Star projectors Christmas gift guide 2026: Bring space home
Gift a loved one a star projector, home planetarium or ambient night light this Christmas with our round-up of the best models ahead of the holiday season.
1. Star projectors for kids
2. Star projectors for teens
3. Star projectors for adults / science geeks
4. Christmas Gift Guide FAQ
Looking for star projector Christmas gifts? There are many models we recommend ahead of the holiday season that make perfect presents for adults, teens and young children.
Some star projectors are more toys or night lights than science instruments, suitable for children with an interest in space to help soothe them at bedtime. But other star projectors are great tools for adults, acting either as a relaxation tool with in-built Bluetooth to synchronize with music, podcasts or audiobooks, or a powerful scientific device that can turn your living room into a home planetarium.
Our star projectors gift guide is split into three sections: Star projectors for kids, teens and adults/science geeks to suit everyone who loves space at all ages. We've included a range of price points in each category so hopefully you'll find something to suit most budgets here.
In the kids section, you'll find item suggestions most suited to children and people who have perhaps never owned a star projector before who would benefit from ambient lighting. In the teens section, you'll find star projectors suited for users with some experience and perhaps have some knowledge and interest in space. Finally, our selection of star projectors for adults and science geeks will offer the most realistic planetarium experience for those who want more than just a pretty display and have scientific accuracy for geographic region and/or time and date.
Star projectors for kids
Star projectors for teens
Star projectors for adults / science geeks
Star projectors holiday gift guide frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of star projectors?
Star projectors have multiple benefits, although these will vary on what type of star projector you buy. Even the most basic, inexpensive model can be a great relaxation tool, as their projections of stars and nebulas can be incredibly soothing to both adults and children. They're frequently used at night-time to help users unwind and destress.
More expensive, advanced star projectors offer realistic interpretations of the night sky and therefore can be used as an educational tool for those wanting to get a good look at space without leaving the comfort of their home.
What is the best star projector?
The best star projector you can buy is the Sega Toys Homestar Flux. It's amongst the most expensive star projectors on the market, but you get what you pay for: far from a toy, this star projector provides accurate NASA-based imagery of the night sky, and can be upgraded with various discs, all offering different views from across the solar system.
Are star projectors safe to use?
Yes, star projectors are perfectly safe to use. They simply project an image onto a wall or ceiling, which can be enjoyed for long periods of time. However, caution should be taken when it comes to looking directly at the lens - it should be avoided as it can strain or damage the eyes.
What is the difference between a star projector and a home planetarium?
You'll find the terms 'star projector' and 'home planetarium' can be used interchangeably. However, a planetarium is likely to be more scientifically accurate than a product simply labeled 'star projector', which often displays fictional approximations of the night sky. But always check the description of the product you're interested in to know exactly what you're buying.
Is it safe to leave a star projector on overnight?
In most cases, yes, it's fine to leave a star projector on while you drift off to sleep. Many users find it to be a very helpful tool if they have trouble sleeping. Lots of star projectors will have sleep timers on, so you can set it to automatically turn off after, say, 30 minutes or one hour. Be sure to check the manual before leaving your star projector running for extended periods, though, as some units may become hot with prolonged use.
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Kim is a Yorkshire-based freelance writer who focuses on Lego and video game-related content. She's the co-creator of GameSpew.com and ThatBrickSite.com, where you'll find most of her work. If she's not building with plastic bricks, playing a video game, or writing about doing either of those things, you should probably check she's still breathing. You can find her on Twitter at @ichangedmyname.
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