Are you looking for out-of-this-world gift ideas for the 11 year old space enthusiast in your life? There are tons of stellar space-themed gifts that can launch their interest in astronomy and space exploration.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take a trip through the cosmos to highlight the best space gifts for 11 year olds. From telescopes and STEM toys to books, clothes, and more – we’ve got the whole universe covered!
Why Space Gifts are Great for 11 Year Olds
Space is a topic that fascinates kids of all ages. For 11 year olds specifically, space-themed gifts are perfect for encouraging an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.
At age 11, children become more curious about the world around them. They start seeking out knowledge and want to understand complex concepts like space and astronomy.
Space gifts help spark their imagination and give them a way to engage with STEM fields through:
- Hands-on Play – Interactive toys, model rockets, and science kits let them learn through experimentation.
- Discovery – Books, posters, and clothing immerse them in facts about the cosmos.
- Observation – Telescopes, binoculars, and star charts encourage observing the night sky.
In short, the right space gift can launch an 11 year old’s passion for STEM and set them on a course for future space exploration!
Best Space Gifts for 11 Year Olds
Astronomy Tools
Give the gift of exploration with tools that bring the cosmos closer.
Beginner Telescopes
A telescope opens up the universe for curious kids. Consider an entry-level model that’s easy to use but still powerful enough to spot objects like the moon and planets:
- Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ – $170 to $200
- Meade Infinity 70AZ – $120 to $150
- Orion SpaceProbe II – $130 to $150
Avoid flimsy toy telescopes. Go for one with at least 60mm to 70mm aperture. Setting it up together and viewing the night sky teaches science first-hand.
Binoculars
For an affordable alternative to a telescope, try binoculars specially designed for stargazing:
- Celestron Cometron 7×50 – $35 to $50
- Orion Scenix 7×50 – $40 to $60
- Bushnell Falcon 10×50 – $25 to $40
Look for models with 50mm lens diameter and 7x to 10x magnification. They’re easier to handle while still offering great views.
Star Charts
A detailed star chart helps locate constellations, planets, and more in the night sky:
- National Geographic Night Sky Atlas – $10 to $15
- Sky & Telescope’s Pocket Sky Atlas – $20 to $25
- Carson Planisphere – $25 to $35
Choose a portable field guide or rotating planisphere matched to your latitude. Learning the night sky together builds their astronomy skills.
STEM Toys and Kits
Model Rocket Kits
Building and launching a model rocket combines craftsmanship and science. Great for ages 10+:
- Estes Alpha III – $20 to $30
- Estes Avatar – $25 to $35
- Estes Switch Blade – $45 to $55
Focus on beginner kits under 3 feet tall. Watching the rocket soar teaches physics and engineering up close.
Robotics Kits
Hands-on robot kits introduce coding, electronics, and mechanics:
- Thames & Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines – $40 to $50
- Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot – $80 to $100
- Makeblock mBot Robot Kit – $80 to $100
Look for screen-free kits focused on building and programming physical robots. They develop coding and problem-solving abilities.
Chemistry Sets
Kids explore chemistry with experiment kits like:
- Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit – $25 to $40
- Thames & Kosmos Chem C3000 – $40 to $60
- Melissa & Doug Suspend Junior – $25 to $35
Supervise for safety. But chemistry sets satisfy scientific curiosity by letting them make ooze, erupt volcanoes, and more!
Educational Books
Fact Books
Expand their knowledge with books like:
- National Geographic Kids Everything Space – $15 to $20
- Space Encyclopedia – $20 to $25
- Amazing Astronomy – $15 to $20
Bright photos and fun facts bring black holes, asteroids, and more to life. Browsing together builds STEM literacy.
Biographies
Inspiring stories of real-life science heroes include:
- Who Was Neil Armstrong? – $5 to $10
- Who Was Sally Ride? – $5 to $10
- What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Neil DeGrasse Tyson – $15 to $20
Biographies of astronauts, scientists, and explorers show how space dreams become reality. Try a collection for variety.
Games and Puzzles
Entertain their interest with interactive learning:
3D Puzzles
Build a model Solar System, rocket, or more with 3D puzzles like:
- Ravensburger 3D Solar System – $25 to $35
- Thames & Kosmos 3D Astronaut Model Kit – $15 to $25
- 4M Solar System Planetarium – $25 to $35
Following 3D diagrams boosts spatial skills while learning astronomy models.
Planetarium Projectors
A simple planetarium turns their bedroom into a 360° cosmos:
- Smithsonian Optics Planetarium Projector – $40 to $60
- Uncle Milton Star Theatre Pro – $40 to $60
- Sega Homestar Flux – $50 to $70
These projectors cast entire star fields and constellations for amateur stargazing.
Space Board Games
Fun educational games include:
- Rocket Launch Game – $25 to $35
- Space Race – $25 to $30
- Space Fluxx Card Game – $15 to $20
Playing builds strategic thinking skills while reinforcing space concepts.
