The holiday shopping season is firmly upon us! If you have a scientist or science-lover still on your list, you’re in luck. Labcompare’s Laboratory Equipment 13th annual Holiday Gift Guide is here with some great ideas for the science nerd in your life—or for yourself (I won’t tell). Take a look below and see if anything turns out to be the perfect fit for a friend or loved one. Now, get a move on—express shipping costs are no joke!
1. Publication Mug
I’ve written many articles about the harmfulness of “publish or perish” model of scientific research—especially in academia. This mug makes light of that in way that made me LOL, and will probably continue to do so every time I use it! Beside, what better way to reward yourself or your co-authors than with this premium mug that is customized to display your research paper? Simply upload a PDF of your publication and the company uses high-quality printing to deliver a clear, easily readable mug that celebrates the paper! While one side if a copy of the paper, the other side has clever sayings like: pain is temporary, paper is forever; publish or flourish; bench to bedside: one step closer; first first author paper; and many more. You can even chose to display a customized message if the available options don’t fit your situation. This is my favorite gift on this year’s guide so I had to put it first!
P.S. the website selling the mug has a bunch of other really cool gifts too if you need even more than this life. Check them out!
Price: $20.95
2. 3-D Printed Pipette Pen
My scientist friends tell me these pens have “mythical status” in the laboratory, so you may want to grab one—or a bunch! Featuring an iconic yet comfortable design, this pen is inspired by the shape of a single channel pipette. It even includes a realistic working plunger to click the pipette pen. You can even customize the pen with a word or phrase of your choice. The linked pen is white, but it’s also available in pink, blue, orange or a custom color combo. The company also offers pipette keychains that are super cute is you want a smaller version.
Price: $21.99
3. Klein Bottle
Don't look for the opening to this bottle on top—because you won't find it! A Klein bottle is one of the rarest items with a surface design where you can't define an interior or exterior. The bottle design sucks water from underneath through absorption of the glass tube. Its mathematical intrigue will attract many curious stares and make a statement on your desk, shelf, or wherever you end up putting it or gifting it! Choose from small, medium or large.
Price: $39.99 to $49.99
4. Solar Photography Kit
Based on the cyanotype process pioneered by Anna Atkins—the first female photographer—in 1842, Sunography is a fun introduction to printmaking, using a minimum of equipment and materials. Place any object or transparency on the Sunography paper, expose to sunlight, and rinse with water to produce your own richly blue prints. Use old photo negatives, X-rays, bits of lace, leaves, and everyday objects to compose an endless variety of images. The heavyweight cotton paper or fabric may be exposed on both sides, and is suitable for hand coloring, painting, or stitching to make your prints even more unique.
Price: $14.95
5. “Can I Lick It?” Periodic Table Notebook
This spiral notebook blends geeky humor with practical page-turning ease. The matte black cover features a colorful, tongue-in-cheek periodic-table graphic labeled “Can I Lick It?—a quick reference chart that makes lab notes a little more fun. A sturdy metal spiral lets the notebook lie flat or fold back for one-handed note-taking, and an internal document pocket keeps loose papers, receipts, or reference sheets tucked in. Sized to slip into backpacks or messenger bags, 118 ruled pages of paper keep notes bleed-free.
Price: $13.52
6. Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes
Meet the first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes! Barbie partnered with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) to design a doll that celebrates this community. To manage her type 1 diabetes, Barbie uses an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To keep her CGM in place, she uses heart-shaped medical tape—Barbie pink, of course! Her phone displays a CGM app to help Barbie track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. Barbie’s stylish polka dot top and matching skirt are a nod to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness—a circle and the color blue. Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls showcases bright and trendy styles that inspire endless possibilities. Put one in the column for inclusiveness!
Price: $10.44
7. Goodnight Lab
Goodnight Moon is one of my absolute favorite children’s book, so I had to include this laboratory parody version. While poking fun at the clutter and chaos of lab life, scientists of all ages will appreciate ending their day with this sweet parody. Say goodnight to the laser, the notebook, and the picture of Einstein with a stern look. Author Chris Ferrie is also responsible for the “Baby University” book series that features Quantum Physics for Babies, Organic Chemistry for Babies, 8 Little Planets, and more!
Price: $15.30 for hardcover; $9.29 for board book
8. Lab Rule Coasters
This is another fun one! This “Lab Rules Coaster Set” features 6 coasters with a variety of tongue-in-cheek “rules” any safety officer would appreciate—including “pipettes and hiccups don’t mix,” “you can’t detect an odorless gas by smell,” “hot glass looks like cold glass,” and more. They coasters are made from non-skid neoprene for a longer-lasting life.
Price: $22.50
9. Lab-themed Sticky Notes
Why use yellow sticky notes when you can use science-themed ones? There’s something for everyone offered here—from electrophoresis and PCR to cell culture, DNA, flow cytometry, blood cells, well plates, and more!
Price: $4.95 each
10. Anti-gravity Lamp Humidifier
This anti-gravity lamp humidifier features an innovative water fountain that uses a water drop system to create a breathtaking visual effect. The water drop system allows water to go up automatically, creating a constant levitation water fountain as if the water drops are in weightlessness. This feature, combined with the hypnotizing visual effect of the lamp, makes this a sight to see. The water tank holds 500 mL for an operating time of 4 hours.
Price: $44.99