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Scientific American's Sci/Tech Gifts for 2003

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the making-a-list-checking-it-twice dept.

Rick DeBay writes "Scientific American has come out with their Sci/Tech gift list for 2003. I think they did a good job, even the selections in the under $25 category are quite tasteful and dignified. And what Sophisticated Lady wouldn't be overjoyed at unwrapping a genuine Swarovski crystal accessory? My personal favorites fall in to those well-worn categories, 'Imprisoning Small Creatures for Amusement' and 'Getting Someone Else to Clean-Up.' The frog and shrimp farms fufill the first, and the domestically-challengeds' favorite Roomba the latter. Seriously, there is a mix of interesting gadgets, products that should never have been made, refugees from Sharper Image, and humorous geek stocking stuffers. It is unlikely that you could go wrong."

5 of 240 comments (clear)

  1. They missed the _amazing_ by mfago · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ACME Klein Bottle!

    OTOH, they did say science lovers, not topology geeks...

  2. American Science & Surplus by StefanJ · · Score: 3, Interesting

    This outfit sells an amazing variety of stuff, ranging from surplus crap to scientific instruments:

    http://www.sciplus.com/

    The item descriptions are a lot of fun to read as well.

  3. "Water powered?" by fiannaFailMan · · Score: 2, Interesting
    This sort of thing drives me crazy:
    Reduce, reuse, recycle, and run your car on water? Yes, you heard right! Welcome to the 21st century, where many believe that fuel cells, which produce only water as a byproduct, are the next wave of environmentally sound energy sources for motor vehicles.
    Why oh why oh why oh why can people not get it into their heads that fuel cells are a means of storing energy that has to come from some electrolysis process that will have its own by-products besides water? It's like people who talk about "steam power" when they really mean "coal power."

    Grrrrrrrr!

    --
    Drill baby drill - on Mars
  4. Re:Come on, it's not even December yet... by mugnyte · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I can agree with you, and have tried to do similar with my family at time. However, there is a certain level of accomodation you must have for them when they've lived an entire life equating "giving a gift" with "expressing thanks/love/etc" during the holiday season. When I've run into these folks, I try to steeer them towards more and more practical ideas for gifts (mostly outdoorsy-type stuff since I like hiking). There is a limit for everything though, where you feel like you have "so much stuff" that getting more gifts defeats the purpose.

    This year, I've convinced people to make a donation to a charity of their choice in my name, then mail me a card or glossy about the charity as the gift. Seems like people are really into it too.

    mug

  5. Eco-Sphere Experiences by mackman · · Score: 2, Interesting

    After reading the article I stopped by Brookstone and picked up one of the Eco-Spheres after work. It a little lackluster given the price, but it's really fascinating. 4 little 1/2 inch shrimps running around in a little glass sphere muching on green algae. They're supposed to live 2-5 years and there's a small change they will reproduce. Basically its the pet for people who can't even keep plants alive (yep, that's me).