Best science-y stocking stuffers for all ages?
November 16, 2022 9:44 PM Subscribe
My spouse’s family has decided to skip individual Christmas gifts this year, and instead focus only on stocking stuffers (and they’re pretty into stocking stuffers generally, in any case). I would like to buy something fun and science-related to put in everyone’s stockings. What should I buy?
The group will consist of approximately 15 people, ranging in age from early teens to folks in their 70s, and including folks with widely varying levels of science background/knowledge.
I’m mostly aiming for something fun, that will provoke expressions of surprise and delight on Christmas morning (and ideally beyond!). Bonus points if it’s also useful/practical, but that’s a secondary consideration (by far).
Ideally it would be great if I could get several variations on a theme, so everyone’s gift isn’t exactly the same (and people can trade if they want!).
I’m considering The Big Bucket of Science from Steve Spangler, which comes with materials and instructions for an assortment of fun science experiments in cute test tube packaging. But surely there are other good options out there?
I've read this question, and there are definitely some great ideas in there that I will consider! But that was two years ago and that poster's requirements were slightly different, so it still seemed worth posting this question.
For the sake of argument, let’s assume price is no object. For the benefit of future readers of this question, it would be great to get suggestions for options at varying price points.
Thanks, internet friends!
(Side note, I’ve been lurking on MeFi and especially AskMeFi for many years, but I recently joined and this is my first question! Woohoo!)
The group will consist of approximately 15 people, ranging in age from early teens to folks in their 70s, and including folks with widely varying levels of science background/knowledge.
I’m mostly aiming for something fun, that will provoke expressions of surprise and delight on Christmas morning (and ideally beyond!). Bonus points if it’s also useful/practical, but that’s a secondary consideration (by far).
Ideally it would be great if I could get several variations on a theme, so everyone’s gift isn’t exactly the same (and people can trade if they want!).
I’m considering The Big Bucket of Science from Steve Spangler, which comes with materials and instructions for an assortment of fun science experiments in cute test tube packaging. But surely there are other good options out there?
I've read this question, and there are definitely some great ideas in there that I will consider! But that was two years ago and that poster's requirements were slightly different, so it still seemed worth posting this question.
For the sake of argument, let’s assume price is no object. For the benefit of future readers of this question, it would be great to get suggestions for options at varying price points.
Thanks, internet friends!
(Side note, I’ve been lurking on MeFi and especially AskMeFi for many years, but I recently joined and this is my first question! Woohoo!)
Gyroscopes.
Ah, here's another idea: 15 bits of Capsela that all connect to make something. Your gift recipients will all have to work together to build that something from it.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:57 PM on November 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Ah, here's another idea: 15 bits of Capsela that all connect to make something. Your gift recipients will all have to work together to build that something from it.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:57 PM on November 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Break your own geodes! It would look like a weird rock, but then you break it open and it looks pretty. People could swap or share if they want other crystal colors, and the act of breaking them is fun too. National Geographic has a kit with 10.
posted by Night_owl at 11:09 PM on November 16, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by Night_owl at 11:09 PM on November 16, 2022 [4 favorites]
The brand Kikkerland sells “Rainbow Makers” - little rotating prisms that are solar powered. Use the suction cup to hang them in the window (there’s also a standing version), and the prism rotates in the light and throws tiny rainbows around the room. It’s a super cute and pretty house gift.
The price point is about $40 for a single prism. I own the single one, which has added a reliable source of pleasure to my breakfast nook for the past 3 years. I’ve been really happy with it, and given a few as well-received gifts. actually I would say if your budget can swing it, it’s worth paying more for the double prism version - what it means is, double rainbow).
posted by nouvelle-personne at 11:26 PM on November 16, 2022
The price point is about $40 for a single prism. I own the single one, which has added a reliable source of pleasure to my breakfast nook for the past 3 years. I’ve been really happy with it, and given a few as well-received gifts. actually I would say if your budget can swing it, it’s worth paying more for the double prism version - what it means is, double rainbow).
posted by nouvelle-personne at 11:26 PM on November 16, 2022
In my book, science is about observing and trying to find order in the natural world. On the cost nothing front, I'd get two different twigs from each of several different tree species and invite the family to find their conspecific partner. Or, harder, if Fall isn't long gone in your part of the world, get a leaf and a twig and get the fam to pair.
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:09 AM on November 17, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:09 AM on November 17, 2022 [4 favorites]
UV flashlights. Amazing numbers of things fluoresce different colours in UV. Uranium glass fluoresces yellow but it's a little hard to find for a stocking stuffer.
Magnifying glass.
Refractometers are expensive but stocking-sized. Hydrometers are inexpensive, super fun (know those 'layer these different density fluid' experiments kids do? imagine how much easier with a hydrometer), and stocking sized.
Safety glasses.
Litmus paper.
(I am actually a scientist, if that helps anything)
posted by ngaiotonga at 1:17 AM on November 17, 2022 [2 favorites]
Magnifying glass.
Refractometers are expensive but stocking-sized. Hydrometers are inexpensive, super fun (know those 'layer these different density fluid' experiments kids do? imagine how much easier with a hydrometer), and stocking sized.
Safety glasses.
Litmus paper.
