We have lots of the cutesy chemistry sets and some are better than others. Actually, Mind Blowing Science has some good experiments (particularly on pH) and decent descriptions of what is happening. It is the favorite of the kits we own. My kids are young (and I'm not adventurous) so we haven't tried the "real" kits yet.

Our local science museum "rents" kits for homeschoolers. That may be worth investigating in your area.

Mom to DYS-DS6 & DS3