15 Best Gifts for Science Teachers in 2023

7 min read

It can be stressful trying to find the right gift for a science teacher. They tend to want things that are practical yet unique and a little nerdy. As a scientist and former teachers’ assistant, I wanted to assemble what I think are the best gift ideas for a science teacher. This collection will show them that you understand their love of science 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. The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference

Your favorite science teacher will never forget this unique gift! They will carry this credit card-sized science ruler with them every day for a lifetime. We even laser-engraved the backside full of basic science equations and physical constants. See the product page for a full list of features we've packed in!

You can also add a custom logo to this for events, networking, or promotional giveaways! Custom orders start at 100 pieces - just email us for more info.

Available with free shipping from our website or from Amazon.

The Pocket Scientist at Genius Lab Gear
The Pocket Scientist from Amazon
How to use The Pocket Scientist – Full Feature Guide

P.S. We also have versions specifically for Chemists and Engineers if those are a better fit for the person you have in mind!

2. National Geographic Science Magic Kit

With so much focus on curriculum and improving test scores, teachers don’t get a lot of time to have fun. Games like this National Geographic scientific magic kit, on the other hand, are both entertaining and educational. It's not Harry Potter wizardry; it's science!

Check the price on Amazon

3. Science Basic 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.

So far, we have sets for 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.

Also now available on Amazon.

4. Test Tube Plant Terrarium

It's nice to leave an apple for your teacher, but it'd be even better to give them something that will last past lunch. This test tube terrarium is a great project for them to put on their desk to bring some zen into the classroom. The terrarium is made of vintage charred brown wood and high-quality glass and may be hung on the wall or placed on a table. This is a fantastic gift for the plant-obsessed science teacher in your life.

Check the price on Amazon

5. Leonardo da Vinci Premium Aerial Screw Model Kit

Your science teacher will be delighted with this Leonardo da Vinci Aerial Screw wooden model kit. The Aerial Screw is one of Leonardo's most famous drawings, and it characterizes him as a visionary artist and innovator. This operational model spins the canopy and support structure with a bevel gear from Leonardo's drawings, demonstrating how he felt flying would be possible. It's a lot of fun to construct, and they'll receive a lot of questions from eager students!

Check the price on Amazon

6. The New Science Teacher's Handbook: What You Didn't Learn From Student Teaching

Teachers, like students, are continually striving to improve and learn more. The New Science Teacher's Handbook: What You Didn't Learn From Student Teaching contains information on how to be an effective and engaging science teacher. It's the ideal gift for a new science teacher since it provides 12 practical stages to help them become a successful classroom instructor. It also contains stories about real-life events that occurred in one of the authors' classes.

Check the price on Amazon

7. Science Enamel Pin Set

This science enamel pin set is a unique gift for your favorite science teacher to showcase their passion for what they do. It comes with 9 different designs, ranging from a beaker to atomic and molecular formations, so they can mix and match on their outfit! Made from high-quality metal with soft enamel color, this pin lends a whimsical touch to lab coats, professional attire at conferences, and even everyday wear.

Check the price on Amazon

8. Outer Space Canvas with Wood Hanger

Art meets science in this solar system print on a canvas scroll wood hanger, perfect for the astronomy-loving science teacher in your life. It portrays the beauty of our solar system and is a great fit in their classroom. It's printed on sturdy, water-resistant canvas, and it's meant to motivate students to learn more about our solar system. Two wooden strips frame the scroll, and a handy rope is attached to the top. Simply unroll the canvas and hang it!

Check the price on Amazon

9. Ask a Science Teacher: 250 Answers to Questions You've Always Had About How Everyday Stuff Really Works

Larry Scheckel used the knowledge he gained from his 30+ years of teaching science, came up with 250 burning questions about science, and condensed his answers into Ask a Science Teacher: 250 Answers to Questions You've Always Had About How Everyday Stuff Really Works. This will arm the science teacher with answers and fun facts to dazzle their students. The topics span from everyday/common to more in-depth science questions, and the content is advanced enough to work in both high school and college lectures!

Check the price on Amazon

10. Subatomic: An Atom Building Game

Teachers often spend the evenings preparing study courses and grading students' papers. Anyone's day can be brightened by playing a board game with friends and family. The board game Subatomic: An Atom Building Game is ideal for a science teacher. It's a highly strategic and scientifically accurate deck-building card game about particle physics and chemistry! Because it's all about science, this is a terrific present for your science teacher to play at work with students or at home with their families.

Check the price on Amazon

11. Science Insulated Lunch Bag

If you want a practical gift that also reduces plastic use, consider a reusable science themed lunch bag. It's the ideal size to carry to work every day, and it'd be a big hit in the teacher lunchroom!

Check the price on Amazon

12. Lab Coat Pocket Protector

The venerable Pocket Protector became a geeky cultural icon in the 1960's and 1970's, but somewhere along the way people forgot about them. Scientists and science teachers need these 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.

science chemistry and biology teacher gift for experiments

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

13. Things my Students Said: A Teacher’s journal of memorable sayings from Students

This journal is a thoughtful and practical present for a science teacher. Your favorite science teacher can use Things My Students Said to record the charming, adorable, funny, quirky, and witty things their students say. Name, age, and date labels or prompts are included in this 5x8" journal so they can remember who said what and when. This gift will be much appreciated by them and will be treasured for many years. For your favorite science teacher, this makes a unique Christmas or end-of-year gift.

Check the price on Amazon

14. Science Cookie Cutters Chemistry Set

This science cookie cutters chemistry set is a whimsical gift for a science 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 science-themed chemistry designs: atom, beaker, test tube, and flask! 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

15. The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe

Gravity, black holes, matter-antimatter, light, quantum physics, time, and space are all covered in this book. It's a cosmological thriller that your science teacher will love. The Theory of Everything is a collection of the most sophisticated physics theories from the past and present. It will educate and inform readers about the rich history of scientific thought as well as the intricacies of the world in which we inhabit.

Check the price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the best gift for a science teacher?

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

More gift collections for specific types of scientists:

We've further curated several collections of our own inventions depending on the type of scientist you're looking for. See these more niche collections below for more ideas!

Pharmacy Student Gifts

Physics Teacher Gifts

Chemistry Teacher Gifts