Best space and astronomy gifts for kids
If a child is fascinated by space, some gifts get used for a weekend and others keep teaching for months. This guide groups ideas by type of gift, with one clear pick in each category.
Our picks
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Space Atlas
A visual atlas of the solar system and beyond, from National Geographic Kids.
See price on Amazon →National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Model
A solar system model that glows in the dark, from National Geographic.
See price on Amazon →LEGO Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket 42221
A NASA Artemis rocket to build and display. It mixes play with a current space topic.
See price on Amazon →Our picks. Prices change: always compare on Amazon.
Books and atlases
The safest gift: they are read, reread and useful for school projects. Choose by age and interest.
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Space Atlas
A visual atlas of the solar system and beyond, from National Geographic Kids.
Best for: Curious kids who want to learn about all of space.
See price on Amazon →My First Space Atlas
A first space atlas that zooms into the solar system and beyond.
Best for: Young kids starting to get interested in planets.
See price on Amazon →50 Things To See With A Telescope – Kids
A kid-friendly guide to what to look for in the night sky with a telescope, built around constellations.
Best for: Families that want to go out and look at the stars.
See price on Amazon →Solar System for Kids
A kids’ guide to planets, moons, asteroids and comets, with myth-busting facts.
Best for: Elementary-age kids who read on their own.
See price on Amazon →Solar system kits and models
Learning by doing: building, painting and assembling the planets. Great to do with a grown-up.
National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Model
A solar system model that glows in the dark, from National Geographic.
Best for: Kids who like hands-on projects and room decorations.
See price on Amazon →4M Solar System Planetarium
A DIY glow-in-the-dark planetarium model kit from 4M.
Best for: Kids who enjoy building and decorating.
See price on Amazon →NASA LEGO sets
For kids and teens who like to build. The NASA sets mix play with real science. Always check the age LEGO recommends on each listing.
LEGO Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket 42221
A NASA Artemis rocket to build and display. It mixes play with a current space topic.
Best for: Rocket fans who like building.
See price on Amazon →LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance
The Perseverance rover as a Technic set, with mechanisms to build.
Best for: Kids who want to see how an exploration robot works.
See price on Amazon →LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System
A large display model of the NASA Artemis rocket.
Best for: Teens and adult space fans.
See price on Amazon →Star projectors
They turn a bedroom into a starry sky. There are many cheap models from unknown brands with very uneven quality; we only include one 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 →Tips to get it right
- Choose by the child’s real interest: do they like reading, building or experimenting?
- Books and kits done with a grown-up work better than gifts meant to be used alone.
- When in doubt, a space atlas is the hardest gift to get wrong.
- For a night of stargazing, pair a book with a telescope: see our telescopes for kids comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best space gift for a 6 to 8 year old?
An illustrated atlas and a simple solar system kit usually work better than a telescope, because they get used from day one.
Are star projectors worth it?
They are an ambiance gift more than an educational one. Many cheap models have uneven quality; if you buy one, choose a known brand and read the reviews.
What age does LEGO recommend for the space sets?
It depends on the set. Always check the age listed on the product page on Amazon.
What can I give a kid who loves space but does not like reading?
A NASA LEGO set or a planetarium kit to build, so they can learn with their hands.
Want to try something free first?
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.