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It’s possible I’m a little biased, but I think science-y Christmas presents are the coolest! There are all sorts of chemistry sets, crystal growing kits, glow in the dark experiments and other educational toys and gifts. You can apply your knowledge of science to impress by making personalized presents, like handcrafted perfume, soaps, colored fire chemicals and more.
You’ve seen those lists of gifts that crafty people can make. Those gifts are nice, but gifts made by science geeks are sooo cool!
- Space Mud
Space Mud is a great gift. No one under the age of 12 will tell you otherwise. If you are making a gift for someone either more mature or less into ooze you might want to go for the fizzy bath bomb. You can either make the space mud, put it in a zipper baggie with a festive bow, or you could make up a package of ingredients so the recipient can make their very own Space Mud!
- Fizzy Bath Bombs
There comes a point where it’s time to wash away the daily grime and relax. Fizzy bath bombs are perfect. You can fragrance them or include soothing essential oils. The best part is how they fizz under water. - Colored Fire Care Package
Fill a basket with pinecones which have been treated to produce colored flames. Add a festive bow. Seriously, what gift could be better than colored fire? - Absinthe
… and the answer to that question is: A basket of colored fire pinecones accompanied by a bottle of lovingly home-crafted absinthe. Absinthe is at the adult end of the gift-giving spectrum. - Crystal Snowflake Ornaments
You can either make a set of crystal snowflakes as gifts or to attach to gifts as decorations or you can package the borax with instructions and pipecleaners so the recipient can grow their own crystals. The snowflakes can last for years. - Invisible Ink
There is more than one way to make invisible ink. Why not package them all up together with tips on how to write and reveal secret messages? You can use corn starch, baking soda, or lemon juice. This is a great last-minute gift for kids you probably can make without shopping. - Custom Perfume
You can distill your own essential oils and use them to create a signature scent to make a one-of-a-kind gift.
Not feeling crafty but still looking for ideas? Here are some more great science gifts that you can purchase:
Chemistry Kit
A chemistry kit is the obvious choice for a chemistry toy or gift. There are lots of different types of chemistry kits available, ranging from chemistry kits focused on food or slime to more advanced kits that allow you to explore a wide range of chemicals.
Molecule Kit
This is sort of like tinker toys… for chemists. You can make molecules from atoms, joined together by stick-like bonds. A molecule kit is a great way to get a hands-on feel for how molecules are put together and shaped.
Lab Coat
How do you recognize a chemist? If they are an organic chemist, it might be by the way they smell. Otherwise the dead giveaway involves the lab coat. Every chemist needs a lab coat. Messy chemists may need more than one.
Crystal Kits
Growing crystals is a lot of fun! You can grow crystals that resemble gemstones, crystals that grow before your eyes, and crystals that glow. Most of the crystal kits contain multiple projects, so one kit can keep you busy for a long time.
Polymer Kits
A polymer kit is a special type of chemistry kit which allows you to investigate the way molecular subunits join together to form larger structures called polymers. The projects in polymer kits typicall allow you to make bouncy balls, polymer ‘worms’, slime, and jelly marbles.