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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."

3 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. 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