Best stop-motion animation kits for kids are a fantastic way to explore their creativity while actively using technology. Young animators use a camera, set, and software to produce stop-motion films from just a few seconds to longer, more complicated movies with sound, different characters, and exciting digital effects.
When selecting stop-motion animation kits, it’s important to consider your child’s age and technical ability. Some kits are simple enough for younger users, while an older, more experienced director may need software with more editing power.
A good choice is a kit that includes a camera and software, but good editing software may be enough if you know you have a compatible camera. Kids can use toys at home and create their own sets, use included sets and characters, or build characters with professional modeling clay. The fun and possibilities are endless!
Top Picks Stop-Motion Animation Kits For Kids
1. Hue Animation Studio
The flexible gooseneck 720p camera with the Hue Animation Studio set is the best designed on this list, making it a snap to get exactly the angle you want for each shot.
It’s accompanied by a CD of animation software (which can also be downloaded), and a USB cable for connecting the camera to your computer or laptop. The quality of the camera you get with this makes it the Upgrade Choice.
- Recommended Age: 7-13
- Props/Sets Included: No
- App Included: Yes
- Camera Included: Yes
- Software Requirements: Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 / Mac OS 10.5 or higher
- Sound and Special Effects: Yes
Features:
- Easy-to-use software
- Edit and shoot easily.
Downside:
Some users complain that despite claiming to be Mac compatible, the camera and software are difficult to get working on a Mac.
2. Klutz Lego Make Your Movie
Klutz has been a leading name in how-to kits for kids (and adults) and one of the best stop-motion animation kits for kids since the 70s, and of course, LEGO needs no introduction to the average parent.
Between the two of them, they’ve produced an excellent introductory set, the Klutz Lego Make Your Movie, that includes 36 Minifigure and prop pieces and six cardboard backgrounds for movie sets.
Also provided is a simple guide that can walk your kid through making 10 short movies. The amount of stuff you get for a relatively low price makes this the best-budget buy.
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Props/Sets Included: Yes
- App Included: No
- Camera Included: No
- Software Requirements: Depends on your choice of app
- Sound and Special Effects: Depends on your choice of app
Features:
- LEGO sitting
- It’s easy to integrate into your movies.
Downside:
Maybe too basic for older kids. Need to supply your movie maker app.
3. Mattel Minecraft Stop Motion
Serious Minecrafters probably already enjoy building and making animations in the virtual world, so it’s only a short step to movie-making in the real world.
Using the included phone and tablet holder and a free downloadable app of the Mattel Minecraft Stop Motion, kids can set up their own (block-based, of course) sets and lead the included mini-figures through movie adventures.
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Props/Sets Included: 4 backgrounds, 4 mini-figures, and assorted props
- App Included: Yes
- Camera Included: No
- Software Requirements: Android or Fire phone or tablet
- Sound and Special Effects: Visual filters and music and sound effects are available
Features:
- Two exclusive mini-figures
- Minecraft collectors for extra incentives
Downside:
The app recommended for use with this set is no longer available on Apple devices. You can still use the set with another stop-motion app, however.
4. Zu3D Animation Software Handbook
The Zu3D Animation Software Handbook is popular in schools for its simple, kid-friendly software interface and flexibility of its inputs, which can be used with a phone or tablet or via a wireless camera.
So if your kid is already familiar with this setup at school, getting it at home is a no-brainer. Despite the simplicity, the software can do some remarkably powerful movie-making tricks. The Animation Handbook will help your kid design characters and start animating simple movies.
- Recommended Age: 9+
- Props/Sets Included: Includes modeling clay and green-screen background
- App Included: Software licenses provided
- Camera Included: Yes
- Software Requirements: Windows 7, 8, 10 / Mac OS 10.8 and later / iOS 8 and later
- Sound and Special Effects: Yes
Features:
- Great introductory set for kids just getting interested in animation.
- Design characters
Downside:
Lighting with an included camera can be too bright and may take work to use effectively.
5. The LEGO Movie 2 Movie Maker
If your kid is a fan of Emmet, Lucy, and the rest of the LEGO Movie crew, The LEGO Movie 2 Movie Maker may be the way to get them interested in animation.
It’s one of the most generous sets on this list in terms of props, including figures of several movie characters and 482 LEGO pieces that can be used to build vehicles and objects from the movies. The stage set also includes sliders that make it easy to move figures between shots.
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Props/Sets Included: Stage, 2 backdrops, 482 pieces
- App Included: Yes
- Camera Included: No
- Software Requirements: Android or iOS phone
- Sound and Special Effects: No
Features:
- Being able to make movies with familiar characters.
- Build objects and vehicles
Downside:
Kids may not be happy if they can’t produce something that looks like it was made by a 500-person CGI team, like the movies.
6. The Klutz Book of Animation
Another offering from the klutzes at Klutz is “The Klutz Book of Animation, “this one is even more bare-bones: you get an animation guidebook and a glob of clay, and the camera, software, and other props are yours to supply.
