The 20 best STEM toys and games to gift young learners ...

The 20 best STEM toys and games to gift young learners and curious minds If you're set on picking a STEM gift for young children or early engineers, this gift guide is for you.

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There’s no doubt the STEM toys category has lost a bit of its magic. The hype that started about a decade ago, powering a wave of startups to launch creative and experimental products — pitching parents on dedicated connected hardware and apps to help unlock their kids’ future tech career progression — has faded to something a bit less flashy and ambitious. What’s left is a broad sense that kid-friendly kit is just a piece of a larger learning puzzle. And products alone won’t cast an unbreakable spell. But maybe they can help?

The focus of remaining players has shifted too. Since our last dive into this techie toy box, a number have winked out of existence entirely — or look as if they’re about to judging by mothballing of remaining efforts around existing (old) products. But the main direction of travel is pivots to the formal education market. Which means there’s less effort and attention on home users as product builders fix on the (serious) business of serving curriculum-aligned content and interfaces for schools. (The growing list of startup pivots to edtech includes the likes of imagi Labs, Osmo, Ozobot, MakeBlock, pi-top, robo wunderkind, Sphero/littleBits and Wonder Workshop, to name a few.)

This toymaker-to-edtech-supplier pipeline suggests the category’s boldest marketing claims, which hinged on the notion of teaching something hard (STEM) through play, were onto something. However fun is relative. If kids are exposed to toy-like connected gizmos and learning apps at school they’re unlikely to be so excited about having similar stuff at home. That probably just smacks of homework.

Lower levels of energy among remaining makers also suggests a fair few STEM toys, of years past, failed to turn into the sticky home-learning machines parents had been promised. Kids are a tough audience to keep engaged, after all. (And, well, that’s what classrooms are for.) Category survivors generally seem more risk averse; sticking to a product formula they’ve found that works and trimming their offerings accordingly.

In parallel, the hype around learn-to-code has dimmed somewhat. Including — latterly — as attention has shifted to AI; a technology that could, in time, replace a bunch of coding jobs. Teaching kids soft skills to emphasize their humanity, as well as encouraging them to lean into creativity and individuality, and — perhaps — focusing on meta-skills to help them get the most out of automation tools — might be the smarter learning strategy to shoot for.

A further challenge for STEM toy makers is parental concern over screen time clearly persists. Worries about this may be capping category buyers’ willingness to shell out for (often) expensive products that generally need to work in conjunction with an app, tethering kids to devices. Bespoke learning hardware also has to compete with the general utility of a mobile or tablet as an educational resource in its own right. That risks some products feeling redundant vs the connected environments kids are already being immersed in. Or, at best, like an optional add-on.

All that said, if you’re set on gifting a STEM gizmo there’s still some thoughtful kit on offer. Below we’ve rounded up a selection of toys designed to switch young minds onto coding and engineering concepts — or at least keep little hands busy building. As ever we’ve sought to hit a range of ages and price-points (gifts start at $20 and top out at $330). This year the list is divided into three sections: Early years (3+); child’s play (5-7+); and young engineer (8+).

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The best STEM toys for 3-year-olds and up

Adventures of Gino & Gina: Wildlife Rescue monthly subscription STEM kits

Age: 3+
Price: $29.99 per month (when billed monthly)
Buy here: Engino

Cyprus-based Engino is offering this monthly subscription STEM kit for “junior engineers” — aged 3+. It’s a very gentle intro to STEM with a focus on physical building using colorful, snap-fit blocks. Packs are designed to encourage preschool children to develop their cognitive, social and motor skills through fun and creative play — with story and activity books included in the bundle to build narrative and interaction around the experience. This is certainly a lower tech toy but the product does include access to a 3D modelling app to add a virtual component to the building.

Discovery #Mindblown Early Engineers 88-Piece Building Set

Age: 3+
Price: $20.99
Buy here: Amazon

Here’s another intro to physical building from U.S. toymaker brand Discovery. Instead of a box of Lego-style bricks the kit contains a mix of components — from brackets and blocks to wheels, nuts, bolts and googling eyes on screws — and a universal ratchet tool so kids can have fun exploring design ideas and problem solving while fixing up different creations. Screen-free play.

Botzees Go Unicorn Set

Age: 3+
Price: $39.99
Buy here: Botzees Toys

If you’re looking for a block-building STEM kit that’s not space rover themed this Botzees Go! Unicorn Set might be just the ticket. The pack of pastel colored blocks and glittery silicon pieces aims to encourage creative and exploratory play plus logic and problem-solving. Kids get to put together a range of cute characters — including electronic toys they can remote control with a battery-operated wand. A companion app provides building instructions for making pre-designed creatures, such as the unicorn robot — after which they can get to say they built their first unicorn.

Code & Go Robot Mouse

Age: 4+
Price: $33.99
Buy here: Learning Resources

For something a little more retro, what about a robot mouse? This fully programmable, battery-operated gizmo comes with a pack of double-sided coding cards to encourage kids to create step-by-step instructions for the bot and get an intro to basic coding concepts and critical thinking as they play around controlling sound, light-up eyes and movement. No screens necessary.

Space Rover Coding Activity Set

Age: 4+
Price: $44.99
Buy here: Learning Resources

On a similar screen-free tip, Learning Resources also ranges this Space Rover Coding Activity Set. Kids are encouraged to code sequences of directional instructions to get the battery-operated bot through customizable mazes and solve “dozens” of coding challenges using the set’s activity cards. The pack includes an astronaut and a space rock to incorporate into coding challenges.

Qboidz: Racing Car with 10 bonus models

Age: 4-7
Price: $74.99
Buy here: Engino

Also from Engino, this colorful Racing car kit, which uses its Qboidz block-building system for preschoolers, encourages youngsters to develop logic and spatial awareness through physical building play. The kit includes a range of other pre-designed models that can be clicked together — paper instructions are included in the kit. Or kids can refer to 3D “interactive” instructions available online for a gentle intro to 3D modelling.

Plugo Coding

Age: 4-10
Price: $69.99 (with gamepad playing base; NB: iPad/tablet not included)
Buy here: Amazon

If your gift recipient already has access to a tablet or (compatible) mobile device PlayShifu’s clever gamepad system puts that existing device into a blended AR learning arena that lets kids play with physical components in order to control virtual elements on screen.

Its Plugo Coding kit features a physical rack to slide and stack instruction tiles to create coding sequences, branches and loops and solve puzzles. Pulling down the red lever executes the code on screen as the physical play syncs — via the mobile device’s camera — with a series of block-based coding puzzle games.

The best STEM toys for ages 5-7+

Pixel Art Challenge

Age: 5+
Price: $19.99
Buy here: Learning Resources

Learning Resources’ Pixel Art Challenge kit combines solving math and coding problems with building 2-D pixel artwork — for a basic intro to STEAM concepts.

STEM Qboidz & Junior Robotics Set

Age: 5-7
Price: $269.99
Buy at: Engino

Youngsters won’t run out of stuff to build with this massive Qboidz & Junior Robotics Set, also from Engino. More than 90 models can be snapped together from the brightly colored bricks, with app-based instructions for 3D building also available (via Engino’s kidCAD app). But there’s more! The kit contains a Junior Robotics Set to further step up the STEM potential and complexity, bundling an ERP MINI controller, sensors, light and motor so kids can design and build functional robots. Engino’s system supports programmable robotics when you loop in its Keiro block-based coding platform.

The Offbits Jumbo Kit

Age: 6+
Price: $59.95
Buy at: OffBits

The OffBits’ Jumbo Kit is a STEAM-focused kit of robust bits and bobs (aka 250+ colorful nuts, bolts and “shapely bits”). The aim is to encourage kids to get imaginative and play around designing and building all sorts of creations, from wheeled vehicles to funky robots. It’s hands-on, screen-free play.

The twist on other builder kits is OffBits’ system is focused on repurposed components and spare parts, such as screws and wing nuts — nudging kids to think about how they can reuse all sorts of things to make something new. That looks good for problem solving and logic. And, as little hands deconstruct and reconstruct all sorts of imaginative physical designs, for developing a ‘zero waste’ mindset too.

