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Finding appropriate gifts for chemistry majors doesn’t have to be challenging. Not that anyone said it was, but you know…it kind of sounds like it might be. Let’s say you want to give a newly minted chemistry teacher gifts that perfectly encapsulate the pride you have for their journey and the new career they’re about to embark on. Don’t get overwhelmed, just scroll down a little and buy a decorative throw pillow with some fancy science illustrations on it. Bam! You’re done.
Seriously, that’s a pretty cool pillow, you should look at it. But I guess if that’s not your style, you can always go all-in and buy a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) for $1 million-ish dollars. But let’s be honest, the pillow seems easier.
10 Fantastic Gifts for a Chemistry Major
Science Throw Pillow
Throw pillows are immediately and irresistibly squeezable, and that alone makes them a good gift. I’ve misplaced the peer-reviewed study that irefulatibly proves that, but I’m 99% sure I read that any gift that the receiver wants to immediately squeeze is a winner. That’s what this is, so already you’re ahead of the game. But there’s even more! Thanks to the modern miracle of digitally printed home textiles, this pillow is also covered in tasteful chemistry illustrations. It’s literally made for people who like chemistry. And naps.
Mass Spectrometer Print
This classy wall art is the patent drawing for a mass spectrometer, the tool that chemists use to measure the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of one or more molecules present in a sample. Because according to Wikipedia, that’s a thing chemists care about – apparently. Printed on heavy stock matte paper, and available in a variety of sizes and colors. It’s perfect just the way it is. However, if you want to kick the classiness up a notch, you can put it in an inexpensive (and matted) frame.
Whiskey Glasses
Rocks glasses are the perfect gifts for a chemistry major that likes an occasional drink. This elegant set features the specific molecules found in whiskey etched right into the glass. Not printed, but sand etched, so the illustrations won’t wash off over time. They also pair well with your professors pipe and elbow patches, which makes them particularly apt chemistry teacher gifts.
Chemistry Mug
Fisher Scientific is one of the most well-known suppliers of scientific lab equipment. They provide the kinds of supplies that chemistry teachers stock in their labs and bench scientists use to discover new medicines. The design on this mug will be instantly recognizable to anyone that handles chemicals for a living. Classy, functional, and unique. Just like your favorite chemist!
Dihydrogen Monoxide Bottle
Dihydrogen Monoxide is the relatively unfamiliar chemical name for water. And even if you’re not sure what kind of gift to give someone with a chemistry degree, you can be absolutely certain that they require water to live. Unless you’re reading this in the distant future and we’ve invented robots that pursue STEM degrees. And even if that is the case, a water phobic robot could still carry motor oil in this bottle. Robot hipsters would think he’s “ironic”. But still, this is probably a better gift for human chemists.
Science Socks
These socks come in multiple bright colors, and feature a labrador wearing safety goggles. Maybe a sock designer wanted to make a visual pun about “lab safety”, but maybe it’s a design based on a famous science dog who cared about OSHA compliance. I’m not a science dog historian, so I just don’t know. I do know, however, that science socks make fine gifts for a chemistry major. They also come in men’s sizes.
Serotonin Molecule Necklace
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter most closely associated with regulating our mood. It’s the “happiness molecule” that allows us to experience feelings of well-being and, in fact, happiness! If you want someone to feel happiness, that sentiment can be made real with this serotonin molecule necklace. It comes in gold, rose gold, and silver tones. It’s also a stylish way to flaunt geek cred for chemistry aficionados.
Periodic Table Wall Clock
Each hour on this clock is represented by an element whose atomic number matches the number of the hour. So hydrogen is 1, helium is 2, all the way to Magnesium (the eighth-most abundant element in the universe, in case you didn’t know). The clock is 12 inches wide, and requires 1 AA battery. Suitable for people with chemistry degrees and at least one wall.
Chemistry Mug (Part 2)
I know; another chemistry coffee mug. But this one is really good! It’s a graduated beaker that holds 16 oz of methylxanthine class central nervous system stimulant – or coffee. This stimulant delivery device – okay, mug – is the perfect gift for the chemist on the move. I suppose you could put anything in this mug, not just coffee. Even plain old dihydrogen monoxide! That is, if you didn’t already have a bottle specifically for that purpose.
Periodic Table Lanyard
They might unlock the secrets of matter at a molecular level, but chemists still need to use keys to unlock doors. This is particularly true for professionals who work in secure buildings where keycards are required to travel freely. Make it easier for them with this handy lanyard colorfully emblazoned with the periodic table of elements. Lanyards are functional and thoughtful chemistry teacher gifts too, because it’s hard to get those classroom keys out of your pocket when your hands are full of books and graded papers.
2 More Gifts for a Chemistry Major
Science Cookie Cutters
Baking, like chemistry, often involves combining different elements to create something new. Cookies, for example. And sure, cookies are delicious no matter what shape they’re baked into, but science shaped cookies are delicious and educational! Yeah, that’s…probably not true. However, both shaped science cookie cutters and already baked science shaped cookies make very appropriate (and appreciated) gifts for a chemistry major.
Goodnight Lab
A science-based parody of the best selling Goodnight Moon children’s book. Say goodnight to all of the lab equipment. Goodnight Laser. Goodnight voltmeter. With a definite lean toward academia (e.g., “good night grumpy old professor”), it’s one of the more apropos chemistry teacher gifts, but also appropriate (and funny) for anyone who has even spent long, sleepless nights in the lab working toward a graduate degree.
