Happy holidays!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or maybe just enjoy all the good deals you're able to find when shopping around this time of year, holiday time means gift giving for most people in the Western world. But everyone's busy these days, and shopping is time-consuming, so I've gone ahead and done all the research for you. (Because if there's one thing I'm good at, it's online shopping.)

There are so many cool science gifts out there nowadays, whether you or your loved ones are interested in chemistry, biology, astronomy, or any other science geekery. I've narrowed it down to a couple dozen options for you to peruse. From bookends to bow ties, lollipops to board games, there's something here for everyone. Take a look, and happy shopping!

And in case there aren't enough options for you here, be sure to check out last year's Pop Sci gift guide!





For the home





Model organism wine charms ($46 for set of 6)

Picture this: it's a Saturday night, and you're having your labmates over for a party to celebrate your latest paper being accepted into your favorite Cell Press journal. But how will you avoid the dreaded "which glass is mine" mixup? What says classy but also science geek? Well, do I have just the thing for you! How about a set of wine charms featuring Arabidopsis, Xenopus, C. elegans, Saccharomyces, Drosophila, and Zebrafish organisms? And, even better, these wine charms are 3D printed, meaning you get to harness the power of modern technology and can choose from a variety of colors. You can thank me later.

Ethanol beer glass ($9.99)

But what about the beer drinkers? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Check out this sweet ethanol beer glass (also available as stemless wine glasses)—at only $9.99, you could pretty affordably get an entire set of these to impress your friends with. Or I guess you could get them as gifts for someone else, too. All I'm saying is, I won't judge you if you decide to treat yourself.

Science stationery set ($19.99)

Did I squeal with excitement when I saw this ridiculously adorable stationery set? Maybe. Is that also my reaction upon seeing stationery sets in general? Listen, I'm not judging you for buying those beer glasses for yourself, the least you could do is cut me some slack, too. Sheesh.





Set of four 11 x 17 space posters ($15.99)

These inspirational posters are a great gift for the budding young scientist in your life, but they'd also be a great gift for a science teacher, or even to liven up some boring lab walls. They're printed on thick cardboard and come with double-sided tape to make them easy to hang.





KNOW YOUR STARS light cube ($113)

The KNOW YOUR STARS light cube is a (huge) lamp, but it's also so much more than that. It has constellations labeled on the top and representations of them decorated along the sides, so that by either setting the cube on a table or hanging it from the ceiling, you can see the night sky all around you and can learn about it at the same time. You could say this light cube is … out of this world.





Science bookends ($40)

What better way to display your collection of science journals, textbooks, et cetera? Science bookends: now with extra science! Also available in white.





Apparel and jewelry

Silver Arabidopsis rosette earrings ($69)

These Arabidopsis thaliana earrings are perfect for the discerning plant biologist in your life. They're 3D printed and available in a variety of metals, depending on how much you want to splurge. If you really want to pull out all the stops, consider getting her the matching necklace pendant, too.

Geode slice earrings ($98)

Alternatively, for the geologist in your life, how about some earrings made from real geode slices? Actually, speaking as a non-scientist, I think these would be a pretty cool gift for anyone. And because they're made from real geodes, each set is unique, meaning you never have to worry about someone wearing the exact same geode earrings to the party.

Periodic table bow tie ($13.99)

Make sure you look dapper this holiday season with a colorful periodic table bow tie! Bow ties aren't just for Bill Nye the Science Guy anymore. If you're not brave enough to wear it yourself, dress your child in it and wait for all the awws to start rolling in. This gift is great for: children, adults, wibbly wobbly telephone box-stealing Time Lords.

Men's chemistry long-sleeve button-down shirt ($49.99)

Dress to impress with this classy button-down shirt. From far away or under a suit jacket, it'll look like any old dress shirt. But when they get close to you, your admirers will realize your shirt is covered with test tubes, molecules, flasks, and more. It's basically guaranteed to get a reaction. (Get it?)





Books

This Book Is a Planetarium ($40)

This pop-up children's book can be used for six different functions: a working planetarium that projects the constellations, a musical instrument complete with strings for strumming, a geometric drawing generator, an infinite calendar, a message decoder, and a sound-amplifying speaker. All in all, a pretty incredible book that'll definitely make you the coolest aunt/uncle/parent/sibling during this year's festivities.

