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The 2023 PZD Gift Guide for Aspiring Architects, Engineers & Designers

At Phase Zero Design, our team is passionate about kindling the creative spark in the next generation of aspiring architects, engineers, and designers. Some of the wonderful parents who work at our firm rounded up the best 20 gifts to give your little one this holiday season, who love building, crafting, and dreaming up the next big thing.  

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

Chosen by Amazon kids’ books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box, ‘Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site’ is a #1 New York Times bestselling bedtime story in durable board book format, where author Sherri Duskey Rinker’s sweet rhyming text lulls little ones into a peaceful rest as hardworking trucks on a construction site prepare to say goodnight. With charming illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld, this timeless and popular nighttime tale is perfect for read-aloud sessions, making it an ideal gift for preschoolers and kindergarteners who love construction adventures.

Ages 4+

City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction

Award-winning author-illustrator David Macaulay brings readers into a beautiful exploration of Roman buildings and construction.

With black and white illustrations and detailed explanations, this comprehensive and visual resource is perfect for young readers interested in history, architecture, and Roman civilization.

Ages 10 – 12

The Architecture Pop Up Book

This popup book features breathtaking three-dimensional recreations of iconic structures spanning ancient to modern times. From the awe-inspiring pyramids of ancient Egypt to the contemporary designs of architects like Gaudí and Frank Gehry, this book combines intricate pop-ups, stunning visuals, and detailed text to offer an innovative, informative, and entertaining journey, making it an ideal gift for architecture enthusiasts and those eager to delve into the rich history of celebrated buildings worldwide.

Ages 12+

Iggy Peck, Architect

Both parents and children will love Iggy Peck, Architect, a fun-filled, inspiring, colorful New York Times bestselling picture book, from author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts, about the power of teamwork and the importance of celebrating individual gifts and self-expression. It is a great bedtime story with colorful illustrations, teaching children about the passion and practicality of science (STEM).

Ages 3-6

Roberto: The Insect Architect

Join Roberto, a determined termite with big dreams, in ‘Roberto the Insect Architect,’ a charming and inspirational tale by Nina Laden. Against the discouragement of his wood-eating family and friends, Roberto ventures to the big bug city, where he encounters a cast of not-so-creepy, crawly characters that inspire him to build a community and pursue his architectural aspirations. Laden’s witty text and extraordinary collage illustrations make this a delightful and encouraging story that will resonate with readers of all ages, inspiring them to follow their dreams and build a brighter future

Ages 5-8

Lego Architecture Sets

The LEGO® Architecture sets make perfect gifts for individuals passionate about architecture, including architecture students, young architects aged 13 and above, and adults. Whether their interests lie in STEM, renowned buildings, or iconic landmarks, the model building kits and architecture toys provide a challenging and impressive experience for all creators. Explore LEGO® structures representing global destinations, from New York City to London, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, and beyond.

Ages  12+

Lego Classic Creative Suitcase

Unleash the imagination with the LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase—a vibrant toy set for kids. Packed in a sturdy yellow suitcase with sorting compartments, this starter kit includes colorful building bricks, shapes, wheels, and eyes, fostering open-ended creativity and imagination for boys and girls of all ages. The smart and convenient suitcase measures over 10” (26cm) high, 11” (28cm) wide, and 2” (6cm) deep, offering a neat storage solution as young builders explore endless possibilities with this versatile LEGO Classic building toy.

Ages 3+

Wood Blocks

Ignite imaginative play and developmental learning with this premium set of 60 natural-finished, smooth-sanded hardwood blocks featuring precise measurements and rounded edges. Packaged in a stylish wooden tray for easy storage, these high-quality standard unit blocks offer endless creative possibilities, making them an excellent gift for hands-on, screen-free play. Build houses, balance structures, and explore early math concepts like shapes, parts-to-whole, and sorting with this versatile and timeless wooden block set.

Ages 3+

Bristle Block Stackadoos

Spark creativity and hands-on exploration with the Bristle Block – Stackadoos set, featuring 68 colorful and sensory building blocks with soft, rubbery, interlocking bristles that connect at any angle. From robots and rocket ships to cars and cities, this award-winning play set not only fosters imaginative construction but also enhances concentration, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination in a developmentally enriching way. Compatible with all Bristle Block sets from Battat, these versatile blocks offer endless possibilities for open-ended play, ensuring that young minds can discover and create anew each time they engage with the Bristle Block – Stackadoos.

