Darwin Day happens every February 12 to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin, the world-famous scientist who is known for developing the theory of natural selection. According to National Geographic, Darwin’s theory of natural selection states that “individuals of a species are more likely to survive in their environment and pass on their genes to the next generation when they inherit traits from their parents that are best suited for that specific environment.” His years of analyzing plants and animals and how species change over time has led him to his theory. Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England in 1809 and passed away in 1882, but not before making groundbreaking new scientific discoveries which according to Britannica caused a wave of shock among religious Victorian societies after he suggested that humans actually share a common ancestry with animals. Today, we’re celebrating Darwin Day with a list of the most recommended science-themed gifts for young minds who aspire to be as influential as Darwin himself.
Darwin Day: Science-Themed Gifts for Kids and Kids at Heart
1. Elements Photo Card Deck
Whether as an aid for homeschooling kids or a collectible for science enthusiasts, this Elements Photo Card Deckhelps test your scientific knowledge! This Darwin Day, explore this mesmerizing memorizing aid with big, beautiful photographs of all 118 elements and scientific facts on the back of each card. This deck features additional cards that explain the properties and arrangements of the elements and suggest activities to help you study. Shop at Uncommon Goods.
2. Scenic Science of the National Parks
If the quarantine has made you miss traveling, worry not as you can rediscover the wonderful iconic landscapes of our national parks with this fun guide. Scenic Science of the National Parks is a collection of compelling and offbeat highlights of the US National Parks. It features full-color illustrations and insider tips on 60 locales, giving readers new insights to the geological, botanical, and wildlife secrets of our most beautiful national parks. For those who love nature and science, this book is a great companion guide during park visits or a souvenir to remind you of your travels. Discover bizarre scientific highlights and new information about the inhabitants of our national parks. Shop at Uncommon Goods.
3. Aristotle’s Number Puzzle
Named after the great Greek philosopher and the founder of Western science, Aristotle’s Number Puzzle will surely challenge your math skills. This unique puzzle features numbered tiles that must be arranged to give the same total in each row. Keep your mind engaged and your hands occupied with this puzzle that is crafted from wood and is finished with an antique style for a unique look and feel. This Darwin Day, engage your brain with intellectually stimulating puzzles on your own or with loved ones. It’s also a great gift for any science whizz! Shop at Uncommon Goods.
4. Little Scientist Puzzle-500 Pieces
Nurture the young scientist in your child with this fun quarantine activity: the Little Scientist Puzzle! With 500 pieces to sort through and put together, this screen-free activity will keep you and your little one engaged. It features beautifully illustrated portraits of giants in the scientific world, including Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and George Washington Carver. Customer Phillymom gave this product a 5-star review, writing, “This was a great puzzle for the entire family to enjoy. The bright colors and brief descriptions of the scientists made it a success for the younger members of the family too.” Shop at Uncommon Goods.
5. Solar System Sidewalk Chalk
Discover a whole new world—or universe—of creativity with these sidewalk chalk crafted in the form of the nine planets in our Solar System. Uniquely crafted by Kate Leibrand, this set of sidewalk chalk is perfect for hours of fun with the kids. Each “planet” is made with multiple colors to give layers to each one. It represents the planets’ cores, layers, and crusts, providing an authentic look and teachable moment for the kids. The best part is that this U.S.-made, handmade chalk donates $2 of every purchase to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to support autism research. Shop at Uncommon Goods.
More Engaging Science-Themed Gifts
1. Our Planet Earth Lift the Flap Learning Book
On Darwin Day, make learning more fun and engaging with the Our Planet Earth Lift the Flap Learning Book, a playfully innovative piece that will help you hold the kids’ attention as you teach them about our wonderful planet’s geology and topography. Featuring fact-filled text, detailed art, and ingenious paper cutouts, this book shows different scientific phenomena including bubbling volcanoes and rushing rivers. Discover chapters that explore glaciers, caves, weather, tectonic plates and more with cool holes through pages, big flaps to peek behind, and die-cuts on every spread. It’s a must-have for learn-at-home kids and parents and is also a great gift for kids (and kids at heart) who love science. Shop at Uncommon Goods.
