As a child, I loved to make things. I was very fortunate to have a Dad who kept a well supplied work bench, and tons of scrap (and not-so-scrap) wood around. The result was a bevy of go-carts, tree houses, porches for tree houses, and so forth.

As I got older, I got more into computers and electricity (not quite electronics, more switches and lights). Many an LED got fried (who knew of current resistors?) and a Christmas light set got cut apart, all for the purpose of making “do not disturb” lights and flashing red eyes for the World Champion 1985 Chicago Bears t-shirt.

There are a lot of kids out there today who want to get into “making things”. Whether it’s a toy made out of wood, or an electronic gadget. The trouble is that many of them have parents who don’t know where to start, or don’t have the resources (financial or otherwise). For example, I met a mother and son at the Austin Maker Faire. The boy was very into making things, but didn’t have a role model to help him. His mom didn’t know where to start exactly, but–to her great credit–she knew that a place like the Maker Faire would be good for him.

So, this Christmas season, give a moments thought to the young Makers out there. Those who don’t have access to the tools or the parts or the experience. Consider giving an up-and-coming Edison an electronics tool kit, as you can find at the Make Store:

The have put together a pretty nice starter set. Though, I’d recommend more: Consider giving the young Tesla a nice selection of parts. Standard values of resistors and capacitors. A bunch of LEDs, some switches, some speakers, a couple of breadboards, and some 555′s for good measure. It only takes about $50 of parts to put together a really excellent starter set. 

An Offer: If you are aware of any up-and-coming electronics genius who is lacking in tools or parts, please let me know. You know my hard-ass criteria: They must come from a family who clearly can not afford it, with a child who clearly has a desire, and the support, to pursue their hobby. Some lucky kids may just get an extra something in their Christmas stocking.