gift for nature lovers! Ages 4 years and up.
My son and I had a WONDERFUL time raising two Painted Lady Butterflies from the caterpillar stage to adulthood! It's a memory we'll both treasure for a lifetime! In the photo above, you can see one of our butterflies on the day we let them fly free.
There is a lot of information, as well as photos of our butterflies, including ones taken moments before and after they came out of their chrysalises, at:
Our Experiences With Raising Painted Lady Butterflies.
There is a lot of information, as well as photos of our butterflies, including ones taken moments before and after they came out of their chrysalises, at:
Our Experiences With Raising Painted Lady Butterflies.
Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
More Live Animal Habitats
for learning about nature and nuture too!
Bird Watching And Feeding
A Wonderful and Educational Hobby!
Gifts For Exploring Nature
photo by Lightfoot
Bird Watching
Backyard Bird Watching For Kids!
My son and I did a homeschool unit on birds one year, and had so much fun watching the birds and identifying them! We had both regular bird feeders (on the window and in the yard) and hummingbird feeders. The kits are lots of fun to make, although you can buy premade feeders and houses if you prefer. Make sure to get a bird identification book so you can learn about the birds that come to your yard!
Backyard Bird Watching for Kids
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $0.01
More Bird Watching, Feeding, and Housing Gifts
They make great nature birdwatching gifts!
Hummingbird Feeders
Great Nature Gifts For Hummingbird Lovers!
Bird Field Guides
Identification Books For Use During Bird Watching
Natural Journals
Create wonderful memories with your youth in nature. Create a lasting love of our beautiful world.
There are quite a few natural journals on the market. The activity of nature journaling combines science, art, and writing (usually at least to some degree) all into one nature study activity. Many of the books available give art lessons or at least some techniques, along with tips on how to set up your own journal. Some provide a variety of specific project suggestions using various art mediums. A nature journal makes a wonderful gift for a parent or grandparent to share with their child or grandchild.
Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You
Amazon Price: $8.31 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $7.39
This book is full of colorful drawings, information, tips on keeping a journal, and drawing exercises!
Nature Inspired: Mixed-Media Techniques for Gathering, Sketching, Painting, Journaling, and Assemblage
Amazon Price: $7.26 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $4.98
This BEAUTIFUL book suggests various nature inspired art projects!
More Nature Journals And Books On Drawing Nature
Top Nature Gifts For Those Who Enjoy Drawing and Journaling!
Take-Along Guides for age 9 to 12
Interesting Information About Nature - Great Gifts For Kids Who Love Nature And Science!
These Take-Along Guides have lots of colorful photos, information, and hands-on activities. The topics are of high interest to many kids and include tracks, birds, caterpillars and butterflies, planets, moons and stars, snakes, salamanders and lizards, and more. They make wonderful gifts for curious, nature loving kids! If you'd like to see what the books are like inside, follow one of the links to Amazon's website.
Rocks, Fossils and Arrowheads (Take-Along Guides)
Amazon Price: $3.50 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $1.84
More Take Along Guides
What Interesting Nature Topics! Birds, Frogs, Caterpillars, and more!
Flower and Leaf Presses
Fun Nature Gifts!
Wooden Flower Press
Find the flowers out in nature. Bring them home to save forever!
The Mini Pressed Flower Kit
This flower pressing kit includes acid free paper for creating things with your flowers
Mini Flowers Press & Nature Cards
Great Gift For Artistic Nature Lovers! Includes flower press, watercolor paints, paper, ribbon, and more.
National Geographic Flower and Leaf Pressing Kit
Science Kits (including Robots!) & Books section
a sectional site map
Note: Please click on the "more" button to see all the choices in this section!
Science Kits
Science Kits Make Great Gifts For Science Loving Kids!
Science kits are always a hit at our house! We especially like the ones that come with everything included so that we don't have to run out to the store to buy hard-to-find stuff!
Scientific Explorer's Mind Blowing Science Kit for Young Scientists
Amazon Price: $35.76 (as of 06/03/2012)
Ages 4 to 8. Winner of Parents' Choice Award. Also received the 2005 Dr.Toy Award as one of the 10 Best Educational Products.
More Science Kits
Fun Ways To Learn Science - First Hand!
Even more science kits!
Hands-on Science Learning Gifts
The Magic School Bus:
Books and Hands-on Science Kits
Learn Science With Ms Frizzle And The Magic School Bus!
clip art from clker.com
The Magic School Bus: Hands On Science Kits!
Hands-on Science GIfts For ages 5 to 12 - The Secrets Of Space
Both of my kids really loved ALL the Magic Schoolhouse books and tv shows when they were younger! Now instead of just reading or watching, kids can get in on the action themselves! There's no better way to learn science than hands-on!
