Hands-on learning for ages 5–13

Raise a builder, not a screen zombie.

Robots to code, circuits to wire, games to play and rockets to launch. Toys and kits that keep kids curious and learning long after the bell, instead of glued to a tablet, phone or TV.

🚚 Free US shipping on $49+  ·  ↩ 30-day returns

AGE 5 AGE 13

Holiday gift guide

Screen-free gifts they'll still play with in February

Free US shipping on $49+ · Order by Dec 12 for Christmas delivery

Why it matters

Same afternoon, two very different kids

Screens hand kids finished entertainment. Hands-on play makes them do the thinking, and that's what sticks.

The screen zombie

  • ✕Scrolls and watches, hour after hour
  • ✕Someone else did the creating
  • ✕Forgets it by dinner
  • ✕Glazed over, then cranky when it's off
vs

The builder

  • ✓Codes, wires, measures and tests
  • ✓Makes something that's theirs to keep
  • ✓Explains how it works at dinner
  • ✓Asks what they can build next

Screen-free plans

Eight ways to trade screen time for learning

Each plan pairs aisles that work well together, for after school, weekends, rainy days and summer. Pick one and fill the kit.

Code it, wire it

Robot Hour

A robot to build and a circuit kit to hack on when it needs a new trick.

Sound-Activated Robot Dog – Build & PaintThumby Color – Programmable Mini Game ConsoleThumby Mini Game Console – Code Your Own Games 24 picks →
Outside, then the garage

Launch Day

Solar rovers and launchers first. Bridges and gear trains when the light goes.

Solar Mars Rover KitRC Propeller Boat – Build-and-Float KitSolar School Bus – Build & Paint 9 picks →
Goggles optional

Kitchen-Table Lab

Microscopes, rock tumblers and experiments for the kitchen table.

DNA Double Helix Model – Build & PaintDigital Microscope with LCD – Thames & KosmosRock Tumbler – Thames & Kosmos 10 picks →
Wind-down hour

Quiet Focus

Marble runs, number games and logic puzzles for a calmer stretch.

Combination Lock Box – Wooden Build KitHyperbola Maker – Spinning Math ModelRobot Clock – Build a Working Clock 10 picks →
Indoors, lights low

Rainy-Day Mystery

Crack a cipher, dust for prints, then build a lock box while the storm passes.

Combination Lock Box – Wooden Build KitTelegraph & Morse Code KitEmoji Voice Recorder – Build-a-Gadget Kit 10 picks →
Game night

Play It Again

Quick-to-learn learning games the whole family asks to play again.

Word Pop – Phonics Reading GameNumber Ninja – Times Tables GameThe Reading Digraphs Game 32 picks →
After homework

Make Some Noise

Build a music box, record a message and hear how sound gets made.

Ferris Wheel Music Box – Wooden Build Kit60-Second Recording Machine KitHand-Crank Music Box Kit 15 picks →
Paint, glue, done

Quick Makes

Paint-your-own and craft kits that are finished in one afternoon.

Manga Art Class – Drawing & Inking KitTimberbot Kit – 2 Wooden Robot KeychainsWooden Desk Lamp Kit – Build a Real Lamp 18 picks →

18 ways to stay curious

Keep them learning instead of watching

Every aisle is about making, playing, testing or figuring something out. No endless scrolling.

See everything

Shop the lab

Everything

Browse by aisle. Use the arrows to see more in each one.

Games & Play

Ages 5–10 · Quick-play games for reading, math and family night
1–4 of 32
Save 14%Word Pop – Phonics Reading Game Word Pop – Phonics Reading Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%Number Ninja – Times Tables Game Number Ninja – Times Tables Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%The Reading Digraphs Game The Reading Digraphs Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%Rocket Race – Place Value Game Rocket Race – Place Value Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%Shape Lab Mystery – Geometry Game Shape Lab Mystery – Geometry Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%King Komodo – Choose & Act Game King Komodo – Choose & Act Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 25%10-Frame Fidgets – Counting Set of 12 10-Frame Fidgets – Counting Set of 12
$14.99$19.99
Save 14%Math Ahoy – Addition & Subtraction Game Math Ahoy – Addition & Subtraction Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 20%Supermarket Squishy Spree – Money Math Game Supermarket Squishy Spree – Money Math Game
$39.99$49.99
Save 20%Multiplication & Division Pop Mat Multiplication & Division Pop Mat
$19.99$24.99
Save 12%Popplers – Routines & Feelings Game Popplers – Routines & Feelings Game
$34.99$39.99
Save 14%Comprehension Codes – Reading Game Comprehension Codes – Reading Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 20%Mystery Squishies – Reading Game Mystery Squishies – Reading Game
$19.99$24.99
Save 14%Vocabulary Vultures – Word Game Vocabulary Vultures – Word Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%Squishy Time Rescue – Telling Time Game Squishy Time Rescue – Telling Time Game
$29.99$34.99
Save 14%The Vocabulary Game – Tier 2 Words The Vocabulary Game – Tier 2 Words
$29.99$34.99
Save 18%Sight Words Rainbow Mats – Extra Set Sight Words Rainbow Mats – Extra Set
$44.98$54.98
Save 14%Graph the Wild – Data & Graphing Game Graph the Wild – Data & Graphing Game
$29.99$34.99
Plus-Plus Critters – Girt Plus-Plus Critters – Girt
$4.99

Science Lab

Ages 6–12 · Observing, measuring, mixing, recording results
1–4 of 10

Space, Earth & Nature

Ages 5–11 · Planets, rocks, the ground beneath their feet
1–4 of 8

Living Science

Ages 5–12 · Life cycles, how animals move, DNA
1–4 of 11

Kitchen Chemistry

Ages 6–13 · Measuring, reactions, edible science
1–4 of 4

Music & Sound

Ages 5–13 · Rhythm, pitch, recording, sound as a signal
1–4 of 15

Spy, Codes & Escape Rooms

Ages 8–13 · Ciphers, forensics, deduction, teamwork
1–4 of 10

Trade one hour of screens for one real build.

Start a kit