This clever little pen is secretly a mini engineering kit in disguise. Magnetic rings and steel balls can be rearranged into tiny structures, patterns, and shapes. It’s perfect for girls who like to fidget and think.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Encourages spatial reasoning and creativity
• Introduces basic ideas about magnetism
• Lets her design shapes and mini builds
• Helps busy hands focus while the brain works
• Small enough for pencil cases and travel

Amazon example: Here’s one highly reviewed version you can try – available on Amazon (click here). You’ll also find similar magnetic pens and fidget tools if you’d like to explore other designs.

Nothing grabs a tween’s attention like swirling, powerful weather in a tube. This mini tornado lamp lets kids experiment with airflow and vortex motion, while also doubling as very cool bedroom décor.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Teaches simple atmospheric science and vortex behaviour
• Perfect mix of “pretty light” and real science
• Great for visual learners and curious observers
• Works as a night light or mood lamp

Amazon example: You can see a popular option here – available on Amazon (click here). There are other tornado lamps and vortex tubes too if you want to compare styles and colours.

These are the books I wish every curious girl had on her shelf. The Hey Smart Girl series covers physics, chemistry, biology and earth science with hands-on experiments, simple explanations, and a big dose of “Yes, you can do this.”

Okay, I know I’m biased – but the Hey Smart Girl books really do make brilliant stocking stuffers. They’re small enough to tuck into a stocking, but packed with experiments, explanations, doodles, and confidence-building prompts. And if you’re not sure whether I’m just saying that because I wrote them… just check the reviews.

This is chemistry… but adorable. Girls grow colourful crystals on tiny hedgehog figures while learning about supersaturated solutions and crystal formation. The results look almost magical, but the science is very real.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Introduces core chemistry concepts in a playful way
• Encourages patience and observation over a few days
• Ends with a cute, sparkly hedgehog she can proudly display
• Short enough to hold attention, long enough to feel like “proper science”

Amazon example: Here’s one version to check out – available on Amazon (click here). You’ll also find other crystal-growing kits if your girl prefers geodes, gems, or different animals.

Kids are endlessly fascinated by how the human body works. A small anatomy model with removable organs lets girls build, explore and rebuild, turning “What does this do?” into a hands-on investigation.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Teaches basic anatomy and organ function
• Great for tactile, hands-on learners
• Helps answer all those “What’s inside?” questions
• Fun for future doctors, vets, or just very curious kids

Amazon example: Here’s a National Geographic-style body model – available on Amazon (click here). There are simpler and more advanced models too, so you can choose based on your child’s age and interest.

This is a fantastic little “Christmas morning” science project. Girls mix special crystals in moulds, wait a short time, and end up with bright bouncy balls they made themselves. It’s quick, simple and very satisfying.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Teaches basic polymer science and material changes
• Delivers fast, fun results – perfect for impatient experimenters
• Low mess and easy to supervise
• Ends with a toy they can actually play with

Amazon example: You can see one bouncy ball science kit here – available on Amazon (click here). There are also glow-in-the-dark and glitter versions if your girl likes extra sparkle.

A classic for a reason. In Mastermind, one player sets a secret code and the other has to crack it using logical deduction, pattern spotting, and a bit of patience. It’s pure, fun critical thinking practice.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Builds logical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Encourages strategic thinking and planning ahead
• Great for one-on-one play with siblings or parents
• Perfect introduction to “thinking like a scientist” – testing ideas and ruling them out

Amazon example: Here’s the classic version – available on Amazon (click here). You’ll also find travel-sized and themed variations if you want something a bit different.

This kit blends art with simple circuitry. Girls bend flexible wire into shapes – names, stars, symbols – and then add a small LED system to make their design light up. It’s creative engineering they can hang on the wall.

Why it’s a great gift:

• Teaches simple circuits and how electricity flows
• Encourages artistic expression and design thinking
• Ends with a personalised light-up decoration
• Bridges the gap between “art kid” and “STEM kid” – because she can be both

Amazon example: Here’s one light-up wire art kit to explore – available on Amazon (click here). You can also find other simple circuitry art projects if this becomes a new favourite hobby.