(I am actually a scientist, if that helps anything)
posted by ngaiotonga at 1:17 AM on November 17, 2022 [2 favorites]
Sciencey :
Loupe and Light Glasses $9.55
Magnetizing/Demagnetizing Tool $3.50
Set of Eight Circuit Design Stencils $5.95
Micromicromicroscope $5.75
Instant Snow Making Kit $2.95
Solar Robot Kit $14.50
Lie Detector Soldering Kit $8.75
Break your own Geodes $4.25 set of two
Periodic Table Puzzle in a Tube $4.95
Not Sciencey:
Underwear in a can $4.50
Reality TV Survival Tool $2.95
Origami Hans Solo $1.95
Sudoku Puzzle Cube $2.95
Retro Classic Home Video Gaming System $27.50
Bob Ross Sticky Notes $7.50
Just Plain Useful:
Reusable cotton produce bags 8 pack $9.50
6000 Lumen LED Ceiling Light Bulb $19.50
Plug In Outlet Rocker Switch $3.75
Adjustable Battery Tester $7.50
10 pack 3M N95 Masks $12.50
Outdoorsy 5 in 1 Tool Pouch $21.50
Electronic Pocket Bagpipes $16.25
All of the above come to you courtesy of American Science and Surplus. I didn't link to the individual items because browsing the website will lead you to discover things you never knew you wanted or needed. It's a lighthearted website that carries items from very useful to novelty toys. The wine keys I bought from here (I bought six because they were like $2.95 each) are the best quality I've had, and still going years and years later.
It's a great website for shopping for hard to buy for people, too.
posted by newpotato at 1:39 AM on November 17, 2022 [11 favorites]
Loupe and Light Glasses $9.55
Magnetizing/Demagnetizing Tool $3.50
Set of Eight Circuit Design Stencils $5.95
Micromicromicroscope $5.75
Instant Snow Making Kit $2.95
Solar Robot Kit $14.50
Lie Detector Soldering Kit $8.75
Break your own Geodes $4.25 set of two
Periodic Table Puzzle in a Tube $4.95
Not Sciencey:
Underwear in a can $4.50
Reality TV Survival Tool $2.95
Origami Hans Solo $1.95
Sudoku Puzzle Cube $2.95
Retro Classic Home Video Gaming System $27.50
Bob Ross Sticky Notes $7.50
Just Plain Useful:
Reusable cotton produce bags 8 pack $9.50
6000 Lumen LED Ceiling Light Bulb $19.50
Plug In Outlet Rocker Switch $3.75
Adjustable Battery Tester $7.50
10 pack 3M N95 Masks $12.50
Outdoorsy 5 in 1 Tool Pouch $21.50
Electronic Pocket Bagpipes $16.25
All of the above come to you courtesy of American Science and Surplus. I didn't link to the individual items because browsing the website will lead you to discover things you never knew you wanted or needed. It's a lighthearted website that carries items from very useful to novelty toys. The wine keys I bought from here (I bought six because they were like $2.95 each) are the best quality I've had, and still going years and years later.
It's a great website for shopping for hard to buy for people, too.
posted by newpotato at 1:39 AM on November 17, 2022 [11 favorites]
A laser thermometer, a loupe magnifying glass, graph paper, circuit discovery kit, lab coat.
posted by rongorongo at 1:39 AM on November 17, 2022
posted by rongorongo at 1:39 AM on November 17, 2022
I just saw your note about price not being an issue, that same website has a lot of different science kits and supplies of all price ranges
posted by newpotato at 1:41 AM on November 17, 2022
posted by newpotato at 1:41 AM on November 17, 2022
Chia pets are fun!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:33 AM on November 17, 2022
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:33 AM on November 17, 2022
memberships in the cloud appreciation society.
posted by j_curiouser at 7:45 AM on November 17, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by j_curiouser at 7:45 AM on November 17, 2022 [2 favorites]
826 Michigan Robot Supply Store might interest you. I bought some cool science-y things there for my son when took a trip through Michigan one year.
posted by TimHare at 8:34 AM on November 17, 2022
posted by TimHare at 8:34 AM on November 17, 2022
Nature guides, esp. plant and tree guides for your area. Golden Guides are accurate, easy, and fit in a pocket. Older recipients might enjoy more comprehensive guides. Then go for walks and help any kids(and adults) identify plants, trees, birds, bugs, etc. Gifts with participation are really great.
posted by theora55 at 9:13 AM on November 17, 2022
posted by theora55 at 9:13 AM on November 17, 2022
If price is no object, having an insanely heavy tiny tungsten cube is pretty cool.
posted by Mchelly at 12:21 PM on November 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Mchelly at 12:21 PM on November 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
Pocket handbooks.
Prepared microscope slides.
Science posters, rolled up.
Litmus strips.
Blood sugar test kits with lancet and test strips.
Hologram mirror toys.
posted by Jane the Brown at 4:01 PM on November 17, 2022
Prepared microscope slides.
Science posters, rolled up.
Litmus strips.
Blood sugar test kits with lancet and test strips.
Hologram mirror toys.
posted by Jane the Brown at 4:01 PM on November 17, 2022
A hand boiler would be fun, it's pretty surprising and interesting.
posted by Lay Off The Books at 4:44 PM on November 17, 2022
posted by Lay Off The Books at 4:44 PM on November 17, 2022
Random link, and barely science, but these usb c sideways plugs have enhanced my life soooo much, especially for the charger by my bed. I don't constantly break the cord and it's more comfortable to hold!
posted by atomicstone at 5:16 PM on November 17, 2022
posted by atomicstone at 5:16 PM on November 17, 2022
My recommendations will tend towards the math side of things, but here's a few ideas: Klein Bottles for everyone! Or perhaps Klein bottle hats with matching Mobius scarves? Maths Gear and Grand Illusions are worth a look. Shapeways has some neat 3d printed mathematical art. The Evolution Store for fossils, minerals, entomological stuff.
posted by Ishbadiddle at 6:58 PM on November 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Ishbadiddle at 6:58 PM on November 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by centrifugal at 10:05 PM on November 16, 2022 [3 favorites]