The nights are growing darker and there is snow on the ground here in Munich as winter draws close 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 what if the socks you gift not only proclaim your love for the Earth, planetary and space sciences but also help support brilliant science communication?! That’s one of the many reasons we love these Earth and space socks by Kurzgesagt. Not only are they comfy and stylish, they support the work of the science communicators at Kurzgesagt who produce videos on a range of science topics for public audiences. Head over to their YouTube channel to learn more and to their shop to check out their cool nerdy gift options!
4. A geo-calendar… or print.
What better way to greet each day of 2024 than with an appropriately geological themed calendar! We love this gorgeous calendar by Rocks on Paper (which is sadly now sold out), but if a whole calendar isn’t what you are looking for, what about a beautiful artistic print of your favourite mineral or rock specimen? Head over to their shop to see the whole range, or search for local geoscientist artists in your area! Don’t forget to mark in EGU24 when your calendar arrives!!
3. Space puzzles!
Sometimes the holiday period can feel difficult to fill – perhaps you have extended family and/or friends visiting, perhaps you need to keep people occupied whilst you wrap a small gift or prepare a meal… One easy solution for this, especially for entertaining adults, is a jigsaw puzzle – the more fiendishly difficult the better! In my house we are a big fan of Blue Kazoo, who make stunning space themed jigsaw puzzles like this 1000 piece Tarantula Nebula puzzle. Not only is a space themed jigsaw puzzle bound to keep people occupied for hours (even days), Blue Kazoo also use recycled cardboard and fully biodegradeable packaging. We got ours from our local game store but you can also see their full range online.
2. A glass of science.
Finding tasteful and appealing science home-wares can be a real difficulty for those of us who like to wear our passion for our subject on our sleeve (or on our shelves), but this year if you are looking for science home-wares, look no further than Cognitive Surplus and their lovely range of geoscience themed glassware! Ever wished you could have a diagram of the layers of the atmosphere to hand during a dinner party, to aid your explanations? Now you can with the ‘Above the Earth’ drinking glass! Enjoying a delicious brunch but wishing you could show your fellow diners the way the rock cycle works? The ‘Rock Cycle’ glass has you covered! If these options don’t quite fit your fancy there are many other places you can try – we especially recommend popping in to your local Museum shop.
1. A geoscience book
Often also considered a basic option, a good book doesn’t always have to be a new release. This year’s recommendation comes from EGU’s Editorial Manager, Eduardo Queiroz Alves, the book ‘The Sea Around Us’ by Rachel Carson. Eduardo says, “I have good memories of reading ‘The Sea Around Us’ by Rachel Carson during my PhD. The book describes several aspects of ocean science in a non-technical and compelling way. It presents an amazing balance between science and storytelling, and I remember being captivated by the poetic descriptions of the natural world. Check it out and happy reading!” 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 2023 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 discounted registration to EGU24. 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!
