Gifts for Genetics and Evolution Enthusiasts

Tips and Recommendations for Buying or Making DNA-Related Presents

Dec 8, 2008 Barbara Melville

There are a great many gift possibilities for genetics and evolution enthusiasts, including books, DNA models, stuffed toys and experiment kits.

Genetics and evolution enthusiasts are individuals – it’s important to keep this in mind when perusing through the available gifts. For example, they might already have a collection of science novelties. Someone who works in these fields may prefer something unrelated. If in doubt, it might be worth asking.

Books and Magazines for Genetics and Evolution Enthusiasts

There is no shortage of books covering genetics and evolution. Possibilities include:

  • Genome by Matt Ridley, an interesting history of genes that will appeal to beginners and enthusiasts alike (published by Fourth Estate Ltd in 2000, ISBN-10: 185702835X).
  • Evolution (in Action) by Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu and Patrick Gries, an informative natural history book with pictures from start to finish (published by Thames & Hudson Ltd in 2007, ISBN-10: 0500513708).
  • Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin, an excellent foundation for learning about evolution (published by Wordsworth Editions Ltd in 1998, ISBN-10: 1853267805).
  • Darwin’s Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennett, a well-written and provocative book on evolution (published by Penguin in 1996, ISBN-10: 014016734X).

Possible ideas for subscriptions include American Scientist (published by Sigma Xi) and Nature (published by Nature Publishing Group), scholarly science magazines that carry articles on genetics and evolution.

Unusual Gifts for Genetics and Evolution Enthusiasts

There are some really quirky gifts out there, for example, GIANTmicrobes® – a line of novelty stuffed toys modelled on, as their name suggests, microbes. Their line includes a few toys that may be of interest to the genetics and evolution enthusiast, including a giant egg cell, a giant sperm cell and giant blood cells (red or white).

Some shops offer gifts based on a person or pet’s DNA. Some of these gifts, such as necklaces, are designed based on DNA profiles, whereas others contain the physical DNA sample. These gifts are usually expensive, and their authenticity is difficult to prove, so it’s best to check out the shop or website first.

Genetics and Evolution Gifts for Kids

Some gifts can be enjoyed by both adults and children. Puzzles and novelty toys can cultivate interest and promote learning. Considerations include the child’s age and level of development, and whether adult guidance is required. For example, younger children may require supervision with some DNA experiment kits.

Expensive vs Inexpensive Genetics and Evolution Gifts

Websites such as Zazzle and CafePress allow people to design and sell their own products, including t-shirts, tote bags and coffee mugs, which can make for cheaper gifts. There are already many genetics and evolution designs available for those who’d rather pick something off the shelf.

The DNA Store is an online shop of genetics-related gifts, with a huge range. Some gifts, such as stunning DNA helix crystals, models and trophies, are there for those who want to spend a bit more. However, there are a great many gifts for under $20, including jewellery, playing cards and mousepads.

Homemade Genetics and Evolution Gifts

Handmade gifts are often seen as thoughtful. In a field such as genetics and evolution, it’s a little tricky. One option is to come up with a related logo and get it printed on a t-shirt or similar. Another option is crafts. Pretty DNA models can be made by the following method:

  • Wrapping two pipe cleaners around a thick marker pen, to make two helices.
  • Locking the helices together to make a double helix, with some glue to hold it in place
  • Cutting up smaller pieces of pipe cleaner to make bases, which can then be glued on (this is tricky, so it’s best to use a picture for guidance).

A DNA experiment kit doesn’t need to be shop-bought. The household bits required for DNA extraction (such as fruit, detergent, soap and salt) can all be put into bottles or sachets, cleaned and labelled, before being popped into a gift bag with a print-out of instructions.

Visit Edmund Scientific and/or the DNA Store for interesting gifts aimed at genetics and evolution enthusiasts of all ages.

The copyright of the article Gifts for Genetics and Evolution Enthusiasts in Genetics & Evolution is owned by Barbara Melville. Permission to republish Gifts for Genetics and Evolution Enthusiasts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Gifts for Genetics Enthusiasts, Badboo
Gifts for Genetics Enthusiasts