Electronics Kits

[rockywilderness]

My DS, nearly 12, is keen on electronics after enjoying a few experiments in science at school. He's asked for a kit for home but I don't know where to even start looking at everything looks so complicated! Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks!

We have two kits - one is Snap Circuits and the other is Hot Wires. The Hot Wires one probably gets played with more but it's a bigger set so has more experiments and accessories to play with. Both are good fun and very similar in design, the components are very durable as they do just snap on and off the base board.

My DS loved Hot Wires. It got a lot of use.

Does he just want the electronics or some coding as well?

If yes then the raspberry pi pico can be a good place to start. thepihut.com/collections/pico/products/raspberry-pi-pico-micropython-learning-kit-pico-included

We had hot wires and it was brilliant but he's after something more technical I think. He was last seen eyeing up soldering irons so I'm a bit worried!!

I'll take a look at Pico, thank you, and we've also looked at arduino and unilabs but can't tell if it's too complicated

Try a science museum shop online for kit suggestions (and you can then often get the same kit cheaper in other online shops). Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is one if you don't know of any.

We also have a snap and press style electronics kit good for younger kids - makes a radio, a fan work and all sorts of other options in incredibly basic format.

Do you know what he wants out of this kit?

Make a raspberry pi or radio or clock all sorts. Is it just a lot of components he's after or something with instructions and projects?

If he's done some at school could his science/tech teacher point you in an appropriate direction?

I think he's after lots of components but I can picture a lot of components sitting never being used! I think he'd be much better with a project book and kit type thing.

He's just moved schools so I'm not sure of the teacher's name but good call to ask!