You Are Stardust ($15.37)

Another children's book, You Are Stardust is a picture book that illustrates how humans are connected to the natural world. It starts by explaining that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born and goes on to compare the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. Perfect for ages 4–6, or for that eccentric great-aunt of yours you never know what to get.

Neurocomic ($17.63)

Here's one for the adults on your list. Both written and illustrated by PhD scientists, the comic follows a young man who (of course) meets a pretty girl reading a book and, a la Alice in Wonderland, falls into what seems to be a forest but is actually the human brain: "a place of neuron forests, memory caves, and castles of deception." If that isn't enough to entice you, apparently along the way our protagonist encounters Boschean beasts, giant squid, guitar-playing sea slugs, and the great pioneers of neuroscience. 'Nuff said?



Games

Chemistry Fluxx ($15.99)

Based on the popular Fluxx series of games, Chemistry Fluxx adds atoms, molecules, and laboratory gear to the game's usual combination of chance and skill. If you've never played Fluxx before, it's a typically brief card game where the rules and conditions for winning are always in flux (thus the name Fluxx): they get altered throughout the game via cards played by the players. It's the kind of game that's easy to play again and again because it's constantly changing, and it's fun for both kids and adults.

Blinded by Science trivia game ($9.99)

This game is exactly what it sounds like: trivia for science geeks. Finally, a trivia game that might actually challenge the scientists in the room. Some sample questions to whet your appetite: What organelle do plant cells have that animal cells lack? What phylum do humans belong to? Alan Turing designed "the bombe," an electromechanical machine used to decrypt the code of what device used by Nazi Germany? Pair this game with those ethanol beer glasses from earlier, and you're in for a fun night of science geekery.

Periodic table of elements 1,000-piece puzzle ($19.99)

Perfect for a chilly night or a slow day at the lab, this 1,000-piece puzzle is fun and educational. You can glue it together and hang it up when you're done, or take it apart and redo it the next time you need to unwind and/or torture that friend of yours who is physically incapable of walking past an in-progress puzzle without trying to fit in a piece or two… or three… or okay, just one more...



Other

2018 Women in Science wall calendar ($14.99)

Even though women make up half of the population, they represent less than a quarter of the STEM workforce. Part of this problem starts with young girls, who don't see themselves reflected in media representations of scientists and thus don't seem to realize that they can grow up to be scientists. (Google the "draw a scientist" test to see what I mean.) But don't worry! I have good news! You can be part of the solution by buying this awesome Women in Science 16-month calendar for everyone you know. It features incredible women in science throughout history and details their important contributions to the fields of science. Remember: it's important for girls and boys to see women scientists, so this calendar is perfect for everyone on your list!

Galaxy lollipops ($24.85)

These lollipops are basically a work of art, to the point that they're almost too pretty to eat. Almost. They're the perfect gift for the space lover on your list, or they'd even make a really cool party favor for the less science-inclined in your circle of family and friends. They promise a world of flavor, and are light years cooler than anything else your loved ones are likely to see this holiday season. They'll be starry-eyed over them.





Chemistry phone case ($15.95)

Phone cases: the eminently practical and fashionable gift to give. Everyone's got a phone, and everyone needs a case to protect it. So why not make yours (or your giftee's) chemistry themed? This one is available for iPhones, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Galaxy phones. And if you really hate how adorably colorful this one is, you can also get one in just black and white that says "GRINCH" in big letters at the top. Okay, just kidding about that last bit. It really does come in black and white, though.





Wrap and Grow wrapping paper ($12.99)

And finally, you'll need something to wrap all these gifts in! How about some environmentally conscious gift wrap to impress your loved ones with? This colorful zero waste gift wrap has seeds embedded in it (using magic, probably, or possibly science). Once planted, the seeds in the paper germinate into plants and flower—so you're not only reducing your carbon footprint, you're also getting beautiful flowers in return. It's a win-win-win! (The third win is for your giftee, who also just got a gift!)