The Best Engineering Toys for Girls

Getting girls involved in engineering occupations has been an increasing concern. It is no secret that men greatly outnumber women in many of these professions, which can lead to inequality and large wage gaps. When you only have one gender sharing their ideas in a field, there is no doubt that you’re missing out on a huge number of innovations. Providing women with more opportunities and careers in STEM fields starts at childhood. By introducing your daughter to engineering activities through childhood toys, you both show her that girls can excel in these fields and provide her with an opportunity to spark her passion.

We looked at dozens of different engineering toys for girls while on our hunt for the best of the best. We judged each toy based on customer reviews, affordability, replayability, ease of use, skills taught, and age range. In the end, we narrowed our search down to 25 different engineering toys for girls that stood out.

Top pick
Magnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids
One of the most traditional and time-tested engineering toys for girls

The Magnetic Block Building Set for Kids easily won our top pick slot in the end. These blocks are a wonderful toy for any child over three years of age and can easily provide years of fun, skill-building play. They not only provide an opportunity for children to be creative, but they also get your child interested in building things, which is the cornerstone of engineering.

Top 5 Engineering Toys for Girls

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallMagnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids4.9
Runner UpGoldieBlox Girl Inventor Zipline Action Figure4.0
Best Budget BuyCircuit Kit With Lighted Bricks Magnets 59 Different Projects in 13.9
Best Learn-to-Code GameThink Fun Code Master Programming Logic Game and STEM Toy4.3
Best Robotics ToySharper Image Full Function Wireless Control Robotic Arm Toy3.7

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Top Pick: Magnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids

Nothing quite inspires a child’s imagination and passion for building things as magnetic blocks. After all, magnetic blocks are very easy to use but can be used to create all sorts of things in all kinds of scenarios. The Magnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids by Idoot are the best magnetic blocks on the market and are wonderful for anyone wanting to give their daughter a sense of passion and skillfulness at building and creating things. They are designed for children over three years of age and are so simplistic that your child will have fun playing with them for years to come.

They are made from high-quality ABS material that is nontoxic and dust-free. Many parents are worried about giving their children magnetic toys out of fear that the magnets might be accidentally swallowed, which can cause very serious health problems. However, these magnetic blocks are made with a unique, one-piece design, making them incredibly safe. These are very possibly the safest magnetic blocks on the market. These magnetic blocks are also easily stackable, which makes them very easy to store and take with you when you travel. Traveling with children can be hard, but it is extremely easy to take these magnetic blocks along with you for the ride to ensure that your child stays occupied while you travel.

The unique shape-design of these magnetic blocks gives your child lots of options on what they can build and design. They can create whole towns or simply make houses for their other toys. One of the best aspects of these toys is that they are extremely adaptable. If your child suddenly goes on an airplane kick one week, they can create all sorts of airplanes out of these magnetic blocks. But, these toys can also fuel their car obsession the next week and their truck obsession the week after that. No matter what your child likes, these blocks can provide a creative outlet to make them.

Top Pick: Magnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids Key Features:

  • Extremely safe design
  • Shape variety provides children with lots of play options.
  • Designed for children over 3 years old
  • High-quality materials

Runner Up Pick: GoldieBlox Girl Inventor Zipline Action Figure

Runner Up
GoldieBlox Girl Inventor Zipline Action Figure
Finally, a toy that gives girls a positive, science-based role model to look up to

For girls who are interested in engineering, it can be difficult to find role-models to look up to. There just aren’t very many women engineers out there, which can make finding one to look up to difficult. To combat that problem, the people of GoldieBlox designed this GoldieBlox Girl Inventor Zipline Action Figure. While most dolls are about fashion or “girly” careers, this doll is all about engineering and STEM. This set comes with a GoldieBlox action figure that has completely moveable joints, hands that grip, brushable hair, and a toolbelt. It also features the parts to make a 13-foot zip line, which teaches various STEM-related topics in a real-world manner.

This toy is great for girls who love dolls but aren’t necessarily interested in engineering toys. Because this toy features a doll as it’s main focus, girls won’t feel out of place or bewildered by the engineering involved. Plus, having a girl doll that is interested in STEM careers and activities lets your daughter know that it is okay for her to be interested in those things too. She doesn’t have to only be interested in what she perceives as “girly” things, and this doll shows her that.

Customers loved that this toy set is compatible with other GoldieBLox toys. If your daughter loves this toy, you can easily buy her similar ones and provide her with more projects to build and characters to play with. The set is very expandable.

