Chemistry Themed Gifts for Nerds

8 Chemistry Themed Gift Ideas That A Chemistry Nerd Would Actually Enjoy

2023

Every year I fall into the same rhythms that come with shopping for gifts. I superficially analyze whoever I am buying a present for and trying to find something Unique or Quirky for them. The issue is that seemingly everyone online has the same ideas and are primarily influenced by their amazon affiliate links to make some quick cash.

This year I thought I would save you some trouble by telling you what Chemistry themed gifts I (a recent Biochemistry graduate) would actually enjoy to receive for the holidays or alternative occasions. In this post I wanted to highlight some general ideas for your own research as well as some specific items in case anyone wanted to get them for me *cough cough*.

1.) Chemistry-Themed Glassware:

In research and lab work we are surrounded with glassware and whether you like it or not the aesthetic tends to slowly develop into having a lot of translucent glass in the home.

Chemistry-themed glassware makes an ideal gift due to its blend of practicality and nostalgia. Erlenmeyer flask mugs and similar items not only serve a functional purpose but also carry a symbolic connection to the lab. They provide a daily reminder of the academic journey and it has a place in anyone's home.

I've broken this section up into a couple of ideas for glass ware that I personally would like in the office or at home. Enjoy.

Catechin Tea Glass - Etsy

I recently went to a seminar defense presentation where the topic was catechin content in tea. While, this mug does not present the epigallocatechin gallates normal for green and black teas. It still makes for a nice gift.

Price : $18.00

Store Link : Science of Tea Beaker Mug 18 oz - Etched with Tea Chemistry Molecules

Chemistry of Whiskey Glass - Cognitive Surplus

Along the same lines as the tea mug, this whiskey glass has all the molecular properties befitting a tasty glass of whiskey. Every good whiskey has vanillin and lactone, and so does this glass. I also am very fond of the gold lettering and for the ball and stick models even if it's intended use isn't going to be for whiskey.

Price : $18.95

Store Link : Chemistry of Whiskey Glass

If you like this one but you're not sure about the whiskey aspect - on the cognitive surplus store site which I linked there are also glasses for wine, gin, or even water all with their molecular components.

2.) Chemistry Art Prints and Posters:

I admit most lists include chemistry art work you got me there, but it's almost always something cringe like the equivalent of a picture of a PlayStation controller for gamers. Instead I propose two pieces of art that I own and think would make a great addition to any home or office space.

Roche Biochemical Pathways Posters

Now if this looks insane. It's because it actually is. The whole chart sits around 4.5 feet x 3 feet and it is insanely detailed. I will also share a more zoomed in photo to kind of show the scale for how much content there is here. I have mine sitting above my desk, not only that but when I ordered mine it also came with a second poster. One metabolic pathways wall chart, and a cellular and molecular processes chart as well.

An important note: The reason you don't see me listing the price down for these posters is because they technically don't have a price listed on their official site. In their own words "We believe all people should have access to important scientific information to help their research and education." so you put yourself on a waitlist to have one of these mailed. Not a great last second gift but definitely one for next year.

A low resolution photo but the text is legitimately size 10 font. Its beautiful and crazy, much like ourselves.

Site Link: Roche Biochemical Pathways

3.) Molecular Gastronomy Kit:

Does the person you are purchasing a gift for like to cook and experiment in the kitchen? If so these next products would be a fantastic edition to any chemistry or biology nerds arsenal. I will admit that sometimes the last thing I want to do after spending all day in the lab is to perform more lab work, but on a weekend or vacation trip these gadgets would be a lot of fun,

Gel Noodle Kit - Amazon

HEAR ME OUT! At first glance I understand how this might look a bit strange, but I already did the research and I can tell you this product looks legitimate. This company Modernist Pantry puts out these packages for making interesting molecular gastronomy food concoctions. This one makes fruit based gel noodles, it comes with agar and locust bean gum for thickening but you do have to provide your own fruit juice.

Price : $44.95

Store Link : Modernist Cuisine Gel Noodle Kit

Molecular Gastronomy "Starter Kit" - Amazon

Similar to the last product but this one definitely comes with a lot more to experiment with. The purpose with this kit is to make caviar-esque food. It comes with a ball shaper and a syringe as well as a few components: soy lecithin powder, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, calcium chloride, and agar. Now if you're the type that gets easily scared when you see the governments mystery chemicals on the side of your toaster strudels then maybe these product isn't for you. But for our better educated chemistry enthusiasts some at home cooking chemistry is always fun. If you get this though maybe consider pairing it with a kitchen scale or something like that.

Price : $59.99

Store Link : Basic Molecular Gastronomy Starter Kit

4.) Puzzles and Toys:

Subscription Package - Curiosity Box

When all else fails, let someone else curate a gift for you. I present to you Vsauce Michael's Curiosity Box. While none of us would have any clue what is inside one of these mystery boxes, just looking at the stuff they made for previous months I would definitely be glad to receive one of these for the holidays. Just take a look for yourself on their site.

Price : $69.90

Store Link : Curiosity Box Gift Cards

Chemistry Fluxx Card Game - Amazon

If the person you are buying for enjoys board and tabletop games might I recommend they try out chemistry Fluxx. I've played other versions of Fluxx before and they've all been pretty fun, even if they don't enjoy the game at the very least it will look good on the board game shelf. The goal of the game is to combine cards, sometimes to make molecules and other times to do reaction chemistry. Definitely worth checking out.

