2021 BioTechniques holiday gift guide
As another year rolls around, the frantic searching for last-minute gift inspiration has returned. But never fear as BioTechniques is here to give you a helping hand to find that perfect gift for any science lover in your life. This year we’ve got books, board games, crafts and so much more for scientists big and small – because you’re never too young to be scientist.
Books
We have a dream: meet 30 young indigenous people and people of colour protecting the planet by Mya-Rose Craig
Mya-Rose Craig, a British-Bangladeshi environmentalist and race activist also known as ‘Birdgirl’ speaks to campaigners from around the world about climate change and the environment. Discussing all things from wildlife conservation to plastic waste and climate justice, this book shares powerful messages from young people of color about the changes that need to happen to save our home and our planet.
Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science by Erika Engelhaupt
Have you always wanted to know more about the biologist who decided to get stung by countless bees in the name of science? Did you know that NASA doesn’t know if women need to have their period in space? This book is filled with the weird, the wonderful and the unbelievable. With interviews from leading researchers and a dose of humor, Gory Details delves into real-world applications of science and reminds us that science is pretty out-of-this-world!
Life as we made it by Beth Shapiro
Know any genetics enthusiasts? Beth Shapiro explores the history of human intervention in evolution through hunting, domesticating, polluting, hybridizing, conserving and genetically modifying life on Earth. Humans have been meddling with nature since the last ice age, although in recent decades we have become a lot better with the development of various biotechnologies, all of which is covered in this book!
Board games
If you don’t want to play yet another game of scrabble this holiday, try these board games to spice things up!
Build your own ecosystem in this mysterious underwater cosmos filled with sharp teeth, blank ink and whale cleaners. Strategically build species which evolve with each round and make sure they can withstand being hunted by other players’ predators and can survive the aging process. This beautifully illustrated board game really shows how interconnected ecosystems are, and the fine balancing act it takes to ensure their survival.
Horrible Science Frightful Firsts Experiments kit 
Bring the excitement of the lab home with this kit including everything you need for 18 awesome experiments and discover static electricity, gruesome guzzling plants and much more!
Brainbox Nature Memory Challenge Game
Did you know that the giant sequoia is the tallest tree on Earth? Have a go at this quick memory filled with wild facts and learn all about the wonders of the natural world.
Hobbies and crafts
Little Science co. has a range of science-themed stationary gifts and enamel pins for the microbiologists, virologists or bioinformaticians in your life – they’ve really got it all! Don’t forget to treat yourself as well to some DNA or phospholipid bilayer washi tapes for all your gift wrapping over the festive period.
There are so many things in science which are visually beautiful, and these earrings make use of just that. These make a lovely gift for plant scientists, microbiologists or even any non-science-y folk!
Know someone who always loses their keys? Made from eco-friendly biodegradable plastic, this personalized pipette keyring could be just the key to make sure they never forget them in 2022!
Find cookie cutters suitable for any biologist, from DNA cookie cutters to plant cells, and uterus cookie cutters to mantis shrimp. Hopefully the New Year will be adorned with baked goods as a result!
For the crafty scientist, this kit includes everything you need to embroider a neuron or choose from the other biology patterns available. Suitable for confident beginners, this kit is accompanied by a YouTube video to take you through step-by-step. If time has run away with you and this is a last-minute gift, consider buying just the PDF pattern to print out at home and put in a lovingly decorated envelope.
Want to give something handmade with a mathematical twist?
Embroidered cards are easy to make, and a great way to get crafty this Christmas! For graph lovers out there, you may recognize these some of these patterns as a parabolic curve. All you’ll need is some card, a ruler, a pencil, blue tack, a needle, a hard surface like a chopping board and embroidery thread!
Find the instructions here from mathematician Vicky Neale.
If you need more gift inspiration take a look at our 2020 gift guide for a range of sustainable science gifts!