GoldieBlox Girl Inventor Zipline Action Figure Key Features:

  • Designed for ages 4+
  • Parts and directions to make a 13-foot long zip line
  • Includes girl, inventor doll
  • Expandable with other GoldieBlox toys

Budget Pick: Circuit Kit With Lighted Bricks Magnets 59 Different Projects in 1

Budget Pick
Circuit Kit With Lighted Bricks Magnets 59 Different Projects in 1
A wonderful budget toy that still provides a lot of teaching opportunities and fun

Want to get your daughter interested in engineering, but don’t have the money to spend on a lot of one-use toys? The Circuit Kit With Lighted Bricks Magnets 59 Different Projects in 1 features, like the name, might suggest, 59 projects all in one toy. Basically, this toy is a circuitry board for children. The whole set comes with a number of different parts and components that all children to make things and have fun while learning about electrical circuits. It includes instructions for children to make 59 separate projects, though your daughter can also experiment on her own. This toy is designed for children 6-12 years old, though children in the younger bracket might need help on some of the projects.

The illustrated manual makes it easy for children to follow along and do the projects. All the projects are designed to be fun and make something exciting happen. Children aren’t building endless circuits that don’t do anything. Instead, they are creating magnetic switches, light circuits, lightning and changing the colors of a fiber optic tree, turning on and off a fan, and more. The projects have real-world application and keep children engaged while they learn.

This company also makes other educational kits for girls. So, if your daughter likes this one, you might want to consider purchasing other kits as well. Plus, when you purchase more than one Pantheon Education Toy, you get a 15% discount off of your entire purchase. Because these kits are generally inexpensive, buying more than one is definitely possible. All the pieces in this kit are also compatible with LEGO pieces, so they can be used just to play as your daughter normally does. However, LEGO pieces will not conduct currents, so they are not usable with the circuitry board.

Circuit Kit With Lighted Bricks Magnets 59 Different Projects in 1 Key Features:

  • For ages 6-12+
  • 59 projects in one
  • Expandable with additional kits
  • Discounts available

Best Learn-to-Code Game for Girls: Think Fun Code Master Programming Logic Game and STEM Toy

Best Learn-to-Code Game
Think Fun Code Master Programming Logic Game and STEM Toy
This toy provides your daughter with a solid introduction to coding while also providing hours of fun

It is no doubt that coding is becoming an increasingly useful skill. With the rise of the internet, so many things are becoming digital, which makes the skill of creating digital content extremely useful. There are whole careers centered around the ability to code and create things online. Getting your child interested and aware of this skill early on could open up a number of doors in their future and provide them with an opportunity to begin learning at a young age. The Think Fun Code Master Programming Logic Game and STEM Toy is just the right game to introduce coding. It introduces coding concepts as well as reasoning and planning skills, providing a great learning opportunity for young players while they’re having fun!

This high-quality toy contains 10 maps with 60 different levels to solve. It also comes with various pieces need to play the game, such as 12 guide scrolls, 12 action tokens, and 8 conditional tokens. The instruction booklet provides you with all the information you need to play including all the solutions in case your daughter gets stuck. Customers reported that the instructions were very easy to follow and allowed their daughters to start playing immediately. There is no complicated setup or prior knowledge needed. The board game comes with a leveling system that allows you to up the difficulty whenever your daughter masters a previous level. This allows the board game to grow with them without having to buy other expansions.

Think Fun Code Master Programming Logic Game and STEM Toy Key Features:

  • High-quality, in-depth game
  • Award-winning
  • Multi-level challenges
  • Clear instruction booklet with solutions

Best Robotics Toy for Girls: Sharper Image Full Function Wireless Control Robotic Arm Toy

Best Robotics Toy
Sharper Image Full Function Wireless Control Robotic Arm Toy
There is no doubt that robots are the future; this toy introduces girls to the ever-expanding world of robotics

Careers relating to robotics are growing in numbers. As our technology becomes more sophisticated, the number and variety of robots we can build is ever increasing. Fifty years ago, robots were practically unheard of. But now, they’re in our homes, our workplace, and even in our stores. Someone has to build and design all of these robots. Why can’t it be your daughter? The Sharper Image Full Function Wireless Control Robotic Arm Toy gives your daughter a taste of robotics and might possibly fuel a passion that she didn’t know she had.

This jumbo grip claw toy comes with a built-in LED light, which allows it to illuminate dark spaces. It is completely functional and comes with a remote control that allows your child to control it. It is tank-like in design, which gives it a unique ability to move quickly and safely. The treads allow it to move over a variety of terrains and reduce the likelihood of it tipping over when confronted with uneven ground. Its robotic arm can turn a full 300 degrees, grab objects, and raise them up to 15” above the ground.