The Magic School Bus: The Secrets of Space
Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 06/03/2012)
More Magic School Bus Science Kits
Going Green!
The Magic School Bus: Going Green
Amazon Price: $13.92 (as of 06/03/2012)
A Journey Into The Human Body - Science Kit
Also: The World of Germs, The Mysteries of Rainbows, Solar Energy to the Rescue, and Back in Time with the Dinosaurs
Science Kits with interesting hands-on activities!
The Magic School Bus Books!
The Magic School Bus books really make learning fun!
The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor
Amazon Price: $2.79 (as of 06/03/2012)
This one was one of my kids' favorites! Okay, I admit it! It was one of my favorites too!! My kids and I found this book fascinating! It really sparked an interest in ocean life for all three of us!
More Magic School Bus Books
The Magic School Bus Lost In The Solar System, The Magic School Bus And The Electric Field Trip, The Magic School Bus Inside Ralphie and More!
Magic School Bus Chapter Books
Great Science Gifts For Kids Kids Who've Outgrown The Original Magic Schoolbus Books.
Robot Kits
Learn Science While Building Robots!
Photo © by Janiece.
Robot Kits
Kids love robots!
Lego Mindstorm and Other Robotic Kits
Construct programmable robots that can speak, move, see, and feel!
If your child loves legos, and he's 10 or older, I bet he'll REALLY LOVE Lego Mindstorm kits and books! (Of course these kits aren't just for boys! If you read the reviews on Amazon you'll see that girls love them too!)
The kit comes with a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, an ultrasonic sensor, 2 touch sensors, a color sensor, three interactive servo motors. directions for building 4 robots (buy a book or use your creativity for additional robots), and 612 pieces!
The kit comes with a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, an ultrasonic sensor, 2 touch sensors, a color sensor, three interactive servo motors. directions for building 4 robots (buy a book or use your creativity for additional robots), and 612 pieces!
Lego Mindstorm NXT 2.0
Wait until you see what this Lego Mindstorm robot making kit can do!
curated content from YouTube
ScienceWiz Kits
A working telegraph from the Inventions Kit!
Photo © by Janiece.
Science Wiz Kits
Hands-On Science Kits Make Great Gifts!
We've really enjoyed the Science Wiz kits at our house! Each one is like a unit study on a particular topic, but don't let that give you the idea that these kits are boring! They are tons of fun! In the Energy kit, for example, you build a solar racer, a supercapacitor car, and an electric car! In addition, you also get to make your own battery!
Each kit contains a full color, illustrated manual, complete with interesting information about the topic and hands-on activities. All of the materials are included for the hands-on-activities, experiments, and models as well, with the occasional exception of household things like tape, salt, paper towel tubes, and vinegar. For the most part, the directions are well written and clear.
Each kit contains a full color, illustrated manual, complete with interesting information about the topic and hands-on activities. All of the materials are included for the hands-on-activities, experiments, and models as well, with the occasional exception of household things like tape, salt, paper towel tubes, and vinegar. For the most part, the directions are well written and clear.
Science Wiz Dna Kit
Amazon Price: $16.16 (as of 06/03/2012)
Science Books
Great Science Gifts For Kids!
Nature in a Nutshell for Kids: Over 100 Activities You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Fun Nature Activities
Nature in a Nutshell for Kids: Over 100 Activities You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 06/03/2012)
Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Interesting and Easy-To-Do Science Experiments
Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Amazon Price: $8.42 (as of 06/03/2012)
Science Equipment and Books Section
a sectional site map
Microscopes and Slides
Top Notch Science Gifts!!!
Photo © by Janiece.
This is the microscope my son has.
He loves it and uses it often!
My teenage son really loves this microscope! We bought him a cheaper one when he was younger, but it didn't work that great so we ended up needing to upgrade to this model. The problem with most cheaper microscopes is that they don't allow enough light in and so the magnified image is too dark. We have used the model shown here for the past two and a half years and haven't had any problems with it at all. It's been a fabulous gift!
Celestron 44104 500x Power Advanced Biological Microscope
Amazon Price: $106.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
The World of the Microscope: Science and Experiments
Learn about microscopes!
The World of the Microscope (Usborne Science and Experiments)
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
Microscope Slides
These are great gifts to accompany a new microscope!
We bought our son a slide making kit, as well as several sets of prepared slides. Both types of slides are useful, as it's really neat to examine a piece of your own hair, a drop of pond water, or a thin piece of onion skin, under the microscope...but having the prepared slides allows you to view things that you might not be so easy to collect on your own!
