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Illustration reading "Lab Manager 2022 Holiday Gift Guide"
Credit: Lab Manager

Ten STEM-Themed Gifts for the 2022 Holiday Season

This year's holiday gift guide is an eclectic assortment of STEM-themed gifts, from coloring books to hydroponics systems

by Lab Manager
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Thanks to the countless ecommerce sites blanketing the web, there are gift and stocking stuffers available for virtually any subculture or community in existence. STEM-themed gifts in particular are incredibly popular. The Lab Manager team has shared a roundup of great gift options for the science enthusiast you know, featuring selections suitable for children to experienced research professionals.

James Webb Space Telescope Mirror Ornament

JWST ornament hangs from tree
Credit: ScienceSocks.co

Selected by Holden Galusha, associate editor

This classy gold-mirrored ornament depicts the 18 hexagonal segments of the Webb telescope’s primary mirror. As one review says, “Set against the lights of my Christmas tree, it is stunning. You won’t regret this purchase.” Available at ScienceSocks.co for $19.



DNA Helix Pencil Holder

DNA double helix-shaped pencil holder
Credit: HighlandPlastic on Etsy

Selected by Lauren Everett, managing editor

A fun alternative to the regular pencil holders from office supply stores. This holder is ideal for science classrooms. Available from Etsy for $15.




Baby Keepsake Book: The Human Infant Project

Selected by Rachel Brown, science writer/coordinator

Cover of "The Human Infant Project" baby book
Credit: NerdyBaby

Record your new baby’s milestones with this cheeky lab notebook from NerdyBaby. With sections for an Abstract, Methodology, and Data and Results along with plenty of standard baby book prompts, this book is perfect for the science-minded new parent. It also has inclusive language to accommodate diverse family structures. Available for $24.99.

Women in Science Earrings Set

DNA double helix earrings
Credit: Dissent Pins

Selected by MaryBeth Didonna, lab design and digital events editor

These earrings celebrate notable women in science. Choose from sets depicting DNA double helixes in honor of Rosalind Franklin, computer punch cards referencing Ada Lovelace, or nanosecond earrings commemorating Grace Hopper. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds are donated to benefit women in STEM. Available from dissentpins.com for $45.95.

Lab Life: Snarky Coloring Book for Adults

Cover of the #LabLife adult coloring book
credit: Papeterie Bleu on Amazon

Selected by Andrea Cole, business coordinator

Even scientists need a coloring break. This humorous and original coloring book, featuring such witty one-liners as “Screw your lab safety, I want superpowers,” is sure to be a hit with the overworked researcher in your life. Available from Amazon for $7.99.



Kware Engineer Heat-Sensitive Math Mug

Photo of the Kware math mug next to its packaging
Credit: KWARE

Selected by Jonathan Klane, senior safety editor

Pour a hot beverage and watch famous mathematical equations and terms take shape across this heat-sensitive mug. This mug is a great stocking stuffer for any mathematician, engineer, or math teacher. It has a 12 oz. capacity and can be shipped in a nice gift box. Available from Amazon for $15.95.

Water Garden Duo: Hydroponics/Aquaponics Ecosystem

Water Garden Duo Box
Credit: Back to the Roots

Selected by Michelle Dotzert, creative services manager

The Water Garden Duo can support an ecosystem of plants via hydroponics or aquaponics. Because it’s self-watering, caring for the plants is fast and low maintenance, making it perfect to teach curious children about biodiversity and botany. You can also add a fish to the tank, making it a “self-cleaning fish tank that grows food up top.” The fish waste fertilizes the plants, and the plants clean the water—which means fewer water changes for you to do. Available from Back to The Root for $100.

Celestial Desktop Timekeepers

Image of the two celestial desktop timekeepers
Credit: Uncommon Goods

Selected by Holden Galusha, associate editor

Fully-functional, aesthetically-pleasing reproductions of historical timekeeping devices. This package features the Astronomical Ring Dial, which is a spherical sundial invented in the 1600s, and a Nocturlabe, which “determines the hour and minute by aligning with stars found in the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.” These timekeepers are perfect for any astronomer or scientific history buff. Available from Uncommon Goods for $48.

Magnetic Levitating Globe with LED Light

Magnetic floating globe with LED lights illuminating it
Credit: MOEBULB on Amazon

Selected by Jonathan Klane, senior safety editor

This high-tech desk decoration features a levitating globe floating above a base lined with LEDs for display in the dark. Give it a light spin with your finger and it’ll rotate on its magnetic axis for an extended period of time. Available from Amazon for $25.99.


Lab Manager Academy Certificate or Courses—New Courses and Upcoming Safety Certificate

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Perfect as a gift for yourself or a colleague, the Lab Manager Academy features a host of courses and certificates so you can boost your career as a lab manager in a self-paced environment that accommodates your busy schedule. Courses are available as bundles or on an individual basis. Current offerings include courses on negotiation, decision-making, asset management, lab quality, and a host of other topics. Upcoming courses will explore conflict resolution, personality types, employee engagement, and more. Learn more at academy.labmanager.com. Price starts at $99.

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, quite, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

See our previous guides: