Looking for ideas for gifts that will thrill even the most hard-to-shop-for biologists on your list, whether young or old? (Kids or having a PhD?) We have just the list for you! Read on for favorites (or find top gifts for science lovers of any kind).
Biology is the study of living things, so in some ways we can all relate to this fascinating subject! But of course, everyone has a sub-set of this subject nearest and dearest to their hearts. We’ve split this guide into sections so the best gifts for your favorite biologists will be easier to pick out using the areas of life science they love most!
The Naturalists
These ones are easy to shop for because, well, they love nature. You can donate to their favorite nature fund, if they have one, but here are some other ideas they’ll put to good use, too.
For amazing gifts for younger biologists-in-training, give a nature backpack kit. Designed especially for kids (but also great for adults), these take-anywhere kits are stuffed with the tools they need for exploring the world around them. From nature guide books to sketch pads to magnifying glasses, our nature backpack kits provide it all.
Other gift ideas for nature-loving biologists:
- A pair of good binoculars
- A tree, flower, or bird field guide book
- A flower press for preserving their outdoor finds.
If you’re a DIYer, you could even make them a plant press or build frames or cases for displaying their favorite collections!
The Animal Lovers
So perhaps gifting a cat or dog won’t be the right choice (unless it’s on their wish list), but here are some other gift ideas for those friends and family members who adore animals.
For anyone who is fascinated by insects, you’ll definitely want to get them a butterfly garden kit or an ant farm. They will get to watch the beautiful metamorphosis of one and the fascinating tunnel-digging abilities of the other!
Other ways for your animal-loving friends and family to see life-cycles up close: a frog hatchery or aquatic Triops kit. (Ones of the best things about Triops: no need to send in a coupon in for the live critters – you can start hatching them in water almost immediately!)
Fish can also provide hours of entertainment, but be sure to look for the kind of small and easy-clean tanks that won’t require much upkeep.
The Anatomists
For gifts for the biologists who love studying the human body, consider an anatomical model that shows details of even tiny segments. Look for a human torso model or a model of the ear or eye or heart. And for kids who want to grow up to be doctors or nurses, get an x-ray set so they can pretend-play while also really learning what bones look like.
These folks might also truly be interested in dissection kits in order to enjoy the opportunity to take apart a preserved cow eye or find out what a frog’s heart looks like. Gross, but in the best sort of way! (There are also sheep brains, sharks, and much more. Add a dissection tool kit to make it a complete ready-to-go gift).
Seekers of Tiny Worlds
ForAnd finally, at the top of the list of gifts for biologists of any age: a microscope! Whether you’re shopping for a young beginner or an advanced student or a PhD, you can find an instrument that will let them explore the world up-close and personal at their own skill levels. And yes, microscopes are a big investment. But no list is complete without one! Look for 1000X magnification and get one that will last a lifetime.
Our Home Microscope is the best all-around favorite option, but there are also pocket microscopes for the lower budget and deluxe microscopes for the professionals (or soon-to-be professionals). Or for a wider range of use, get a stereo microscope for looking at rock crystals, insects, leaves, etc.
These can be a thrilling and much-used gift for the whole family!
That’s the end of our list of gifts for biologists, but be sure to check out more gifts for science lovers if you need other ideas!
And for the wannabe (or real) physicists in your life, browse mind-blowing physics toys.
