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34 space toys for kids who love outer space

Emily Lowinger   

34 space toys for kids who love outer space

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  • Outer space is never far, far away from kids' minds, so consider gifting them one of the toys on this list.

Space exploration is something that is appreciated by kids of all ages, whether it's seeing the moon change phases, looking at the star patterns that make up constellations, or something as simple as the sun's position from day to night. Plus, with NASA and SpaceX rocket launches and even science-fiction shows and movies like "Star Wars," outer space is never far from people's minds.

If there is a kid in your life who's an aspiring astronaut and you're looking for the perfect present to get them, this list of space toys includes gifts for all ages and interest levels: toddlers, elementary and middle school kids, and even a couple for teens.

The top 5 space toys for kids:

1. An astronaut starter STEM kit

2. An artsy space activity

3. A Mandalorian plush toy

4. A solar system mobile kit

5. A model rocket kit

Here are 34 space toys and gifts for kids of all ages:

Real space ice cream

Real space ice cream
Amazon
Astronaut Foods Ice Cream Sandwich, available at Amazon, $24

These Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches are made with original freeze-dried ice cream — the very same ice cream developed for NASA in the 1960s — and proudly made in Boulder, Colorado. Freeze-dried ice cream is frozen at -40 degrees, removing all the water and making it no mess and no melt.

A child-size space suit

A child-size space suit
Amazon
Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Suit with Embroidered Cap and NASA patches (toddlers), available at Amazon, from $31Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Suit with Embroidered Cap and NASA patches (kids), available at Amazon and Walmart, from $26

These suits come complete with official NASA patches, including an Apollo 11 mission patch and the Apollo Program patch, plus an embroidered NASA cap. You can choose from orange, pink, or white.

Recommended ages: 1 to 12 years

A retro-looking astronaut helmet

A retro-looking astronaut helmet
Amazon
Aeromax Youth Toy Astronaut Helmet, available at Staples and Amazon, from $17

This makes a great costume piece or collectible item for any kid who loves space. Available in four different colors, the helmets feature a tinted movable visor, detailed with American flag, NASA logo, and colorful decals.

Recommended ages: 3 to 10 years

A cool space T-shirt

A cool space T-shirt
SpaceX
SpaceX Starman T-shirt, available at SpaceX, $20

Do they want some SpaceX swag? Look no further. This shirt features a beautiful, giant planet earth. The same design is also available on a hoodie.

Sizes: Kids' small to large

Astronaut bedding

Astronaut bedding
Amazon
Snurk Duvet Cover Set Duvet Cover with Matching Pillowcase (twin), available at Amazon and Maisonette, from $119

This is a great gift for NASA/SpaceX super-fans. Fun fact: The bedding was designed from a real astronaut suit at the Space Expo Museum in Holland. It is made from worldly sources to prepare them for something that's out of this world. Oprah said this gift was one of her favorite things of 2017.

Kits to learn about infinity and beyond

Kits to learn about infinity and beyond
KiwiCo
KiwiCo Space Search (3 to 4 years), available at KiwiCo, $18.95KiwiCo Astronaut Starter Kit (5 years and up), available at KiwiCo, $29.95

Spark curiosity and interest in the vast universe with these space STEM kits. The Space Search kit for toddlers is a great way to introduce concepts like planets and the sun. The Astronaut Starter Kit involves building models of galaxies and spaceships, and learning about life at the International Space Station.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A rocket builder for the littlest kids

A rocket builder for the littlest kids
Amazon
Manhattan Toy Stacker Rocket, available at Amazon and Maisonette, from $16

This is a great toy for developing basic problem-solving and fine motor skills. Each piece is made of wood and held together by magnets, making them easy to stack.

Recommended ages: 12 months and up

An introduction to the solar system

An introduction to the solar system
Amazon
Hello, World! Solar System Board Book, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble, from $6.17

Every young child is curious about the world around them. How many times has your kid looked up at the moon in the night sky and asked you about it? "Hello, World!" teaches toddlers all about the sun, moon, stars, and planets with colors, shapes, sizes, and super simple facts.

Recommended ages: 12 months and up

A set of planet-themed blocks

A set of planet-themed blocks
Amazon
Uncle Goose Planet Blocks, available at Amazon and Uncommon Goods, $20

This set of nine wood blocks features planets, moons, and more from the Milky Way. Made in the US from sustainable basswood, they're actually pretty cool looking too.

