1. Robotics Kit Any child with geeky inclinations has at least one dream: building their own robot. It’s safe to say non-geeky children feel the same way. This kit allows for the construction of a few different types of robots, including a light-activated robot, a radar-controlled robot that can dodge obstacles and one that will react to any television remote (which can also lead to some good old "let’s freak out our parents fun"). Best of all (I guess) there’s no soldering required, a feature which Elenco Toys seems pretty excited about. Price: $37

2. Steppers This one isn’t quite as educational, but it is fairly mind-blowing (especially that this is considered a toy, and not a form of torture). Of course, knowing children, these steppers will probably be a huge blast. Not terribly complex, they are little stilt-like foot attachments that fold into themselves, making walking around a bit more difficult and improving balance like crazy. Only downside might be future trips to the hospital, but hey, kids are durable, right? Price: $10.95

3. My Own Story Time Pad As a writer who is interested in technology, this is kind of unfairly tailored to three-year-old me, but I assume most kids (between the ages of two and four) will enjoy this. It’s a tablet that can be customized by parents to have stories, animations and (have to love this) "e-mails" on it for the kids to listen to. If nothing else, it will prepare them for a life in the 21st century, as they begin to learn how to ignore e-mails. Price: $29.99

4. Microgravity Ant Farm I’m going to go out on a limb and say everyone remembers their first ant farm as fondly as their first kiss (though this could be just based on my personal experience). But how much more fondly would you remember that ant farm if it were based on a 2003 NASA Space Shuttle experiment that sought to test how ants tunnel in microgravity? Because that's what this is. I’m not even kidding: it's the perfect gift to teach kids about microgravity and, you know, use to stare at ants. Microgravity not included. Price: $22.95

5. Perplexus A classic brainteaser, the Perplexus is a three-dimensional maze that requires the right turns, angles and balance to keep a metal ball rolling on a small track. Just the kind of toy to keep a child entertained for hours but would have an adult throwing it against a wall within twenty minutes. Price: $21.95

6. Edu Science Junior Science Kit Another old classic that doesn’t require much explanation, this science kit has all the necessities: beaker, burning pan, eyedropper, magnifying glass, etc. A great starter for anyone wanting to one day be a scientist and needing their first lab. Price: $25.99

7. Solar Building Kit This is the kind of toy we all wish we had when we were kids: a 37-piece kit that allows children to build small solar transportation devices ranging from boats to, uh, puppies. It’s powered entirely with solar energy, teaching kids about alternative energy and about basic mechanical engineering. A win all around. Price: $39

8. Flying Saucer Mini Kit This one speaks for itself: who wouldn’t want to create their own flying saucer? This kit allows kids to do just that, but given its basic "spin things on a metal rod" design, there are also options to make spin art, a fan or really whatever you can think of to spin on a metal rod. Price: $16.95

9. Chocolate Calculator (Choc-u-lator) I possess just about zero understanding as to why someone would want a calculator that looks and smells like a chocolate bar, which is exactly why I think kids would love it. They can learn math while wanting chocolate! Or maybe it’s for especially mean math-class pranks. Of course, it may end up being a simple version of some mild torture. Either way, seems like a great stocking stuffer. Price: $9.99

10. Underwater Light Show Although this thing is marketed to spice up a pool party by adding some underground light displays, I think it can make bath time that much more enjoyable from some hygiene-adverse youngsters. But if you’ve got a pool, it can also be great for hypnotizing the kids while adding a little flair to those mid-summer pool parties. Price: $9.99

11. Yoga Motion Bundle Everyone knows that most kids could use a little work on their chakra, but it’s just so damn hard to get kids to experience yoga. Cue the Yoga Motion Bundle. This DVD, mat and water bottle bundle has everything needed to introduce children to yoga early. Might take a little longer to get them liking chamomile tea and a vegan diet, but it's a start. Price: $45

12. Smart Fit Another exercise-themed toy, this includes a pad (to walk and jog and dance on) that attaches to a television. It then displays video games of sorts based around races and learning games. The caveat is the kids have to move around on the pad to play the games, so they're learning while exercising. Yay! Price: $38

13. Worm Farm Remember everything I said about the ant farm earlier? Well, replace all that with a worm farm. This one works in traditional gravity, though, using good old dirt. It’s an interesting spin on the age-old idea of an ant farm. Perfect for that small window of time in a young person’s life when he or she actually loves worms. Price: $19.95

14. Duo Plink Turn the iPad into a kid-friendly gaming platform with the Duo Plink, a device that has players answer questions by putting tokens on the color that best matches their answers to trivia questions. The Duo Plink rotates, and if you get the question right, drops your token into the bank. You can get new questions and games using the Duo Plink from the App Store. Price: $29.99

15. Duo Pop Another iPad gaming device, the Duo Pop is a number of clickers, a la a game show, that allow users to "buzz in" when they think they know an answer. Great for replicating the Game Show Network in your very own home, and a wonderful way to bring together children and parents. Price: $39.99