Geektastic gift-giving ideas from Double X Science!

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With the holidays fast approaching, the Double X Science team has come up with a great list of science-themed gifts to help you in your quest for the perfect present.  Not only are these gifts thoughtful, they are full of thought.  So go forth and spread some nerd love this year!

Apparel

• I Love Science T-shirt, Amazon, $19.99
  Let your loved ones tell the world around them that they are into science with this cool take on a T-shirt.  I doubt that any of the Kardashians will be wearing this one.
• T-Qualizer Shirt, Think Geek, $19.99
  A shirt with a built in equalizer.  Seriously, what’s not to love?
• HoHoHo Red Infant and Children’s Element T-Shirt, Etsy, $13
  Make science cuter than ever.
• The Chemistry Cat Meme Pin, Etsy, $1
  Buy these in bulk and hand them out to all your friends.  Chemistry and cats = a winning combo in our book.

Art

• Cell Division 20 - Original Watercolor Painting, Etsy, $125
  Artologica translates science into beauty with this brightly colored interpretation of cell division. Even the non-scientist will appreciate this.
• Deep Sea Life Small Tin - Glow in the Dark Altered Art Altoid Tin, Etsy, $38
  This great depiction of deep-sea life can be used for many things, including a jewelry box and even an iPod case.  Another way to reuse what would otherwise be tossed into the trash!

Books

• How I killed Pluto and why it had it coming, by Mike Brown, Amazon, $16.16
  On why Pluto is no longer considered to be a planet in our solar system.  Anyone have any suggestions for a new mnemonic?  How about: My very excellent mother just served us nori??
• Ankylosaur Attack by Daniel Loxton, Kids Can Press, $16.95
  Give kids the gift of scientific imagination with this book.  Containing magnificent illustrations and computer images of dinosaurs, complemented by a wonderful story about Ankylosaurs, this book will both teach and entertain.
• The Lives of a Cell: Notes from a Biology Watcher by Lewis Thomas, Amazon, $9 A series of short stories surrounding a variety of scientific topics.  One Amazon reviewer has gone so far to say that Lewis Thomas is the “John Steinbeck of science.”   
• Where good ideas come from: The natural history of innovation by Steven Johnson, Amazon, $10.88 Johnson explores the history of innovation, examining that which can be derived from either “slow hunches,” or serendipity.
• The way we work by David Macaulay, Amazon, $23.10 Recommended for ages 5 and above, this book elegantly demonstrates how and why our bodies function the way they do, from digestion, to respiration, to reproduction, all from the perspective of an engineer and illustrator.
• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, Amazon, $10.17 Who can resist a classic Seuss story, especially when it deals with science and ecology? 

DVDs and Music

• Fabric of the Cosmos/Elegant Universe Combo, PBS, $34.99 Let your loved ones explore space, time, and the nature of reality with this DVD combo.
   Hosted by physicist and regular guy, Brian Greene.
• Here Comes Science by They Might Be Giants, Amazon, $8.99
  This is a seriously wonderful music/DVD combo that uses catchy tunes and big voices to turn science into singable fun!  My personal favorite is “Electric Car.” Here is a video form this collection about why the sun shines (my kids know every word): 

• Songs From the Science Frontier by Monty Harper, Monty Harper Songs, $9.99 From molecules to dinosaurs to wind and sand, this is a great musical collection for the budding scientists.  Speaking of microbes, check out Microbe Hunter.

Games

• Hometown Puzzle, National Geographic, $39.95 Forget those generic puzzles found on the shelves of cookie-cutter toy stores, this highly personalized jigsaw will tickle the fancy of puzzle-lovers anywhere.  I’m probably going to get this for my mom.  NOTE: You need to order this by 12/13 if you want it by 12/25.

Hands-on

• Mushroom Garden, Back to the Roots, $19.95 Bring out the ‘fun guy’ in all of us with this great grow-your-own mushroom kit.  Seriously, this is one of the coolest things on the list (found via Beatrice the Biologist).
• Build-it-Yourself Solar LED Flashlight Kit, Science Museum Kits, $35 A unique way to recycle your used water bottle, this LED flashlight kit is great for the techie at heart.  You do need a utility knife and scissors, so it is not appropriate for the younger crowd, unless there is some serious adult supervision.
• Hand Boiler, Science Kit and Boreal Laboratories, $5.95    
  An excellent example of heat transfer, these twisted glass sculptures contain a liquid that will rise and “boil” when held in the palm of your hand.  These would make excellent stocking stuffers…
• Genographic Participation Kit, National Geographic, $99.95 With this gift, you will not only contribute to a research project studying human origins, you will also allow your recipient to discover their deep ancestry.         

Household

• Garden Zombie, Think Geek, $89.99 OK, this one may be a stretch when it comes to being scientific, but who could pass up zombies?
• Periodic Table Beer Glass, Think Geek, $8.99 Combining beryllium and erbium gives you beer. Well, not chemically speaking.
• DNA Gel Travel Mug, Cafe Press, $24.50 What’s in your cup is not nearly as cool as what’s on your cup!  I’ve always said that DNA is beautiful, and with this mug, everyone will be able to see it.  I’d venture to say that it would be a great conversation piece as well.
• Math Formula Refrigerator Magnets, set of 6, Etsy, $5.99 With these magnets, your giftee will be able to learn some math equations while getting that piece of leftover pecan pie.
• Karyotype Pillow Case, Etsy, $35 You can customize by sex (XX or XY) with this neat pillow covering.

Jewelry

• Charles Darwin On The Origin Of Species 'The Fact of Evolution' Literary Science Jewelry Brass Cuff Bracelet, Etsy, $40 Wear your love for Charles Darwin and The Origin of Species on your sleeve, literally.  This totally rad brass evolution cuff speaks volumes. The artist advises that you do not “go rushing into the sea whilst wearing it” as it will react with salt water.  So, there’s a bit of chemistry in there too!
• Bacteria Shrinky Dink Pendant, Etsy, $12 Yes, you read that right, shrinky dink!  We wear bacteria all our lives.  Why not make it fashionable?
• Feynman Diagram Ceramic Earrings in Multi Color Crackle, Etsy, $22 Representing the mathematical expressions governing subatomic particles, these Feynmann Design earrings will certainly add prestige to any earlobe.  
• DNA Molecule Pendant Necklace, Etsy, $9 DNA is the stuff of life, and this pendant is a cool unique way to pay homage to that which determines a large part of who we are!

Toys

• Galaxy Marble Mania, Scientifics Online, $99.95 An interactive game with lost of lights and sounds (FYI) - perfect for the budding astrophysicist.
• Magnet Levitation Kit, Fat Brain Toys, $25.95 Curious kids will love playing with this kit, which will teach them about magnets, gravity, and equilibrium.  
• Geyser Rocket Car, Steve Spangler Science, $24.99 An adaptation of adding Mentos brand candy to soda, this gift harnesses kitchen science in a big way.       

Other links

We are not the only blog containing geektastic gift suggestions. You can find some other great geeky gift-giving ideas here:

• Review of space-themed books and products for children, The Planetary Society Blog
• This Year, Give Them Brains, Scientific American
• Chemical and Engineering News Holiday Gift Ideas
• ScienceGoddess Joanne Manaster's got a great list up, too--with video!. Check it out. 

Compiled by Double X Science Editor and MotherGeek Jeanne Garbarino

@jeannegarb