Customers loved that this robot was high-quality, featuring a battery-operated remote control and uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency for quick response and long-distance control. The robot is sleek and made of a durable plastic that is both functional and durable. Your daughter will love the variety of things they can do with this robotic toy, and you’ll love that it introduces them to the robotic concepts.

Sharper Image Full Function Wireless Control Robotic Arm Toy Key Features:

  • Fully functional
  • Made of durable plastic
  • Remote controlled
  • Teaches kids robotic concepts

Who Should Buy an Engineering Toy for Girls

It is no question that many of our passions, hobbies, and skills stem from our childhood. What we are introduced to and encouraged to play with when we are children greatly affects what we end up doing later in our life. Consequently, this has created a huge gap between men and women in the STEM fields. While there is a huge selection of STEM toys that target boys, there is sadly only a small number that targets girls. Instead, most girl toys are based on fashion, motherhood, and “girly” careers like nursing. While those careers are of course important as well, many girls are never exposed to engineering or other STEM activities, which greatly limits their ability to find their passion and develop technical skills. So, how do we combat this inequality? Engineering toys for girls of course!

Engineering toys for girls are becoming popular, though there still are very few good options on the market. Luckily there are a few products that stand out, which we highlighted in our top five list. If you have a daughter, introducing her to engineering through these toys at a young age could be paramount to developing her passion for engineering and technical skills. Engineering toys for girls might be a new addition to the store shelves, but they are extremely important to combat the gender gap in the STEM fields.

Top pick
Magnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids
One of the most traditional and time-tested engineering toys for girls

Important Features to Consider

An engineering toy for girls should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting an engineering toy for your daughter or granddaughter.

  • Skills taught. It is common for a toy that is labeled as an engineering toy to not actually teach or introduce any engineering concepts. If you want a toy that will teach your daughter about engineering while also providing lots of fun, be sure to select one that actually teaches something. Things that you build, project kits, board games, and robots are usually wonderful choices. However, you should stay away from engineering dolls that don’t have any accessories, pre-built constructions, and other toys that don’t necessarily teach engineering concepts.
  • Replayability. Some engineering toys for girls are designed to be used and played with once. Once your child has finished the project, there isn’t always much else you can do with the toy. So, you should only purchase toys that can be used again and again, either by increasing the difficulty or through open-ended play.
  • Ages. While it is possible to go outside of your child’s age for some toys, engineering toys for girls are not one of those. Many engineering toys are decently challenging because they require and teach actual skills. Because of this, you should ensure that any engineering toy you are considering buying is designed for your child’s age. Giving your child a toy that is too complex for your daughter’s age can easily cause her to become frustrated, which might ruin her interest in engineering.
  • Longevity. Building off of our last feature, you should also ensure that the toy your purchase can be used for a variety of ages. Children grow and change quite quickly. Giving them a toy that can grow and change with them means that you will have to spend less money and time finding a replacement toy. Look for engineering toys that come with a variety of different difficulties built-in or contain enough replayability to be re-used as your child gets older.
  • Creativity. It might seem strange to link engineering and creativity together, but the two often go hand-in-hand. After all, the base of engineering is building things, which requires quite a bit of creativity. While set projects have their place and can be very fun, toys that also offer a great deal of freedom can teach your child that engineering isn’t always just about following the directions, which can ignite their creativity and love for engineering. Look for toys that offer both projects and creative play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between engineering toys for girls and engineering toys for boys?

At their core, engineering toys are really all the same, no matter what gender they’re aged at. However, engineering toys for girls have a number of benefits when given to your daughter, as opposed to a boy engineering toy. Firstly, engineering toys for girls almost always feature a female, engineer role model. This can be very empowering for a girl who might not have a real-life engineering role model to look up to. It shows her that girls can be involved in engineering and gives her permission to love building things.

Secondly, if your daughter has only played with traditional girls toys up until now, engineering toys for girls can be a great launching point to increase her horizons. Some girls who have only ever had dolls and other “girl” toys might be disappointed or refuse to play with a toy they perceive as being boyish. Giving them a toy specifically designed for girls can be helpful in overcoming this barrier. Of course, unisex toys are great too. However, you should be careful and make sure that the toy is truly unisex and not aimed solely at boys.

What age should a child be introduced to engineering toys?

