MAKE has added Chemistry to their set of gift guides, and that’s just awesome. I know I had a ton of fun with my chemistry set when I was a kid, mainly checking the toxicity of various things and then trying to make the most poisonous concoction possible. If you’re interested in doing some sweet experiments with your scientifically-minded kid, look no further.
You a may also want to check out some of Lego’s more advanced stuff like Mindstorms. Gotta convert those kids early or they end up bloggers like us.