Need gift ideas for a 5yr girl - Science related

[momtoblondie]

Does anyone have any ideas for a 5 yr old girl who loves science, some bugs, lizards, and dinosaurs. I am learning more towards the science "kit/toy" route but I never see anything in the stores. I will take her down the toy aisle and she is not into anything . . she doesnt give dolls, barbies, a second look. When we go down the boy aisles its all action figures, etc that she doesnt much care for either. Any ideas, I seriously have NONE. There has been a few toys that she has LOVED. She got an insect lore butterfly garden that she loved and she recently came home from school with a small dino dig project and REALLY enjoyed it. I would LOVE any suggestions. Thank you so much!

[crl]

Do you have a science oriented children's museum nearby? Their gift shop might be a great place to browse.

How about a marble run? Or some kind of building toy? Flower press?

Catherine

[mamalia]

The learning store has some science kits. DD liked the rock excavation kit. Maybe cricuts? Costco has a combo ladybug/butterfly science kit out for the Holidays.

HTH

[momtoblondie]

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, we have no museums of any sorts around us or a costco . . . but we do have a walmart and target (and that is it) I think I will check out costco online and maybe some other sites and get more ideas . .. the "rock" toy sounds interesting. Thanks again.

[crl]

Costco has an awesome Glow in the dark marble run and I'm pretty sure I saw a flower press there too this week.

Catherine

ETA. Maybe something from National Geographic?

http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/category/kids/toys-and-games?categoryLevelId=A091

[kristac]

Pocket microscope, magnafying glass and something like this:
http://www.worlddiscoverybox.com/product

You could make your own- Ikea sells similar empty boxes.

[Seitvonzu]

do you have a montessori services catalog? they have a whole "science" section that is reallyreally cool. there are "kits" but also things that you could put together based on her specific interests.

the most recent hearthsong catalogs i'm getting have lots of sciencey things-- rock polishers and rootview garden kits and such.

[hillview]

Snap Circuits
http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-300-Snap-Circuits/dp/B0000683A4/ref=pd_sim_t_10
On Sale. See the other thread going on them. It is great. My DS1 is 5 and loves the junior set but is ready for something with more parts.
/hillary

[mousemom]

My scientifically inclined niece asked for this set for her 6th birthday:
http://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Explorers-Blowing-Science-Scientists/dp/B000BURAP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289707032&sr=8-1

I was also considering this ladybug kit (similar to the butterfly one you mentioned):
http://www.amazon.com/Insect-Lore-2100-Ladybug-Land/dp/B000099Z8H/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1289707119&sr=1-1

And a light prism like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Tedco-00011-Light-Crystal-Prism/dp/B00000JPES/ref=gl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IE2TT8F3YWSYE&colid=3CBA9NRXEINVR