While the technical side of things is a bit dated already, the animation principles are presented in a clear, funny way that should help boost your kid’s imagination and get them working.
- Recommended Age: 9+
- Props/Sets Included: Clay lump
- App Included: No
- Camera Included: No
- Software Requirements: (assuming you use HUE) Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 / Mac OS 10.5 or higher
- Sound and Special Effects: (for HUE) Yes
Features:
- Thoughtful and amusing book to help guide young animators.
- The technical side makes the mind sharp
Downside:
The book recommends you download the SAM Animation software, which was free when it was written; it’s now HUE Animation (see above) and costs $19.99 for a single license. Of course, you can always use a different app.
7. NPW ANI-Mate Kit
Lights, camera, action! This miniature NPW ANI-Mate Kit comes with everything your budding director needs to create their stop-motion film. There are four studio backdrops, an assortment of pint-sized movie props, and a durable plastic phone stand. High-quality modeling clay and googly eyes are provided so you can create characters.
This hands-on educational activity makes it possible for your child to share their creative skills in a new and exciting way. While there are only enough supplies for one or two mini-movies, you can find the consumables at most arts and crafts stores.
- Recommended Age: 7+
- Props/Sets Included: Yes
- App Included: No
- Camera Included: No
- Software Requirements: Depends on your choice of app
- Sound and Special Effects: Depends on your choice of app
Features:
- This make-your-own-movie collection
- Include the items your child needs to produce mind-blowing video creations
Downside:
Unfortunately, the manufacturer has failed to create a proprietary stop-motion app. They do recommend a free one.
8. Zing Stikbot Studio Pro
The Zing Stikbot Studio Pro is a small and inexpensive set that lets your kid make movies using the two included Stikbots — small poseable plastic figures whose suction-cup hands and feet make them easy to pose for stop-motion shots. Includes download instructions for a simple phone app and a tripod to turn your phone into a movie camera.
- Recommended Age: 4+
- Props/Sets Included: Tripod, two boxes, two Stikbots, and one green-screen background.
- App Included: Yes
- Camera Included: No
- Software Requirements: iOS or Android phone
- Sound and Special Effects: Sound and background effects are available
Features:
- The app let your kid play out of the box
- Turn your phone into a movie camera
Downside:
The boxes and background are pretty cheap cardboard and won’t stand up to the needs of serious moviemakers.
Buying Guide
Below are the factors you need to consider before buying the best Stop Motion Animation kits for kids. So, let’s dive into each element in detail.
1. Recommended Age
Producing something creative with a Stop Motion Animation kit will be a lengthy process that will involve patience and some informational content to use the Kits properly. So while selecting the best Animation Kit, keep in mind the Recommended Age that the company has specified.
If the product is for the young generation, the younger ones might have difficulty using the product.
2. Different Forms Of Kits
You may check a few of them with different features for the best stop animation kits. However, the significant difference between them is whether they come as complete kits or not. If you buy a complete kit, you will have a camera and other elements with the product.
The only thing you will require other than the entire animation kit would be a computer for software purposes. Moreover, you can also select Kits that do not come with a camera individually.
For this, you must use a smartphone to record the video. Conclusively, the kits present on the market are zoetrope-type kits. However, they are not available with electronics. So you won’t be able to create full films with this one.
3. Extra Features
As extra features, you get Props and full-on sets included with some of the kits. These allow you to create the scenes that you are looking for. You can also transform the orientation of some of the props, which gives you extra functionality.
4. Apps
When you’re hustling to create a Stop Motion Animation, you need a few things. One of them is a smartphone or a camera. At the same time, the other one will be the app on your phone that will help you merge everything the way you wish it to be.
Some of the companies out there will create their apps, and it will assist you with different integration procedures, but if the kit you select is not available with a dedicated app. There are a lot of good apps on the market right now that you can go for. These 3rd party apps are unique and will get your job done too.
5. Software
You will either need an App or Proper Software for the putting-together part. This software will need hardware such as either a laptop or a PC. Before deciding on an animation kit, know the system requirements if the kit is only supported through software.
6. Sound And Special Effects
Just filming toys moving around is good to start with, but eventually, your kid will want to add dialogue and video effects. Unfortunately, not all kid-focused stop-motion apps include this level of editing capability, so if you think your kid will want to go deeper, pay attention to what the app lets you do.
Conclusion
So, in this article, we have listed the best products and buying guide for choosing the right kit for your kids.
Such would be the idea behind stop motion animation kits, as not only will your child learn how to harness their imagination, but they may even develop it into a great pastime or career later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Equipment Is Needed For Stop Motion Animation?
There are not many things you need, but you must have a good camera, a stop-motion app, etc.
2. How Do You Stop Motion Animation At Home?
The easiest way to do it would be to use animation software.
3. What Is The Best Stop Motion Animation Software?
Check out the best picks for stop animation software to make the best decision.
4. Is a Stop Motion Kit Good For Kids?
Different ones are available for all age groups so it is entirely safe to play and its entertaining as well.