Solar Powered Toys and Gifts for Kids

Thinking about holidays, birthdays or other gift-giving occasions? Below is a list of solar powered toys that your kids will love! There are items for children as young as three as well as more complicated kits for the budding builders and scientists on your list. Don't forget something for the artist - these are even solar powered art projects!

You'll be helping your kids to go green by teaching them about the many uses of solar power. All of the innovative toys listed in this article are powered by the sun. Some have no batteries at all and others include batteries that are recharged through small solar panels. Kits will teach kids the science and value of solar power while they build working models powered by the sun. You'll save on the cost and aggravation of replacing batters when you get the kids on your Christmas list one of these fun solar powered toys.

This cute little red lantern was designed especially for children. It's lightweight, easy to operate, and is a perfect to take anywhere. The lantern makes a great night light, and its all-whether design makes it an ideal light for kids to take camping. Set it in a window or out in the sun to charge up during the day and it will produce bright light all evening. The 6 LED bulbs will run as long as 20 hours when fully charged. Don't panic in the dark looking for a light. The glow-in-the-dark handle makes this lantern easy to find in the dark, too.

The 6-in1 Educational Solar Kit

Kids will learn about the benefits of solar energy through building 6 different working models. Kit will make 2 different plants, an airboat, car, solar windmill and puppy. This kit includes 33 pieces with a solar module and gearbox to power the different models. There are no batteries required and the life of the solar module is 3-5 years. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Solar-Powered Vehicle Construction Set

Build 6 Different Vehicles Build 6 Electric-motorized Vehicle Configurations, One at a Time. Kids will love building these six solar powered working models which include a locomotive, single-prop plane, bulldozer, helicopter, backhoe, and twin-rotor helicopter. Creative kids can even design their own solar vehicles. Step by step instructions are included. The special solar panel in this kit consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity in bright sunlight, just like a AA battery. The specially designed cradle holds either the solar panel or a battery, allowing you to switch out the solar panel for a AA battery (not included), depending on the strength of sunlight. You can even use the solar panel to charge up your own rechargeable AA batteries. Recommended for age 8 and up.

Eitech Deluxe Solar Powered Construction Set

Make 5 different solar powered models with this construction set including a car or helicopter. This kit is designed to teach the basics of solar energy. Illustrated instructions are included. This kit is designed and manufactured in Germany. Recommended for age 8 and up.

Curious kids will love building their own solar energy toy. These kits teach about renewable energy as miniature solar panels power toys made from the kits. Mom and dad will love not having to purchase batteries - just set the toy in the sun!

The 6-in1 Educational Solar Kit

Kids will learn about the benefits of solar energy through building 6 different working models. Kit will make 2 different plants, an airboat, car, solar windmill and puppy. This kit includes 33 pieces with a solar module and gearbox to power the different models. There are no batteries required and the life of the solar module is 3-5 years. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Solar-Powered Vehicle Construction Set

Build 6 Different Vehicles Build 6 Electric-motorized Vehicle Configurations, One at a Time. Kids will love building these six solar powered working models which include a locomotive, single-prop plane, bulldozer, helicopter, backhoe, and twin-rotor helicopter. Creative kids can even design their own solar vehicles. Step by step instructions are included. The special solar panel in this kit consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity in bright sunlight, just like a AA battery. The specially designed cradle holds either the solar panel or a battery, allowing you to switch out the solar panel for a AA battery (not included), depending on the strength of sunlight. You can even use the solar panel to charge up your own rechargeable AA batteries. Recommended for age 8 and up.

Eitech Deluxe Solar Powered Construction Set

Make 5 different solar powered models with this construction set including a car or helicopter. This kit is designed to teach the basics of solar energy. Illustrated instructions are included. This kit is designed and manufactured in Germany. Recommended for age 8 and up.

Kids as well as train enthusiasts will enjoy building this mini solar powered bullet train. It teaches about how solar power is used to power small motors. There are two interlocking cars that attach to the engine. Kit consists of 18 snap-together parts. No batteries are required as the train is powered by solar panels. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Young children will love this laptop that looks like yours. The laptop has four learning games that teach letters, numbers and shapes as well as a 10 note musical keyboard. The activities include number, shape and letter identification and has activities like counting, word spelling and missing letters game. The number keys convert to musical note keys so kids can experiment with notes and music. This is not only fun, but eco friendly! The laptop's main source of power is from two rechargeable solar AA batteries (included) that are charged by the sun, but it will switch over to the backup power batteries (not included) when solar power is not sufficient. For ages 3 and up.

Toysmith Solar Print Kit #4062

This kit includes everything that's needed to make solar prints that can be used to make note cards or framed prints. Kit includes three blank note cards and envelopes, stencil sheets, frams and twelve 5"x7" sheets of solar print paper. Instructions are included. Ages 5 and up.

Tedco 8" X 10" Sun Art Paper Kit

Use the Magic of Solar Energy to Create artistic prints. This kit will encourage an interest in the photographic process. All that's required is sun and water with a little imagination thrown in. By placing any object on the SunArt paper, setting it in the sun briefly and then immersing it in water, a a beautiful image appears. Kit contains 15 sheets of SunArt UV sensitive paper, one transparent acrylic sheet to hold objects in place and complete instructions. Be sure to pick up some exta paper as your artistic and crafty child is sure to love it. Ages 6 and up.

The Frightened Grasshopper Kits. This kit is easy to assemble with no tools required. No batteries are required as the solar panel provides energy for the grasshopper's eyes to jiggle, legs to wiggle and antennas to move. Recommended ages 3 and up.

The Solar Powered Car. This little car will never run out of power as it requires no batteries and run by solar power.

Kids and adults alike will appreciate these solar powered nightlights. These nightlights are on even if the power if off. Charge up during the day, and place a solar night light in kids rooms, baby's room or the bathroom to help find your way at night. Don't forget to take one with you on your next camping trip,too!

Teens will love one of these solar powered backpacks. The backpacks have built-in solar panels and ports to charge small electronics like cell phone, iPod, digital camera, and portable GPS. This is a great gift for travel or for outdoor enthusiasts who like to have their phones, music and GPS handy and ready to use at any time.