Ten STEM-Themed Gifts for the 2022 Holiday Season
This year's holiday gift guide is an eclectic assortment of STEM-themed gifts, from coloring books to hydroponics systems
Thanks to the countless ecommerce sites blanketing the web, there are gift and stocking stuffers available for virtually any subculture or community in existence. STEM-themed gifts in particular are incredibly popular. The Lab Manager team has shared a roundup of great gift options for the science enthusiast you know, featuring selections suitable for children to experienced research professionals.
James Webb Space Telescope Mirror Ornament
Selected by Holden Galusha, associate editor
This classy gold-mirrored ornament depicts the 18 hexagonal segments of the Webb telescope’s primary mirror. As one review says, “Set against the lights of my Christmas tree, it is stunning. You won’t regret this purchase.” Available at ScienceSocks.co for $19.
DNA Helix Pencil Holder
Selected by Lauren Everett, managing editor
A fun alternative to the regular pencil holders from office supply stores. This holder is ideal for science classrooms. Available from Etsy for $15.
Baby Keepsake Book: The Human Infant Project
Selected by Rachel Brown, science writer/coordinator
Record your new baby’s milestones with this cheeky lab notebook from NerdyBaby. With sections for an Abstract, Methodology, and Data and Results along with plenty of standard baby book prompts, this book is perfect for the science-minded new parent. It also has inclusive language to accommodate diverse family structures. Available for $24.99.
Women in Science Earrings Set
Selected by MaryBeth Didonna, lab design and digital events editor
These earrings celebrate notable women in science. Choose from sets depicting DNA double helixes in honor of Rosalind Franklin, computer punch cards referencing Ada Lovelace, or nanosecond earrings commemorating Grace Hopper. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds are donated to benefit women in STEM. Available from dissentpins.com for $45.95.
Lab Life: Snarky Coloring Book for Adults
Selected by Andrea Cole, business coordinator
Even scientists need a coloring break. This humorous and original coloring book, featuring such witty one-liners as “Screw your lab safety, I want superpowers,” is sure to be a hit with the overworked researcher in your life. Available from Amazon for $7.99.
Kware Engineer Heat-Sensitive Math Mug
Selected by Jonathan Klane, senior safety editor
Pour a hot beverage and watch famous mathematical equations and terms take shape across this heat-sensitive mug. This mug is a great stocking stuffer for any mathematician, engineer, or math teacher. It has a 12 oz. capacity and can be shipped in a nice gift box. Available from Amazon for $15.95.
Water Garden Duo: Hydroponics/Aquaponics Ecosystem
Selected by Michelle Dotzert, creative services manager
The Water Garden Duo can support an ecosystem of plants via hydroponics or aquaponics. Because it’s self-watering, caring for the plants is fast and low maintenance, making it perfect to teach curious children about biodiversity and botany. You can also add a fish to the tank, making it a “self-cleaning fish tank that grows food up top.” The fish waste fertilizes the plants, and the plants clean the water—which means fewer water changes for you to do. Available from Back to The Root for $100.
Celestial Desktop Timekeepers
Selected by Holden Galusha, associate editor
Fully-functional, aesthetically-pleasing reproductions of historical timekeeping devices. This package features the Astronomical Ring Dial, which is a spherical sundial invented in the 1600s, and a Nocturlabe, which “determines the hour and minute by aligning with stars found in the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.” These timekeepers are perfect for any astronomer or scientific history buff. Available from Uncommon Goods for $48.
Magnetic Levitating Globe with LED Light
Selected by Jonathan Klane, senior safety editor
This high-tech desk decoration features a levitating globe floating above a base lined with LEDs for display in the dark. Give it a light spin with your finger and it’ll rotate on its magnetic axis for an extended period of time. Available from Amazon for $25.99.
Lab Manager Academy Certificate or Courses—New Courses and Upcoming Safety Certificate
Perfect as a gift for yourself or a colleague, the Lab Manager Academy features a host of courses and certificates so you can boost your career as a lab manager in a self-paced environment that accommodates your busy schedule. Courses are available as bundles or on an individual basis. Current offerings include courses on negotiation, decision-making, asset management, lab quality, and a host of other topics. Upcoming courses will explore conflict resolution, personality types, employee engagement, and more. Learn more at academy.labmanager.com. Price starts at $99.
Disclaimer: The products in this gift guide were chosen at the discretion of the Lab Manager team, and no additional compensation was received. Any product claim, statistic, quite, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.
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