Gift guide: Science-themed gifts, created by scientists

It’s been a strange year, with time somehow appearing to move quickly AND slowly at the same time.

But 2020 is (thankfully) almost behind us. But before the end of the year, comes the holidays!

If you’re looking for some unique, science-themed gift ideas, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of incredible finds created BY scientists and FOR scientists (or budding scientists, or science enthusiasts …)

Enjoy!

CHELSEA CONNOR

Chelsea’s shop: chelseaherps.redbubble.com
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Patreon – If you become a Patreon by December 25th, you’ll be included on the list for the Christmas card Chelsea is working on, so sign up today!

We can’t get enough of Chelsea’s DewPops, designs which are anoles drawn with popsicles that are representations of the colour and patterns of their dewlaps.

Chelsea also draws other reptiles, like the venomous snake series that she started as a tongue-in-cheek way of telling people to give wildlife space.

You’ll also want to check out her “SciComm Woke Girl” products, a design inspired by an insult she once received (“I decided to make it something fun,” she says).

A FEW OF CHELSEA’S DEWPOPS. COURTESY: CHELSEAHERPS.REDBUBBLE.COM

Chelsea’s eye-catching designs are available on stickers, face masks, t-shirts, and magnets. Some offerings are also available on journals, prints, mugs, and scarves.

“My hope with my reptile designs and, specifically my anole designs, is to catch people’s attention and communicate to them about these lizards,” Chelsea says.

“Curiosity brings questions, further interest, and eventually an appreciation.”

TWO PHOTON ART

Two Photon Art was created by environmental scientist Tera Johnson and neuroscientist Christine Liu to celebrate science and make STEM more accessible to all.

They create zines to communicate scientific topics, enamel pins that raise money for causes advancing equity and inclusion in STEM, and jewelry for folks to show off their love for science!

We can’t get enough of their earring desings, which blend science and style effortlessly.

THE MAGNIFICENT MAKERS BY THEANNE GRIFFITH

Buy the Magnificent Series via Amazon or Penguin Random House
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We are BIG fans of Dr. Theanne Griffith and her “Magnificent Makers” series of children’s books — stories aimed at exposing kids to science that feature protagonists Violet and Pablo, children from under-represented backgrounds. While embarking on exciting adventures, Violet and Pablo also learn important lessons about acceptance, teamwork, and managing failure.

CIRCUIT BREAKER LABS

Chemist-turned-artist Amanda Preske of Circuit Breaker Labs transforms electronic waste into STEM-themed art, decor, gifts, and ornaments. Based in Washington, D.C., the “Lab” turns circuit boards, resistors, keyboards, diodes, wires, and anything else in the e-waste category into upcycled products with a polished aesthetic.

Wear an old keyboard or put motherboards shaped like dinosaurs on your holiday tree!

SEMARHY QUIÑONES

We simply adore Semarhy’s stunning artwork, which celebrates women in STEM. Designs can be purchased on various products — including mugs, face masks and apparel — but we especially love her ‘Types of Scientists‘ colouring book, described on Amazon as a book for all ages that “aims to inform about different science fields, jobs and careers available to current and future scientists.”

Consider the book a quick reference guide to the diversity of STEM fields that highlights the important contributions of women scientists.

SCIENCE SERVICE DOG

We love an adorable mascot that promotes accesibility.

Enter Science Service Dog, which aims to create inclusive STEM culture.

Here’s more about the good work they do:

“With our products, we donate 10% of all proceeds to the non-profit organization The International Alliance for Ability in Science (IAFAIS) that provides scholarships to disabled student scientists and also 100% financial aid to those scientists needing to outfit their service dog with personal protective equipment (PPE) to work with their handler safely in a laboratory; assisting their handlers in maintaining their independence.”