Space Decor
Surround them with stellar style using:
Wall Posters
visually grasp facts about the solar system, nebulae, and more through vivid posters like:
- PopChart Solar System Print – $35 to $45
- NASA Solar System Poster Set – $25 to $35
- Mark Griffith Star Map Poster – $10 to $20
Pick eye-catching designs and themes that appeal to them. Posters make great decor and learning aids.
Lampshades, Rugs and Mobiles
Immerse their room-in-space themes with:
- Ambient Lumens Saturn Pendant – $45 to $55
- Wow Things Astronaut Bedside Rug – $15 to $25
- Tot Tutors Solar System Mobile – $20 to $30
Use one or a collection to give their room a full space makeover.
Door Decals
Decorate their room entry with the following:
- Palace Printables Space Shuttle Door Mural – $15 to $25
- Magicfly Mars Door Sticker – $10 to $20
- Anderson Design Group Rocket Door Decal – $15 to $25
Giant planet or rocket door stickers add some science flair!
Space Clothes and Accessories
Let them show their space pride with:
T-Shirts and Hoodies
Trendy space shirts include:
- I Love Space Tee – $15 to $20
- Solar System Tee – $15 to $20
- Space Mission Hoodie – $25 to $35
Choose from stylish tees or cozy hoodies so they can rock space knowledge wherever they go.
Backpacks and Lunch Boxes
Blast off with:
- Stephen Joseph Space Rocket Backpack – $25 to $35
- Wildkin Moon Zone Backpack – $40 to $50
- Jay Franco Space Lunch Box – $10 to $15
Galactic bags and lunch boxes add some science style to their school gear.
Watches and Socks
Accessories like:
- Learning Resources Solar System Wrist Watch – $10 to $15
- Pangda Astronaut Socks – $8 to $12 for 4 pairs
- I Heart Pluto Socks – $10 to $15
Let kids show off space facts while completing any outfit.
Bedding and Sleep Accessories
Make their bedroom an astronomical oasis with:
Duvet Covers and Pillowcases
Bedding sets like:
- Ambesonne Space Duvet Cover – $50 to $70
- Deny Galaxy Duvet Cover – $50 to $70
- Stellar Kids Rocket Pillowcases – $25 to $35
Use space scenes to add science flair to their bedroom.
Night Lights and Lamps
Fall asleep under the cosmos with:
- Americanflat Satellite Night Light – $17 to $25
- Snapstars Constellation Night Light – $25 to $35
- Blancho Bed Tent with Starry Lights – $30 to $50
Soothing celestial lights create a relaxing space oasis.
White Noise Machines
Drown out distractions with sounds like:
- Cloud B Milky Way Soother – $30 to $40
- Magicfly Space Sounds Machine – $50 to $70
- Big Red Rooster Moon Sound Machine – $20 to $30
Choose a calming space theme or sounds from NASA to ease them to sleep.
Final Gift Ideas
While kids are obsessed with the great unknowns of space, parents can keep holiday spending grounded with budget-friendly gifts under $100. Focus on telescopes, STEM kits, books, puzzles and clothes that educate and inspire.
Shop stellar space gifts for your 11 year old galaxy lover and watch their interest in science take off! With the universe as their playground, there’s no limit to what they can discover.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some good telescopes for an 11 year old?
Beginner models like the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ, Meade Infinity 70AZ, and Orion SpaceProbe II are great starter telescopes for 11 year olds. Look for an aperture between 60mm-70mm and an easy setup.
- What STEM toys are best for 11 year olds interested in space?
Robotics kits, model rocket kits, and chemistry sets make excellent hands-on STEM toys. Brands like Makeblock, Estes, and Scientific Explorer offer great space-themed kits to build their skills.
- What are the benefits of space-themed books for 11 year olds?
Space books help improve science literacy. Fact books, biographies of astronauts and scientists, and references like encyclopedias expand their knowledge with fun facts and photos.
- Should I buy 3D puzzles or posters for my 11 year old’s space-themed room?
Both puzzles and posters make great decorative gifts! 3D solar system puzzles boost spatial skills while posters showcase facts in vivid images. Pick a few posters and a more advanced 3D puzzle for best results.
- What space clothes and accessories do 11 year olds enjoy?
T-shirts, backpacks, lunch boxes, watches and socks with space motifs let them show off their space knowledge. For accessories, look for quality materials vs cheaply made novelty items.
- Are space bedding sets with duvets, pillows and lamps a good idea for an 11 year old?
Definitely! A space-themed bed set transforms their room into a sleeping space oasis. Add glow-in-the-dark items or night lights for extra fun. Make sure bedding fabrics are soft and comfortable.
- What are the most popular space gift ideas under $100 for 11 year olds?
Great budget space gift ideas include telescope and binocular sets, STEM experiment kits, LEGO robotics sets, astronomy books, star projectors, 3D solar system puzzles, wall posters, bedding sets, night lights, t-shirts, backpacks, and science kits.