Scientific stocking stuffers

Image: Wikimedia commons, Pavel Sevela

The geeks on your gift list are always hard to buy for. They already have the latest gadgets. Gift cards can seem lame. And a batch of homemade fudge just won't cut it for that special scientist in your life.Luckily, there are plenty of great gifts out there on the Internet that will fit the bill for even the most discerning researchers on your list.linkurl:Fa-la-lassa fever;http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/products/merrychristmasmicrobes.html Killer microbes seem much less threatening when they're stuffed and cuddly. Giant Microbes, makers of the popular plush microorganisms, have released a set of limited edition Christmas ornaments featuring the neuron, the common cold, __E. coli__, Epstein-Barr Virus, and the Red Amoeba, decked out in festive holiday garb.linkurl:Slice of Life scarves;http://www.asliceoflifescarves.com/ Who says scientists don't have style? Now you can wear that endoplasmic reticulum--or the organelle of your choice--with flair on a 100% silk scarf. Artist and cell biologist Eve Reaven also makes ties.linkurl:Ring thing;http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/accessories/756e/ This utilitarian ring helps you with work/life balance. It can easily go from opening stubborn Eppendorf tubes to popping the cap off the spare beers you have hidden in your lab.linkurl:How charming;http://www.etsy.com/listing/63288173/charming-geeks?ref=fp_ph_3&src=favitm Wine glass charms that spell out "Cheers" using chemical symbols from the periodic table of elements. What more do you need for a festive and sciency holiday party? The four tiny tiles are laminated and sealed on a silver hoop. You can request other elements and words from the artist.linkurl:A sweet surprise;http://www.sciencecookiecutters.com/ Cooking is just chemistry that you eat, and with these scientific cookie cutters, you can munch on homemade test tubes, flasks, beakers, and atoms. The website also has tips on decorating your treats and a recipe for the perfect royal icing.linkurl:Made With Molecules;http://www.etsy.com/shop/molecularmuse Scientist-turned-artist Raven Hanna has created a variety of molecular jewelry out of sterling silver. From serotonin and theobromine to caffeine and capsaicin, you can get one-of-a-kind jewelry and gifts for the girly geek on your list.linkurl:Very personal paintings;http://www.dna11.com/ It's simple: swab the inside of your cheek and send the DNA sample to the folks at DNA 11. They will turn your cheek cells into the most personalized piece of art you will ever get.linkurl:Darwin's doodles;http://www.etsy.com/listing/63294212/the-original-tree-of-life-ceramic Early in his work on __On the Origin of Species__, Charles Darwin sketched out a tree of life. Now etched in clay on pendants that are suitable for men or women, Darwin's tree of life is perfect for the person who is still evolving. linkurl:Geek of the month club;http://geekcalendar.co.uk/p/buy-geek-calendar.html You can find a calendar for just about anyone, from the cat-lover to the fireman fanatic. Now the scientific-minded can check out some of the hottest researchers and science writers in a calendar benefiting libel reform laws in the UK.linkurl:Geek-in-training;http://www.smithsonianstore.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=13423&categoryId=3355&parentCategoryId=3151 Geeks are made, not born. Help the little ones in your life reach their potential in the sciences with the Mega Science Lab from the Smithsonian Institution. It features an exploding volcano, __T. rex__ excavation, a rain gauge, and more.
**__Related stories:__***linkurl:Science tarot;http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/57739/
[8th October 2010]*linkurl:Say it with molecules;http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/50696/
9th February 2007]*linkurl:O Come, All Ye Scientists;http://www.the-scientist.com/article/display/15129/
[6th December 2004]

Scientific stocking stuffers

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