Dash + Gripper Building Kit

Age: 6-11
Price: $219.98
Buy at: Wonder Workshop

US-based category veteran Wonder Workshop has a big focus on the formal education market these days. But home users can still pick up its educational robot, Dash. This version of Dash comes with a Gripper Building Kit attachment. Once constructed the functioning arms can be programmed to grab and carry lightweight objects — extending the coding possibilities.

Wonder Workshops’ coding apps let kids control Dash, making it move, sing, dance, flash its lights, respond to voices, tell stories and generate sound effects. Its learning platform includes a drag-and-drop block-based coding app (Blockly); or — for a monthly subscription — they can step up to Blockly Pro which supports kids to transition from block-based graphical programming to JavaScript.

BBC Doctor Who HiFive Inventor Coding Kit

Age: 7+
Price: $68.26
Buy at: Tynker

Young fans of the BBC TV series “Doctor Who” will be tickled by this HiFive Inventor Coding Kit (ranged by Pimoroni). The programmable hand-shaped mini computer — which features an LED-matrix display, various sensors, switches, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — is designed to inspire kids to engage with themed tutorials and coding projects, including the chance to build their own sonic screwdriver. The kit also includes a speaker module for programmable audio fun.

The product features thematic content narrated by actor Jodie Whittaker, aka the Thirteenth Doctor, who takes kids on an intergalactic coding journey where they get to undertake challenges like learning to program and pilot an alien spaceship, control a robot, and build an exotic musical instrument. The hardware is designed to work in conjunction with the Tynker visual block coding platform (for early learners). So access to an Internet-connected computer is a must. As kids gain experience they can also move on to MicroPython for more advanced programming projects.

The best STEM toys for ages 8+

Pyxel A Coder’s Best Friend

Age: 8+
Price: $124.99
Buy at: Educational Insights

What about inspiring youngsters to get into tech by gifting them their own programmable robot pet? Pyxel dials up the cute factor right out of the box: The four-legged wheeled canine bot has a range of expressive features kids can learn to control with code — from eyes that emote to a wagging tail. On-board sensors also enable it to react to touch and sound. The system supports beginner drag-and-drop coding, with Blockly. But as kids advance they can progress to Python coding. Access to a computer or tablet is required to program the bot.

Sphero Mini Robot Ball: Soccer Theme

Age: 8+
Price: $50
Buy at: Sphero

Another STEM toy maker that’s rolled deep into the edtech market is Sphero. But it too still offers a selection of kit for home users. This product, the Sphero Mini  Robot Ball: Soccer Theme, dresses its trademark tiny programmable robotic ball up as a soccer ball. Kids can have fun driving the football around to play at their own sports matches using the Sphero Play app — or tap into the programmable and educational element via the Sphero Edu which offers STEM games and other learn-to-code content. Requires access to a smart device.

littleBits Code Kit

Age: 8+
Price: $329
Buy at: Sphero

Also from Sphero is the littleBits line: A hardware-based learning system for coding and electronics. This Sphero littleBits Code Kit is an all-in-one set of snap together electronics component blocks plus structured support (activities and lessons) — via Sphero’s Fuse app and littleBits Classroom — to get kids inventing by exploring programming and engineering concepts.

CyberPi Go Kit+ Somatosensory Game Coding Box

Age: 8+
Price: $89.99
Buy at: MakeBlock

This STEM kit by MakeBlock encourages kids to learn Block-based and Python coding by programming a mini games console-style multi-function microcontroller called the CyberPi. The full color-screen programmable learning hardware is bundled with a Somatosensory Game Coding Box to dial up the appeal for gamers and budding games designers. Requires access to a computer or smart device for programming the CyberPi.

