Thursday, December 17, 2020

25+ TOP Trendy Artsy Gifts + DIY STEM Kits for Kids + Teens 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

There's nothing like a little DIY and crafts, especially after a year like 2020! I have rounded up my favorite kits that inspire creativity, keep boredom at bay, perfect for hobbies, and will also elevate your child's aesthetic! 

2020 was the year of "the craft," and I'm not talking about my favorite '90s Witchcraft movie, although, we could have used the power of Manon this year to ward off certain evils. I'm talking about various craft kits that came out this year or DIY kits that got a reboot to conform to the latest trends. 

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Trendy to Unique DIY Kits





Snap Style Printable Mask Kit, Skyrocket Make your own mask in a snap! This kit is ideal for our current situation and may even prompt more people to wear a mask. Simply design your own mask using the free app and print your image on the special percale paper, assemble the mask in minutes. The DIY masks are easy to make, totally customizable, and they also comply with W.H.O. guidelines. Available in select Walmart stores. Buy on Amazon $39.99 10-pack $17.99 4-pack Ages 3+


Chocolate Pen, Skyrocket 

This is exactly what we needed for 2020, a new and improved version of the Chocolate Pen. Keep four different colors of chocolate warming in the tray, and use your Chocolate Pen to design amazing culinary treats! I think I mastered the chocolate pen, and I know you can too. Amazon | Walmart | Target $19.99 6+



Swirl and Style, YULU Toys Perfect to put your own spin on t-shirts, scrunchies, masks, and more - Swirl and Style makes tie-dye a breeze! WIth their mess-free tie-dye globe, you won't have stained hands - just super cool tie-dyed fabrics. I have tie-dyed so much with my Swirl and Style, and I find this to be the coolest DIY gift! Amazon | Target $19.99 6+





Chalk of the Town Kits, Chalk of the Town

Personalize tote bags, shirts, patches...again and again with Chalk of the Town. Now with themes for different holidays, express yourself in more ways than one! The patches are really useful and easy to apply to any fabric. The tote bags have a gusset on the sides and the bottom to hold books, light groceries, or even dance shoes! The shirts have different shaped chalkboard writing areas to write anything you want. This is the perfect gift for sports fans, family vacations, and more! 




Christmas Tree T-Shirt with Markers and Washcloth Amazon | Chalk of the Town $26.95

Snowman T-Shirt with Markers and Washcloth AmazonChalk of the Town $26.95 

Extra Set of Chalk Markers Amazon $21.75

Stencil Kit 5-pack $16.95 | 3-pack $11.95 | Single $4.50

Tote Bag with Marker and Washcloth Amazon $19.95

Patch with two markers and washcloth Amazon $9.95




Activity Kings iLY Do-it-yourself Scruncheeze Loom, WeCool Scrunchies are totally back! For me, they never left -- just sayin'. Now you can create your own in minutes with this fun DIY kit! Amazon |Target | Meijer $9.99 4+




Activity Kings iLY Decorate your own Hydro Bottle, WeCool Stay hydrated and look totally fetch with this fun DIY hydro flask! You get a neat flask and a bunch of fun accessories to make your flash stand out! Target $9.99 7+




Pretty Pixels, Bandai 
Create your own adorable kawaii style erasers with this totally easy and fun set! With different styles like Animals, Fruits, and more to choose from you will be able to create functional, miniature to large erasers in minutes. You just need a little water and a microwave to set them. I have turned the erasers into magnets and earrings too! 8+

Pretty Pixels Deluxe Maker, Amazon $22.99
Pretty Pixels Besties Kit, Amazon $10.99




Stuff-a-loons, Jay at Play

Blow your mind while you blow up an amazing balloon stuffed with goodies, confetti, and more make ya smile goodness! Stuff-a-loons makes the art of balloon stuffing so easy! Stuff-a-loon is manual powered, so no heavy machines, batteries, or outlets, which I think is so safe for kids! Stuff-a-loons comes with everything that you need to get started, and if you run out of supplies -- don't worry -- they sell Celebration Refill Packs with enough supplies to create 16 more balloons. Amazon $24.99 Walmart $28.99 8+


Buy the Stuff-a-LOONS Celebration Refill Kit for more party fun! Amazon


Activity + Slime Kits

Activity Kings launched their widely popular DIY line, iLY in the nick of time! Their craft kits include a bunch of tactile play sets that include their high-quality slime by Compound Kings, as well as craft kits that truly promote creative expression and self-care! 




Activity Kings iLY Makeup Kit 2-1 Nail Art and Lip Balm, WeCool This 50+ piece set is the perfect self-care DIY set! You get so much bang for your buck in this one set from nail art supplies to making your own lip balms! Target $12.99 6+

Mix and Mash Deluxe Slime Kit, We Cool This set is full of tactile play including over one pound of slime and mix-ins like beads and more! An oddly satisfying gift with its own storage bin! Amazon | Walmart | Meijer | Target $14.99 4+


Social Aesthetic




KiiPix Portable Photo Printer, TOMY 

This awesome tool takes today's technology and mixes it with old school memories. Take photos from your smartphone and turn them into nostalgic prints! You can do all of this with no batteries, no cords, no wi-fi! It folds up flat to take with you on the go, so it's perfect to travel and to preserve memories in an instant! You just need Fuji Instax Photo Film! Amazon $29.99 Buy the film on Amazon, too!



Social Studio, WeCool Create your own viral with slime! This set includes everything you need to make slime mixing videos and even your own unboxing videos. You get a stand that holds standard smartphones, plus slime, and a mixing tool. Amazon $20.99 4+


Lite Brite, Basic Fun! Toys 

Retro is totally cool! Lite Brite provides creative expression and an awesome backdrop to anyone's aesthetic. Design your own Lite Brite art or use the included templates. Walmart $12.82 Target $12.89 4+


Pretend + Sensory Play

Horizon Group USA is the leader in crafts - from paint kits to ultimate DIY kits using storybooks and pretend play - they literally have so many kits to choose from. They have so many sets that it really hard to pare it down to a few sets - they all rock. I have selected my top favorites from each of their lines. Let's face it though, I buy at least one or two of their crafts per month! They are pros -- I love their craft site that gives so many great tips to keep kids busy. Check it out, and my picks below! Make sure you vote for them for this year's TOTY award for Plush of the Year!


Story Magic Playsets by Horizon Group USA promote pretend play and encourage storytelling through crafts and adorable playthings.




Tea Party, Horizon Group USA 

Packaged in an adorable case, you get sweet little tea party necessities to explore the imagination and promote pretend play! Amazon | Target $24.49 






Mixy Squish, Horizon Group USA 

Fulfill sensory needs all while creating different figures, art pieces, and more with Mixy Squish! Mixy Squish is textured air-dry clay that is so fun to mix and squish. Since it dries squishy you can choose to keep your creation intact or give it a squoosh to fulfill tactile needs. Should you choose to let it dry, it will dry within 24-48 hours completely smooth! 6+





Mixy Squish MEGA Pack Amazon $17.99
Mixy Squish Lap Desk Amazon $24.99
Mixy Squish Pack Amazon $8.99


STMT Crystal Terrarium, Horizon Group Create mental balance with this relaxing and beautiful terrarium DIY kit. Their STMT line is actually really awesome and would be perfect for tweens to adults! Target 


More STMT DIY Kits are available on Amazon!



STEAM + STEM KITS





MadMattr by Relevant Play is the perfect way to keep kids busy all while creating everyday objects with exciting and satisfying MaddMattr compound! MadMattr is so easy to clean up, it never dries out, it is non-toxic, and fulfills many sensory needs! There are three new activity sets out that spark creativity and keep little ones busy. Not only do they promote pretend play, but sensory play as well. 





MadMattr Bakery Set, Relevant Play 

This set includes four MadMattr colors and shaping tools to create realistic looking bakery items! Amazon $17.99 3+




MadMattr Burger Set, Relevant Play This set includes three MadMattr colors and shaping tools to create realistic burgers and fries. You even get fast food containers to "serve" your food to your "customers!" Amazon $12.99 3+




More MadMattr sets like individual compound colors, brick making kits, and pocket-size MadMattr compounds are also sold in stores and online Walmart, and Amazon. You can also find MadMattr in stores at Target. 





SmartLab Toys makes the coolest line of products to DIY kits to experiment sets! All of them have three things in common - they all share STEM + STEAM properties and are certified, they are a lot of fun, and they are really easy to do! Vote for the Outdoor Science Lab for Outdoor Toy of the Year!



Go Natural! Lip Balm Lab, SmartLab Toys 

Take the power of creativity and mix it with science to create your own DIY lip balms. This deluxe kit also includes 20 recipes, tips, and techniques for creating your own lip balm at home! It comes with a creation station, lip balm pods, and two-sided travel pods for moisturizing on the go! Amazon | Walmart $19.99 8+ 




Kitchen Science Lab, SmartLab Toys 

This set is so much fun with over 40 STEAM geared activities! Your kiddos will learn the scientific principles of capillary action, surface tension, density, osmosis, polymers, crystals, non-Newtonian fluids, acids and bases, and more all while playing!  Amazon $29.97 | Walmart $39.99 8+




Outdoor Science Lab, SmartLab Toys 
This kit is full of tools and ways to learn about the science of the great outdoors! Did you know that there are microscopic white bugs on leaves? I didn't either! We were amazed by this set.  Explore the outdoors and get to the level of bugs, learn about plants, and examine dirt. Amazon | Walmart $39.99 8+

Storm Watcher Weather Lab, SmartLab Toys  Track weather patterns like a real meteorologist! This set is a fun way to learn about the science behind weather forecasting. Kids can conduct experiments involving wind speed, wind direction, temperature, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, the water cycle, evaporation, the greenhouse effect, acid rain, drought, and more all by using the included tools. This is a great set to get kids to explore the outdoors and step away from technology as this whole just needs the power of Mother Nature! Amazon | Walmart $29.99 8+



Ooze Labs Chemistry Station Science Experiment, Thames & Kosmos This set features 57 pieces of STEM fun! It includes a majority of the items you will need to conduct experiments like a real scientist. With realistic tools, this will encourage kids to step out of the box and use tools like test tubes, beakers, pipettes, and more to conduct 20 safe and outrageous science experiments! Amazon $29.99 6+




CHEM C1000, Thames and Kosmos Winner of the Parent’s Choice Gold Award, the CHEM C1000 set includes over 30 pieces and has over 125 experiments. That’s a lot of learning and keeping busy time! Perfect for tweens ages 10 and up, they can pretend to be in a secret lab conducting experiments that can one day cure the world of COVID-19, or just learn some cool combinations. Amazon $59.99 10+

Professor Maxwell’s VR Science Labs, Abacus Brands

Using cutting edge technology, all-knowing Professor Maxwell will take you on a 4D experience where you can create and experiment from the instruction manual, and then use the included VR glasses (use with your smartphone) to enhance the experience! 


Professor Maxwell has now teamed up with another well-known scientist, Bill Nye to make the sets even cooler! Imagine a virtual Bill Nye coaching you along a science experiment! That's pretty cool! 


You can get a whole bunch of different VR and AR kits to promote learning, bust boredom, and enjoy a fully interactive educational and play experience. 


Choose from titles like VR ScienceVR Junior Chef, VR Magic, VR Space kits! We tested out the VR Science Kit and have a blast at least once a week with a new experiment. 


Find Professer Maxwell VR kits on Amazon, at Target, and at Walmart.  



Gifts for the Art Lover





smART Pixelator, Flycatcher Toys  For a neat way to create pixelized art, turn to the smART Pixelator! We go one step ahead and always create our designs. This is a great way to create custom crafts, too. Add a magnet to the back for a unique fridge magent. You can even turn them into ornaments, jewelry, and more! There are unique pixel beads for any project. Amazon | Target $24.99

Get extra bead sets to enhance projects by providing different textures and add pizzazz with sequins! 


Large Peg Set Amazon $14.41
Pixelator Organizer - Multiple levels of different pegs and pixel beads Amazon $34.99





smART Sketcher, Flycatcher Toys Fun for all ages, learn how to draw step by step with the smART Sketcher projector. Uniquely designed, it is so compact when put away. We love this set - year after year, I add this to my Holiday Gift Guide! We have had ours for three years now! AmazonTarget $49.99 7+

Find themed activity kits for the smART Sketcher on Amazon




LEGO Art -introduced this year with five different titles to choose from encouraging LEGO builders new and old to immortalize icons from the past into LEGO bricks. LEGO® Art combines pop culture with 2D lay flat LEGO building where you combine each LEGO tile to create your favorite pop culture icon! Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe Pop Art piece, Marvel, The Beatles, and Star Wars. I love  


LEGO Art, LEGO Group
With a bunch of different licenses to choose from like Marilyn Monroe, The SithMarvel, The Beatles, and Star Wars. LEGO Art sets have proven to be the next big thing to show off your fandom! Coming in 2021 are Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, and Harry Potter.

Find these sets on LEGO.com, Amazon, Target, and Walmart for $119.99 each.


LEGO Dots gives brick builders the chance to create wearable and useful LEGO pieces using their signature dots. Coming in a variety of titles, colors, and themes, you can build pretty much anything in 2D and 3D form! There are bunch more sets coming out in 2021 like a locked diary, secret case in a cute cat shape, more bands, and more! 

LEGO DOTS, LEGO Group
Create a world of colorful dots! From desk sets to 2D artwork to jewelry, there's no limit to LEGO DOTS! 

Find these sets on LEGO.comAmazonTarget, and Walmart for various prices.


Building + STEM Kits

Pai Technology creates wonderful STEM products for kids including Botzees the super-smart robot that kids can build and program to dance, explore, and more. The Boztees Junior Dinosaurs STEM kit works with the Botzees robot, but you do not need to have both kits for them to work! 



BOTZEES AR Coding Robot for Kids, Educational STEM Toy, Early Programming, Remote Control Robot for Kids Ages 4+ (App Based) Amazon $99.00




Botzees Junior Dinosaurs uses larger, safer blocks for little kids to piece together with each. With each click, children can create their own world of dinosaurs. Then kids can watch their creation come to life on their Apple smart device. Perfect for a birthday gift, classroom, or just because - give the gift of STEM learning. Amazon $27.99 3+







E-Blox sets are a fun way to enhance your building experience. Choose from their many buildable playsets that have different capabilities like lights, sounds, movement, and more! All of this while teaching your child basic electronic principles of connectivity, and how connecting certain blocks together can create a current. Very scientific stuff! Choose from a variety of sets by shopping directly with E-Blox, on Amazon, at Walmart, and at Target.


E-Blox Power Blox Builder Starter Kit Amazon $29.99 8+


E-Blox Circuit Blox 4 Walmart $10.46 8+




E-Blox Lights Deluxe Set Amazon $49.99 8+




From Magformers, Stick-O encourages toddlers to explore tactile learning through hands-on magnetic play. Each Stick-O shape contains magnets that rotate so toddlers' creations always stick together for a frustration-free play experience. My toddler loves Stick-O sets, and they are totally safe for little ones as little as 18 months old!




Stick-O City, Magformers Toddlers can build a car, racer, airplane and more with the City 16Pc Set . Included in this kit is 1 Sphere, 2 Stick, 3 Long Stick and magnetic accessories including vehicle wheels, wings, and propellers. Amazon $24.99 3 months+




Stick-O Forest Friends, Magformers  This fun set includes 16 pieces of safe play! Kiddos can create animals and other structures all while exploring and developing new skills. Kids will learn shape recognition, color learning, problem-solving, and more! Amazon $24.99 3 months+


Choose from more Stick-O sets on Amazon!



