Present ideas for budding inventor

[TickledOnion]

DD2 turns 8 soon. She wants toys that can help her create or invent. I thought some kind of toy she can build with simple mechanics or electronics might be good. She definitely wants gravitrax but i need some other ideas for relatives.
Any recommendations please?

K'nex is very good for mechanical stuff.

Not sure what the best kits for electronics are for this age nowadays, I'd take a look at Bright Minds for some ideas. At that age it's mostly the 'plug and play' type of thing, she's a bit young for a soldering iron as yet (iirc DD was about 12 when she got hers). Something like this maybe ?

www.brightminds.co.uk/collections/electronic-kits/products/cambridge-brainbox-primary-2-electronics-kit

The Science Museum shop is worth a look too. Some may introduce a bit of coding, which is of course part of today's world of invention and creation!

shop.sciencemuseum.org.uk/science-kits-and-experiments/engineering-electronics

8 might be a bit young yet, but it is worth considering Lego Mindstorms in a year or two. It isn't cheap but it is very versatile and lasts. My elder son who is doing A levels now and wants to do a degree in mechatronics still uses his.

The first weeks icebreaker practicals of DD's engineering degree used Lego Mindstorms.

I think that range is recommended starting from 10+, but some of the Technics and Creator ranges might be appropriate for an 8yo.

Gravitrax is great.