Snap Circuits Beginner, Electronics Exploration Kit, Stem Kit for Ages 5-9 (SCB-20)
Snap Circuits
Best for
Best for ages 5-7
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$19.99
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
4 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Snap Circuits Beginner (SCB-20) is positioned as the simplified on-ramp to the Snap Circuits ecosystem for kindergarten- and early-elementary-aged kids. A review at nytimes.com describes the kit as durable and easy to use, while noting that the instructions don't offer much context and that the included projects aren't exciting for every kid, which is a useful honest caveat to weigh against the marketing. Verified-purchase reviewers at amazon.com and walmart.com converge on the same picture: roughly 3,500 ratings averaging 4.7, with parents calling out the larger snap-together pieces and the short, achievable projects as a good fit for 5-7 year olds who can't yet manage the SC-300's denser layouts.
What reviewers liked
- High-trust review at nytimes.com calls it durable and easy to use
- Designed specifically for ages 5-9, with larger components than the SC-300
- Strong verified-purchase track record (around 3,500 ratings at 4.7 on Amazon)
- r/homeschool parents recommend it as a starter circuit kit
Where it falls short
- nytimes.com notes the instructions don't offer much context
- Same source observes the included projects aren't exciting for every kid
- Only around 20 projects, so capable kids may outgrow it quickly
- Requires AA batteries not included
Across the reviewers we read, the Snap Circuits Beginner (SCB-20) is positioned as the simplified on-ramp to the Snap Circuits ecosystem for kindergarten- and early-elementary-aged kids. A review at nytimes.com describes the kit as durable and easy to use, while noting that the instructions don't offer much context and that the included projects aren't exciting for every kid, which is a useful honest caveat to weigh against the marketing.
Verified-purchase reviewers at amazon.com and walmart.com converge on the same picture: roughly 3,500 ratings averaging 4.7, with parents calling out the larger snap-together pieces and the short, achievable projects as a good fit for 5-7 year olds who can't yet manage the SC-300's denser layouts. Discussion in r/homeschool reinforces this as a reasonable entry point, especially for parents nervous about small parts.
The trade-off, surfaced by nytimes.com and echoed in some retailer reviews, is that kids who are already comfortable with multi-step builds may burn through the 20-or-so projects quickly and want to graduate to the SC-100 or SC-300. As a first electronics kit for a young child, however, this is the consensus pick.
- So Many Toys In A Snap
- A safe and fun way to introduce children ages 5+ to electrical engineeing! The child-friendly pieces easily snap together to create real working circuits! Build exciting projects and toys using the included colorful instruction book!
- SAFE FOR YOUNGER KIDS The Snap Circuits Beginner is the perfect way to introduce children starting at age 5 to circuitry. In addition to simpler projects and instructions, the Beginner kit includes circuits with extra childproofing features for your smallest engineer! Best for ages 5-9
- EXPERIMENTS THEY'LL LOVE The Beginner kit includes hours of wonder-inspiring experiments! Children will learn more than just the basics of how switches and circuits work. Over the course of 21 unique projects, they'll build simple problem-solving, troubleshooting, and planning skills!
- AMAZING VALUE In addition to standard kit components, the Beginner kit includes a lighted color-changing fan and a vibrant colored manual with age-appropriate diagrams and language.
- AWARD WINNING KITS! We're proud to produce high quality products loved by kids, parents,and educators. Snap Circuits kits have won a number of awards - including the Specialty Toy of the Year Award, Seriously STEM! award, Good Housekeeping's Best Toys, Purdue University's Engineering Gift Guide, National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval, Toy Insider's Top Holiday Toys, placement on the Dr. Toy list of 100 Best Children's Products and placement on the Dr. Toy list of Best Educational products, and the "Stem Approved" Trustmark from Stem.org.
- Packaging May Vary
- Same great STEM kit with new packaging!
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›…
I have read a lot of great reviews on them but there are so many variations, and I am not sure what is the safest one to go for. Is it worth ...
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“My kids LOVE Snap Circuits Beginner and Advanced STEM learning ...” · YouTube
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.