By Do you have someone special in your life who loves science? Show them your love with the gift of community engaged science. We’ve created a gift guide fit for explorers and researchers of all ages. These ideas are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
The Gift of Experience
All of us here at CitSci love a good adventure. And where better to get one than by joining a science project that involves members of the public? Search our Project list to find a project that’s just right for you and your loved ones. When you join projects with CitSci, you’ll meet amazing people who care about your community just as much as you do!
Field Journals
Unique journals are an excellent choice for experienced or novice citizen scientists. From guided journals to themed covers, to journals that can withstand all the weather, these are sure to be a welcome surprise.
Rite in the Rain Field Journals
Rite in the Rain Field Journals are a long loved staple for anyone exploring science outside. In the middle of the city or the middle of a stream, with these notebooks, outdoor explorers can take notes in all kinds of weather. Water- and smudge-proof paper make these notebooks great for field work. While any pencil can be used in these journals, Rite in the Rain also sells special pens designed to withstand the elements.
Black Women Scientists Journal
This journal comes in both blank and lined forms and adds a unique touch to any citizen scientist’s tool set-especially those who love to be in the lab. Made by a small, black owned business, you can be sure that this journal is made with love and supports diversity in science fields.
Gifts for Young Scientists
What a better way to celebrate a special occasion than to foster a passion for science in your youngest loved ones.These gifts are awesome for kids and can be fun for the whole family.
Citizen Science Picture Book List
Know a kid who loves to read? Then check out this list of citizen science books perfect for young explorers from Doing Good Together. Titles such as Citizen Science: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard and Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and A Hundred Sea Turtles are sure to inspire young citizen scientists and get their creative gears moving.
Learning Resources Gift Whiz Searcher
Learning Resources lets you explore gift ideas for many different ages and hobbies. We especially like The Bullseye Compass and Elite Microscope for young citizen scientists looking to learn more about the world.
Books for All Ages
Books are a great resource for anyone to get started in citizen science or to further their passion for exploration. Check out the list below to find just the right gift for a citizen scientist in your life to read.
Into the Zooniverse: People Powered Research
Into the Zooniverse: People Powered Research Volume III is a great book about citizen science projects created through the Zooniverse platform during 2021. You can read the book for free via pdf or you can order a hard copy. Learn more about the new CitSci and the Zooniverse integration designed to help science research happen faster and better with the help of the crowd.
The Field Guide to Citizen Science
This Field Guide to Citizen Science is a great starter guide for anyone interested in beginning a hobby in citizen science. This comprehensive guide helps motivate and inspire citizen scientists to conduct research and includes various projects in different fields.
Citizen Science: How Ordinary People are Changing the Face of Discovery
Do you have loved ones looking for an inspiring story about citizen science? Then this book by Caren Cooper may just be the perfect gift. In this inspiring read, we learn about the importance of citizen scientists in our communities, and how findings by ordinary people can change the course of modern science.
Handbook of Citizen Science in Ecology and Conservation
In the Handbook of Citizen Science in Ecology and Conservation you’ll find guidance from over 50 amazing citizen science professionals about how to navigate your citizen science journey. The book walks you through the basics of citizen science and how to design successful projects. You can read it cover to cover or jump around to the chapters that address the challenges you’re tackling.
Citizen Science Memberships
Many citizen science based organizations offer memberships for an annual price. Buying one of these memberships for a loved one is a great day to give them access to new resources and tools to fuel their interest in citizen science.
Citizen Science Association
The Individual Membership to the Citizen Science Association helps support this important organization while providing members with networking opportunities, tools and discounts on other resources.
European Citizen Science Association
For any friends in Europe, individual memberships to ECSA can be a great gift and resource to find diverse opportunities in many different regions.
Australian Citizen Science Association
For any loved ones in Australia, individual memberships to ACA can be a great gift for exploring local biodiversity and finding opportunities for research.
Staff Picks
Here are a few more gift ideas for all the citizen scientists and explorers in your life, used by and recommended by CitSci Staff.These gadgets make great stocking stuffers and can be gifted any time throughout the year.
Outdoor Afro Hike Print Smartwool Socks
One of our favorite things about these Outdoor Afro Hike Print Smartwool Socks is that the artwork was designed by volunteer leader and artist Leandra Taylor. Keep your feet warm and dry with socks that support diversity in the outdoors.
Xenvo Clip-on Macro Lens
A Clip on Macro Lens from Xenvo is the perfect tool for citizen scientists to further explore the outdoor world. This pocket sized lens attaches to most major smartphones, and can be used to take quality magnified photos of nature.
Fold Scope Folding Paper Microscope
This folding paper microscope is the perfect portable device for any citizen scientist who wants to explore the world up close and person. With a collapsible structure and easy to use instructions, this scope is an accessible gift for citizen scientists of all ages.
Happy Gift Giving from CitSci to You and Your Loved Ones
We hope these gift ideas inspire you to surprise your citizen scientist loved ones and motivate young science enthusiasts to follow a passion for citizen science. These gifts are perfect for any time of the year, and can be used indoors or out in nature. If you gift one of these recommendations to a loved one, we would love to see their reaction! Feel free to share pictures with us for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out another awesome gift guide created by our partners at SciStarter!
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