2. The Speed of Starlight Space & Science Book
Done with exploring the Earth? Then move on to The Speed of Starlight Space & Science Book, a stunning book that introduces kids to some of the most amazing, biggest scientific discoveries in our time. Featuring large, lavish illustrations, this book will spark your kids’ imagination with exploding stars to invisible rays. Enter the surreal world of physics, where sound, the speed of light, the wonders of space, and more are vividly visualized and explored in this engaging book. Ignite your child’s love for science with the questions and mysteries in the book, which is written in the UK and illustrated in Spain. Perfect for the future Einsteins! Shop at Uncommon Goods.
3. Magic of Science Experiment Kit
For those who want a more hands-on approach to learning science, check out the Magic of Science Experiment Kit, which features a collection of 20 impressive experiments, all beautifully illustrated with instructions on how to complete. It’s perfect for parents who want to get their kids off screens and participate in more engaging science activities. With this kit, kids will learn that science is indeed very cool! Shop at Uncommon Goods.
4. STEM Scribble Books
On Darwin Day, help your little ones discover their fascination for STEM subjects with these fun scribble activity books. Your little aspiring engineers and novice inventors will have a blast with this collection of puzzles, patterns, and design prompts, all designed to get their gears turning! From solving math problems to designing their own robot, the STEM Scribble Books will have loads of engaging activities for them to perform across three different books, which all include downloadable templates and cool Web links to keep the challenge going even after you and your kids reach the last page. Shop at Uncommon Goods.
5. Erupting Dinosaur Bath Volcano
Make bath time more fun and engaging with the Erupting Dinosaur Bath Volcano, a mini volcano that lets kids experiment like a scientist, color like an artist, and play like a kid. All you need to do is place the fizzy puck on its base and watch as the bright flow of “lava” spills from the top, just like a real volcano. After the “explosion,” the floating mountain can be used as a bathtub toy and opens up to reveal one of eight possible Cretaceous creatures hiding inside. Perfect for collecting! This item is dishwasher safe. Shop at Uncommon Goods.
Engaging STEM Subscription Boxes
- Groovy Lab in a Box Award Winning Subscription STEM Box for Kids Ages 8 and Up, featuring a2 20-plus page custom-designed, subject specific lab notebook, activities, experiments, tests, challenges, and other activities that combine scientific inquiry and the engineering design process. Rated 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “We have purchased 3 kits so far for my homeschooled kids. I have saved so much time and energy by having the projects written for me and the supplies gathered in one box. Kids are enjoying, mom has pressed the easy button.”
- Little Passports Science Jr. Subscription Box for Kids Ages 5-8, which first month features the weddell seals experiment kit, adventure-packed comic, Antarctica board game, and trading cards highlighting fun scientific facts. Everymonth, kids receive a subscription box that features hands-on science experiments, adventure comics, and trading cards highlighting fun scientific facts. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “My 4 year-old grandson can’t wait for his package to arrive and he spends hours on his projects. The best gift one can give to young children. No screens, phones, etc.” M. Barter
- MEL Science Exciting Physics Experiments Subscription Box for Kids Ages 8-14, featuring revolutionary VR science lessons and step-by-step instructions for free in the MEL Physics App. Each box includes ingredients, equipment, and instructions for 2 to 3 monthly experiments and additional science projects. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “My kids and I really enjoyed our first kit (reflections). It was interesting, engaging, and very hands-on. I myself, at the age of 42, found it to be pretty exciting. We loved getting to play with everything and see how and why different laws of physics work. We can’t wait for the next kit!” Likv0r
- Fat Brain Toys Surprise Ride Monthly STEM Subscription Activity Box for Kids Ages 5-12, featuring screen-free learning through specially curated STEM, history, geography, and art activities all designed by parents. Every box features one awesome activity, a reading book, simple step-by-step photo instructions, and a surprise keepsake or toy. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “We got this as a birthday present for our 6 year old and it was really fun to do! He loved the surprise aspect and theme. I like how literally everything was included and the ease of the project. Excited for the next one!”
- Little Passports Early Explorers Subscription Box for Kids Ages 3-5, especially designed for preschoolers and featuring hands-on projects and activities that will let him uncover exciting countries and cultures. The first package includes a fun orange suitcase, a wall-sized world map, souvenirs, activity booklets, stickers and tags, and letters from your new pen pals Max, Mia, and Toby the dog. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “My toddlers enjoyed our first box. They really love the map and all the interesting stickers. We look forward to the next box.” Awesomday2
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