24 Best Gifts for Biology Teachers in 2024

Last updated: November 16th, 2024

It’s no easy task to find the right gift for a biology teacher. They tend to want things that are practical yet unique and a little nerdy. So to help you along, I wanted to assemble what I think are the best gift ideas for a biology teacher. This collection will show them that you understand their love of biology and support them in their passions.

This list is a compilation of my 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. Biology 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.

2. 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.

3. Biology-themed sticker set

For the biology teacher who loves to deck out their laptop, thermos, and notebooks to keep it fun and lighthearted - this inexpensive 50-pack of biology-themed stickers gives them a ton of options. Another great stocking stuffer!

Check the price on Amazon.

4. GIANTmicrobes Animal Cell Structure Plushy

Adult stuffed animals have been trending lately so we bet they'll be a fan of this Animal Cell Plush by GIANTmicrobes. It may seem like a young child's toy, but we've seen many adult biology lovers purchase and love these to death. It's definitely a humorous gift that will be appreciated, but it's also informative and fun for a biology classroom! This amazing company makes a full line of plush microbes to choose from!

Check the price on Amazon.

5. Anatomical Body Parts Cookie Cutter

This anatomical body parts cookie cutter set is a whimsical gift for a biology teacher in your life who also loves to bake. It's made of food-grade stainless steel, so it'll last a long time! The set includes 4 biology-themed designs: lungs, kidney, heart, and brain! Now they can bake delicious science cookies and share them with their fellow teachers and students. It’s also perfect for school events and graduation parties!

Check the price on Amazon.

6. Charles Darwin Finger Puppet and Refrigerator Magnet

Many students' love for biology was ignited by biology teachers. Just like Charles Darwin, the "Father of Evolution", one of the most prominent biologists in the world. That's why this Charles Darwin finger puppet makes a fun gift for your biology teacher. It's wonderful for classroom storytelling or mock discussions. The 4-inch tall puppet is also a magnet that can be go on a fridge or magnetic white board.

Check the price on Amazon.

7. Lab Coat Pocket Protector

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.

Biology Teachers and STEM professionals need these back for work to stay organized, stay efficient, and protect their work clothes. 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.

Check the price on Amazon.

8. Small succulent planter pot for teachers

A lot of teacher gifts are random, but this 3-piece succulent planter set is nice for biology teachers because they tend to love plants! It's a nice combo of a way to appreciate your biology teacher while supporting their love of the natural world. 

9. Biology and Anatomy posters for biology classroom

Biology teachers often end up decorating their classroom out of their own pocket, which is a travesty based on how we already underpay teachers. Let's help them out where we can by covering the cost of a few things that can make their classroom experience more fun and inviting.

This is a nice, inexpensive biology-themed poster set that includes most essential reference diagrams on the subjects biology instructors will need to cover. It covers topics from about 8th grade to 12th grade.

10. Peptide: A Protein Building Card Game

We often recommend things from Genius Games, and this new one called Peptides is about Biology! It's a bit like a worker placement game but with cards instead of pieces. You have to understand the functions of each card and how they work together to win the game!

This is more for the family of a biology educator who wants to get their kids, nephews, or nieces involved. But as a gift for them, it creates quite enriching moments where their passion for their work can shine through at home!

11. Virulence: An Infectious Card Game

One more hit from Genius Games, Virulence lets you act as a virus with malicious intent to take over the host! This is another worker placement-style card game where you have to learn how viruses work in order to win.

This one is accessible for middle schoolers but can still be entertaining for early high school and adults. For the biology teacher, it's a great after-school bonus activity for interested kids.

12. The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets

RNA has been the sidekick of DNA for too long. Remember the COVID vaccine which was created within a few days of the virus being genetically sequenced? That was because of RNA.

This new book does a deep dive on why RNA is the real hero of modern biology and genetics. It controls so many aspects of humans and nature that a biology teacher who understands it is well-equipped to teach their students the secrets of life on our planet.

13. Sunprint kit - Capture shapes in print

I did this one as a kid and can never forget it! Sunprints use a special photosensitive paper that turns a rich blue when exposed to the sun. The coolest thing is that you can block the sun with shapes to capture that shape on paper!

So imagine finding some little dead bugs, unique leaves or flowers, and capturing it in detail on this fun print! Most biology lovers would love doing this for fun themselves or at a recess break with the classroom to get them interested in the natural world.

One other cool thing you can do - let a slow bug crawl across it and see if you can capture their trail!

14. New 100% Cotton Lab Coats designed for Scientists

If they work in a laboratory, most biologists wear lab coats daily. And most of them hate their lab coats. That's why we spent 3 years designing and modifying a lab coat that scientists love! Released in 2024, the Louis and Curie lab coats are consistently reviewed as "the best lab coat I've ever had". (The Louis is named after renowned biologist Louis Pasteur, as voted on by our fans.)

For biology labs specifically, the tapered knit cuffs are especially important for protecting wrists from chemicals and prevent skin and hairs from contaminating their work! The two versions are tailored to fit male and female builds differently, with a wide size range and adjustable belt so biologists can finally feel great in their lab coat at work.

This is one to clue them in about beforehand so you can get the sizing right and make sure it meets their lab safety requirements! Or, you can grab a refundable $75 gift card to let them grab their own lab coat plus a pocket protector!

