Buckle up, because Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just days away! If you have a scientist or science-lover still on your list, you’re in luck. Laboratory Equipment’s 11th annual Holiday Gift Guide is here with some great ideas for the science nerd if 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. LEGO Lab Bench
If you work in a wet laboratory, you spend a lot of time behind the bench. Why not commemorate your hard work with a mini version of it? This LEGO set features the bench, computer, reagents, consumables, storage, ergonomic chair and more! The model ships unassembled, and online step-by-step instructions can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the back of the label card. For an extra special treat, you can also order a custom minifigure that looks like your special scientist to go along with the bench.
Price: On sale for $37.50, normally $50.00
2. Lovelace & Babbage Board Game
This small business board game is described as a “strategic, cyberpunk programming game for young gamers and families.” Participants play as a pioneer of early computing, like Ada Lovelace or Charles Babbage, to be the first to build a program that solves problems for famous patrons like Charles Darwin, Mary Shelley, and more. The game is for 2 to 4 players, and typically has a game time of about 15-30 minutes.
Price: $19.98
3. Personalized Chemist Mug
The best part of this mug is the high personalization level. You can specify the color of the scrubs, if the gift recipient is right- or left-handed, the scientist’s name, and what elements of design to add to the mug—anything from tools, pens, a syringe, thermometer, flasks, etc. The international artist uses a clay sculpting technic to create every order. The product does come from Ukraine, so shipping is pricey and long. If interested, hop to it.
Price: starts at $78.00
4. SciArt Canvases
These simple and elegant canvas prints add some science and style to your home, office, laboratory, and more. The prints have been specifically designed for scientists, engineers and doctors who would rather decorate their walls with art that carries a personal meaning for their everyday lives. Additionally, each purchase supports an independent science artist. Many techniques and options available!
Price: varies by size and design
5. Lab Safety Pin
You absolutely should not take the advice of this pin… but I found it too amusing not to share! Imagine wearing this while training new lab personnel, or around a lab safety training officer. With the caveat that it’s not true, their reactions may be priceless. The pin is 1.25 inches across at widest points, made with soft enamel and silver colored plating. It comes with a backer card and 2 butterfly clutches. If Peter Parker is on your Christmas list—you’re welcome because this is the perfect gift for him.
Price: $10.00
6. Periodic Table Name Keychain
It wouldn’t be a scientific gift list without something related to the periodic table! This key clip comes customized with elements from the periodic table to spell out the recipient’s name. It is made from American Black Cherry wood, and measures about 1" tall and about 2-4" long depending on the name. It is finished with a non-toxic food-safe oil to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the wood. Even better, North American hardwood trees are sustainable, biodegradable and renewable.
Price: $12.95
7. Lab Tools Dipping Bowls
Chemistry and cooking go together like peanut butter and jelly, so I’m willing to bet you have a scientist on your list that loves to cook and would appreciate this set of three dipping bowls. This flask, Erlenmeyer flask and beaker-shaped bowl are turned into dipping bowls to embrace cooking’s experimental side. The bowls are ideally sized to hold dips like olive oil and/or vinegar, or even small snacks like nuts. They are made of sturdy ceramic to survive many kitchen experiments to come. They are also dishwasher safe, which is always a huge plus.
Price: $25.00
8. The Anatomy of Cannabis T-Shirt
If you know anyone that works in cannabis research, this t-shirt is perfect because it is “cannatomically correct.” Along with the recognizable leaf, it lists the phytocannabinoids and the chemical structure of both THC and CDB. It also mentions sativa, indica and ruderalis, as well as the potential of cannabinoid oil for medicinal purposes. The shirt is made of 100% ringspun cotton, making it softer and more durable than regular cotton.
Price: $48.00
9. Chemistry-inspired Bookends
Chemists, or any scientists for that matter, have books—and lots of them. These chemistry-inspired bookends are just the thing to help someone keep their books organized and visible. The two ends are produced from 1.5mm sheet metal. Metal bookends have become a popular choice recently for book enthusiasts and collectors due to their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Price: on sale for $55.21, normally $73.62
10. Future Scientist Like My… Shirt
An expecting mom or dad would absolutely love this gift, but let’s not limit the possibilities. This design works for grandparents, aunts/uncles, and anyone else that is special to this child’s life. The “Future Scientist Just Like…” design comes in sizes from newborn all the way to Youth X-large, with both long and short sleeve options. The design is simple with a single microscope, but it quickly gets the message across while being cute enough for a baby/toddler/kid to pull off.
Price: $17.00 to $20.00
Happy holidays and happy shopping!