Toys for Girls Who Like to Build, Move and Make Noise

This edition of toys for girls leans towards hands-on play rather than dolls on a shelf. You'll find STEM sets like circuit puzzle boards, magnetic construction pieces and gravity-defying track cars, alongside learning tablets and talking robots that answer questions and set small challenges. There's music too — karaoke mic sets, a beat trainer for the wall and an MP3 player with headphones — plus ride-on style motorcycles and glowing flying orbs for the garden. STEM toys for girls sit next to sillier things on purpose, because most kids want both in the same afternoon.

Ages run wide, so it helps to sort by stage: Montessori busy boards and light-and-sound vehicles suit toddlers and preschoolers, while circuits, robots and interactive game sets hold up better from about six upwards. Gift bags are here for the last-minute wrapping. Good picks for birthdays, Christmas and rainy weekends when the gift ideas for girls list has run dry.