Looking for that perfect present for the nerdy skeptic in your life? Look no further! Here are some of our favorite things for this holiday season. It’s just like that annual Oprah episode only we don’t promote bullshit and none of you are getting anything for free. Sorry.
Obviously we have to start with our awesome merch. The Skepchick logo shirt now comes in violet and chocolate, and we still have Dogma Disrupter tees for both ladies and guys.
2. SGU, George Hrab, or Pharyngula T-shirt!
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the merch of our favorite pals. You’ll never have to wear an un-skeptical t-shirt again!
3. Retro Atom Ring
You knew Surly Amy made awesome necklaces, but did you also know she made rings? Check out her many skeptical, sciencey designs!
For when your own personal Cute Animal Friday turns into Vomiting Hellbeast Saturday, Elyse recommends this handy vacuum. I haven’t tried it myself but I assume you just point it at the pet in question and this high-tech suction and disposal device takes care of the rest.
Is modern life too convenient for you? Are you very wealthy? Daniela recommends you spend a lot of money to turn your iPad or computer into a typewriter. Why not?
6. Robotector!
Is modern life not futuristic enough for you? Are you in a median income bracket? Daniela recommends you spend a little money on this fun little fellow.
Jacqueline has the solution for those of you who want a weird keyboard but can’t quite afford a USB typewriter: a virtual keyboard! Be the envy of everyone else at Starbucks as you fill out online applications with laser-assisted aplomb.
8. Attracting Native Pollinators
Like a pick-up artist’s guide for nature, this book will teach you all about creating a bee- (and other invertebrate-) friendly environment that will help conservation efforts in your area. Bug_Girl gives it two antennae up!
Apple, it seems, prefers a different, more boring name for this product but Bug_Girl has informed us of its true title. Perfect for klutzes like me, or people with cats. Also like me.
10. Blob Slime (and Other Experiments)
Elyse points out a whole bunch of science kits that are geared toward girls. We all agree that they sound fun and who couldn’t use more lip gloss? But we hate all the pink, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes, the fact that even the blob slime has to be pretty, and the lack of shit blowing up. We recommend you get the nerdy science girl or boy in your life a kit that suits her or him, whether the company thinks it’s “girl science” or “boy science.”
11. LEGO Bible!
Looking for something edgy, yet accessible? Kammy suggests you reach for the LEGO Bible, which was apparently banned from CostCo for being vulgar and violent.
Learn about how fuel cells work while making your own hamster-sized vehicle! You don’t need to put a hamster in it if you don’t want. We just think that would be cute.
Our friends at Mad Art Lab have been building and testing their own Thing-o-Matic and the results are super cool! Join in on the fun and be the coolest nerd on your block.
14. Nothing
Remember, buying and giving nothing is always an option! As nonbelieving heathens, we get to pick and choose which holiday traditions to uphold. Go forth and have a very Happy Monkey!
My daughter(9) has been learning beginning carpentry from my father and voiced her desire to have her own tools. He birthday was last Friday, and she was given a staple gun, a screwdriver set, a hammer, and a tape measure from a number of her friends. Unfortunately they were all “girl tools” in pink boxes, and the tools were decorated with little flower designs. It’s good thing she didn’t get those “boy tools” or we would’ve had to take them back.
Cool stuff.
Coupla’ questions…
Will the “keyboard condom” protect my computer from viruses?
Will there be a ribbed option anytime soon?
Keyboard condoms do come in colors, and different sizes for different “equipment”.
Nice! I’d like the Skepchick t-shirt please! Anyone? :p
I especially like the juxtaposition of the converted Underwood USB keyboard and the virtual keyboard.
Somehow, I want a computer system that requires the use of both at the same time!!
OMG… you actually put my poo cleaning robot on the list!
I recall “keyboard condoms” for the DEC VT-220 terminal back in the 1980’s. Exactly the same idea, and that is what we called them where I worked back then. I don’t remember the official term, and may never have learned it.
That is awesome stuff!
Also if you have a chance, and while it’s not incredibly nerdy (though I do have some Transformers stuff) you could visit my shop too and make me a little less poor (I’m on sick leave for a very slow-healing injury so I’d appreciate it)
http://madfishmarket.etsy.com
If it’s not ok that I post this feel free to delete it, I won’t be offended.
That typewriter keyboard would go well with my otherwise complete steam-punk office. Oh! Wait! I don’t have a nearly complete steam-punk office! :(
For #11, was it banned from Costco or Sam’s Club or both? I only see a reference in the linked article to Sam’s.
Actually banning it does sound more like Sam’s Club’s speed but I’d have to agree with the assessment that it is vulgar and violent; but then it is The Bible after all.
I have built those fuel cell cars during the San Diego Science Festival each year. They are super fun.