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Elecfreaks Nezha Inventor’s Kit V2 For micro:bit

Age: 8+
Price: $149 (without the micro:bit; or $239.70 with a micro:bit)
Buy at: Elecfreaks

Another popular microcontroller in the learn-to-code space is the BBC micro:bit. STEM toy maker Elecfreaks are piggybacking on that and ranging this Nezha Inventor’s Kit V2 — a bumper pack of bits designed for young minds to get the most out of the microcontroller. The bumper brick-builder and robotics bundle includes a range of sensors and modules such as LED lights, potentiometers, soil moisture sensors, ultrasonic sensors, collision sensors and patrol sensors — letting kids create all sorts of custom gizmos.

The company sells a range of further add-ons too — such as this micro:bit AI Smart Lens Kit ($59.90) — which folds artificial intelligence models into the educational mix, allowing AI tech to be programmed graphically and applied to solve tasks like line-tracking, ball tracking, color identification and face tracking. Also requires PC or smart device access for coding the hardware.

Raspberry Pi 400 Desktop – Full Computer Kit

Age: 8+
Price: $100
Buy at: AdaFruit

Raspberry Pi is a category veteran so no STEM toys gift guide would be complete without a little slice of Pi. We’ve picked out this Pi 400 (computer-in-a-keyboard) computer kit, ranged by AdaFruit, which comes bundles with some handy extras — such as a Micro SD card with the Raspberry Pi OS (pre-burned on the card) and the Official Pi 4 USB Mouse Official Raspberry Pi beginners’ guide (a paper-based guide to programming in Scratch and Python, plus info on how to set up Pi).

To get this learning machinery up and running kids will need a few more bits — most notably access to a monitor or other compatible screen.

Buzz The Code Bug

Age: 8-10
Price: $117
Buy at: Let’s Start Coding

More programmable electronics ahoy: Let’s Start Coding are offering this bug-shaped board, Buzz the Code Bug, to inspire youngsters to knuckle down and grapple with coding challenges, projects and bug hunts. The bundled educational content covers basic C++ coding concepts like variables, functions, syntax, statements and styling. Again, access to an Internet-connected PC is required to plug into the coding software.

Bots! by Kathy Ceceri – Book and Parts Bundle

Age: 9-12
Price: $49.85
Buy at: AdaFruit

If your child likes reading and being hands on, here’s another AdaFruit robotics bundle which might inspire them to make like an engineer: “Bots! Robotics Engineering with Makerspace Activities for Kids” is written by STEAM education expert Kathy Ceceri. AdaFruit have paired her book with a selection of beginner-friendly electronics components so budding builders can get tinkering as they read. No soldering necessary.

Check out some of our other 2023 gift guides:

You just signed up your little athlete for a season of youth soccer. Now comes the fun part: buying all the gear to help your soccer star succeed. What equipment do you need for soccer? The list isn’t quite as long as some sports, but there are some must-have soccer gear items your child needs to stay safe and have fun.

The Basics: Soccer Training Equipment Your Child Needs

A basic understanding of soccer equipment and their uses makes the shopping trip a little easier. At the youth soccer level, the equipment is relatively straightforward and easy to find. Here are the things your child needs to play the sport:

• Uniform: Most youth soccer leagues require a standard uniform for all players. This might range from a simple T-shirt to a complete soccer uniform with matching jersey, shorts and socks. Some leagues issue the uniform to players, while others require you to order the uniform yourself.

• Practice clothes: Uniforms are typically reserved for wear in games only, so your little kicker needs comfortable athletic clothes for soccer practice. Choose clothes that allow a full range of motion. Sweat-wicking material keeps your child cool and dry during sweaty warm-weather practices.

• Soccer cleats: When your child plays in an organized league, you likely need soccer-specific cleats. These shoes are designed for the sport to give your soccer player the support and traction necessary in the game.

• Shin guards: Protective shin guards are another requirement in most leagues. They rest at the front of the shin to protect from errant kicks and fast-moving balls.

• Soccer socks: Just like your child needs special shoes, she also needs special socks designed for soccer. The long socks go up and over the shin guards.

• Ball: Your child’s coach may provide balls during practice, but it’s always a good idea to have a quality soccer ball of your own so you can practice at home. Invest in a high-quality ball instead of a cheap foam ball that doesn’t give your player a real feel for soccer play.

