Buckle up, because Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just days away! If you have a forensic scientist or science-lover still on your list, you’re in luck. Forensic’s annual Holiday Gift Guide is here with some great ideas for the forensic scientist/criminologist/science nerd if your life—or for yourself (I won’t tell). Take a look below and see if anything turns out to be the perfect fit for a friend or loved one. Now, get a move on—express shipping costs are no joke!
1. Custom Caricature
This caricature showing the gift recipient at a crime scene is sure to be one of their favorite gifts this year—maybe even ever! All you have to do is send a good photo or several to the artist, who will turn it into this masterpiece. If it’s a surprise gift, the artist specifically mentioned that a few social media pics of the person work just fine. Additionally, you can change the background from the standard shown here if you purchase an add-on custom background. Note: this link is to purchase a digital file only, but the artist does provide printing on canvas and poster for an additional fee. You could also print it at a local Staples (or similar) store, as well as any online printer like Shutterfly. The digital file will be returned within 5 business days.
Price: $40.00 for the standard digital file
2. Stages of Decomp Print
What forensic personnel doesn’t want a picture illustrating the stages of decomp in their room, office, lab, etc.? This gift is suited for a forensic-minded recipient of any age and stage—be it a student or someone who has been on the scene for 20 years. The print is available in three different sizes, including a canvas sheet. It is also available in color or black & white.
Price: $8.40 to $16.00
3. Match Made in AFIS Mug
Forget a match made in heaven—what a forensic scientist really wants is a (quick) match made in AFIS! This cheeky mug is perfect for latent print examiners and CSIs alike. The classic white mug holds 15 oz. of their favorite beverage, and is both microwave and dishwasher safe. Help your loved one be the envy of the officer when their colleagues see this neat mug sitting on their desk! If you can’t get enough, the shop also offers a matching shirt, sold separately.
Price: $15.99
4. DNA Helix Pencil Holder
A pencil holder in the shape of a DNA helix is a great addition to any desk. Beyond being the perfect place to hold all pencils, DNA is the cornerstone of today’s forensics. After your DNA analyst loved one spends hours trying to extract a sufficient amount of DNA from a contaminated sample, this could help remind them why they do what they do—despite how trying it can be at times. The holder comes in standard (16 pencils) and extra tall (24 pencils) sizes, and many color combinations. I suggest buying your gift recipient a pack of colored pencils to top off this gift.
Price: $18.05 to $57.95
5. Sliding DNA Pin
This would be the coolest thing to wear to a forensic conference! With this “interactive” pin, the DNA double helix slowly slides up out of the sample tube to represent extraction. The pin is 35 mm and made of nickel. It comes with a rubber backing to ensure there is no irritation. The pin has over 200 5-star reviews, and is sure to make your forensic scientist the talk of the town at the next conference.
Price: $10.86
6. Forensic Patent Prints
This listing is for three prints of patents highly influential in forensic science—the DNA-RNA teaching aid, the polygraph and the first fingerprint identification system. The prints come in a variety of sizes and background colors. They are ideal for decorating an office or lab. We’ve come a long way since Walter S.C. Crosskey filed for a patent for his single fingerprint identification system in 1921. These prints are a neat way to catch a glimpse of history while paying homage to those who came before.
Price: $13.96 to $63.94
7. Human Organ Badge Holder & Lanyard
Speaking of conferences, this forensic science-inspired badge holder and lanyard is another great gift for your traveling scientist, or even just someone who needs their identification badge close at all times. The 19-inch lanyard is made of soft and durable polyester that it is comfortable for all-day wear. The ID holder keeps cards secure but also ensures they can be scanned without removal. This seller offers multiple designs, so make sure to select the “human organ” one for your forensic scientist.
Price: $9.99
8. Cookies & Crime Scenes Sweatshirt
This could be the perfect sweatshirt to wear to your lab or organization’s holiday party. According to the seller’s description, this sweatshirt lets you “dive into the dark and sweet- where mystery meets comfort and a dash of sugar!” Any CSI would appreciate this festive sweatshirt. It comes in four different colors (although I think the red is ideal), in sizes up to 3XL.
Price: $56.75
9. 3D DNA Color-changing Lamp
This handcrafted DNA double helix lamp can beautifully illuminate any space. The unique and intricate DNA-inspired design serves as the perfect gift for professors, lab technicians, lab managers, forensic professionals or anyone passionate about DNA. The reviews say it looks great lit up in the evening—something your hard-working, late-night forensic loved one will appreciate! The lamp is powered by an LED light source and comes with a USB cable for easy setup and charging. It can also be run off battery power. The lamp can change to 7 different colors by touching its base, and also has a mode that rotated through all the colors.
Price: $34.24
10. Bone-shaped Ballpoint Pens
These novelty pens are a bit silly, but would make a great stocking stuffer or white elephant gift. The bone pens come in a package of five. Reviews say they are surprisingly comfortable and not too bulky to write with. Additionally, reviewers compliment the smooth writing of the ballpoint pens and the high-quality of the ink.
Price: $5.99