Do your children love solving mysteries? It’s a great way to introduce them to forensics and logic while also sneaking in some math and science at the same time! Who can complain with that, when it’s also so much fun to play the detective? If you have a detective-in-training on your gift list, check out these awesome detective gifts!
We have all sorts of detective kits and books in our home! The kids love to solve cases (have you seen our review of Something Fishy at Lake Iwannafisha?), and they are asking for more challenges; I don’t think you’re ever too old to love detecting (as clearly evidenced by the number of fiction and non-fictional TV shows)! In this gift guide, I’m sharing some of the items we have, and some we have our eyes on.
Let me know if you have a favourite detective activity, too!
This post may contain affiliate links through which I may receive a small commission.
Detective Toys and Games
- Kids are crazy about building bricks, and the LEGO Creator Expert Detective’s Office is awesome for fans over 16 years as it includes 2262 pieces!
- Escape rooms are all the rage! Why not set up your own at home with iDventure Unfinished case of Holmes!
- Imagine: Detective – Nintendo DS, Become detective Kirsten Spark and solve the mysteries, play brain games, and rid the school of bullies.
Crime Scene Kits
- Crime Scene Forensic Science Kit: The Missy Hammond Case is aimed at those 16+ and provides all the clues and gear to solve the crime.
- Learning about forensics is a great way for kids to learn about science! My First Lab Whodunnit? Microscope and Forensic Accessory Kit introduces kids to the world of mystery and investigations.
- You can’t have mystery without a Crime Scene Kit With Blood Splat!
Detective Work Continues Back In The Lab
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Forensic Facial Reconstruction Kit; reconstruct the victim and discover their identity!
- Gross Body Anatomy, 6 fun and icky experiments that teach children the fundamentals of chemistry and the disgusting side of biology!
- Thames & Kosmos Master Detective Toolkit, learn about how detectives use forensic science to answer questions, gather evidence, and solve crimes, and then put your skills to the test with the included experiments.
Detective-Themed Party Supplies
- Every good detective has his secrets and these Top Secret Notebooks and Pencils will record the clues.
- Top Secret Spy Guest Party Pack for 16 guests is sure to make your party a hit.
- Secret Agent Spy Party Favour Boxes will help the guest take the fun home with them at the end of the day.
Detective Books for Kids and Teens
- Detective Science: 40 Crime-Solving, Case-Breaking, Crook-Catching Activities for Kids is a fun book for kids! We’ve been working our way through this and it’s lots of fun!
- Bailey Jacobs and the Disappearing Dogs is a quick read for older teens and young adults. This is the first in a series of what will be 12-16 novellas. Read our full review here.
- The Headmaster’s Cave is a fun book for those who like a little mystery in finding out what happened in a historical disappearance. Read our full review here.
Detective Investigations For Kids

- Hone up your detective skills with Brainiac’s Secret Agent Detective Activity Book Kit
- Gather the whole family around and play Family Pastimes Investigators – A Co-operative Detective Game. Rather than fight against each other, cooperate together to solve the cases.
- Fingerprints are unique and a great way to learn about observation and forensic work. Thames and Kosmos Fingerprint Detective is a nice introduction.
Looking for More Awesome Gift Ideas?
This Gift Guide for Inquisitive Detectives of all ages is just one of many amazing Gift Guides in the Kid Blogger Network Holiday Gift Guide Collection!
- Rad Gifts for Tween Girls from The Moments at Home
- Gifts for Teen Girls from KimspiredDIY
- Best Train Sets for Toddlers from Play Trains!
- Best Board Games for Kids and Families from All Done Monkey
- Gifts for Kids Who Love Outside Adventures from Bambini Travel
- 10 Gifts for Kids to Encourage New Reading Skills from My Storytime Corner
- Best Games for Teens/Tweens from Nouveau Soccer Mom
- The Best Toys and Games for Kids to Play Together from Mosswood Connections
- Creative Books for Kids that Inspire from Thimble and Twig
- 15 of The Most Magical Unicorn Gift Ideas for Kids from Projects with Kids
- Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys from EverydaySavvy
- Gifts for Messy Play from In Our Pond
- 15 Best Arts and Crafts Gifts for Kids from The Joy of Sharing
- Girl Power Gifts for Girls of all ages from Seaside Sundays
- Brilliant! Best Unisex Toys and Gift Ideas for Young Children from Heart of Deborah
- Gifts for Kids that will Inspire Creativity from Creative K Kids
- Robots, Rockets, & Tech Toys for Kids that ROCK! from Our Family Code
- Seriously FUN Sensory Toys and Games from B-Inspired Mama
- Gender Neutral Frozen-themed Gift Ideas from Fab Working Mom Life
- Gifts for 8 Year Old Girls from What’s Up Fagans?
- Best Outdoor Gifts to get Kids Outside from Creative Little Explorers
- 40+ Magical Gifts for your Harry Potter Wizards from Coffee and Carpool
- Absolutely Amazing Gifts for Future Fashion Designers from The Gifty Girl
