The Modern Materialist : stocking stuffers

Stocking Stuffers for the Burgeoning Scientist

Steph Auteri — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:35:00 GMT

Whether you're 2 or 29, the lure of the science world can be strong (see: my copywriter/web designer husband, who geeks out over the Discovery Channel, and those issues of Astronomy magazine I subscribed to for his last birthday). And, whether 2 or 29, the burgeoning scientist in your life is bound to enjoy astronaut ice cream. Right? Right??

After the jump, some other stocking stuffer ideas for your beloved science nerd.

[$12, smart]

These periodic table magnets are like magnetic poetry for nerds. ... Or so I assume.

[$5.95, Home Science Tools]

Is the person you're shopping for more of a naturalist? (Is that even the right word?) This Audubon Bird Call makes a variety of chirping sounds.

[$4.95, Home Science Tools]

This star guide for use in your backyard shows you how to orient yourself from the North Star and Big Dipper and then locate other stars and constellations.

You probably can't tell from this photo, but this is the inside of Evolution, a store located in New York City that sells museum-quality natural history collectibles, such as framed butterflies and beetles, fossils, seashells, skulls and skeletons, medical models, and tribal art. They offer some of their inventory online. I'm not big into science, and even I get excited about visiting Evolution. Pick up a gift certificate for your buddy. They'll love it.

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Stocking Stuffers for Word Nerds

Steph Auteri — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:44:00 GMT

[$7, Fred Flare]

I'm a word nerd, in love with the English language, equally happy to be sitting down with a good book or creating my own travesty of grammar and purple prose. If you have someone similar to shop for this holiday season, I may be able to help you out. I'm pretty sure my credit card debt is due more to book purchases than fine couture.

These bookworm bookmarks, for example, would make a super-cute stocking stuffer (I am a collector of bookmarks; and yes, I am a dork). After the jump, check out a bunch of other items your resident word nerd wouldn't mind receiving in their stocking.

[$9, Etsy]

I've been meaning to get these kitty-adorned library cards and card pockets for years.

[$8.95, Archie McPhee]

This librarian action figure — based upon real-life librarian Nancy Pearl — comes with a tiny plastic book and a stack of random literature.

[$5.95, Shakespeare's Den]

The colored sticky tabs are great for marking your favorite quotes or passages and, as for the sticky notes...well, they go like wildfire in my office!

Finally, never underestimate the power of a well-chosen gift card. I've loved it when relatives gave me gift cards from Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks, as there's often no place better than a cafe for curling up with coffee and a book, or setting up the laptop, especially if you've been goingstir crazy at home. And of course, the almight Amazon gift card is always much appreciated.

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Stocking Stuffers for Mom & Dad

Diana Vilibert — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:49:00 GMT

[$4.95, Personal Creations]

They gave you life, chores, and a curfew. Say thanks with these personalized magnets--have one made of each family member, or just the ones you like. After the jump, four more gifts for Mom and Dad.

For the parent who doesn't want to be disturbed by demanding children and whining teenagers before they've had their coffee.

[$5, Etsy]

Admit it--you still want them to cut off the crusts off of your sandwiches for you.

[$3.95, Patina]

They need it after raising you.

[$10, Fred Flare]

Remind them of the good old days.

[$4.99, Perpetual Kid]

Test Tube Tree

Wendy Atterberry — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:02:00 GMT

Is that a tree you're stuffing in my stocking or are you just happy to see me?

Pint-sized evergreen trees in recyclable tubes (that can be converted into birdfeeders) for the eco-lovers in your life.

[$3, ArborDay]