The nights are growing darker and there is snow on the ground here in Munich as winter draws in, in the Northern Hemisphere, and at this time of year you are probably thinking about what gifts to get that special geoscientist in your life! We know sourcing appropriately nerdy and/or geology related gifts can sometimes be a challenge, so we in the EGU office are back again to help you out with our top 5 gifts you could get for your favourite rock-botherer, lab-denizen or star-gazer! If you want more ideas check back on our previous gifts for geoscientists suggestions, including last year’s suggestions (we even have some last minute gift ideas we came up with during the lockdowns). Please note, the suggestions here come predominantly from Europe, so make sure you choose the location that is most suitable for you for shipping purposes, and where possible remember to support your local retailers to reduce the carbon impact of your gift giving. This post is not sponsored, the EGU staff just like the items we suggest.
Without further ado, we ho-ho-hope you like our ideas!
5. Geo-SOCKS!
We have suggested socks before and yes, they are often a bit of a basic option, but sometimes you just need a simple gift! These comfy socks are part of a range produced by MuseARTa, who put famous works of art on socks – so you can gift something to the geoscientist AND art lover in your life! Items like this can be found in your local Museum shop, or, if you are in Germany, in certain department stores.
Audrey is not the biggest fan of having her photo taken…
2. Something for the four-legged geoscientist…!
Winter gifts aren’t just for humans – perhaps your geoscientist has a furry friend that you could get them a gift for! These adorable little neckerchiefs from Pug and Puffin are a great way for your pooch to say, I love geology AND I’m stylish! Pug and Puffin are based in the UK, but you can also find similar gifts in your local pet shop.
3. Calming ocean science puzzles
Do you just want a calm little puzzle for a gift for an overworked scientist in your life? Our geoscience puzzle suggestion this year is ‘Sea Stax‘ a challenge based game that can be played competitively with multiple people – or as a simple mindfulness exercise playing it solo. Taking the blocks shaped like various ocean creatures, your task is to fit them all into the space designated by the card you pull from the deck. It’s an easy game to learn and fun for hours. We got ours from our local board game store, you can find out where to get yours here.
2. A pocket microscope!
If you are looking for a gift for the scientist-on-the-go in your circle, or even a budding future scientist – how about a pocket microscope! Not only are these entertaining and useful in the long run, they are also great gifts when you are looking to gift someone an item that they can get enjoyment out of straight away! Take them out on a frosty winter walk, examine your other gifts or attack them to your phone to take close up images -it’s hours of fun! To find one of your own, we especially recommend popping in to your local Museum shop.
1. A work of geoscientific fiction
When we think of giving someone an Earth, planetary or space themed book, we tend to think of the non-fiction shelves of our local library or independent bookseller. But the world of science fiction has taken some spectacular and entertaining steps into geoscience, that are well worth an explore if our geoscientist is a fan of fiction. One of my ultimate favourites is the ‘Broken Earth’ Trilogy, by N.K. Jemisin, starting with ‘The Fifth Season’. One of the most original magic systems I have come across, Jemisin creates a word beset by geological change and chaos, where only a few have the power to influence those forces. The story examines the way that these magic users are treated in a society that needs them and fears them in equal parts, and follows the tales of three women navigating this strange/familiar, ever shifting world. Head to your local bookseller to pick up a copy!
Honorable mention: an EGU membership!
Yes this one is harder to wrap, but what would a season gift list be without an EGU membership in your… er… digital stocking?! We may be a little biased, but this is the perfect 2024 gift for that beloved geoscientist in your life. At only €20, you can get them a whole year of access to EGU’s programs, funding, awards, committees, a newsletter, workshops and training AND discounts for publishing with EGU journals and for registration to EGU25. So head online right now to find out how to renew your geoscientist’s EGU membership. And hey, if you want to renew yours at the same time, that’s not such a bad idea.
Happy holidays everyone – and good luck with your gifting!