Telescopes And Astronomy Books
Great Science Gifts For Kids Who Love Outer Space!
What is it about the night sky that is so fascinating?! Is it a curiosity about things we can't see that well with the naked eye? Does it spark our imaginations as we dream of what might be?
My love of looking at the stars began during my childhood. My brother was given a telescope, and the whole family would take turns looking through it. It is such a treasured memory! Now we've passed that love of star, moon, and planet gazing on to my son with the gift of a telescope last year. He loves it!
My love of looking at the stars began during my childhood. My brother was given a telescope, and the whole family would take turns looking through it. It is such a treasured memory! Now we've passed that love of star, moon, and planet gazing on to my son with the gift of a telescope last year. He loves it!
BARSKA 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod And Carrying Case
Amazon Price: $58.72 (as of 06/03/2012)
Magnifying Glasses
Science or Nature Related Games
Walk In The Woods - A Cooperative Strategy Game
Cooperative Game of Nature Observation and Strategy, Walk in the Woods
Amazon Price: $14.25 (as of 06/03/2012)
Let's Go Hiking Game
Family Pastimes Let's Go Hiking
Amazon Price: $12.64 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nature Series: Science on Tracking Expedition
Amazon Price: $19.50 (as of 06/03/2012)
Ready for an Ocean Voyage?
For a fascinating marine wildlife encounter!
Ocean Voyage -
Amazon Price: $28.97 (as of 06/03/2012)
Endless Ocean: Blue World
for the Wii
This Wii game is a favorite in our house! Even though it's a Wii game, it IS educational! Players explore life under the sea in this wii game. As you play, you'll meet all kinds of sea life swimming around in the ocean!
Endless Ocean: Blue World
Amazon Price: $29.74 (as of 06/03/2012)
Did you find this page of Science and Nature Gifts for Kids and Teens helpful?
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Thanks for visiting my nature and science gifts site!
Comments? Questions?
I'd love to know you've been here!!
What's your favorite science or nature related gift?
Photo Credit: Brendan.lally
-
-
agoofyidea
Mar 21, 2012 @ 9:17 am | delete
- I think a bird feeder would be an awesome gift. I might also add a gift card for feed.
-
-
-
snazzify
Mar 9, 2012 @ 12:16 am | delete
- blessed by a squid angel :) <3
-
-
-
TrentAdamsCA
Dec 20, 2011 @ 4:37 pm | delete
- Excellent gift ideas -- it's valuable that you share your experience with the activities.
-
-
-
Buchamar
Dec 14, 2011 @ 7:05 pm | delete
- Great lens, will share this with my grandson
-
-
-
23squidoo
Dec 13, 2011 @ 4:11 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! I hold a degree in Environmental Biology and am always on the lookout for great new science kits and projects to give my kids, and - I must confess - just for ME! This lens showcases some awesome products - both educational and fun for anyone interested in biology or nature. I write a weekly biology article for BellaOnline and will certainly be sharing a link to your lens in the next newsletter. Angel Blessings and keep up the good work!
-
-
-
wordstock Dec 10, 2011 @ 10:29 am | delete
- Bookmarked and blessed. We are looking for a microscope and your testimonial about the one that you use is extremely helpful. With a birthday coming up, it might be the perfect gift but this lens is full of things he would like. Now, I can't choose.
-
-
-
Dec 3, 2011 @ 11:35 pm | delete
- Great ideas with a lot of things that families could do together
-
-
-
tokyonights7
Dec 1, 2011 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- Fab ideas - I loved the Magic School Bus as a kid!
-
-
-
traveller27
Nov 30, 2011 @ 9:05 pm | delete
- Very nice lens - and good ideas.
-
-
-
trees001
Nov 6, 2011 @ 8:42 am | delete
- Such a nice job on this lens! It has been a goldmine of gift ideas that will actually be fun and educational. Thank you!
-
-
-
Pnorway
May 19, 2011 @ 4:32 am | delete
- unique gift ideas for kids.
-
-
-
littlelotus
May 15, 2011 @ 11:43 pm | delete
- very useful lens... thanks :)
-
-
-
iSandy
Mar 15, 2011 @ 7:48 pm | delete
- My kids love the snap circuit sets, very educational, and they come back to it time and time again. Nice list of items !
-
-
-
amyrechar
Mar 15, 2011 @ 6:44 pm | delete
- Lots of good idea's for teaching kids about science.
-
-
-
lizziebeth
Feb 9, 2011 @ 11:51 am | delete
- Wow! There are lots of nature and science gifts here.
