What and who is a Science nerd?
Buying for someone who gets genuinely misty-eyed about the periodic table? Who reads the back of the cereal box for the chemical composition? Who still has opinions about Pluto? You, my friend, are shopping for a science nerd. And frankly, they’re the best sort of person to buy for.
Science nerds are fascinated by physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and technology, and they love nothing more than to learn, experiment and talk about it (at length). Their obsession often creeps into their hobbies, their humour and their wardrobe, which makes them wonderfully easy to buy for once you know where to look.
Whether it’s a birthday, a Christmas stocking filler or a Secret Santa gift, here are more than 25 of my favourite ideas, all chosen for UK shoppers and sorted by the type of science nerd you’re buying for.
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Quick picks: where to start
- Best mug: the caffeine molecule mug
- Best for stargazers: the mini planetarium projector
- Best for crafters: the crochet chemistry patterns
- Best last-minute gift: the printable paper robots
- Best on a tight budget: the microscope sew-on patch
- Best for someone who has everything: a day out at an observatory or science museum
Mugs, glasses and kitchen gear for the science nerd
Science nerds spend a lot of time brewing, sipping and (occasionally) setting things on fire, so drinkware and kitchen bits are a safe bet. Here are my favourites.
Periodic Table Mug
It seems to be an unwritten rule that every science enthusiast must own something covered in the periodic table. A mug is the obvious place to start, because they can sip their tea while double-checking the noble gases.
Perfect for: colleagues, Secret Santa and the person who has every mug already
“Fuelled by the elements” caffeine molecule mug
For the nerd who likes to be a teeny bit cleverer than everyone else. This mug shows off the chemical structure of caffeine, which is the most important molecule in any office. It’s a gift that says “I know what you really run on”.
Perfect for: coffee addicts and tea drinkers alike
Lab flask drinking glasses
This is exactly the sort of lab kit I prefer: flask-shaped drinking glasses. Probably best not used in an actual laboratory, but brilliant for a cocktail, a squash or a very dramatic glass of water.
Perfect for: hosts who like to serve drinks with a bit of theatre
Science Beaker wine glass
This one caught my eye because it looks so weird! I’m not sure how it would work practically, but I’m willing to give it a try!
Periodic table wooden chopping board
So they can contemplate the elements even while chopping the veg. It’s practical, it’s a talking point, and it’s a nice way of sneaking science into the kitchen.
Perfect for: foodies, housewarmings and anyone with a kitchen
The science nerd cookbook
A slim, funny cookbook for the tech-savvy foodie. Cooking is basically chemistry you can eat, so this one makes sense.
Perfect for: nerds who actually cook (and those who say they will)
Gifts for stargazers and space fans
Space is the gateway drug for plenty of science nerds, and it’s one of the easiest areas to buy for.
Mini planetarium projector
I love this one, and it won’t break the bank. A little planetarium projector turns any bedroom ceiling into a night sky. They’ll love it. You’ll love it. You’ll probably end up borrowing it.
Perfect for: kids, teens and grown-ups who like to fall asleep under the stars
A guide to the night sky for Britain and Ireland
UK skies are a bit of a gamble, but a good guide helps them make the most of every clear night. Look for a current edition written for Britain and Ireland, so the sky charts match what they can actually see from their garden.
Perfect for: beginner stargazers and anyone with a garden or a dark-ish street
Periodic table ornament with real elements inside
A periodic table ornament with real element samples tucked inside. It’s a proper display piece for the shelf or the Christmas tree.
Perfect for: Christmas trees, desks and shelves
Biology, nature and rocks
For the nerds who’d rather be outdoors, or at least looking at something under a lens.
DNA helix friendship necklace
A friendship necklace for two science nerds who like each other very much. You each wear half, and it’s much more interesting than a standard best-friend heart.
Perfect for: science-loving best friends and couples
Cell-inspired jewellery
There are loads of DNA necklaces out there, but I really like this cell-inspired jewellery. The whole shop is great, so have a browse of SheSellsCellsDesign too.
Perfect for: biologists, students and anyone who likes jewellery with a story
Agate fossil shell
This agate fossil shell is from Etsy, and to me it looks a bit like an alien skull. Which makes it even better. A great desk or shelf piece for the nerd who collects curiosities.
Perfect for: collectors and fans of odd little treasures
Beginner rock and mineral collection
A starter rock and mineral set for younger scientists. It’s a lovely first step towards geology, and it makes a great stocking filler for a curious child.
