With Thanksgiving now firmly in our rearview, the gift-giving holiday season is upon us! If you have a scientist, science-lover and even budding scientist on your list this year, check out the top 10 gifts on Laboratory Equipment’s 8th annual Holiday Gift Guide. But get a move on—express shipping costs are expensive!
1. Antique Microscope Patent Pillow
This pillow, from PatentPrints on Etsy, features a republication of the schematic that originally appeared on the patent filed by A.H. Bennett on Feb. 17, 1948 for a “microscope and counting chamber.” The pillow, which can be purchased as a cover or the entire pillow, is available in 24 colors. Ships via USPS in 2-5 days.
Price: $32.84
2. Anatomically Correct Tube Socks
This is a gift Temperance Brennan would approve of. In an episode of Bones, forensic pathologist Brennan tries to come up with a song to teach her young daughter the correct names for the bones in the body—rather than the “foot bone is connected to the leg bone.” Please the forensic or medical professional in your life with these anatomically correct foot warmers.
Price: $19.97
3. Euler's Disk
The Euler's Disk scientific educational toy is used to illustrate and study the dynamical system of a spinning and rolling disk on a flat or curved surface, and it has been the subject of a number of scientific papers. Toysmith’s version, available on Amazon, includes a disk, concave mirror base and holographic foil. It’s a beautiful sight to behold and listen to.
Price: $29.95
4. Niels Bohr Atom Model Hanging Mobile
In 1913, Niels Bohr developed his revolutionary model of the atom. This mobile reconstruction, handmade in Denmark, is perfectly balanced so that all elements are in constant motion. Perfect for the scientist parents-to-be in your life, or just adults who appreciate physics and modern décor, the mobile was designed in cooperation with the Niels Bohr Institute of Copenhagen.
Price: $60.00
5. Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit
Catapults were first invented in Ancient Greece and Rome. However, the modern catapult is based on drawings from the Medieval Ages. In fact, Leonardo da Vinci redesigned the catapult around 1485, and used the spring-like energy stored in bent wood to give power to the swing arm. This model, suitable for beginners, comes complete with all pieces pre-cut and ready to assemble.
Price: $20.27
6. Science Bookends
These bookends feature a variety of scientific imagery: test tube rack, a microscope, a DNA strand, a rocket and an atom. One of the reviews from last year says the metal bookends are perfect for holding up medical and scientific textbooks. “They’re so heavy that only this metal bookend helps,” the review reads.
Price: 39.90
7. Chemistry Cookie Cutters
At its core, cooking is chemistry. This chemistry cookie cutter set is perfect for the scientist or budding scientist who has an interest in baking. The set comes with four cutters—an atom, a beaker, a test tube and a flask. In COVID-19 times, these cutters can also be used for an at-home scientific lesson.
Price: $9.99
8. 2021 This Day in Science Boxed Calendar
Who doesn’t love a boxed calendar going into the new year? This version is even better as it showcases remarkable scientific advancements. Owning this calendar would allow you to say, at your next July 4th BBQ, “hey, did you know physicists discovered the Higgs Boson particle 9 years ago today?!”
Price: $12.28
9. Math Wall Clock
You can either annoy or delight your friends and family with this wall clock. Instead of traditional numbers or Roman numerals, this battery-powered wall clock has a different mathematical equation at each demarcation.
Price: $19.95
10. What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions Book
What if you took a swim in a typical spent nuclear fuel pool? Would you need to dive to actually experience a fatal amount of radiation? How long could you stay safely at the surface? The answer to this somewhat-absurd question can be found in Randall Munroe’s “what if?” book. Millions of people visit Munroe’s website for his iconic comics. Then, fans ask a lot of strange questions. In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations, and consults with nuclear reactor operators. This book is the result of that research.
Price: $15.81
Happy shopping! And happy holidays from Laboratory Equipment!