12 Unique Holiday Gifts for the Geek in Your Family

Geeky is the new cool! Not sure what to get the science enthusiast on your list? Check out these awesome science-themed holiday gifts for kids (and adults) of all ages.

For Science Prodigies, Ages 0 — 4

Get your kids interested in science while they’re young with these geeky toys that are perfect for holiday gifts.

Periodic Table Building Blocks

You know you want your kid’s first word to be Praseodymium. Your young one can learn one of the building blocks of science, the periodic table, with these periodic table building blocks. $35 from Amazon.

Plush Organs

What plush toy could be better at stealing your little one’s affection than a plush heart? These plush organs also come in other varieties too, like stomach, brain and lungs. They’re available from Uncommon Goods for $18.

Glow-in-the-Dark Moon Decal

The moon is the world’s nightlight. Now, your child can have their very own mini-moon for their bedroom. This decal is strikingly realistic and glows in the dark.

For Elementary School-Aged Science Fans

The science most kids learn at this age is elementary, but they’ll go beyond that with these ultra-cool gifts.

3D Doodler Pen

 Kids can get seriously creative with the 3Doodler 3D pen. Instead of ink, the pen releases a thin string of plastic that hardens quickly and allows them to create all sorts of 3D shapes. There are a couple of different versions that’ll run you between $50 and $100 depending on the kit you want to purchase.

GoldieBlox and the Spinning Machine

This educational toy is aimed at girls but could teach any kid valuable engineering principles. It comes with all the pieces necessary to easily build a belt drive machine. You also get a storybook and several fun animal figurines.

Star Wars BB-8 App Droid

Child Star Wars enthusiasts can now have their very own versions of the series’ new droid hero, BB-8. It might seem like they’re controlling their new friend with the force, but actually the droid connects to a smartphone or tablet for realistic movement.

For the Geeky Middle Schooler

I have a friend who claims she peaked in middle school. I can’t say the same, but I think I might have if I’d had some of these awesome toys.

iPhone Microscope

It seems like kids are getting cell phones when they’re younger and younger these days. If you child has a smart phone or tablet, this gift will be perfect. If they don’t and you’re exceptionally trusting, let them borrow yours! This mini-microscope attaches to any smartphone to capture images of the microscopic world, all for the minuscule price of  about $25.

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Legos are awesome, except for when you step on them. But it’s a lot harder to do that when they’re walking around the house! That’s right. Your kids can build and program their own Lego robot. Let’s just hope it doesn’t step on you.

For High School Aged Science Buffs

Rule the school’s science fair with these awesome holiday gifts!

Museum Membership

You heard it here first. Museums are the cool place to be for high school kids this year. So get your favorite teen one of the almost endless choices of museum memberships, so they can be cool and learn some stuff too.

Night Sky Playing Cards 

Is it written in the stars? Or is it all in the cards? It’s both with this night sky-themed card deck. For only $5.95, your kids can play cards and learn about the constellations all at the same time.

Music Activated Car Stickers

 Ah, high school. It’s a time when many of us get that first taste of freedom: a driver’s license. Alert other motorists that there’s a new driver on the road with these stickers that attach to the window of your vehicle and light up in sync with your music.

For Budding College Aged Scientists 

Whether you’re majoring in science or not, these gifts are the perfect accessory for college kids interested in anything science-y.

Science Beaker Flask Planters

If you major in science in college, you might end up pretty much living in the lab. So why not make your apartment remind you of home a little? Bring the joys of the lab home, and decorate your college apartment with these science beaker flask planters, available on Etsy.

Holiday Gifts For Adult Mad Scientists

It’s always the perfect time to flaunt your interest in the geekier things in life. These gifts will bring a smile to the face any of the science-savvy folks on your list.

Periodic Table Cutting Board

Every science enthusiast needs to know the periodic table. Why not review it as you get ready to sit down at the kitchen table? You can realize that dream with this beautiful $20 periodic table cutting board.

Freudian Sips Mug

Get psyched for your day with this Freud themed, punny coffee mug. Even the product’s name is a pun! Get it from Amazon for only $16.

Keyboard Waffle Irons

You know what goes great with a Freudian Sips coffee mug? A keyboard waffle iron, obviously! This unique breakfast accessory started out as an art project but thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, is now a reality. Thank goodness!

There’s clearly no shortage of unique holiday gifts for the unique geeky, science enthusiasts on your list. Happy shopping!  Anything in particular you hope to get this year? Let me know in the comments below!

This article was updated in May 2021 to update some products that have become unavailable at previously mentioned locations.