Looking for the Perfect Chemistry-Inspired Gift?

🎁🔬🎄 Still Searching for Christmas Presents?

I have asked members of the Chemistry Europe community to recommend science-themed gift ideas perfect for chemists or science fans among your friends, family, or colleagues. Discover our handpicked recommendations, and feel free to share your own favorites in the comments below.

Books

	Bertha Von Suttner: A Life for Peace A beautifully written biography of Bertha von Suttner, who was the second woman ever to receive a Nobel Prize (after Marie Curie) and the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The book offers a vivid portrait of her life and her tireless pacifist work, and it highlights her crucial intellectual and moral influence on Alfred Nobel. suggested by Alessandro Abbotto Università di Milano-Bicocca, Italy, and Chemistry Europe Fellow Class 2022/23
	Breaking Through: My Life in Science Katalin Karikó tells the story of her journey from growing up in a poor, rural Hungarian family to becoming a pioneer of mRNA research and Nobel Laureate in 2023. suggested by Vera Koester, ChemistryViews
	Maria Skłodowska-Curie Albert Einstein The Letters/1911–1932/ This book collects all the letters exchanged between Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Albert Einstein. The letters offer an unparalleled insight into the fascinating relationship between two titans of science—spanning scientific discussions to deeply personal reflections. Their correspondence stands as a testament to an extraordinary friendship, intellectual kinship, and mutual respect that endured over twenty years. (in English, Polish, and Japanese) suggested by Marcin Górecki Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, and Chemistry Europe Fellow, Class 2022/2023
	Periodic Table of the Elements Coloring Book A coloring book for children, featuring a lovingly created illustration for each element by design students and chemists—just print and enjoy for free! suggested by Vera Koester ChemistryViews
	Lay Down Your Arms The original pacifist novel that made Bertha Von Suttner famous throughout Europe. It is still remarkably readable today and provides a powerful literary perspective on war, peace and responsibility, themes that resonate strongly with scientists reflecting on the societal impact of their work. It also helps to contextualise the close and important relationship between Bertha von Suttner and Alfred Nobel that ultimately contributed to the creation of the Nobel Peace Prize. suggested by Alessandro Abbotto Università di Milano-Bicocca, Italy, and Chemistry Europe Fellow Class 2022/23
	Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-Old Computer–and the Century-long Search to Discover Its Secrets The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient mechanical calculator, also described as the first known mechanical computer, was designed to calculate astronomical positions. It’s incredible that people 2,000 years ago could achieve more than we for a very long time thought, and amazing what an exciting scientific treasure hunt it has been to understand the purpose and mechanism of this machine. suggested by Vera Koester ChemistryViews
	The Chemistry Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained New Entry A chronological guide to major concepts and discoveries in chemistry, with clear explanations and visuals that make foundational ideas accessible to any reader. suggested by João Borges University of Aveiro, Portugal, and Chemistry Europe Fellow Class 2022/23
	Elegant Solutions: Ten Beautiful Experiments in Chemistry New Entry Philip Ball explores ten classic chemical experiments that exemplify the beauty and creativity of experimental chemistry and how discoveries shape scientific thinking. suggested by João Borges University of Aveiro, Portugal, and Chemistry Europe Fellow Class 2022/23
	Designing the Molecular World: Chemistry at the Frontier New Entry A broad, engaging tour of modern molecular chemistry by Philip Ball that highlights how chemists design and understand the substances and materials that define our world. suggested by João Borges University of Aveiro, Portugal, and Chemistry Europe Fellow Class 2022/23
	The Beauty of Chemistry: Art, Wonder, and Science New Entry A richly illustrated celebration of chemistry’s visual wonders by Philip Ball, showing how chemical processes shape everything from snowflakes to flames with stunning imagery and accessible explanations. suggested by João Borges University of Aveiro, Portugal, and Chemistry Europe Fellow Class 2022/23

Calendar

Chemistry Advent Calendars 2025

An advent‑calendar‑style gift set built around chemistry: over 24 days until Christmas you open one “window” or small package per day, revealing a chemistry‑themed ornament or small lab‑equipment miniaturized ornament (e.g. little flasks, test tubes, microscopes, DNA models, etc.).

suggested by Pilar Calleja Ramos
European Journal of Organic Chemistry

Kitchen

Periodic Table of the Elements Water Bottles

Popular periodic table water bottles: practical stainless-steel designs with a wide variety of prints.

suggested by Pilar Calleja Ramos
European Journal of Organic Chemistry

Coffee Pill Pot Mug

A fun ceramic mug shaped like a pill bottle—a playful gimmick, with separate versions available for coffee and tea lovers.

suggested by Sandra Möller
ChemistryViews

Games

AMIGO Schrödingers Cats Card Game

What’s in this box? A living or a dead cat? This is a game for the whole family.

suggested by Katja Glatz
Analysis & Sensing and ChemistrySelect

Periodic Table of Elements 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Chemistry Puzzle Fun.

suggested by Pilar Calleja Ramos
European Journal of Organic Chemistry

Other

Award Nomination

A great idea is to nominate someone for an award to honor their outstanding work and boost their career—you can find inspiration here and also from your country’s chemical society.

suggested by Vera Koester
ChemistryViews