While many STEM kits require kids build a robot first and program it second, Wonder Workshop takes a different approach. Its $149.99 Dash robot comes pre-assembled and ready to teach programming lessons right out of the box. The brightly colored automaton, which looks like a set of three turquoise balls with an infrared eye and wheels below, is filled with personality. And its app is addictive. Kids, even those who can't read all the text directions in the software, will learn a lot from Dash and even more from optional accessories like the $39 Sketch Kit, which we also tested.

The adorable little rolling robot has a goofy personality and plenty to do to keep you entertained. My editor's six-year-old son doesn't have advanced reading skills yet, but he had no problem navigating through the interface and writing simple programs on all four of the available apps.