Recommended ages: 2 years and up

Solar system sidewalk chalk

Solar system sidewalk chalk
Crate & Barrel
Twee Solar System Sidewalk Chalk, available at Crate & Barrel, $39

This chalk is so pretty, you might find yourself staring at it for a long time before actually using it. The set includes nine round pieces of chalk. Eight of them represent different planets in our galaxy, plus Pluto (which, if you don't remember, is no longer considered a planet). Each piece contains multiple colors, representing the core, layers, and crust of the planet.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A star projector for preschoolers and beyond

A star projector for preschoolers and beyond
Amazon
Learning Resources Shining Stars Projector, available at Amazon, $20

One way to get children interested in space is by showing them real images from space. This award-winning projector includes 24 images of planets, stars, and more that can be projected on any surface. It takes three AAA batteries that are not included.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A pretend rocket ship

A pretend rocket ship
Amazon
Melissa & Doug Rocket Ship Indoor Playhouse, available at Wayfair and Kohl's, from $44

This cardboard rocket ship is 4.7 feet tall and is designed to be sturdy, safe, and fun. Inside, a navigational dashboard is perfect for flight simulations and playing pretend.

Recommended ages: 3 to 6 years

A fun toy for them and nostalgia for adults

A fun toy for them and nostalgia for adults
Walmart
Disney Pixar Toy Story Ultimate Walking Buzz Lightyear, available at Best Buy and Walmart, from $16.99

Complete with pop-out wings, this toy will bring joy to kids and is a good companion for watching "Toy Story." Plus, this Buzz can walk on its own. Three LR44 batteries are included.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A Mandalorian plush toy

A Mandalorian plush toy
Amazon
Star Wars The Child Plush Toy, available at Amazon and ShopDisney, $25

This plush version of The Child is actually a cute present for Star Wars fans young and old. At 11 inches tall, it has a sturdy base, making it perfect for playing or displaying.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A NASA backpack

A NASA backpack
Amazon
Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Backpack, available at Amazon, $38

This backpack has compartments for their astronaut helmet, boots, and spacesuit — or just for their books and lunch. It made of 100% polyester and is machine-washable too.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A space-themed umbrella

A space-themed umbrella
Maisonette
Floss & Rock Space Color Changing Umbrella, available at Maisonette, $15

This 23.5-inch umbrella changes colors in the rain, revealing planets and astronauts along the way. When it dries, the images disappear.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A space set for toddlers

A space set for toddlers
The Tot
Toddler Outer Space Birthday Gift Set, available at the Tot, $50

If you know a toddler with a birthday coming up, consider this awesome set that includes a robot sticker sketchbook, a sticker roll, temporary tattoos, a book about space, and a birthday card. "The Ultimate Book of Space" is a beautifully illustrated and engaging book with flaps, pull tabs, and popups to encourage young readers to think about space and the universe.

Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years

A book of reusable stickers

A book of reusable stickers
Amazon
Eyelike Stickers: Space, 400 reusable stickers, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, $7

If you're a zero-waste kind of person, you'll love these reusable stickers. Featuring realistic images of space, spaceships, planets, and astronauts, the stickers can be peeled off and restuck to different surfaces without tearing or losing adhesive.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

The ultimate projector for kids

The ultimate projector for kids
Amazon
Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $31

Stars, galaxies, and planets — oh my! This is the perfect combination of entertainment meets education. For optimal results, use the projector in a dark room and hold it close to the viewing surface. They'll just need three AA batteries, which are not included.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

A card game that's fun for the whole family

A card game that
Amazon
Qurious Space Family Card Game, available at Amazon, $17

Each deck includes interactive and engaging facts and trivia, making it a great way to both learn and relax as a family. In addition to being a great way to memorize facts, players will also use their problem-solving skills to answer questions about the great beyond.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

A collection of space books

A collection of space books
Amazon
There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System, available at Amazon, $5Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story, available at Amazon, $12National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space, available at Amazon, $10

If you want gift them a Dr. Seuss throwback experience, go with the Cat in the Hat Learning Library's "There's No Place Like Space." For a heartwarming children's story written by a real astronaut, consider "Mousetronaut." If you're looking for something that's a little more obviously instructive, check out "National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space."

