Do you have someone in your life who’s a huge science nerd? Are you looking to buy this special someone a special gift? If so, look no further. Science nerds are actually some of the easiest people to shop for, as there are plenty of gifts out there catered to them.
But, if nerd-ing out over science isn’t your thing, you probably have no idea where to start shopping. That’s why we’ve created this guide. Read on to learn about the best gifts for science nerds.
1. Fossils
You can buy unique gifts such as fossils, online, from your own laptop
Do you have a science nerd in your life who absolutely freaks out over fossils? Maybe every time you go to the beach, instead of enjoying the waves, they like to comb the beach for hidden fossils?
If so, you have to buy this person fossils as a gift. That’s right – you don’t have to go outside and search for hours on end for fossils. Instead, you can buy them from the comfort of your home.
If you can, try to pick a fossil that the science nerd in your life would love to add to their collection. For example, maybe they’ve been on the hunt for the perfect fish fossil or a shark fossil. There are online hubs such as FossilEra.com, where you can start your search and get acquainted with different fossil specimens.
2. Laboratory Beaker Mug
For those who want to feel like a scientist from the moment they take their first sip of coffee in the morning, a laboratory beaker mug is the perfect gift.
These mugs can typically hold around 500 ml of coffee, and they’re absolutely perfect for the science nerd who likes to get in the zone first thing in the morning.
3. Ecosphere Self-Contained Ecosystem
Sure, dogs and cats make cool pets, but have you ever had a self-contained ecosystem as a pet? For those who love observing the growth of plants and animals, this ecosystem is the perfect gift. All you have to do is plop it on your desk or coffee table, and you’ll get to observe the growth of algae, shrimp, and other microorganisms.
And, what makes this a really great pet is that you never have to feed it or water it. All you have to do is give the ecosystem a little light and keep it at a comfortable temperature, and it’ll thrive.
4. A Cellphone Case Featuring a Cartoon Freddy Mercury
“I heard that oxygen and magnesium were going out and I was like OMG!”
“Did you hear the joke about cobalt, radon, and yttrium? It was CoRnY.”
“Did you hear about oxygen’s date with potassium? It was OK.”
Ok, so you may be absolutely cringing at these jokes. But, try testing them out on the science nerd in your life, and more than likely, they’ll crack up.
And, if they find them absolutely hilarious, then we have the perfect gift: a cell phone case that features Freddy Mercury singing. And no, we don’t mean an image of the actual singer Freddy Mercury. Instead, this case has a picture of the element mercury from the periodic table rocking out.
Yes, this may seem absolutely corny to you, but trust us, the science nerd in your life will love it.
5. 12-Month Math Calendar
True science nerds know the importance of exercising the brain on a daily basis. That’s why a 12-month math calendar makes such a great gift.
These calendars feature a new math equation for every day of the year, with each equation being created by math and science educators, so you know they’re not messing around. The science nerd in your life will love a calendar that allows them to work their brains on a daily basis.
6. DNA Poster
If you’re looking for a gift that’s super geeky and super personalized, a DNA poster is the perfect gift. With this gift, you’ll have to collect a sample of your loved one’s DNA (trust us, it’s not as creepy as it sounds) and then send it back to the company.
Once they have the sample, the company will then create a print of what the person’s DNA looks like when it’s in separated fragments. It does this through a technique called gel electrophoresis (trust us, your nerdy friend probably already knows all about this).
The final result is a colorful and unique piece of art that the science lover in your life will absolutely adore.
7. Glow in the Dark Fungi Kit
There are fungi, and then there are glow in the dark fungi. A glow in the dark fungi kit is the perfect gift for the science nerd in your life who also happens to enjoy houseplants.
This kit contains everything you need to grow glow in the dark mushrooms from the comfort of your home. If you want, you can even grow the mushrooms in your yard.
And, while we don’t recommend garnishing your pizza with these mushrooms, they sure do make a unique night light that science nerds will love.
8. Storm Glass
Do you have a science nerd in your life who’s obsessed with tracking the weather? Maybe they even chase storms from time to time?
If you know someone like this, then you have to get them a storm glass. This is a sealed glass bulb that contains chemicals that crystalize and change in appearance in response to changing weather conditions.
If you keep track of the ways in which the chemicals change, you can even use a storm glass to make weather forecasts (something your favorite science nerd is bound to enjoy). While you can buy a storm glass, it’s also possible to make one as a homemade gift.
9. Perfume Science Kit
Does your favorite science nerd also happen to be obsessed with perfumes/colognes and the science of smelling good? If so, you have to buy them a perfume science kit as a gift.
With this kit, the science nerd in your life will be able to construct their very own perfume. This kit also teaches users about the science of scent and why certain smells are pleasing and others are not. Best of all, these kits are kid-friendly, so they make a perfect gift for the junior scientist in your life.
10. Dino Pet
Last but not least, we have the Dino Pet. This is the perfect gift for those budding paleontologists out there. With a Dino Pet dinosaur kit, users can grow their own glow in the dark dinosaur.
What’s especially great about dino pets is that inside each one is an aquarium of dinoflagellates. During the day, these creatures will need sunlight in order to survive, making them feel like a real pet. And, if you disturb them, they’ll emit bioluminescence. In other words, they’ll glow in the dark. That sounds much better than being bitten by a dog or being scratched by a cat!
So, there you have it – the best gifts to give the science nerd in your life! Which gift are you most excited to give your favorite science nerd? Let us know in the comments below!