18 Best Gifts for Geneticists (in 2024)

8 min read

Last edited: December 5th, 2024

It's hard to know what qualifies as a genetics gift, but we've scoured several sources to find the most popular and quality gifts for geneticists that will definitely win a smile. This list has seventeen unique, lovable items that geneticists will cherish. You won't find punny joke mugs or tacky t-shirts, sorry!

Whether it’s a graduation gift, birthday present or Christmas gift, I hope this gift guide helps you finish your shopping faster than ever. Show them you understand their passion for genetics 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!

Gifts for Geneticists under $20

1. Science Word Magnets

Science-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.

The science basics word magnet set was designed by PhD scientists to have the best range of technical words plus some unrelated words to add some fun! These are an exceptionally good gift because the recipient will see them daily and use them often!

Also now available on Amazon.

2. Watercolor DNA Science Art Canvas Painting

This watercolor DNA canvas painting is sure to pique a geneticist’s interest. Made with high-quality canvas material, this wall art print showcases a beautiful painting of a double helix - the description of the structure of a DNA molecule. The artwork shows a piece of human genes and is a great addition to any house, lounge, or other space where they want to display their passion for their profession.

Check the price on Amazon.

3. Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity

Jamie Metzl's Hacking Darwin is a superbly written book about how genetic engineering is disturbing the very basis of our life, including sex, war, love, and death. He takes us on a journey into the future, into a world where we can design children, create life from scratch, and recreate the flora and fauna that surrounds us, while raising ethical concerns about these possibilities. It's the perfect book gift for a geneticist, and he or she will undoubtedly enjoy it.

Check the price on Amazon.

4. The Selfish Gene: 40th Anniversary Edition

A foundational book for geneticists 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 the role of evolution on our genetics. It’s highly recommended for someone who’s interested in biology or genetics.

Check the price on Amazon.

5. DNA Double Helix Earrings

These DNA earrings will resonate with a genetics or genomics enthusiast and make a beautiful present. They're one-of-a-kind, adorable, and small enough to wear to work while still looking stylish. They’re made of zinc alloy and have an elegant silver color to perfectly match the outfit they’re rocking.

Check the price on Amazon.

6. GIANTmicrobes DNA Plush

This next one may seem like a young child's toy, but we've seen many PhD's purchase and love these to death. This amazing company makes a full line of plush microbes, cells and organs the size of a small stuffed animal! The best one for a genetics and genomics major is the DNA Plush, which includes a printed card with fun, educational and fascinating facts about DNA!

Check the price on Amazon.

7. Cute biology-themed sticker set

For the genetics majors who love to deck out their laptop, thermos, and notebooks to keep it fun and lighthearted - this inexpensive 50-pack of cute genetics and genomics-themed stickers gives them a ton of options. Another great stocking stuffer (pair it with the Science Word Magnets above)!

Check the price on Amazon.

Gifts for Geneticists under $50

8. Tree of Life Infinity DNA Necklace

Necklaces are an important accent to any outfit, and this DNA tree of life necklace would make a meaningful gift for any geneticist. The DNA double helix is beautifully fused into the tree’s branches and roots, symbolizing the role of genetics in evolution. It's a stylish and meaningful necklace that makes a strong fashion statement.

Check the price on Amazon.

9. DNA Necktie

The DNA necktie is the ideal finishing touch for a subtley nerdy work outfit, allowing your favorite geneticist to sport the unique blend of biology and fashion that they've been dying for. This one-of-a-kind gift for genetics and genomics fans has a DNA design embroidered onto fabric and can be worn for nearly any occasion. Crafted in 100% microfiber, you can be certain that this DNA necktie will impress no matter where they go.

Check the price on Amazon.

10. Modern Lab Coat Pocket Protector

Geneticists study the roots of variety, and this is one gift that will add some self-expression to their otherwise boring lab coat. 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. Geneticists need these back in their labs to stay organized, stay efficient, protect their lab coats, 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.

pink women's pocket protector for science and STEM lab work

11. Board Games Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game

We all get bored at work, regardless of our profession, and having a board game to pass the time is always appreciated. The strategic board game Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game is based on Punnett squares and Gregor Mendel's pea plants. 1 to 5 players assume the roles of research scientists tasked with gathering and validating experimental data on pea plants. Because it's all about genetics, this is a terrific present for geneticists to play at work or at home with their families.

Check the price on Amazon.

12. On the Origin of Species

With his theory of evolution, Charles Darwin changed the world. This hypothesis also prompted scientists to reconsider the question of heredity and inheritance, resulting in the advancement of genetics. Charles Darwin's original work On the Origin of Species, first published on November 24, 1859, is widely regarded as the origin of evolutionary biology. From a historical perspective, it's a fascinating read that every geneticist will surely love to have on their bookshelf.

Check the price on Amazon.

13. The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

Walter Isaacson's The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race is an excellent book for geneticists. It's a portrayal of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist - Jennifer Doudna - that delves into the impact of James Watson's work The Double Helix on her career and how her team's invention of CRISPR technology paved the way for breakthrough DNA-editing techniques to disease prevention.

Check the price on Amazon.

14. rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Mechanical pencils are an essential daily tool for geneticists on the job and in the classroom. But in the new digital age, geneticists often find themselves using touchscreens 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 geneticists. 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.

15. Set of 3 DNA-themed Cookie Cutters

A must-have gift for a foodie loving geneticist includes these DNA, Chromosome and Chromosome Y-shaped cookie cutters made of food-grade stainless steel! Now they can bake delicious chromosome cookies and share them with other genetics lovers!

Check the price on Amazon.

16. Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook

Geneticists do a lot of work both on paper and with software. 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 laboratory 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 reusable? 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.

Gifts for Geneticists under $100

17. MyHeritage DNA Test Kit: Genetic Testing for Ancestry & Ethnicity

Are you looking for the perfect nerdy gift for the geneticist in your life? MyHeritage DNA kits are a special experience for your favorite geneticist. When you offer someone a DNA test, you're introducing them to a side of their heritage they didn't know about. This kit includes a high-resolution breakdown that includes 42 ethnicities and pinpoints your roots among 2,114 geographic places, indicating the pathways your forefathers took over centuries. The results are presented in an easy-to-understand animated format.

Check the price on Amazon.

18. New 100% Cotton Lab Coats designed for Chemists

Most Geneticists I know 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 geneticists love! Released in 2024, the Louis and Curie lab coats are consistently reviewed as "the best lab coat I've ever had".

For genetics and genomics labs specifically, the tapered knit cuffs are especially important for protecting work from contamination from your skin and keeping clunky oversized cuffs from knocking over expensive glassware. We also made sure to use 100% cotton, which is more breathable than polyester. The two versions are tailored to fit male and female builds differently, with a wide size range and adjustable belt so geneticists 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!