-
-
-
aesta1
Jan 11, 2011 @ 6:15 am | delete
- I was just thiking today of donating science things to a school. I regretted my lack of science education so I want the kids now to have more exposure to science. This is a great resource.
-
-
-
Tipi
Jan 6, 2011 @ 6:42 pm | delete
- Wow, there a lot of great science gifts for kids here. You have certainly put a lot of time into selecting each item, and I can tell that you have done your home work well, Janiece.
-
-
-
ajgodinho Dec 2, 2010 @ 6:02 pm | delete
- These are great gift ideas for kids! **Blessed by a Squid-Angel**
-
-
-
deyani
Nov 29, 2010 @ 12:45 am | delete
- Great range of gifts for nature & science kids. I especially like the flower pressed kit and robot kit. Lensrolled it to my tween wishlist lens.
-
- Load More
About Squidoo
This webpage on nature and science gifts for kids and teens is a Squidoo lens. Squidoo is a company which provides free webspace for people to use to share their experiences and thoughts, sell things, post information online, create pages in honor of their new baby, generate more traffic for their personal or business websites, share recipes, etc. The Squidoo lenses (mini websites) people write can be about anything they want...well, within reason, of course! They're lots of fun to write, and hey, it's a great way to earn some extra money! In fact, many people use Squidoo as a part time job, while others are even making a living by writing for Squidoo!
Sound interesting? Want to find out more? Or sign up to create a web article of your own?
For more information, or to get started writing for Squidoo, visit:
Is Squidoo For You?
Sign up! (It's free!)
Contact Me.
But keep in mind, Squidoo is very addicting!!
Want To Read More?
~ Links to all my recipes, articles, and webpages on Squidoo! ~
By visiting the link above, you'll find pages on homeschooling, vegetarian recipes, meerkats, family activities, European travel, tadpoles & frogs, hummingbird gifts, catapult unit study, genetics, crepe recipes, raising Painted Lady butterflies, science curriculum reviews, science activities and lessons, spiritual pregnancy experiences, pregnancy dreams, fun reading and math games, high school biology labs, and more!
Visit my blog, Laughing, Loving, & Learning, on vegetarian recipes, homeschooling activities including nature studies, and more!
Flower image purchased from fotolia.
Copyright © 2012.
Contact Me
About the Author
Main Site Map
Jump to:
Animals - Habitats and Bird Watching
Live Animal Habitats, Kits, and Books
Bird Watching
Nature Related Items
Nature Journals and Take Along Books
Flower and Leaf Presses
Science Kits , Robots, & Science Books
Science Kits
The Magic School Bus Hands On Kits and Books
Robot Kits / Lego Mindstorms
ScienceWiz Kits
Science Books
Science Equipment and Books
Microscopes and Slides
Exploring the Night Sky
Magnifying Glasses
Science and Nature Related Games
Science / Nature Related Games
About Squidoo
About The Author
Guestbook
Live Animal Habitats, Kits, and Books
Bird Watching
Nature Related Items
Nature Journals and Take Along Books
Flower and Leaf Presses
Science Kits , Robots, & Science Books
Science Kits
The Magic School Bus Hands On Kits and Books
Robot Kits / Lego Mindstorms
ScienceWiz Kits
Science Books
Science Equipment and Books
Microscopes and Slides
Exploring the Night Sky
Magnifying Glasses
Science and Nature Related Games
Science / Nature Related Games
About Squidoo
About The Author
Guestbook
© 2012 Janiece Tobey. All rights reserved.
Page last updated 6/3/12.
Page last updated 6/3/12.
by Janiece
Hi! I'm an author, a vegetarian, and a homeschooling mom. I'm currently writing a book about various types of spiritual experiences women often report... more »
- 112 featured lenses
- Winner of 31 trophies!
- Top lens » Breakfast And Dessert Crepes
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Great Board Games To Play With Your Family! Great Board Games To Play With Your Family!
- Everything Hummingbird: Information and Gifts Everything Hummingbird: Information and Gifts
- 12 Best Family Card Games 12 Best Family Card Games
- Raising Painted Lady Butterflies Raising Painted Lady Butterflies
- Biology Labs, Activities, Videos, and Study Guides About Cells (Photosynthesis, Mitosis, Cell Organelles, and More) Biology Labs, Activities, Videos, and Study Guides About Cells (Photosynthesis, Mitosis, Cell Organelles, and More)
- The Best Homeschool Resources And Lessons! The Best Homeschool Resources And Lessons!
Bushnell Powerview 10x32 Compact Folding Binocular
Amazon Price: $21.81 (as of 06/03/2012)
