For really young wanna-be coders, this programmable robot can be coded one of two ways: online with Ozobot’s version of Blockly language or with Color Code markers—no screen needed, an easy way to introduce kids to coding concepts. The kit accommodates beginners but also offers new challenges as they learn. Ages 5 and older

(Note: These kits had just sold out when we published our story, but they are expected to be back in stock before Black Friday.)

This comprehensive kit offers more than 60 different hands-on projects that aim to teach kids all about electronics. No prior experience is needed: The projects range from beginner-level to much more complex ones—such as building an H-Bridge, the motor driver circuit used in robotics. You can also choose a Premium kit ($229.99) with three additional projects. Middle and high school students

This fun kit comes with several components that teach kids of all levels about coding: Coding Awbie, which covers the basics using physical “code” blocks; Coding Jam, for intermediate-level students, which lets them create musical “jams”; and Coding Duo, which teaches advanced concepts through solving coding puzzles. Requires an iPad or Fire Tablet. Ages 5 to 10

This small but fully loaded kit would work well for a child who already has some coding experience. The box contains LEDs, a circuit board, sensors, and more hardware; you also get online tutorials, coding software, and more than 100 projects to tackle. If this one’s a hit with your little coder, the company offers numerous other kits on its website(Opens in a new window) and at Amazon. Ages 10 and older

If your kid has artistic interests as well as STEM inclinations, the Artie Max kit could be the right fit. You can use one of five included program languages (Blockley, Snap, JavaScipt, Python, and C++) to code the bot. You then run a simulation of the coded artwork on a Wi-Fi-connected device, tweak it as needed, and finally, set the bot loose to “draw” a physical version. Coding difficulty can scale up to facilitate challenging learning. Ages 8 and older

A builder kit that’s compatible with Lego blocks, the Microduino Itty Bitty Buggy comes with a base buggy to build on and more than 50 snap-together mobiles with varying functions. Kids can build four fun projects with the kit: a Sloth, a Ladybug, a Dodo bird, and an Alien. They can then program behaviors for their creations using either simple drag-and-drop coding (based on Scratch 3), more sophisticated Python, or even higher-level, text-based Arduino IDE (C++). For those who want more, the Microduino Creative Expansion Kit ($19.99) features components for three more projects—or kids can just invent their own. Ages 8 and older

For kids who are just starting out, look no further than the Boost Creative Toolbox. Designed to introduce children to coding and robotics, the Boost kit provides building blocks with sensors, motors, and app-based coding to help them build a variety of robotic toys that can respond to stimuli. It’s a simple, fun, and relatively affordable approach that teaches the principles of programming, making it worthy of our Editors’ Choice designation. Ages 7 to 12

This kit from Elenco offers a fun way to introduce kids to coding. Once they learn the basics, they’re able to control Snap Circuits projects’ lights, sounds, and motors via a phone or tablet. True beginners can start with graphical coding; once they’re ready, they can move up to Blockly coding. The kit comes with more than 30 Snap Circuits parts—colorful, rugged electronic components that snap together. Ages 8 and older