• Goalkeeper gloves: If your child is interested in playing goalkeeper, consider investing in a pair of goalkeeper gloves. These special gloves are designed to support the wrists while allowing freedom of movement in the fingers. If your child is young, the league may not play with goalies just yet, so hold off on the gloves until you know if your child will actually play the goalkeeper role.

• Water bottle: Soccer players spend a lot of time running up and down the field. The soccer season often falls during warm weather. Hydration is important, so outfit your child with her own water bottle. Write her name on the bottle to avoid mix-ups on the bench.

• Gear bag: A backpack or tote bag designed for soccer makes it easy to carry all that gear to practices and games. These specialty bags typically include a spot for a soccer ball and all the other gear your child needs.

Picking the Right Soccer Cleats

One of the most important items on the soccer equipment list is the soccer cleats. They are athletic shoes designed specifically with the needs of soccer players in mind. Choosing soccer cleats over other types of athletic shoes ensures your child gets the highest level of support and protection. Soccer requires lots of quick movements, direction changes and kicking. Soccer shoes address those needs.

When you head to the soccer cleat section, you’ll see a lot of different styles, colors and designs. While your junior soccer player will likely only care about the color and look of the cleats, you need to look a little deeper to choose a shoe that keeps your child safe during soccer games and practices.

Before getting into cleat selection tips, let’s explore the parts of the soccer shoe:

• Upper: The upper of the soccer shoe is the top portion that includes the material covering the foot. It attaches to the sole and midsole.

• Insole: The insole is the inner area where the foot rests. It includes the cushioning and support inside the shoe.

• Outsole: The outsole is the outer sole area where you find the studs or spikes.

• Heel counter: This is the back section of the soccer shoe and acts as a support for the heels.

When choosing soccer cleats for your child consider their material. The uppers come in a variety of material types, each with pros and cons. Real leather molds to the foot for a custom fit and offers a distinct feel with the ball. Synthetic leather is often more affordable, and companies are working hard to make synthetic leather cleats feel more like genuine leather.

Uppers made out of synthetic materials tend to have less stretch and don’t conform to your foot the way leather shoes do. The feel on the ball is often different with synthetic materials, but that difference shouldn’t affect play at the youth level. Synthetic shoes also offer better waterproofing and are generally durable.

One of the key elements is getting a proper fit. Some athletic shoes offer a looser fit, but soccer cleats should offer a snug, supportive fit to move with your child through all of the starts and stops and turning on the soccer field. You don’t want a lot of extra room in the toe of the shoe. Measure the space between the end of the toes and the tip of the shoe. If the toes touch the end, your child needs a slightly larger size. If she has a full thumb’s width between her toes and the end, the shoe is likely too large.

It’s tempting to buy a larger size for your youth player since little feet grow quickly. Don’t give in to this temptation. Excess length gets in the way and makes it difficult to control the ball. Your child’s foot may slide around in the shoes and increase the risk of injury. It’s best to buy shoes that fit well now, and buy new shoes next season if her feet grow.

When your child tries on the soccer cleats, have her stand up, bend over and do other moves she might do on the soccer field. This helps determine if the shoes fit well and feel comfortable during those various moves. No matter how much she loves the color or style, don’t buy a pair of soccer cleats that fit poorly. She’ll pay for it with lots of blisters during the season.

Another consideration is the type of studs on the soccer shoes. The league often heavily regulates this, especially for younger players. The basic types of soccer cleats include:

• Molded: The studs on molded soccer cleats are formed as part of the outsole without the option for removal. They typically feature a rubber or hard plastic construction with between 10 and 14 studs on the shoes. Most youth leagues require molded soccer cleats, as they are the safest option and are generally recommended for beginners. Molded cleats are also recommended for play on firm ground.

• Detachable: More advanced players sometimes opt for detachable studs, which are often ideal in soft ground conditions. The studs are generally either plastic or metal. You can swap out the studs for different types or lengths based on specific playing conditions. These types of soccer cleats are generally not safe for use on hard ground, as they can increase the risk of injury.

