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These 15 DIY Model and STEM Kits Will Be Your New Favorite Hobby
Put those fidgeting hands to good use with one of these beautiful DIY kits for adults and children. The kits range from standard car and plane models to STEM-based robotic and gaming projects. When you’re done building the intricate models, you can enjoy your creation as a desktop decoration or toy.
1. Heavenly Hercules Metal DIY Model Kit; $120
This DIY replica of a real-life visionary plane includes eight motors you can watch work. When you’re done building, plop it on your desk for the perfect conversation starter.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
2. Dazzling Steamliner Metal DIY Model Kit; $160
Get your dieselpunk and steampunk kicks with this sleek steamliner model powered by a spring mechanism.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
3. Mysterious Timer Metal DIY Model Kit; $55
This DIY clockwork timer will measure up to an hour of time, sound an alarm, and make a timeless decoration after you assemble it.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
4. Sunfounder Nano DIY Robot Kit; $47 (21 Percent Off)
Give a younger pal an introduction to robotics programming with these robots you can build and train to walk, dance, and kick.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
5. DIY Bionic Robot Lizard; $55 (16 Percent Off)
Trade the time it takes to care for a real reptile pet for some STEM education. This kit teaches kids to build their own bionic lizard using engineering, robotics, and programming skills.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
6. Sunfounder Picar-V Kit V2.0 Raspberry Pi 4; $105 (8 Percent Off)
This STEM kit for beginners is the perfect way to learn Raspberry Pi, robotics, and electronics with easy coding tutorials.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
7. Glorious Cabrio Metal Diy Model Kit; $60
Under the hood of this stainless-steel model car is a spring-powered mechanism that allows it to travel across floors in style. There's even a functional steering wheel, trunk, and hood for added authenticity.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
8. Hot Tractor Metal DIY Model Kit; $25
Build a real-life prototype of the heavy K700 tractor, complete with opening cabin doors and a working hood.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
9. DIY Robot Curiosity Kit For Ages 8 to 10; $70 (41 Percent Off)
Make playtime educational with this introductory STEM learning kit that teaches kids to build modules that are LEGO-compatible for even more exciting play.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
10. Bondic Pro Kit With Extra Refills; $22 (45 Percent Off)
Toss that Scotch tape and glue, because this liquid plastic uses a UV LED light to harden and connect model pieces together.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
11. Makerbuino Educational DIY Game Console (Standard Kit and Tools); $80
Get kids away from their screens for a bit with this kit that teaches them to actually build their own handheld gaming device.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
12. Royal Voyager Metal DIY Model Kit; $80
Let nostalgia take the wheel while you build this retro, disco-era sedan with a wind-up handle that starts the engine.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
13. DIY Robotic Art Kit For Ages 6 To 9; $30 (56 PERCENT OFF)
Give craft-loving kids a lesson in STEM with this kit that explores art, science, and robotics while designing tons of projects.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
14. Silver Bullet Metal DIY Model Kit; $55
This unique model design was inspired by international sports cars and includes intricate engine gears to tinker with beneath the hood.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
15. Marvel Tank Metal DIY Model Kit; $70
This steampunk-style self-propelling tank can overcome obstacles or sit pretty on your desk.
Buy it: The Mental Floss Shop
Prices subject to change.
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This article contains affiliate links to products selected by our editors. Mental Floss may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. If you haven't received your voucher or have a question about your order, contact the Mental Floss shop here.