Ten STEM-Themed Holiday Gifts
The Lab Manager editorial team shares 10 STEM-themed options to gift your loved ones in this 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
Need to pick up a last-minute gift for the scientist or science-lover on your list? Or do you just want to spread your love of science to everyone around you this holiday season? With many stores including sections specifically for STEM-related toys, as well as entire sites dedicated to science-focused merchandise, there are tons of options to choose from. Our editorial team helps narrow some of these choices down in our annual STEM-themed Holiday Gift Guide.
1. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope
Chosen by Rachel Muenz, associate editor
If you want to introduce the kids in your life to microscopy early, this colorful option makes the perfect gift. For ages three and up. Note that it requires three AA batteries that are not included. Available on Amazon.com. Price: $15.39
2. Strange Planet Special Product: Science Mug
Chosen by MaryBeth DiDonna, lab design editor
If you have fans of Nathan W Pyle’s Strange Planet comic in your life, this mug will allow them to show off their fandom (and their love of science) with their morning coffee. Offered in 11 and 15 oz sizes. Available at nathanwpyle.threadless.com. Price: $11.20
3. Women in Science: 100 Postcards
Chosen by Laura Quevedo, eMarketing coordinator
If you want to gift the scientist or science-lovers in your life with something unique and also celebrate the contributions of women to science, these cards are ideal. Featuring two copies each of 50 illustrations from Rachel Ignotofsky’s book Women in Science, these cards include factoids on female scientists who have made key contributions to their respective fields. Available on Amazon.com. Price: from $16.00
4. 2021 This Day in Science Boxed Calendar
Chosen by Lauren Everett, managing editor
For the colleague, friend, or family member who has everything, this calendar offers both a practical way to mark the passing of time as well as recognize 365 key people, discoveries, and facts in science. Available on Amazon.com. Price: $12.24
5. Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game
Chosen by Lauren Everett, managing editor
This scientifically accurate strategy game offers the chance to share or celebrate your love of science with the board game lovers in your life or teach key aspects of cell biology to students ages 10 and up. Available on Amazon.com. Price: $39.99
6. Creation Crate Subscription Box
Chosen by Andrea Cole, business coordinator
Another good option for those who seem to have everything, this subscription service sends electronics creation kits on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis, with each project becoming progressively more difficult to enhance the recipient’s skills. Available from creationcrate.com. Price: Starts at $22.49 per month
7. 18K Gold Petri Dish Earrings
Chosen by Andrea Cole, business coordinator
Celebrate science and a special someone with these 18K gold plated and 925 sterling silver earrings. Available on etsy.com. Price: $45
8. Cavallini & Co Jigsaw Puzzle
Chosen by Michelle Dotzert, scientific technical editor
Perfect for whiling away the hours during cold winter weather or lockdowns, these jigsaw puzzles offer tons of challenging fun while featuring several scientific fields such as geology, astronomy, and botany. Available on www.barnesandnoble.com. Price: $22.00
9. Turing Tumble
Chosen by Rachel Muenz, associate editor
Another great choice to foster a love of STEM in the children in your life, this toy allows kids to build marble-powered computers to solve puzzles. A fraction of each Turing Tumble sold goes to the Turing Trust, a foundation begun by Alan Turing's family members to support equal opportunity through technology in education. Available on www.turingtumble.com. Price: $71.00
10. Lab Manager Virtual Events
In 2021, we will be continuing our Women Leaders in Science Series with the next talks on Jan. 19, Feb. 9, and Mar. 9; and we have a packed schedule for our digital summits. Our Diversity Digital Summit runs Feb. 16-17, the Asset Management Digital Summit takes place Mar. 16-17, the Automation Digital Summit from Apr. 13-14, the second annual Design Digital Summit runs May 11-13, and we have much more in the works. While we are hoping to eventually bring our key events back to the in-person realm, the digital format allows us to offer these events at no cost. Find more information at summit.labmanager.com. Price: Free!
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, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.