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9 Unique Neuroscience Gifts (for 2023)
It's hard to know what qualifies as a neuroscience-specific gift, but we've scoured several sources to find the most popular and high-quality gifts for neuroscientists that will definitely win a smile.
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 neuroscience 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. Neuroscience 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 Neuroscience word magnet set was designed by Dr. Stephanie Caligiuri, who hosts The People's Scientist podcast about Neuroscience. These are an exceptionally good gift because the recipient will see them daily and use them often!
2. Lab Coat Pocket Protector
From cutting-edge labs to the frontiers of the human mind, these humble pocket protectors can be seen as a symbol of style and sophistication for this brainy bunch, combining intellect with impeccable fashion sense.
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. Neuroscientists 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.
3. I Heart Guts Brain Plush
This next one may seem like a young child's toy, but we've seen many PhD's in neuroscience purchase and love these to death. This amazing company makes a full line of plush organs and cells the size of a small stuffed animal!
4. Fun science stickers
For a tight budget, you can grab any of these fun science stickers for $3-$5 with free shipping anywhere in the world! Many of these support a specific cause or group promoting diversity or positive changes in public policy. They are waterproof and perfect for a thermos, laptop or notebook!
5. Neuroscience Watercolor Prints of the Brain
To add some mindful color to your office, lab or home space, grab this stunning set of three watercolor prints from the coronal, axial and saggital views of the human brain. Many scientists have trouble choosing artwork, but when science IS the art, it's a no-brainer.
6. Cajal's Butterflies of the Soul: Science and Art
"Butterflies of the Soul" is a gorgeous, classic book for neuroscientists that details beautiful hand-drawn scientific diagrams from the early advancements of neuroscience in the 1800's and early 1900's. Discover how the first neuroscientists made sense of their findings without the advanced tools we have today and watch the seeds of modern neuroscience theory grow from their first observations. An essential in the collection of any professional neuroscientist.
8. The Delighted Genius Gift Box with Neuroscientist Pin
If you can't decide on just one thing, try one of our curated STEM gift boxes! The Delighted Genius Gift Box is our smallest gift box that 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 Sakura Gelly Roll pens and an enamel pin of your choice (choose Neuroscientist!) 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.
9. This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
If your favorite neuroscientist is a music junkie, This Is Your Brain on Music is an absolute must-have. Daniel J. Levitin, a rocker-turned-neuroscientist, analyzes the relationship between music and the human brain in this pioneering fusion of art and science. It contains a wealth of useful information about how music works, how it affects the brain, and how playing, listening to, and composing music differ. It's a great book for the neuro-nerd in your life!
10. Anatomic Brain Specimen Coasters
Another excellent gift for someone with a neuroscience background is this set of 10 brain cross-section coasters. It’s a unique and interesting neurology-themed gift for your favorite neuroscientist. The slices are reminiscent of a CAT scan map of your brain and each shows complete detail in each layer.! They’re also constructed of glass and have four traction-enhancing rubber feet. It’s an excellent addition to their home or workspace to include a little bit of neuroscience-themed design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is a good gift for a neuroscientist?
Anything that's practical, functional or can help them show their love for neuroscience. Here are our favorites:
- Neuroscience Word Magnets
- Pocket Protector for lab coats
- Brain Plush
- Fun science stickers
- Watercolor Prints of the Brain
- Cajal's Butterflies of the Soul: Science and Art
- The Delighted Genius Gift Box with Neuroscientist Pin
- This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
- Anatomic Brain Specimen Coasters
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!
Gifts for Scientists
Gifts for Astrophysicists
Gifts for Biologists
Gifts for Geologists
Unique Neuroscience Gifts
Unique Microbiology Gifts
Best Biochemistry Gifts
Gifts for Pharmacy Students
Gifts for Physics Teachers
Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Scientists
Gifts for Professors and Grad School PIs
Unique Gifts for Graduate and PhD Students
Unique Ecology Gifts for Students or Professionals
Gifts for Chemists and Chemistry Students
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