Lego Mindstorms Robot Inventor

£330 / stuff.tv/mindstorms

It’s clear Lego has prioritised immediacy and fun with its latest build-your-own-bots kit, which lets you and/or your little ones create five different coding-controlled mecha-beings. Yes, the set lacks a proper screen and relies on a separate device for programming; but it offers great clarity and scope, plus an attitude that encourages tinkering… whatever your age.

Stuff says ★★★★★

A fun, versatile set for Lego electronics newcomers and old hands alike

Sphero RVR £260 / stuff.tv/spherorvr

The RVR pulls off the balance between serious coding and knockabout fun perfectly: it’s an all-terrain vehicle that you can throw around without worrying about it breaking, but also has serious programming chops.

Stuff says ★★★★★

Enough fun to convert any coding-phobe

Lego Boost Creative Toolbox £150 / stuff.tv/legocreativetoolbox

Building Lego is already ridiculously good fun, and when this model’s complete it turns into a functioning robot. Simpler than the Mindstorms kit, it can still be programmed to move, fire projectiles and play games.

Stuff says ★★★★★

A programmable Lego kit for younger kids

Sphero Bolt ★★★★★ £150 / stuff.tv/spherobolt

This little rolling ball of tech is great fun, and educational to boot.

Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit ★★★★★ £40 / stuff.tv/kanoharrypotter

A magical way to make coding accessible and fun to learn.