Here are some best and cools gifts for Science lovers and geeks out there. I, myself, personally own some of them and enjoyed playing and learning from these awesome toys.
1. Anatomic Brain Coasters
A 10 coaster set made from glass with rubber feet for stability. When you stack them, you will see a complete 3D brain- how cool is that?!
Each coaster is labelled accordingly, you will learn the names and be able to put them back together very easily.
Good for biology, medical, and psychology students who like their coffee, tea, or beer! When not in use, they are still a cool piece of art.
2. EcoSphere, Closed Aquatic Ecosystem
A sealed saltwater ecosystem that is 100% self sustainable. Maintenance free aquarium.
Every EcoSphere contains 4 small shrimp, some algae, and all of the necessary microbes to recycle waste back into resources.
It is a perfect demonstration of the carbon cycle and symbiosis.
As long as you keep this Pod at a comfortable room temperature (65- 80°F) and near a source of light, all the living organism inside of it will survive without you changing the water or cleaning it. I have had this for 4 years, and 3 of the shrimp are still alive.
Good for anybody interested in the life sciences.
3. Photosynthesis Strategy Board Game
A rare science themed 3D tabletop game, 2-4 players, similar to "The Settlers of Catan." Compete to see who can collect the most light points.
The sun rotates around the board. Players strategically decide where to plant seeds, grow trees, upgrade trees, and when to harvest.
It is important to consider how shadows will change as the sun moves. Block your opponent with shadows, and make sure your trees are in the sun! Your trees can grow to collect more sun, while blocking out other trees.
2-4 players, aged 8 and up. I would recommend playing with 3 or 4 adult players for the most fun. Games typically take about 1 hour.
This is a complex, but easy to learn game, great for everybody! I would recommend this if you like games like The Settlers of Catan.
4. Giant Microbe Plushies
5 plushies for adults. These stuffed animals are cute, but upon a closer look... wait! They are all dangerous microbes.
Ebola, mold, anthrax, tuberculosis, and the brain-eating Amoeba. These plushies are designed to represent the way these microbes actually look.
There are also different themed sets, such as blood cells, neurons, and reproductive cells if you are a more positive person.
Awesome for anybody who has studied microbiology or cell biology.
5. Rock Polishing Kit - NatGeo
A rock polishing starter kit, all things included.
Polish the 9 included crude rocks into sparkling gemstones! This is a fantastic learning experience and an introduction to a new hobby.
If you are as amazed as I was, you can create your own jewelry and be inspired to start a rock collection.
Enjoyed by geologists, rock collectors, jewelers, and anybody who likes hands on science or crafts.
6. Galileo Thermometer
An artistic yet functional indoor thermometer (60- 96°F). Designed in the 1600s by the famous Galileo's pupil.
This thermometer functions based on Galileo's discovery that the density of liquid changes with temperature.
The sealed colored bulbs will rise or float based on the temperature, and the temperature tag hangs below.
Recommended for physics, chemistry, and astronomy enthusiasts.
7. Magnetic Putty
Colorful silly-putty infused with millions of tiny magnetic particles.
This is the scientific version of a fidget spinner, and can be used to relieve anxiety or stress. This is a fun desk toy and a naturally conversation starter.
It can be moved or charged by the included neodymium iron boron magnets. The Putty's physical properties are very cool, because it is sticky, stretchy, magnetic, and brittle all at the same time.
Non-Toxic. Recommended for physicists and kids.
8. Bad Science Book: Quacks, Hacks, and Big Pharma Flacks
Once upon a time, a top 10 seller on Amazon, this entertaining non-fiction book helps to teach us the importance of critical thinking.
It touches on the placebo effect, and criticizes pseudoscience, big pharma, nutrition, and the medical fields.
This book will help you distinguish the good from the crap, and the crap from the 100% bull crap you see on TV and in commercials.
Goldacre is witty, and helps simplify the statistics. His book will probably save you some money and give you more laughs.
Recommended for university students and adults.
9.Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set
One of my favorite childhood hobbies. The perfect model rocket starter set. This includes 2 reusable rockets that need to be assembled at home and painted if you like.
The crossfire rocket can reach 1,200 ft if loaded with a C engine.
If you have never launched an Estes model rocket, there are 3 main components that are included:
1. Included: The launch pad and battery powered wired launch controller.
2. Included: 2 model rockets that needed to be built as a crafts project.
3. Included: Detachable nose cone with an internal parachute.
IMPORTANT: There are 3 single use things not included that you will need to buy (Also available on Amazon)
1. NOT INCLUDED: Single use solid fuel rocket engines. The B6-4 and C6-5 engines fit in both model rockets, so I recommend these engines to start. The rocket engines come with starters and plugs, including 1 extra in case you make a mistake. Here is a pack of the rockets, plugs, and igniters you will need.
2. NOT INCLUDED: Recovery wadding. This recovery wadding is fireproof, and when the engine expires, it gets forced up with a small explosion to eject the parachute. You will need to pack these in for each launch.
3. NOT INCLUDED: 4 batteries for launch controller (1.5V AA)
Make sure you buy the starter kit, and the 3 things that are not included (Wadding, engines, and batteries)
If you have a fun time with this intro kit, you can buy new types of rockets, even ones that look like the space shuttle! The largest engine size is E, and these rockets can reach 3,000ft, which may require you to contact the FFA before launch!
Recommended for parents who want to inspire children 14+ by the wonders of science and space.
Download the instructions here to make sure the task is your cup of tea.
10. LectroFan Classic White Noise and Fan Sound Machine for Sleeping Adults
Sometimes the best gift for a student is some help sleeping!
These machines create a white noise that helps drone out background noise and produce a sound-wave frequency that helps induce deep sleep and dreaming.
Recommended for anybody who struggles to sleep or wants a comforting noise to fall asleep to every night.
I hope that you find this list useful when looking for the best and cool gifts for science lovers and nerds out there. If you have suggestions to add here, let me know in the comment section below.