Ages 2+

Beacon Hill Dollhouse Kit

Captivate the imagination of young teens with the Beacon Hill, Greenleaf’s flagship dollhouse. Its sophisticated exterior is enhanced by a curved Mansard roof, and no detail has been omitted, including even a little window in the cellar! The Beacon Hill has seven rooms and two hallways that are large enough to furnish as rooms. Three fireplaces, three bay windows, and a winding staircase add to the elegance of this outstanding dollhouse.

Ages 13+

Magna-tiles

Unlock endless creative possibilities with the Classic 100-Piece Set featuring classic geometric shapes, perfect for open-ended play that sparks kids’ imaginations. This magnetic tile set, with vibrant colors and ample pieces, is a must-have for larger families and classrooms, offering next-level building opportunities that promote the development of creative thinking, language, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills in children, ensuring years of enjoyment and imaginative exploration.

Ages 3+

Art-chitect Build and Design Set

Fuel the creativity of future architects and designers with the Art-chitect Build and Design set, a comprehensive kit offering everything needed to craft 3D model houses – from acrylic work surfaces and drafting tools to furniture templates, colored pencils, and vinyl decals for personalized decoration. This crossover set seamlessly combines artistic expression with building principles, providing a versatile platform for constructing both 2D and 3D models and allowing kids to explore their imaginative and creative sides.

Ages 8+

Elenco's Snap Circuits

Elenco’s Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun! Just follow the colorful pictures in our manual and build exciting projects such as FM radios, digital voice, recorders, AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells, and much more! You can even play electronic games with your friends. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Enjoy hours of educational fun while learning about electronics. Snap Circuits® are endorsed by educators worldwide and used in schools, libraries, museums, STEM programs, and creating with Snap Circuits®. The Circuit Safe patented safety device unique to Snap Circuits® branded products makes learning circuitry safe.

Ages 8+

Combination Tool Package

Elevate precision and efficiency with the 1 Set Special Thong Ruler Combination Tool Package, a comprehensive toolset designed for college students, construction professionals, mechanical engineers, graphic designers, and chemistry enthusiasts. This practical package includes specialized instruments such as round gauges, rulers, and CAD drawing tools, offering a versatile solution for accurate measurements, detailed drawings, and precise designs across a range of disciplines. With this professional-grade set, users can enhance their skills and streamline their work in construction, mechanical engineering, graphic design, and chemistry, making it an indispensable tool for various fields.

Ages 14+

Moleskin Notebooks / Sketchbooks

The perfect portable canvas for drawing or sketching indoors or on the go. The Moleskine Sketchbook has premium sketch-grade paper that supports a selection of artistic media and stands up to eraser use. The paper is sourced from well-managed, FSC™-certified forests and other controlled sources, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality canvas for your child’s artistic expressions.

Ages 8+

Sharpie Pens

Sharpie pens are more than just writing instruments; they are a versatile medium that empowers individuals to express themselves through vibrant colors, precise lines, and bold strokes. Whether for artists, students, or anyone with a penchant for creativity, a Sharpie is a thoughtful and versatile gift that inspires limitless possibilities. With its range of colors, quick-drying ink, and various tip options, Sharpie opens the door to artistic expression, making it a perfect gift for those who appreciate the joy of bringing ideas to life on paper.

Ages 12+

3-D Printer

Give the gift of innovation with a 3D printer, a cutting-edge technology that opens up a world of creative possibilities. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, architects, designers, and engineers, a 3D printer allows users to turn digital designs into tangible objects, bringing their imagination to life layer by layer. Whether crafting intricate prototypes, personalized accessories, or artistic creations, a 3D printer is a versatile and transformative gift that sparks creativity and provides endless opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration.

Ages 16+

Massachusetts

35 Pond Park Rd. Bay 16
Hingham, MA 02043
781-452-7121

Connecticut

8 Wilcox St.
Simsbury, CT 06070
860-264-1624