15. The Biology Coloring Book

Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore. This biology-themed coloring book is a creative way for biology teachers to de-stress, enhance creativity, or simply have fun while grading students' work. It's chock-full of amusing drawings and fundamental concepts of biology that your favorite biology teacher (and even their students) is sure to appreciate! Definitely a fun gift for a deserving teacher one who needs a little break from work.

Check the price on Amazon.

16. Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook

This is my favorite clever invention. It was inevitable. Rocketbook finally solved the problem of merging your hand-written notes into your favorite digital services. You simply use their app to take a photo of your pages of notes and the QR code and marked symbols on each page trigger the app to send the digitized page to any of the 9 pre-set digital destinations you choose. This includes OneNote, Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox and even specific emails. Want a shortcut to send notes via email straight to your colleague or boss? This is what you’re looking for.

The Rocketbook Matrix is my personal favorite because it's designed for more technical work. It's got 30 pages of graphing paper and one regular lined page for taking notes, plus a built-in ruler on the inside cover. Did I mention they are resuable? Use their "Pilot Frixion" pens and then wipe the page with a damp cloth after uploading your notes to use it all over again (and win one for the environment!). 

Check the price on Amazon.

17. Anatomical Heart Enamel Lapel Pin

This anatomical heart enamel lapel pin is a unique gift for your favorite biology teacher to showcase their passion for what they do. Made from 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.

18. Wingspan Board Game

Did you know there’s a board game about birding? Say hello to Wingspan by Stonemaier Games -- an award-winning strategy board game that makes an ideal gift for a biology teacher who loves the biological diversity that birds give us. As a biology teacher, their work revolves around teaching about all living organisms on Earth. This entertaining game challenges them to discover and attract the best birds to their aviary.

Check the price on Amazon.

19. DNA Earrings

These DNA double-helix earrings will resonate with a biology teacher and make a funny present. They're unique, adorable, and makes a stylish conversation starter. They’re made of gold, silver, or black plated stainless steel that is lead and nickel free and hypoallergenic. It’s a beautiful gift for a biology fan who wants to add some subtle nerdiness to their outfit.

Check the price on Amazon.

20. Biology Necktie

This DNA necktie is the ideal finishing touch for a subtle nerdy work outfit, allowing your favorite biology teacher to sport the unique blend of biology and fashion that they've been dying for. This fun gift for biology geeks has a beautiful print of a DNA replication process and can be worn for nearly any occasion. Crafted in 100% premium microfiber, you can be certain that this DNA necktie will integrate well with any outfit.

Check the price on Amazon.

21. Wild Animals of the World: 50 Postcards

Don't waste any more time on gift research; you've already squandered enough time in this internet jungle! If you're looking for a gift for an animal-loving biology teacher, trust us you can never go wrong with a print of colorful animals. To be more precise, the Wild Animals of the World: 50 Postcards by Dieter Braun. This lovely animal-filled set includes 50 distinct wild animal illustrations by artist Dieter Braun, each of which gives a scientifically accurate and beautifully illustrated postcard, featuring polar bears from the Arctic, pandas from Asia, llamas from South America, and more!

Check the price on Amazon.

22. The Biology Teacher's Survival Guide

Teachers, like students, are continually striving to improve and learn more. The Biology Teacher's Survival Guide is jam-packed with fresh and original ideas and activities that teachers can implement right away to enliven and enhance their biology teaching, streamline classroom management, and free up time for the many other chores that teachers must deal with on a daily basis. It's the perfect present for the new biology teacher in your life!

Check the price on Amazon.

23. Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature book

This makes for the perfect coffee table book for a biology teacher or professor who has a passion for the natural world. The original 100 hand-drawn figures inside are now over 100 years old! This publisher revitalized the work in 2023 to bring it back to life for a modern audience.

A book like this isn't about learning in a biology career - it's to reignite their passion for the natural world by admiring the detail with which Ernst studied it himself. He truly "got lost" in the subtle beauty of nature and this mindset is essential to feeding that inner passion.

24. The Selfish Gene: 40th Anniversary Edition

A foundational book for biology fans is The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Richard Dawkins is one of our generation's most well-known science communicators and writers. The landmark book helps build a better picture of humanity and nature through evolution and genetics and is an essential addition to a biologist fan’s bookshelf.

Check the price on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the best gift for a biology teacher?

Anything that's practical yet unique and a little nerdy that can help them show their love for biology. Here are our favorites:

• Science Basics Word Magnets
• Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game
• Biology-themed sticker set
• GIANTmicrobes Animal Cell Structure Plushy
• Anatomical Body Parts Cookie Cutter
• Charles Darwin Finger Puppet and Refrigerator Magnet
• Pocket Protector for lab coats
• Small succulent planter pot for teachers
• Biology and Anatomy posters for biology classroom
• Peptide: A Protein Building Card Game
• Virulence: An Infectious Card Game
• The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets
• Sunprint kit - Capture shapes in print
• New 100% Cotton Lab Coats designed for Scientists
• The Biology Coloring Book
• Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook
• Anatomical Heart Enamel Lapel Pin
• Wingspan Board Game
• DNA Earrings
• Biology Necktie
• Wild Animals of the World: 50 Postcards
• The Biology Teacher's Survival Guide
• Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature book
• The Selfish Gene: 40th Anniversary Edition