Recommended ages: 4 years and up

A space toy for Lego fans

A space toy for Lego fans
Best Buy
Lego City Space Mars Research Shuttle 60226 Space Shuttle Toy Building Kit, available at Best Buy, $40

If they love space, rockets, spaceships, and Lego, this set is a no-brainer. With 273 pieces included, they can build something out-of-this-world right in their own home.

Recommended ages: 5 years and up

An artsy space activity

An artsy space activity
Amazon
Mudpuppy Outer Space Coloring Roll, available at Amazon, $13

This coloring roll provides over 10 feet of coloring potential, making it perfect for kids who love art. Turn it into an educational opportunity by looking up some of the planets and seeing what colors they really are.

Recommended ages: 5 years and up

An educational jigsaw puzzle

An educational jigsaw puzzle
Mudpuppy
Mudpuppy Solar System Puzzle, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $14

Kids will think they're just doing a puzzle, but they'll also be learning about the solar system at the same time. It includes 70 planet-shaped puzzle pieces.

Recommended ages: 5 to 9 years

A realistic moon lamp

A realistic moon lamp
Amazon
Uncle Milton Moon In My Room, available at Amazon, $20

This lamp is perfect for any child who's asked why the moon looks different each night. It has a very detailed design, and different settings allow them to see what the moon looks like based on the lunar phase.

Recommended ages: 6 years and up

A ready-to-launch playset

A ready-to-launch playset
Amazon
PLAYMOBIL Mission Rocket with Launch Site, available at Amazon and Walmart, $60

This is perfect for any kid who's dreamed of being an astronaut. With a countdown feature and detailed lights and sounds, the playset creates a realistic and immersive launch day experience.

Recommended ages: 6 to 10 years

Glow-in-the-dark socks

Glow-in-the-dark socks
Sock It To Me
Kids Constellation Glow-in-the-Dark Socks, available at Sock It To Me, $7.50

These socks are fun to look at and a great way to practice constellation identification, including the Big Dipper and Orion. They're also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so they're free of harmful dyes and other chemicals.

Size: Fits kids' shoe sizes 1 to 5

A rocket launcher STEM set

A rocket launcher STEM set
Amazon
Discovery Kids Mindblown Rocket Launcher Kit, available at Amazon, $15

Physics and chemistry come to life with this highly engaging educational kit. By following the instructions, kids can assemble and launch their very own rocket.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A construction set for hardcore builders

A construction set for hardcore builders
Amazon
Thames & Kosmos Remote-Control Machines: Space Explorers, available at Amazon and Walmart, $54

This set contains 237 pieces and a full-color, 64-page manual to help kids build a space rover plus nine additional space-themed models. The accompanying resources teach the history of Mars exploration, robotics in satellites, deep-space exploration, and the robots in popular space-related science fiction.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A solar system mobile kit

A solar system mobile kit
Amazon
4M 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit, available at Amazon, Kohl's, and Walmart, from $23

Why buy a space mobile when you can make one? This kit includes a full set of snap-together planets, hanging frame and string, two strips of paint, two glow paints, and a paintbrush. It also comes with a poster that displays fun solar system facts.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

An astronaut doll

An astronaut doll
American Girl
Luciana Doll, available at American Girl, $110Luciana's Space Suit, available at American Girl, $75Luciana's Flight Suit, available at American Girl, $28

The Luciana American Girl Doll is dressed in a holographic choker and boots and her signature cosmic-print dress. For outer space missions, you can also buy a space or flight suit.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

A beginner's telescope

A beginner
Amazon
Celestron 70mm Travel Scope, available at Amazon and Best Buy, from $87

This telescope has two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day. It also comes with a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts.

Recommended ages: 8 years and up

"Terraforming Mars" board game

"Terraforming Mars" board game
Amazon
Indie Boards and Cards Terraforming Mars Board Game, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $42

They'll be able to compete for certain milestones to see who can make Mars a habitable planet for humans. The game includes over 200 challenges and can be enjoyed by up to five people.

Recommended ages: 12 years and up

A model rocket kit

A model rocket kit
Amazon
Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $34

Are they obsessed with rockets? Or are you just a big fan of the movie "October Sky"? Either way, these rockets can launch up to 1,200 feet in the air and can be assembled in as quickly as a day. Definitely consider supervising your child in their mission to launch — it'll be a momentous and memorable family experience.

Recommended ages: 14 years and up

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