• Turf shoes: Another version of the soccer cleat is the turf shoe. They work well on hard surfaces, indoors or outdoors, and on turf fields. Instead of traditional studs, the shoes feature raised rubber patterns for grip.

• Indoor soccer shoes: Indoor soccer shoes are essentially lightweight sneakers with a low cut and a flat rubber sole.

Your best bet for your youth soccer player is a durable pair of molded soccer cleats. These shoes should meet league requirements and offer a safe footwear option.

Choosing a Soccer Ball

Soccer balls have two main components: the cover and the bladder. The cover consists of panels of durable material, usually PVC or polyurethane, stitched together in a rounded shape. PVC soccer balls work well for youth soccer players because they are durable, resist scuffing and are generally the most affordable option. Polyurethane balls are generally softer with better responsiveness, which is why the material is typically used on higher-end balls.

The bladder is the inner component that holds the air. Bladders are usually made of either butyl or latex. Butyl bladders tend to offer better air retention and hold their shape better than latex. Natural latex bladders are more common in premium soccer balls and have a softer feel that some players prefer. For your youth player, a PVC ball with a butyl bladder is the most practical, affordable option.

A ball seems like a straightforward purchase, but soccer balls come in multiple sizes. The specific size your child needs typically depends on her age and level of soccer play. As she gets older, she uses a larger soccer ball.

Soccer ball sizing runs from size 1 to size 5. The larger the size number, the larger the circumference of the ball. Most youth players use anywhere from a size 3 to a size 5 depending on the age group and league regulations. Size 1 balls are sometimes used as skills balls to focus on footwork and ball control, but most youth soccer players don’t use them.

Below is a size chart for soccer balls based on size:

• Size 1: 18 to 20-inch circumference

• Size 3: 23 to 24-inch circumference

• Size 4: 25 to 26-inch circumference

• Size 5: 27 to 28-inch circumference

Youth players ages 8 and younger typically use a size 3 soccer ball. The smaller size makes the ball easier for young kids to control. Size 4 balls are generally used by soccer players ages 8 to 12. At age 13 and above, soccer players typically use a size 5 ball, which is the full-size soccer ball used by adults and professional soccer players.

Before purchasing a soccer ball for your child, check with the league to determine what size her age group uses in practices and games. Buy the same size so she gets used to the sizing when she practices.

Once you know the sizing, check out the options in that range. Training soccer balls work on various surfaces and are quite durable, making them a good investment for your youth player. Some soccer balls are designed for turf fields and indoor play. Many youth teams play on grass, so you won’t need a turf ball. Unless you sign your child up for an indoor soccer league, don’t choose an indoor ball, as they are designed for less rebound.

Fitting Your Child for Shin Guards

Shin guards play an important role in keeping your child safe on the soccer field. Shins are often the target of missed kicks or flying balls. While the impact can still hurt and shin guards won’t prevent all injuries, they can minimize the impact, pain and bruising that can come with regular soccer contact.

Shin guards have a slightly curved shape to follow the curve of the leg. They cover the front lower portion of the leg at the shinbone. Shin guards go under the soccer socks.

The guards come in two basic styles. One style is a single piece that slips inside the sock. It stays in place because of the tight fit of soccer socks. You can also use athletic tape or a special compression sleeve to keep the shin guards in place. The slip-in style of shin guard allows greater movement and mobility, but it often doesn’t provide as much protection. Because of this, advanced players use these shin guards more often.

The other option includes Velcro straps that go behind the leg to hold the shin guard in place. The Velcro lets you get a snug, secure fit. This style also typically has a stirrup-style strap at the bottom that goes under the foot to prevent the shin guard from moving up and down during play. Some shin guards also include ankle protection in the form of padding attached at the bottom.

For younger players, the strap style of shin guard may work best because it won’t shift. They also tend to offer more coverage. If the straps bother your child, try the slip-in style of shin guards.