It depends on what you mean by “engineering toys.” At their core, building blocks designed for toddlers are engineering toys because the promote building and designing things. Even a toddler can stack and knock over blocks, which is the core of engineering. As for when you should introduce your child to a specific toy or a more complex engineering toy, we suggest checking the age the toy was designed for. You do not want to give your child a toy that is too complex for their age because it can make them become frustrated and stop playing with it altogether. At the same time though, you also should not give your child a toy that is far below their age. A toy that is too easy or simplistic can be quite boring to a child. You should also consider whether or not your child has been previously introduced to engineering concepts. Giving your child a complex engineering kit when they have never experienced engineering toys before can cause them to become overwhelmed and agitated. Instead, start your child with a toy that offers lots of open-ended so they can learn the concepts on their own before tackling larger projects.

Do I need to know a lot about engineering to help my child play with engineering toys? 

Most engineering toys for children are simplistic enough to be used by adults no matter their knowledge level. The point is to get your daughter interested in engineering while also teach very simple skills. Those projects and kits that are more complex often come with very detailed instructions that can be used to help your child if they need it.

How do I get my child excited about engineering?

Getting your daughter excited about engineering is actually a lot simpler than you might think. Simply purchase her some engineering-based toys and let her play with them whenever she feels like it. Do not pressure your child into playing with them or schedule it into their day. You want your daughter to play with the toy and have fun doing so, not feel pushed to do something she really doesn’t want to do. Of course, there is no way to ensure that your child like engineering. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. If your child doesn’t like engineering after playing with a couple different toys, her interest might simply lay elsewhere.

Other Engineering Toys for Girls We Reviewed

Top pick
Magnetic Blocks Building Set for Kids
One of the most traditional and time-tested engineering toys for girls

We looked at 20 other engineering toys for girls as well. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best engineering toys for girls list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Construction Kits for Girls

Biulotter Building Toy Set

Biulotter Building Toy Set

You don’t want education and learning to be boring, do you? Well change it up with this unique stem building construction, and create a 3D world!

Key Features:

  • Ages 3+
  • Non-toxic
  • Enhances logical thinking

Cost: $18.90

Brickyard Building Blocks 101 Piece STEM Toys Kit

Brickyard Building Blocks 101 Piece STEM Toys Kit

The first years of your child’s life are very critical when it comes to their cognitive development. Brickyard’s STEM toy kits are here to help set up your kid for a bright future!

Key Features:

  • More pieces than other similar sets
  • Supports STEM education
  • Superior designs for more ways to play

Cost: $29.95

Build & Imagine: Malia’s House

Build & Imagine: Malia’s House

Watch your child learn and have fun at the same time. They will be entertained for hours and learn without knowing it! This award-winning magnetic dollhouse will kick start their imagination and develop reasoning skills.

Key Features:

  • Easy to pick up and travel
  • Durable
  • Agers 4-8

Cost: $59.99

Click-A-Brick Rainbowland 112pc Building Set

Click-A-Brick Rainbowland 112pc Building Set

This is a perfect toy for little engineers to start exploring their imagination! With endless ways to play, you can’t lose when purchasing this product. Give it a look!

Key Features:

  • Hassle-free Guarantee
  • Endless ways to play
  • High quality

Cost: $34.99

EMIDO 480 Pcs 3D Building Set

EMIDO 480 Pcs 3D Building Set

This is a great stem toy for all children ages 3 and up. Connect hundreds of pieces for a fun activity and boost creative thinking at the same time!

Key Features:

  • Great value
  • Develops multiple skills
  • Durable

Cost: $17.55

Engino Inventor Girl

Engino Inventor Girl

Getting children interested in construction and engineering can be slightly difficult. The Inventor Girl Series solves that problem by connecting imaginative play with 3D design.

Key Features:

  • 73 building parts
  • Gets kids excited about engineering
  • Award-winning construction system

Cost: $19.69

GoldieBlox Craft Struction-Box

GoldieBlox Craft Struction-Box

GoldieBlox is a big name in the children’s toy industry. They offer numerous variations of toys for boys and girls. This specific engineering kit comes with the world’s first girl engineer character.

Key Features:

  • Perfect for ages 6+
  • Winner of Parents Magazine Best Toys award, 2015
  • Designed for tinkering

Cost: $39.99

Klikko Model Building Set

Klikko Model Building Set

You know how messy some building kits can be, even though as this product may not be mess proof it does come with a re-sealable plastic bag that will help you store this cute building set.

