Home Design Gifts for Kids

If you have a child who is showing interest in home design I've put together a list of things that will make great gifts.

I've split items up into these categories:

Lego

Lego is a pretty obvious gift for kids but did you know that Lego do some specific sets around architecture.

You can do a general search on Lego Architecture to see all the buildings and landmarks that you can get a set for.

There's also this kit which encourages making all sorts of different designs.

LEGO Architecture Studio Building Blocks Set

Lego Architecture Studio is a set of white and clear bricks (compatible with all other lego bricks). The price keeps going up because it's getting more rare to find one of these sets around.

It's recommended for kids 16 and older.

There's also a few books on building Lego with bricks you might already have.

The LEGO Architect

The LEGO Architecture Idea Book

Arckit

Arckit is a little bit like Lego in that it is a system with components that fit together. The difference is that these kits are made up entirely of contemporary architectural components.

Several of the kits come in two versions - colorful or more subtle. The more subtle scheme fits in better with the adult kits so is perhaps the better choice.

Arckit for kids

Arckit Mini Dormer Colours 2.0 Kids Model Building Kit, age 8+

Arckit Mini Dormer 2.0 Kids Model Building Kit, age 8+

Arckit GO 2.0 - Kids Model Building Kit, age 8+

Arckit for teenagers (and adults too!!)

Arckit 90 - Model Building Kit, 230 Piece

Arckit 240 - Model Building Kit, 620 Piece

Arckit Model Stadium Kit, 235 Piece

Model Building Kits

Kits are a great way to get your design brains going. A utility knife, cutting mat and glue will come in handy for the paper based model kits.

Scientific Explorer Young Architect Kids Building Model Design Kit

3-D Home Kit: Construct a Model of Your Dream Home

Frank Lloyd Wright Paper Models: 14 Kirigami Buildings to Cut and Fold

Tiny Houses Architecture Kit

GIGI Bloks Big Interlocking Cardboard Building Blocks (96 Blocks)

GIGI Bloks Big Interlocking Cardboard Building Blocks (200 Blocks)

Melissa & Doug Jumbo Cardboard Blocks - 40 Pieces

Architecture Books for Kids

Architecture for Kids

This book by Horacio Sanchez covers the principles of architecture with the aim of helping kids to be able to 'read' and make sense of the architecture that surrounds them, asking questions such as what shapes are used? How does the light work?

Architecture for Kids 2

This second book in the series by Horacio Sanchez the content focuses on design thinking and how to use empathy to figure out what a home needs. A few of the illustrations from House Plans Helper appear in this book!

The Future Architect's Handbook

This book by Barbara Beck explains how architects go about their work taking youngsters through how to create a site plan, floor plan, sections and elevations. It's a great book if you have a youngster who's aspiring to be an architect.

The Future Architect's Tool Kit

This second book by Barbara Beck is very similar in content to the Future Architect's Handbook above. It's called a toolkit because it comes with a scale ruler pencil, sharpener and eraser. This one makes a great gift.