We have so much to be thankful to scientists for. They create vaccines to prevent diseases. Some work on ways to preserve our environment for future generations. Others study the earth to predict earthquakes and discover resources. Let’s face it, without scientists we wouldn’t have computers, cell phones, or any of the other technology we have come to depend on. I even have a smart refrigerator that sends my shopping lists to my phone and gives me directions for cooking meals! I don’t understand how it works. To me, it is magic. But to a scientist, it is like counting to ten.
We owe these people a lot. They probably know way more than we can possibly understand in our lifetimes. When choosing the best science gifts, get something special. Don’t choose equipment in their field of expertise. They know, better than you do, what they need. Instead, get something in another science field they have expressed an interest in. Or choose one of these novelty gifts for them to enjoy in their free time.
1. Trip to the Kennedy Space Center
Best gifts for scientists
Unless they actually work for NASA, any scientist, or kid who loves science, will love to take a trip to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. If you time it right, they can even watch a real shuttle launch.
Another favorite is a visit to the Hayden Planetarium, located in the Museum of Natural History in NYC. Not only is the planetarium a great way to explore the universe, but the museum has been one of my favorite places since I was a child. There are giant dinosaurs, gem collections, prehistoric sea creatures suspended from the ceiling, and lifelike displays of people and cultures from the past.
You can also get them a National Parks pass to explore nature on their own. The pass allows one vehicle, with up to four passengers, admissions to national parks across the U.S
2. Science Pint Glass
Gifts for science lovers
What science lover wouldn’t want to drink a beer from a glass etched with hops molecules or depicting great women in science?
Wine drinkers may prefer a cool wine glass with wine molecules or one shaped like a beaker.
Do they prefer something stronger? Give them a beaker shot glass set to have a round with their science friends.
3. DNA Ancestry Test
Science gift ideas
Maybe they would be interested in learning more about their genes. A DNA test might turn up some surprises that will intrigue them to find out more about their family history.
If that is the case, you can also get a genealogy organizer for them to record their research.
Do they have a cute pooch, as man’s best friend, with a questionable background? You can even give them a DNA test for dogs! Maybe Fido has curly fur because his dad was a poodle. Do they have a feline friend? You can get a DNA test for cats too!
4. Telescope
Science present ideas
While an astronomer will likely already have the best equipment, a telescope makes a good gift for people who are experts in other sciences but have an interest in outer space.
Astronomy binoculars are another great way to observe stars and planets. These are great for kids with a budding interest in astronomy. So they know what they are looking at, get them some books about the night sky. I am actually able to identify several constellations now after reading so many space books to my son as a child.
5. Night Sky Projector
Cool science gifts
It will be fun for all ages to have nebulas, the aurora borealis, or the night sky projected on the ceiling of their room.
Or get them a Mars globe.
If they are more into studying earth than outer space, they may like a decorative glass barometer for studying barometric pressure.
6. Escape Room in a Box
Gifts for science geeks
Escape rooms are a fun challenge for those who like critical thinking. My husband and I have gone to several escape room experiences and even took our teenage kids to one during a family vacation. Now they have created these experiences to host at home, and there are many scenarios to choose from.
Or for more fun with friends and family, choose some science themed games for adults.
They can even spend family time putting together a space Lego. For families with younger kids, try one from the Lego city collection. For adults, get one with over 1000 pieces.
7. Molecule Necklace
Gifts for female scientists
She will get a kick out of these molecule necklaces. Choose from molecules for serotonin, caffeine, estrogen, and others.
Science themed earrings that come in the shape of flasks, DNA, or molecules will also make a hit.
For some inspirational reading give her women in science books. Some of these will hopefully encourage younger females to pursue a career in the sciences.
You might want to take a look at gifts for other jobs too!
8. Science Shower Curtain
Science themed gifts for the home
For a whimsical gift for scientists, get them a science themed shower curtain for the bath. For chemists, choose a periodic table. For astronomers, choose one with the planets. Or for geologists, pick one with a map of the world.
You can also get science bedding for kids or adults.
For the kitchen, you can give them a periodic table cutting board. This will definitely be a conversation starter with guests. Don’t stop there. You can also get them science shaped cookie cutters. If they don’t bake, buy them for yourself, and make a batch of tasty treats to give them as a gift.
9. Beehive Starter Kit
Science gifts for adults
A scientist into biology or the study of insects might want to start a new hobby. Make sure you get this gift only if they have expressed interest in raising bees.
For a simpler hobby, you can choose a wooden model where they can make their own wooden globe or catapult. Or for someone who prefers tinkering with electronics, give them an electronics kit to build their own robot.
10. Science Subscription Box
Science presents for kids
Kids love getting mail. A young scientist will love receiving a science project delivered to their door each month. You can choose their favorite science, such as physics or chemistry.
If a monthly subscription is too much, pick from a wide selection of individual science kits for kids. Chemistry experiments, terrariums, crystal growing, or volcanoes are just some of the choices. When my son was young, we spent the whole summer using a volcano kit my sister had given him. He also had a science kit with a microscope. We were fascinated by the difference between sugar and salt molecules up close. These kits encouraged a love for science. Now he is in engineering school.
A fun science gift for all ages is a butterfly garden kit. These are a great way to learn about life cycles. If they like it, you can plant milkweed plants in the yard. You will soon see more monarch butterflies than you know what to do with.
11. Science Tie
Gift ideas for scientists
Formulas, DNA helices, or a periodic table, these ties definitely make great gifts for quirky science geeks.
You can also give them science cufflinks to wear for the big presentation. Maybe the cufflinks will bring good luck, and they will get that grant they were hoping for.
For relaxing at home, give them some funny science t-shirts. They can never have too many of these.
12. Science Themed Christmas Ornament
Science Christmas gifts
A holiday ornament always makes a nice keepsake gift. Some of these can be personalized with a name or date to commemorate a big breakthrough or getting funding for their dream research project.
For the holiday season, give them a funny science Christmas sweater or a scientific tree skirt to decorate their home.
If you are looking for some simple stocking stuffers give them a set of planet magnets for their fridge.
13. Big Bang Theory Series
Fun science gifts
Are they fans of Big Bang Theory? Give them the complete series to binge watch.
You can also get them some Big Bang Theory games to play with friends. They can challenge each other with trivia or play classics with this TV theme such as Monopoly or Clue.
For collectors of memorabilia, give them Big Bang Funko Pop characters.
14. Classic Jules Verne
Scientific presents for readers
When my son was in middle school, I would read these classic novels, by Jules Verne, to him while he ate breakfast or had an after school snack. They are filled with detailed science information. Some of it I didn’t even understand. I had to ask my son to explain. I discovered why these are classics. While they are science fiction, these stories inspired many future scientists to create great things.
You can also get a beautiful coffee table book filled with amazing science photos. They can display it, where else, but on the coffee table.
Or choose from a collection of fascinating scientist biographies for kids and adults.
15. Rocket Notebook
Great gifts for scientists and students
Scientists can use these cool notebooks for jotting down notes while experimenting. Then they can save their hard work to a cloud service, erase the notebook, and reuse it. This is a great way to save the environment by not using tons of paper.
To capture those great ideas in the shower, get waterproof shower notes.
Then to tote their stuff around, get them a cool programmable LED backpack. These make a great gift for techies.
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