My Guide to Holiday Gifts

The holidays are the season for giving, and one of the things I’ve loved giving my own children over the years is a passion for learning. And as a computer science nerd with two daughters, I’m particularly interested in helping give girls the confidence to pursue their interest in math and science.

That’s why I’ve put together a STEM gift guide, with ideas for toys, games, and books that I hope will delight kids while encouraging them to find creative answers to challenging puzzles. It’s important for them to know that following their curiosity is one of the best ways to have fun — and that it’s a key ingredient to leading a fulfilling life.

These gifts are a good start.

Magna-Tiles

Learn geometry with these fun and flexible building tiles. (And they’re less painful for parents to step on than other blocks!)

Books

Great stocking stuffers! Try “Dot.” by Randi Zuckerberg, “Little Robot” by Ben Hatke, and “Rosie Revere Engineer” by Andrea Beaty.

Roominate

Build your own wired dollhouse with working elevators and a Ferris wheel. (Bonus: Roominate was founded by two women engineers!)