18 Best Gifts for Biologists (in 2024)

by Bernard Abog 8 min read

The internet is overflowing with biology-specific gifts, but we've scoured our sources to find the most popular and high-quality gifts for biologists that will definitely win a smile.

I hope this gift guide helps you finish your shopping faster than ever. Show them you understand their passion for biology and relish the moment when they geek out over your perfect gift.

This list is a compilation of our favorites from around the internet. Some are our own Genius Lab Gear inventions and some we’re just jealous we didn’t think of first! Some external links in this page are from affiliates, which means that any purchase of the items after clicking the link will result in a small monetary referral fee paid back to Genius Lab Gear at no cost to you. We appreciate your support which allows us to continue inventing and testing the best tools for scientists on the planet!

1. Microbiology Word Magnets

Biology-themed gifts are rarely as entertaining and enduring as our science-themed word magnet sets! We recently launched these to encourage creativity and self-expression in labs, classrooms and offices. Each specialty pack comes with 144 tiles carefully designed by a PhD in that field for technical accuracy and tacit absurdity.

So far, we have sets for Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Academia, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Ecology, PhD Balance (mental health in grad school) and Basic Science. Most people grab a 2, 3, or 4-pack that represents their unique experience in STEM. I would suggest the Science Basics, Biology and Ecology packs for a Biologist, and add an Academia pack if they are a professor or graduate student.

Also now available on Amazon.

Biologist cell-fies magnetic poetry gift

2. rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Mechanical pencils are considered a daily essential for biologists. They let you precisely draw diagrams for homework or professional work with the option to make fine adjustments with the eraser. In the new digital age, mechanical pencils are still required but biologists often find themselves using touch screens as well.

That’s why my new favorite is the rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil, (0.5 mm). This one turns from a pencil to a stylus on the fly, and also ensures the tip isn’t poking holes in your pocket all day like most other models. This is truly the top-end mechanical pencil and will make a special gift.

Check price on Amazon

Staedtler is another brand much-loved by biologists. This model is cheaper and will last a long time, but just isn’t convertible to a stylus. You can’t go wrong with either one.

3. Pocket Microscope with Aspheric Lens System

Biologists often use microscopes to study the smallest units of life that cannot be seen by the naked eye. But being in the field collecting samples to study means they don’t have access to a regular microscope. The solution? A pocket microscope!

It’s a fully functional mini-microscope that may be carried around with you at all times. It's designed to be lightweight and portable. The magnification can even reach up to 120x! This is the perfect gift to help a biologist explore the wonderful unseen world around them in great detail.

Check the price on Amazon.

4. DNA Desk Model

Desk decors are a meaningful and budget-friendly gift. It’s pretty, yet practical. This funny modern desk decor, shaped like the famous DNA double helix, pays tribute to their incredible work. It’s packed in a kraft gift box and comes with a blank card. All you have to do is add some heartfelt words and you're good to go!

Check the price on Amazon.

5. Microbes In Magnifying Glass Enamel Lapel Pin

This Microbes in magnifying glass enamel lapel pin is a unique gift for your favorite biologist to showcase their passion for what they do. Made from high-quality metal with gold-colored brass plating, this pin lends a whimsical touch to lab coats, professional attire at conferences, and even everyday wear.

Check the price on Amazon.

6. Photosynthesis Board Game

Did you know there’s a board game about plants? Say hello to Photosynthesis by Blue Orange Games -- an award-winning strategy board game that makes an ideal gift for a biologist who’s into trees, botany and strategic board games. As a biologist, their work revolves around the living organisms on Earth. This entertaining game challenges them to survive the life-cycle of a tree by taking care of them from seedling to full bloom to rebirth.

Check the price on Amazon.

7. Geometric Terrarium Container

This geometric terrarium container is a wonderful gift for a biology nerd. It’s simple and adaptable. It adds a fashionable touch of life to their workspace and makes it more poetic and peaceful. Succulents, air plants, tiny plants, fern, cactus, moss, air plants, and other decorative objects work well in this container and will look like a mini garden!

Check the price on Amazon.

8. Lab Coat Pocket Protector

From organizing their precision tools to adding a touch of style to their lab coats, this accessory will be appreciated and put to good use by any biologist. The venerable Pocket Protector became a cultural icon in the 1960's and 1970's, but somewhere along the way the newer generation of STEM researchers forgot about them.

Biologists need these back in their labs to stay organized, stay efficient, protect their work clothes, and finish their experiments without being late to lunch. So we researched and tested every type ever made to methodically solve each problem and come up with this refreshed design.

