If your child loves to do little 'experiments' with soap bottles,  likes to get messy with paints or builds their own creations, you’re about to meet their new favourite brand! We’re thrilled to welcome 4M to the Bigjigs Toys family! Say hello to the creators of award-winning STEM toys, science kits, STEAM toys, art activities and everything in between.

Bigjigs Toys is now the official distributor for 4M in the UK & Ireland, which means even more exciting, curiosity-sparking fun for young inventors and makers. From erupting weather labs to crystal-growing magic and motorised robots, 4M is all about helping kids learn through play.

Let’s dive into what STEM and STEAM actually mean (and why they matter), before exploring our top 4M picks for interactive and creative learning.

What Are STEM Toys?

STEM toys are toys designed to support STEM learning: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. These toys encourage children to question, test, build and discover how things work. They’re brilliant for nurturing confidence and curiosity, especially in kids who love challenges or hands-on activities.

A helpful way to understand STEM learning is through the 4 C’s of STEM activities:

• Critical Thinking: solving problems, making predictions, and evaluating results.
  
• Creativity: approaching challenges with imagination and original ideas.
  
• Collaboration: learning to share, communicate, and work as a team.
  
• Communication: explaining thinking, asking questions, and sharing discoveries.
  

Whether it’s mixing solutions in a science kit for kids or exploring mechanics with a robot toy, STEM play helps build real-world skills in fun, playful ways.

What Is a STEAM Toy?

A STEAM toy includes all the above STEM elements, but adds A for Arts.  STEAM toys combine logic with creativity. This means design, colourful creations and imagination enter the mix. Think art and craft kits for kids, model-building, painting activities and anything that blends science with creative fun.

So...What’s the Difference Between STEM and STEAM Toys?

The difference is simply the addition of Art!  STEM toys focus on scientific and problem-solving skills, while STEAM toys expand this to include artistic expression and design thinking. Both types encourage valuable learning; the right choice depends on the child’s interests. If your child loves science experiment kits, robotics or engineering challenges, STEM might be their sweet spot. If they enjoy creative activities like painting or sculpting, STEAM toys bridge both worlds beautifully.

Our Best STEM & STEAM Toys From 4M

Here are our top picks from the new 4M range! Packed with discovery, creativity, and plenty of “Wow!” moments.

KidzLabs – Tornado Maker

Turn a simple bottle into a swirling, spiralling storm with the Tornado Maker! This brilliant children’s science toy lets kids explore how tornadoes form while creating their own real mini vortex. Fantastic for helping kids learn about the weather and natural forces, this kit is ideal for home learning. A great gift for budding meteorologists.

Green Science – Weather Science

One of our favourite science kits for kids, the Weather Science set is packed with hands-on experiments to help children understand clouds, rain, wind, and climate. Explore concepts like static electricity, the greenhouse effect, cloud formation and more with this expansive kit. Perfect for curious kids fascinated by the world outside.

Crystal Growing – Crystal Imaginations

Watch a dazzling crystal grow before your eyes with Crystal Imaginations. With a variety of colours to choose from, this magical crystal growing kit for kids blends chemistry with creativity. The Crystal Imaginations range encourages kids (and adults!) to learn about key science concepts and find out how crystals form. With a unique space capsule display included, it also makes a beautiful keepsake once the crystal is formed!

KidzRobotix – Motorised Robot Hand

Introduce your kids to engineering basics with the Robot Hand building kit. Perfect for robot fans, this clever STEM toy teaches kids how motors and mechanisms work as they build a fully functioning robotic hand. The set includes a drum, which the robot hand can play rhythmic patterns on, encouraging creative and problem-solving skills. A brilliant project for future inventors.

STEAM – Dinosaur World

The Dinosaur World Set is a T-riffic STEAM toy that blends science with imaginative play. Kids can dig, mould, paint and build their own prehistoric scene.  The Dinosaur World kit also develops creative thinking and collaborative skills as kids can work together to excavate a T. rex and build a volcano. The ideal gift for dinosaur enthusiasts.

Mould & Paint – Sharks

Enjoy crafting with the jaw-some Mould & Paint Shark set. These art toys let kids mould and decorate their own shark magnets and badges, then they can display their creations on the fridge or pop them on a bag! Great for group play and social skills, these sets make the perfect creative activity for a rainy day, and are a great idea for keeping kids occupied during the holidays.

KidzMaker – Paint Your Own Terracotta Garden Frog

Bring creativity outdoors with the Paint Your Own Frog kit! These creative activities for kids come with a terracotta figure, paints and an easy-grip paintbrush, so children can personalise their new friend. Once decorated, it becomes a charming addition to the garden or bedroom shelf! The Terracotta Frog painting set helps children to develop their imaginative and fine motor skills, whilst learning about animals and the natural world. 

Explore More 4M Toys

Ready to build your robot or make dinosaur magnets? From environmental science to robotics, crystals and crafts, there’s a 4M toy for every curious child. Explore the complete 4M collection on our website!

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