Key Features:

  • Non-toxic
  • Great for family bonding
  • Less mess

Cost: $21.99

Kidwerkz Cat & Dog Models Take Apart Toys

Kidwerkz Cat & Dog Models Take Apart Toys

This toy set is different from the other creative learning toys on this list. The Kidwerkz Cat & Dog Models Take Apart Toys are more of a puzzle design; this kind of toy encourages teamwork and social development for kids, as well as improving motor skills!

Key Features:

  • 3D design
  • Encourages teamwork
  • STEM toy

Cost: $38.76

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box

It is time to change it up with a classic from LEGO.  This is a building brick set that comes in 33 colors, so your child will be able to use their imagination for endless creations!

Key Features:

  • 790 pieces
  • 33 different colors
  • Great for building a strong imagination

Cost: $47.99

Lego Disney Princess Cinderella’s Dream Castle

Lego Disney Princess Cinderella’s Dream Castle

Almost every little girl dreams to be a princess, and what would be a fantastic way to help them fulfill their dream? Buy them a Disney Princess Dream Castle from LEGO!

Key Features:

  • Includes Cinderella and Prince Charming
  • Fully customizable
  • Ages 6-12

Cost: $55.99

LEGO Friends 345 Piece Drifting Diner

LEGO Friends 345 Piece Drifting Diner

LEGO has to be one of the most popular companies ever to exist when it comes to children’s toys. You have probably played with them at some point in your life, so go ahead and take a look at this LEGO creation kit!

Key Features:

  • Compatible with all LEGO creation sets
  • 345 pieces
  • Recommended for ages 6-12

Cost: $26.99

MIGHTY MAKERS K’NEX Fun On The Ferris Wheel

MIGHTY MAKERS K’NEX Fun On The Ferris Wheel

What is not to love about building something with your imagination, or creating something from cute little K’NEX pieces? That’s why I have included this wonderful and affordable K’NEX kit. Let your imagination go wild as you build the Fun On The Ferris Wheel!

Key Features:

  • 324 K’NEX parts and pieces
  • Ages 7+
  • Includes instructions

Cost: $17.84

Unit Bricks Mini Unit Beams Bridge

Unit Bricks Mini Unit Beams Bridge

Out of all the engineering products on this list, this specific product is going to be ideal for anyone who is ready to face a challenge! Don’t let the cost get to you just yet because ANYONE ages 6-106+ can benefit from this challenge!

Key Features:

  • Includes professionally drawn blueprints
  • Encourages explorative and open-end play
  • Introduces mathematic foundations

Cost: $149.99

Wonderhood Grand Hotel

Wonderhood Grand Hotel

Encourage your child to shoot for the stars with this amazing architectural engineering kit! While this set does look simple, it does motivate your child to be the architect. Lastly, the Wonderhood Grand Hotel won’t be tight on your wallet.

Key Features:

  • Empowers kids to be the architect
  • The kid is the designer
  • Glossy plastic panels

Cost: $49.99

Best Learn-to-Code Games for Girls

Kano Computer Kit

Kano Computer Kit

This kit both teaches you how to build your own laptop and code once you have it completed. Understandably, it is a very advanced kit. We only recommend it with for those who have previous experience or who are older.

Key Features:

  • Build your own laptop
  • Teaches coding through fun games
  • Access the internet

Cost: $200

Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit

Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit

Does your child love Harry Potter? Looking for a way to hack into that love in an educational way? This kit teaches your child to build their own wand and program it.

Key Features:

  • Harry Potter based
  • Teaches coding through wand building
  • Challenges to teach coding

Cost: $100

Best Robotics Toys for Girls

4M Tin Can Robot

4M Tin Can Robot

This toy teaches children the importance of recycling and robotics by teaching them how to repurpose a used can into a fully functional robot.

Key Features:

  • No special tools or knowledge required
  • Super easy
  • Multiple robot options available

Cost: $13

Kids First Robot Engineer Kit and Storybook

Kids First Robot Engineer Kit and Storybook

If you have smaller children who aren’t quite ready for a fully functioning robot, then you might be interested in this. It teaches them the concepts of robots through story and allows them to build uncomplex versions of their own.

Key Features:

  • Story-based
  • Simple to build
  • Large, colorful plastic pieces

Cost: $40

LITAND Alien Toys for Kids

LITAND Alien Toys for Kids

This kit allows children to build their own robot that runs off of batteries. This is a great option if your child is new to the STEM world or is just old enough for robotic toys.

Key Features:

  • Performs simple actions
  • Powered by a high-quality motor
  • Uses batteries

Cost: $14

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