Magformers Basic Plus 14pc Set, Magformers This set is great for little hands, especially new builders. Kids as young as three years old will love these basic sets, I chose the primary set, but there are a bunch on Magformers.com to choose from that will engage and excite little ones.  Amazon $22.99



Create 3D structures from 2D nets with Magformers Basic Plus 14Pc Set. Build with 4 Squares, 8 Triangles and 2 Inner Circle Square shapes. Create houses, towers and our ‘magic ball’. Learn to build using combine, roll and pull-up techniques and see what your imagination can create! Build along with the step-by-step instructions and develop color and shape recognition, fine motor skills and problem-solving ability. The original and authentic Magformers. Perfect for brain development, critical thinking and STEM education. Follow the Step-by-step educational idea booklet for ideas and instructions. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you’ll always hear the Magformers click. When playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store. MSRP: $24.99; ages 3+.





Solar-Powered Rovers, Thames and Kosmos Build fun solar-powered vehicles and devices that move using electricity generated directly from sunlight! Learn the power of energy and how our most important source of energy not only sustains life but can power cool vehicles for our enjoyment! You can build five models with this kit and will provide a very engaging learning experience. Amazon $17.90 8+




Gujo Adventure, Luki Lab Go on an adventure to space, travel under the sea, and explore the rainforest with these amazing STEM certified sets. Gujo Adventure facilitates learning and is also the perfect backdrop to fuel kids' imaginations! Modular in design, you can follow the instructions, or make your own set to follow your own storyline. Since the instructions are in pictures, the build is very child-friendly. 






Mars Space Base & Mini Rocket Kids Play Set Amazon $44.99 7+



GUJO Adventure Mars Mission Rocket Kids Play Set Amazon $54.99 7+





GUJO Adventure Underwater Base & Minisub Kids Play Set, Build-Your-Own Deep-Sea Research Station Amazon $44.99




GUJO Adventure Lost Jungle Temple Kids Play Set, Build-Your-Own Rainforest Amazon $54.99 7+


Pinxies, Luki Lab Travel to a magical place where learning is fun, go on adventures and make new friends. Pinxies are such a positive collection of toys where children will learn feelings and how to communicate with one another. We also got a sneak peek of a new show featuring Pinxies, and they really do help start off a great storyline to go along with the toys.  






PINXIES Unicorn Ice Cream Truck Kids Play Set, Build-Your-Own Magical Toy Amazon $24.99 7+



PINXIES Marvelous Mermaid Ship Kids Play Set, Build-Your-Own Magical Toy Amazon $39.99 7+





PINXIES Unicorn Barn Kids Play Set, Build-Your-Own Magical Toy Amazon $29.99 7+


PINXIES Enchanted Ice Castle Kids Play Set, Build-Your-Own Magical Toy Amazon $49.99 7+




Snap Ships Build to Battle, Playmonster 

Snapships are the perfect mash-up of sci-fi fandom along with hobby building! Snap Ships was created by two sci-fi fans, so you know it's going to be good. There are a variety of sets to choose from. Each piece is modular and can be built to be at least two or three other builds depending on the set you choose. You can even use the box as a neat stand, or storage case, so there is no waste. Download the free app first to have a quick build walkthrough, or to play the game! Snapships has been nominated for Construction Toy of the Year, along with two other titles of theirs! Vote now! Perfect for kids and collectors ages eight and up. 



Snap Ships Battle Set: Wasp K.L.A.W. Heavy Fighter and Falx SC-41 Escort  Amazon $18.92 






Snap Ships Sawfly K.L.A.W. Minelayer Amazon $9.99


Choose from more Snap Ships sets on Amazon, Walmart, and Target







Laser Pegs, Laser Pegs Build your own vehicles, robots, and more with Laser Pegs! With simple to follow instructions, create cool model sets that light up.


Find Laser Pegs sets directly with Laser Pegs, on Amazon, and at Walmart.







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