The Snap Circuits Jr SC-100 kit is one of those classic toys that remains a firm favourite with boys and girls aged eight to twelve year after year.

So it’s no wonder that it makes our list of best Christmas toys for 2011 again this year.

When writing the Snap Circuits Jr Review we had to ask ourselves, why does is this electronic kit so popular?  Why does it remain on bestseller lists year after year?

But first before we delve further into the review, for those that are not familar with it, here is the basic jist of it.

- It contains a good introduction to electronics with 101 different do-it-yourself projects to do.

- Helps develop a sense of curiosity e.g. what will happen when I connect this to the circuit board?

- While other manufacturers have come out with similar products, this one by Elenco Electronics is the best made and most fun of all the electronic kits.

- It’s well priced (usually under $30).

- The projects are fun: radio, doorbell, flying saucer etc.The instructions are easy to follow.

The reason why we believe it’s still so popular is that it doesn’t require any knowledge of electronics before hand.  Kids can start their first project and have it working relatively quickly thanks to easy to follow instructions.

Most of the components simply click together Lego style so it’s great for beginners.  The added advantage of this is that you don’t get exposed wires, so it’s not like you need to join anything complicated together.

And of course, parents will be happy to know that it helps them learn while they play and do the experiments.  If it’s fun and easy, then children are more likely to play with it without abandoning it for something else.

Overall if you want to give your kids a break from just sitting their playing video games, this should provide enough stimulation to get them interested in using their hands for something other than just pressing buttons again.

Video showing some of the projects you can do with this kit.