Premium space and astronomy gifts
For a big gift (a milestone birthday or the holidays) it makes sense to choose something that will last for years. Here are the mid-to-high-end astronomy gifts that make the most sense: NASA collector models, home planetariums and telescopes with app guidance.
Our picks
LEGO Icons Hubble Space Telescope 11382
A model of the Hubble Space Telescope to build and display. Among the NASA collector sets it is one of the most affordable.
See price on Amazon →LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V 21309
The Saturn V rocket that took Apollo to the Moon, as a large collector model.
See price on Amazon →Sega Toys Homestar Flux Home Planetarium
A home planetarium projector from a brand well known in this category.
See price on Amazon →Our picks. Prices change: always compare on Amazon.
NASA LEGO collector sets
Large models to build slowly and display. Designed for teens and adults, although many kids build them with a grown-up. Always check the age LEGO recommends on the listing.
LEGO Icons Hubble Space Telescope 11382
A model of the Hubble Space Telescope to build and display. Among the NASA collector sets it is one of the most affordable.
Best for: Teens and adults who love space.
See price on Amazon →LEGO Ideas International Space Station 21321
The International Space Station as a LEGO Ideas set, with solar arrays and modules.
Best for: Anyone who wants to understand how the ISS is built.
See price on Amazon →LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V 21309
The Saturn V rocket that took Apollo to the Moon, as a large collector model.
Best for: Fans of the Moon landings and rocket history.
See price on Amazon →LEGO Icons NASA Space Shuttle Discovery 10283
NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery to build and display.
Best for: Fans of the history of spaceflight.
See price on Amazon →LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System
The SLS rocket of the Artemis missions as a large display model.
Best for: Fans of rockets and the return to the Moon.
See price on Amazon →Home planetarium
A quality projector that turns a bedroom into a starry sky. It is one of the few products of this type from a recognized brand.
Sega Toys Homestar Flux Home Planetarium
A home planetarium projector from a brand well known in this category.
Best for: Anyone who wants a quality projector, not a cheap toy.
See price on Amazon →Telescopes with real optics
If you want the gift to go out under the real sky. See our telescopes for kids comparison to choose by age.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
A 114 mm reflector with a smartphone dock: the StarSense app guides you to objects in the sky.
Best for: Anyone who wants to start observing without knowing the sky.
See price on Amazon →Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P
A 130 mm collapsible tabletop Dobsonian with the best views among the entry-level telescopes we compared.
Best for: Teens who will use it for years.
See price on Amazon →Tips to get it right
- For big gifts, check the recommended age and the difficulty level or piece count.
- A collector set is a gift to enjoy while building: set aside time and a large table.
- If you hesitate between a projector and a telescope, the telescope goes out under the real sky and lasts for years.
- For smaller budgets, see our space gifts guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best space gift for a teenager?
A NASA collector set, like the Hubble telescope or the Space Station, or a telescope with an app if they like observing.
Is a home planetarium worth it?
It is an ambiance gift more than an educational one. If you buy one, choose a recognized brand because the quality of cheap models is very uneven.
What age does LEGO recommend for the collector sets?
It depends on the set; they are usually for teens and adults. Check the age listed on the product page.
What is better, a LEGO set or a telescope?
It depends on whether they like building or observing. The set is enjoyed at home; the telescope takes the child outside to look at the sky.
Want to try before you spend?
Download the free printable worksheets in the Learn section and try our free 3D solar system simulator to see what your child likes before you buy.