1National Geographic Mega Earth Science Kit
This is a hands-on science kit for curious kids. It has everything for 15 experiments, including an erupting volcano, duelling water tornadoes and crystal growing, plus a guide to more than 85 extra experiments using things from around the house. The instructions are clear, so children can run the experiments themselves with a little help.
Pros
- Fifteen experiments in the box.
- Guide to 85+ more at home.
- Clear instructions for kids.
Cons
- For children, not adult scientists.
- Some experiments get messy.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Amazon UK listing from Blue Marble ↗
2Photographic Card Deck of the Elements
This deck turns the periodic table into something to hold. There's a card for each of the 118 elements, with a photo on the front and its properties, discovery date and a notable fact on the back. Extra cards explain how the table works and suggest ways to use the deck.
Pros
- A card for every element.
- Photos plus key facts.
- Good for desks and coffee tables.
Cons
- Pairs well with the book but repeats some photos.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Black Dog & Leventhal product page ↗
3Global Gizmos 8-inch plasma ball
A plasma ball is a bit of retro science for a desk or shelf. Touch the glass and bolts of coloured lightning follow your fingers, and it also reacts to sound. It's a modern take on an idea Nikola Tesla came up with, and it makes a good talking point as well as a night light.
Pros
- Reacts to touch and sound.
- Large 8-inch globe.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- Glass globe, so it needs care.
- A novelty rather than a tool.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Amazon UK listing from Global Gizmos ↗
4Carson MicroBrite Plus pocket microscope
A pocket microscope turns any walk into a science lesson. The MicroBrite Plus zooms from 60x to 120x with its own LED light, so they can look at leaves, insects, fabric and coins wherever they are. It's small enough to keep in a coat pocket.
Pros
- 60x to 120x zoom.
- Built-in LED light.
- Fits a pocket.
Cons
- Too basic for proper lab slides.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Carson product page ↗
5Cosmos by Carl Sagan
Cosmos is one of the best-selling science books ever written in English. Carl Sagan tells the story of the universe from the Big Bang to human consciousness, taking in the origin of life, the brain, spacecraft and the death of the Sun. This edition has a foreword by Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Pros
- A true science classic.
- Beautifully written.
- Covers the whole universe.
Cons
- Some science has moved on since it was written.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Ballantine product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves science
Science lovers like gifts that teach them something new or let them explore. The best gifts for science lovers are good books, simple tools for looking closer and something to experiment with. A science kit suits curious children, and a plasma ball suits almost anyone.
How we picked these gifts for science lovers
We picked each product for what science lovers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