Price : $20.00

Store Link : Chemistry Fluxx

5.) Chemistry Inspired Clothes:

This section probably requires the least amount of input from myself, anyone can find some nice looking clothes. I have no doubt you won't have any trouble, but might I suggest my recommendations anyways. If you know me you know how tired I am of seeing the same molecules over and over and over and over again. It wears me out. There was once a period of time where I found some pajama pants with diagrams of histidine all over them but alas my white whale!

Cross Section of Microbes Sweater - Etsy

Out of the three items I have for you today, this one is by far my favorite. It really suits my color pallete and general style. It doesn't feel like it's trying hard to be "smart" or different or whatever. I think the art looks good and I think its reasonably priced, though I am looking at it on sale for 26% off. So there's that.

Price : $37.62

Store Link : Microbiology Lab Life Sweatshirt

Nutrient Nebula - Princess Awesome

Now these guys are pretty funky. I haven't done my own fact checking on this but it seems like it's just a bunch of simple sugars and phosphates? I definitely like the variety on these pants a lot even if the color is just a bit off. I think this is one of those items that will hit a particular demographic just right. I'd definitely rock these guys to bed any day. Too bad they are out of stock, and possibly discontinued....

Price : Discontinued

Store Link : Nutrient Nebula Lounge Pants

Partygrades - Svaha USA

This will definitely not be in by the new years but I thought this was a very unique idea for a pj set. The art for the tardigrades is very cute and they are all wearing little party hats. Anyways, totally trust your judgement on what you think is a cool chemistry article of clothing. Feel free to message me if you want anything more specific I guess.

Price : $39.99

Store Link : Partygrades Adult Pajama Set

6.) Stickers and Trinkets:

Science Themed Stickers - Amazon

If you're looking something a little more light weight in regards to cost and motor function. Something small and cute is always a good idea. These everyone has a notebook, laptop, or water bottle with room for stickers. This pack of stickers from amazon is cheap and actually contains quality stickers other than just stale chemistry memes. I in particular am quite fond of the top down DNA helicase models, but the animated cells are cute too.

Price : $6.99

Store Link : Biology Cartoon Science Stickers

Petri Dish-Soap - Etsy

A fantastically wonderful idea and product! These inoculation plates look so real it's almost actually gross but the artist does a great job and the reviews speak for it. I'd say the only downside (if you even want to call it that) is the product description that comes with the soaps is in Spanish. Otherwise well priced and great product 10/10 recommend.

Price : $7.91

Store Link : Petri Dish Soaps

7.) Personalized Lab Coat/ PPE:

Now buying a lab coat or other PPE (personal protective equipment) might sound like a great as a gift for a friend or loved one (and it is) but there are a few things you should know. What we aren't going to do is just search for "Cool/ cute lab coats" and pick what looks best, first we need to determine the types of products we should be focusing on.

First off with the lab coat- we want a good cotton-polyester blend (no less than 35% cotton) higher is preferred last thing we want to do is buying someone a lab coat that catches fire on them or lets chemicals melt right through it. As far as the arm length that is up to the individual, personally I prefer rolling up a full sleeve rather than rocking a 3/4 sleeve. But that's just me and to be fair I am lacking in the forearm department. If you are going the route of purchasing protective eye wear for someone... don't. It's really lame but trust me, unless you really know what they need I wouldn't try it and all of the cool safety goggles tend to be a bit sketch for professional work.

Here are some customizable lab coats I found that look like they would be a great gift to give someone in the laboratory sciences.

Personalized and Fun Lab Coats - Just Lab Coats

Price : $28.99

Store Link : Adar Unisex Color Customizable Lab Coat

Price : $28.98

Store Link : Embroidery Lab Coat

These two links are for the same site "Just Lab Coats", great site if you are looking for a more permanent lab coat. A lot of professional lab settings will have spare coats available for use but we are very limited in the ways we are able to style ourselves in the lab so getting a nice non-white colored and embroidered lab coat is pretty cool.

8.) Molecule Jewelry:

I am SO TIRED of all the caffeine, serotonin, dopamine, chocolate, and meth molecule paraphernalia. I want something different and sorry if this sounds lame, not a piece of jewelry that caters to the every day audience who wants to appear smart. I apologize for the tone, but as someone who has slowly curated some nice home pieces over my academic career its impossible to search for chemistry merch without being hit in the face by hundreds of these basic pieces. That being said here are my recommendations.

Any Other Molecule Necklace - Etsy

May I present to you an artist on Etsy who does in fact due that trendy molecule on a necklace thing, but here's the catch - you can choose whatever molecule you want them to make. While the price tag is a bit steep, this seems like the kind of gift idea that is really cool if you have a particular molecule that you specifically love. Personally I would go for something like geosmin, S-linalool, or moronic acid (hahah).

Price : $79.06

Store Link : Any molecule necklace, Sterling Silver

Bacteriophage Earrings - Etsy

Absolutely amazing, best thing to end this list off with. Granted the material quality is not astounding but the principle sure is. Now image going to a jeweler and asking them to make this solid gold with diamonds for the capsid head, fantastic. This gift is perfect for any of your earring wearing biology nerds and it hits perfectly under the umbrella secret Santa gift amount.