Teens who see themselves as geeks often know what they love. It might be technology, science, sci-fi, comics, or video games. They enjoy using computers, creating things, reading fantasy books, or watching movies and shows in similar genres. As parents, we understand this. But choosing gifts for them can sometimes be hard.

I started this weekly series to share gift ideas for kids who love science and technology. In the past, I’ve highlighted an interactive audio player and a beginner-friendly camera drone.

This week, the 3D puzzle from Ugears is a fantastic choice for parents with kids who have high standards! It combines a puzzle and creative elements, making it perfect for those who love engineering challenges. This kit lets them build a Quidditch pinball machine. Yes, that’s the same Quidditch game from Harry Potter, where players fly on broomsticks and score points by throwing balls through hoops. Sounds like the perfect gift for your geeky teenager, doesn’t it?

P.S. By the way, we got this kit as a gift form friends, so assemble it and give it a try.

But first, let’s talk about who made it. UGEARS is a renowned manufacturer of unique mechanical 3D puzzles and models from the suburbs of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. These puzzle toys captivate both children and adults alike. Known for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship from 2014, they create kits that transform into intricate, functional, mechanical wooden models.

The Harry Potter Quidditch Pinball Machine is neatly packed in a box, which indicates that the set consists of 402 parts and requires more than 9 hours to assemble. It is recommended for aspiring engineers aged 14 and up. The set includes 8 plywood boards with laser-cut precision, 4 cardboard sheets with game fields and decorative elements, rubber bands, fishing line, paraffin wax, and sandpaper. This is the minimum set needed to ensure the mechanical elements are functional.

Additionally, there is a separate box with colorful balls for playing Quidditch (red as Quaffles and yellow as a Golden Snitch), which will later be stored in a specially assembled wooden box. The assembly instructions are clear and available in several languages, including English.

The parts are easily removable from the sheets. The manufacturer recommends keeping the board face-up and removing the parts towards you to avoid damaging the front side of the parts. This way, any notch will remain on the board, not on the part. Although I had a utility knife nearby, I didn't need to use it. Some of the punched-out parts, especially the gear wheels, were lightly sanded with sandpaper, just 2-3 strokes on both sides of the cogs, to ensure no burrs appear later.

Pay attention to the wax candle included in the set. It has no relation to any Hogwarts initiation. The paraffin serves a purely practical function of lubricating parts for better mechanism performance, ensuring smooth movement of the game elements.

My nerdy daughter and I managed to complete the assembly within the time specified by the manufacturer, but spending an entire night on it. It's not an easy task for very young children, so I recommend overseeing your young geeks to ensure they don't need assistance.

Once all put together, the essence of the game is to use the flippers and bumpers, styled in Quidditch fashion, to control the movement of the red Quaffle balls on the field. The main goal is to knock down the central targets and open the path to the rings. Don't forget about the Golden Snitch, as catching it will earn you 150 points. This is achieved by precisely moving the ball onto the central ramp, activated by hitting the target.

Also, remember to keep score. You can manually record each Quaffle passing through a ring by pressing a button on the scoreboard in the upper corner. Moreover, a special banner on the top of the scoreboard rises when the Snitch is caught.

Geeky teens will love exploring the entire Harry Potter collection from UGEARS.

Check out other Harry Potter-themed models, too, like the Flying Ford Anglia. Your geeky kid will love how much thought you’re putting into their growth!

Finding a gift for a geeky teenager can be simple with a little creativity. The UGEARS Quidditch Pinball is a great example. This 3D puzzle gives them the chance to build something cool while connecting with the world of Harry Potter. Want more? Stay tuned for new articles in the geeky kids series.