Available in spruce green, sapphire blue, and faded pink - the top 3 colors voted on by our fans! You can even get it from our Amazon page if that's easier.

pocket protector gift for scientists and biologists working in laboratories

Check the price on Amazon.

9. Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game

Created with the stamp of approval of the Journal of Cell Science, the world finally has a board game about cell biology! The gameplay is similar to other fun and popular board games, using the "worker placement" style, but all of the content is meant to satisfy your love for cell biology!

Check the price on Amazon.

10. Tree of Life Poster Print

Art meets biology in this laminated Tree of Life deco poster print, perfect for the creative biology geek in your life. It portrays the history of existing life in a way that is meticulously researched, scientifically accurate, and artistically drawn. It includes an 8-page booklet that goes over the evolutionary tree in greater detail, as well as 24 game cards that may be played with the Tree of Life art poster.

Check the price on Amazon.

11. 12 Bugs Collection Desk Decoration

You can never go wrong with a durable, ultra-clear bug collection acrylic block as a present for any insect-loving biology enthusiast. 12 real specimens of bugs are featured in this lovely leg-filled desk decor; Grasshopper, Cicada, 2 types of Chafer beetle, Scorpion, Antler horn beetle, Weevil, Shield bug, Spider, Stag beetle, Blister beetle, and Wasp. Don’t worry, they’re ethically gathered!

Check the price on Amazon.

12. GIANTMicrobes - DNA Plush

If your favorite biologist loves stuffed animals, they’ll surely be a fan of this DNA Plush by Giant Microbes. It may seem like a young child's toy, but we've seen many PhD's in biology purchase and love these to death. It's definitely a humorous gift that will be appreciated, but it's also informative! This amazing company makes a full line of plush microbes to choose from!

Check the price on Amazon.

13. Forest Animal Cookie Cutters

This is the epitome of a nature celebration! A must-have gift for a foodie animal-loving biologist that includes 7 assorted cute woodland animal-shaped cookie cutters made of food-grade stainless steel that’s durable and safe! Now they can bake delicious cookies and share them with other animal lovers!

Check the price on Amazon.

14. The Selfish Gene: 40th Anniversary edition

A foundational book for biologists is The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Richard Dawkins is one of our generation's most well-known science communicators and writers. The book helps build a better picture of humanity and nature. This book is recommended for someone who’s interested in biology or genetics, perfect for your favorite biologist.

Check the price on Amazon.

15. Rat Mood Chart - Framed Canvas Wrap

A biologist working with “rodent models” will be rolling on the floor laughing if they receive this fun tongue-in-cheek canvas. Lab rats have their own personalities and understandably get anxious about the next experiment. This framed floating canvas print is a hilarious addition to a biologist’s home, office, or laboratory. Make sure they record the mood via the angle, length, and height of the rat in your lab notebook. Angle, length, and height may need to be normalized by species.

You can order this canvas print directly through our site.

Click here to see our collection of science and laboratory wall art prints!

16. The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution, and the Origins of Complex Life

Nick Lane, an award-winning author and biochemist, sets out to answer questions and ideas about life’s emergence and evolution in his book called “The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution, and the Origins of Complex Life”. “Why are we as we are?” “Why are we here at all?” “Why did complex life like animals and plants arise from a single ancestor only once in the history of our planet?” “Why two sexes and not three or four or 12?” All the answers can be found in this enthralling book. A perfect read for a biologist who’s always been fascinated about life.

Check the price on Amazon.

17. The Ghosts Of Evolution: Nonsensical Fruit, Missing Partners, and Other Ecological Anachronisms

The Ghosts of Evolution is a fascinating, innovative, and intriguing work of writing that everyone interested in nature and its many components should read. The book explains that some plant species in North America, according to the author, Connie Barlow, are lacking their animal equivalents. Honey locust, persimmon, osage orange, and bitter melon were introduced by now-extinct species such as Mammoths, giant sloths, camels, and local horses 15,000 years ago. Anyone who enjoys a stroll in the woods or even down a city sidewalk will find this book an enriching experience.

Check the price on Amazon.

18. A thoughtful STEM gift box for biologists and microbiologists

Since we love the items in this list so much, we’ve created a few gift boxes with many of these items all in one. The Delighted Genius Gift Box with the Biologist pin or Microbiologist pin aims to put a smile on the face of the recipient by packaging our best-selling items with a pair of chemical and solvent-proof Muji pens and an enamel pin of your choice from Science on a Postcard. These are the items everyone posts on their social media about because they are so excited to receive them! It’s a fun gift set at an affordable price.