[$40.45, History]

What's the best gift I ever bought my nerdy-as-hell husband? The Universe on DVD. What made it even better? The fact I also bought him The Planets ($40.49) and Planet Earth (most definitely NOT under $50). It was most definitely worth the final hefty price tag and, a year later, he's still obsessed with it. Which is why I felt I should share it with you. You're welcome.

After the jump, a few more gifts under $50 for the burgeoning scientist in your life:

[$49.95, InnovaToys]

This celestial globe features Earth when the lights are on, but changes to show the constellations when in darkness.Neato!

[$39.95, National Geographic]

This portable family telescope includes a manual with suggestions for easy star-finding, and a carrying strap.

[$37.95, Home Science Tools]

Time out for an embarrassing disclosure! When I was young, my dad got me into the whole rock collecting thing. We used to hike along Garrett Mountain looking for interesting rocks. He used to take me to gem shows and nature shops. I had a small metal case filled with amethysts and geodes and gneiss and — guess what!? — I still have it. In college, I took a geology class and totally enjoyed it. This may, in fact, be at the root of my fascination with sparkly things. This particular set of rocks and minerals contains 50 specimens. Buy that future geologist a gift that will fill him with wonder...for a lifetime.

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