With Thanksgiving now firmly in our rearview, the gift-giving holiday season is upon us! If you have a forensic scientist, science-lover or even budding scientist on your list this year, check out the top 10 gifts on this year’s Forensic Holiday Gift Guide. But get a move on—express shipping is expensive!
1. Criminal Coffee Company
What goes better with solving crime than coffee? Only one thing: a coffee company that gives back to the community. The team behind Criminal Coffee wanted to create a product with a purpose. Being in the true-crime space, they understand that funding is desperately needed to combat crime—which is why Criminal Coffee Company is committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from every bag sold to help in the pursuit of justice. Thus far, the company has donated over $23,600 to families, communities, and organizations in need of financial assistance. They even enlist customer help in choosing who donate to, and continuously update their page so customers can see know where the donations are going and how they will be utilized to increase safety and serve justice. As if that’s not enough, the coffee is amazing! It is available in dark, medium and light roast, and each roast is associated with a specific fictional character with an intricate crime-related backstory. Criminal Coffee Company also offers specialty flavors like pumpkin spice, French vanilla and hazelnut. It is available in ground, whole beans or pods.
Price: $17.99
2. LEGO Lab Set
Celebrate the forensic chemist on your list with this Custom LEGO Set, made from 100% authentic LEGO pieces. This HPLC set features a HPLC column, a mobile phase, a pump, a detector, a sample vial and a data analysis station. The custom set is fun for all ages to put together and then proudly display on a desk or lab bench. The LEGO set’s attention to detail will make anyone who uses these laboratory instruments daily smile at this mini version of the tools of the trade. The company offers additional lab sets if HPLC is not your thing.
Price: $39.99
3. Crime Scene Cat Collar
This pet collar is perfect for any cat-loving crime scene investigator! It is handmade using reinforced cotton and top-quality contoured hardware. Reinforced cotton makes a great collar material because it is soft and light, but sturdy. It is also machine-washable. The collar has a breakaway clip for kitty's safety, and is available with a bell and/or charm. It is available in small (for cats les than 10 pounds) and larger (for those over 10 pounds).
Price: $13.99
4. Holographic Tarot Card Magnets
Your forensic bestie (or you) will love sticking these handmade magnetic cards to the fridge at home, in the lab, or even somewhere on the workbench. The magnets have a holographic protective top layer and are approximately 4 inches x 2.5 inches. The seller offers 15 different forensic job tiles, but can also create a custom one if your desired title is not included. The cards are available depicting both male and female forensic professionals.
Price: $5.00
5. Crime Scene Evidence Crossbody Bag
Crossbody bags are very trendy right now, so this handmade and hand-stitched crossbody is great for anyone on your list. With its embroidered evidence seal, tape and label, this bag is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The bag measures 9 x 6 inches, which fits most phones. The adjustable strap makes the bag suited for people of varying heights.
Price: $48.00
6. "Lumos" Vinyl Sticker
Sometimes, the key to cracking a case is knowing how to see what others can’t. This vibrant vinyl sticker features an alternate light source (the Crime Lite Auto) casting a rainbow across the electromagnetic spectrum, paired with the word Lumos — a nod to the most famous “light-making” charm in the wizarding world. Perfect for laptops, field kits, water bottles, or anywhere you want to show your love for forensic tech and a touch of magic. The sticker is available in two sizes: 4” x 4” and a larger 6” x 6”.
Price: $2.47
7. DNA Histone Chromosome Epigenetics Sticky Note
Why use yellow sticky notes when you can use science-themed ones? With its chromosome epigenetics design, this stylish memo pad is perfect for taking down notes and reminders. Each sticky note contains 50 sheets, with 3M Post-it Note adhesive that won't peel on its own but will come off easily without leaving stains.
Price: $4.95
8. Lab Science Turkish Towel
I know it’s 20 degrees in the Northeast today, but this gift will have you or your gift-receiver dreaming of the beach! Perfect for days spent outside the lab, this lab science-inspired towel will let you flaunt all the things you love while you lounge at the beach or sneak in a workout before checking on your data. If you've never used a Turkish towel, you're in for a real treat. These organic cotton towels are super absorbent and quick-drying.
Price: $56.00
9. Crime Scene Investigator Candle
This 17 oz candle features cartoon-like tools of the trade at the top for an ideal visual reminder. It is a soy wax scented candle available in multiple fragrances: Volcano (tropical), Lavendar, Black Ice, Pina Colada, Mahogany Teakwood, and Peach Magnolia.
Price: $25.00
10. Laboratory Beaker Wine Glass
Personally, I hate stemless wine glasses so this one caught my eye! This 10 oz. wine glass is designed to look like a beaker that can hold 200 mL. Luckily, it’s safe to drink the liquid that fills this beaker—something that is not typically true in the laboratory!
Price: $22.49