Maybe Little Medical School's "My Little Pediatrician Kit" could inspire your future doctor.

New play kits for kids make playing doctor a respectable endeavor

If you're looking for a cool gift that gives your kids a healthy dose of pretend playtime coupled with some real learning, we just spotted the brand new Mini Medical Kits from Little Medical School, a company hoping to excite the next generation of doctors, nurses, dentists and veterinarians. What's particularly striking about these is that they're made for kids you might think are a little old for doctor kits. But not too old for dreaming about healing the world. Little Medical School is not a toy company. In fact, their boxes full of crafts, games, and dolls are all designed by actual medical professionals. And they've got some experience when it comes to education through play; the Missouri-based company has offered actual youth and teen medical classes for several years, so it's no surprise their new kits go beyond basic bandages and popsicle stick tongue depressors. (Those were always weird to me, anyway.)

Related: 12 cool STEM gifts for kids.

My Little Veterinarian Kit by Little Medical School Instead, kids can follow the workbooks to really learn how to treat a sprained ankle (though hopefully, not their own!), take ticks off a beloved pet, or nurse a sick baby -- in your choice of skin tones -- back to health. There's also a co sports medicine kit among the choices, that lets kids perform a simulated Tommy John surgery, among other treatments for sports injuries. Whoa. But what kids may love best is the lab coat that comes in their very own size. Because of course medical professionals need their own "costumes" -- they're superheroes too. You can order your Mini Medical Kits at select specialty stores or on the Little Medical School website store. They're slated to ship on August 1, 2017. 

More in KidsView all picks →

Avenleur Climbing Wall

Avenlur climbing wall: An indoor adventure course for kids

A holiday gift that encourages active, adventurous play for kids • Described as a larger, more substantial Christmas gift • An indoor play space that brings playground energy into the home • Open-ended design encourages imaginative play in different scenarios

A Q&A with author Jamie Sumner about her new book Wish You Well

Q&A with middle grade author Jamie Sumner

Jamie Sumner is a best-selling middle grade author who often writes about the disability experience. • Wish You Well follows three kids who feign friendship to scam a wish-granting foundation.

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.