Perfect for: children and teens just getting into geology
Biologist’s puzzle
A biologist-themed puzzle with some great reviews. It’s a gentle way to get a nerd to sit down and relax, while still thinking about science.
Perfect for: jigsaw fans and biology lovers
Build it, solve it, make it
Some science nerds don’t just want to read about it. They want to get their hands on it.
Build-your-own robot kit
There are lots of robot-making kits out there, but are any as cute as this one? It’s a proper project for a weekend, and the satisfaction at the end is real.
Perfect for: tinkerers, kids and adults who like to build
Paper robots you print at home
If you need a gift immediately (we’ve all been there), you can download and print these robots and make them from paper. It’s a brilliant last-minute idea, and it’s a nice little craft project too.
Perfect for: last-minute gifts and craft-loving kids
Newton’s Puzzles book
Science and logic puzzles inspired by Sir Isaac Newton. A proper brain workout for the nerd who’s already read everything on the shelf.
Perfect for: puzzle fans and train journeys
Crochet chemistry patterns
You could crochet them a chemistry set, or buy them the patterns so they can crochet their own. A bit weird, a lot of fun, and exactly the sort of gift I love.
Perfect for: crafters who also love science
Microscope cufflinks
For the nerd who already owns a microscope: how about wearing one? These little microscope cufflinks are a clever, subtle nod to their favourite hobby.
Perfect for: weddings, work do’s and anyone who owns a shirt with cuffs
Microscope sew-on patch
A budget-friendly way to nod to microscopes. Sew it onto a jacket, a rucksack or a lab coat and it adds instant nerd credentials.
Perfect for: stocking fillers and Secret Santa
For the sci-fi fans
Science and science fiction go hand in hand (hello, Star Trek), so don’t overlook a bit of sci-fi.
Star Wars in a box
An epic shipment from a galaxy far, far away. It’s a fun, themed box for the science nerd who’s equally happy with lightsabers and lab coats.
Perfect for: sci-fi fans who like a surprise
Mini felt Spock
Every budding science officer will love this. It says “fascinating” without them having to say a word.
Perfect for: Star Trek fans and cute loving scientists
Home and decor
Copper lab flask diffuser
So the science nerd’s room can smell nice too. A lab flask-style diffuser is a quirky way to mix science with home comforts.
Perfect for: bedrooms, studies and anyone who likes a lab-chic look
Experiences for science lovers (UK ideas)
If they have enough stuff, give them a day out. A few UK ideas to start with, and I’d suggest checking current prices, opening times and booking details before you buy.
A trip to the Science Museum
The Science Museum in London is a classic for a reason. Hands-on galleries and big, brilliant objects make it a great day out for all ages.
Perfect for: families, couples and anyone who likes a museum day
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Stand on the Prime Meridian, see the historic telescopes and learn about time and navigation. A nice choice for the nerd who loves a bit of history with their science.
Perfect for: history and astronomy fans
Jodrell Bank
Home to the famous Lovell Telescope in Cheshire, this is a brilliant place for anyone who loves space and radio astronomy.
Perfect for: space fans and anyone who likes a big telescope
Kielder Observatory
Northumberland has some of the darkest skies in England, and Kielder Observatory runs stargazing events. A brilliant gift for anyone who wants to see the Milky Way properly.
Perfect for: stargazers and anyone who loves a dark sky
What do you buy a science lover?
Start with what they’re into. Chemistry fans will love anything periodic table related, space fans will go for a projector or a night sky guide, and biology fans tend to love jewellery, puzzles and rock collections. If you’re stuck, a themed mug or a puzzle book is a safe bet.
What are good science gifts for adults?
Think quirky and useful: mugs, glassware, a periodic table chopping board, a cookbook, cufflinks or a day out at a science museum or observatory. Adults often enjoy a gift that makes them smile rather than one that feels like homework.
What can I get a scientist for Christmas?
A scientist at work gets plenty of lab talk already, so go for something fun. A caffeine mug, lab flask glasses, a sci-fi gift or a piece of quirky jewellery all make great Christmas presents and stocking fillers.
What are good science gifts for kids?
Hands-on is the way to go. A robot kit, a beginner rock and mineral collection, a planetarium projector or a printable paper robot are all good starting points. Do check the age guidance on any kit before you buy.
What are cheap science gifts?
The microscope patch, printable paper robots, a puzzle book or a simple mug are all budget-friendly. Add a note with the gift and you’ve got a lovely little present without spending a fortune.
More gift ideas you might like
If you’re still hunting, these guides on the site might help: