buying science presents for 8 yr old - bewildering choice - best recommending sites

spencer999

my eyes glaze over when I go on amazon so when I want to buy "scientific" toys like hydraulic powered parachute rockets, drones, experimental stuff, is there a reliable review site you would use that doesn't just push the stuff it gets commission on??  Christmas is just over 2 weeks so I need to crack on.
With specific reference to Lego, there's nothing better than going to the actual Lego shop - FYI

strawb_shortcake

I'd start here for science gifts
https://shop.sciencemuseum.org.uk/collections/science-kits

R.e. Lego, join the insiders club, points seem to build up quickly and can be redeemed against purchases. We do spend quite a bit annually on Lego, but other reputable toy shops have discounts that Lego don't.

pramsay13

Have a look at physicsfun on instagram. 

kimwp

Regarding Lego, there are Lego hire memberships, could be quite expensive as a Christmas present though.

As a kid (many years ago), I got a electric circuits kit which I still have now- wires with crocodile clips, lightbulbs etc and a book with different circuits to create- v educational and fun to see the bulbs light up. Also a crystal making kit, which was cool.

There's a crystal growing set and a geode set in the science museum shop linked above, I'd also consider the 100 experiments and the simple machines for looking like more than building just one thing.

Cairnpapple

Another vote for the Science Museum range and we'd also recommend the shop of the MAD Museum https://www.madfactory.co.uk/, it's quite curated so you're not dealing with a massive selection.

Wicked Uncle has the best age filter that I've seen and they have a lot of science gifts https://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/