No matter what type of shin guard you choose, getting the proper size is essential to make the guards effective. Shin guard sizing is based on your child’s height not her clothing size. As the size increases, the shin guard gets longer and wider to accommodate the larger leg that typically comes with greater height.

Below is a general sizing chart for soccer shin guards:

• Small: Fits players up to 5’2” tall

• Medium: Fits players up to 5’10”

• Large: Fits players up to 6’4”

• Extra large: Fits players up to 6’10”

These ranges are general recommendations, but you may find your child needs to go up or down a size for a proper fit. Look for shin guards that go from a couple inches below the knee to above the bend of the ankle for the best protection. Check the manufacturer’s sizing chart on the packaging to select a size for your child, as some brands vary their sizing someone. For instance, Nike offers youth sizes for younger players. adidas offers an extra small size for younger players.

Extra Training Gear

While not required, some youth players choose to buy special training gear for practicing at home. These training tools allow for specialized practice at home between official practices. If your child wants a little extra help, consider the following training items:

• Soccer net: Get an inexpensive soccer net to set up in your backyard, so your child can practice shooting the soccer ball.

• Speed ladders: As your soccer player gets older, she may want to improve her speed and agility. A speed ladder is a way to do that at home.

• Cones: A set of cones is an inexpensive way to help your child practice agility and ball control. Set up the cones, and have her dribble around them to practice direction changes.

• Training balls: You can purchase special balls with cords that connect the soccer ball to the body. This lets the ball fall at a certain level, so your child can practice ball-handling skills.

Knowing What Your Child Needs

How do you know what your child needs? The first place to check is the league she plays in. Leagues typically post information about uniforms, the type of cleats allowed, the size of soccer balls used at different levels and any other equipment needs. It’s important to check league regulations first to ensure all of the soccer equipment you buy is allowed.

If you’re still not sure what you need, the experts at SV Sports can help you select everything from cleats to goalie gloves. We understand the needs of soccer players at all levels.

Buying Soccer Equipment

Buy all of the essentials for soccer before the season starts, so your youth soccer player has everything needed to play safely from the first practice on. You can find the basic soccer equipment at a sporting goods store. Buy soccer equipment online for a wide selection of gear. When buying online, read the description thoroughly to make sure the features match your child’s needs.

When buying equipment needed for soccer, balancing quality and cost is a smart way to go. You don’t need to buy the most expensive soccer equipment to keep your child safe. Quality equipment is available at a variety of price points, making soccer an affordable sport option. Kids grow quickly, so buying high-end, expensive equipment is oftentimes a waste of money, since she’ll outgrow it quickly.

Maintaining Soccer Equipment

Many pieces of soccer equipment last across multiple seasons with proper care. While your child may outgrow her soccer cleats quickly and may need to eventually size up on her shin guards, you can certainly get a good amount of use out of the equipment.

Use these tips to take care of the equipment for lasting use:

• Keep them clean: Wipe down the soccer ball and shin guards regularly. Clean dirt and mud off of her cleats after each practice and game. This keeps the equipment looking nice and lasting longer.

• Use proper inflation: Properly inflating your child’s soccer ball extends its life. Too much or too little air affects how the ball reacts and can cause damage. The general recommendation is inflation to 9 to 10.5 pounds of air, but check the listing near the valve of the ball for an exact amount.

• Store equipment inside: It’s tempting to leave your child’s soccer gear in the car for easy access, but extreme temperatures weaken equipment, particularly soccer balls. Pack all of her soccer gear in a bag that you can easily carry to and from the car for practices and games.

• Avoid excess weight: Weight pressing down on a soccer ball can distort its shape. Remind your child not to sit on her soccer ball, and keep heavy objects off of it. Weight can damage other equipment, such as shin guards. Store the equipment in a safe place where nothing heavy can damage it.

With your soccer equipment checklist in hand and an understanding of how to select the various soccer equipment, you can get your little soccer star ready for the season. Visit an SV Sports location to get expert equipment-selection advice from our employees on the spot, or browse our large online selection of soccer gear to find the necessary equipment your little one needs.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Children Sports Toys. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.