Gift Ideas for Scientists and Engineers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around gift ideas suitable for scientists and engineers, focusing on unique and interesting items that appeal to those with a passion for science and technology. The scope includes various types of gifts, from decorative items to mechanical kits and gadgets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a positive experience with a decorative item made of rosewood, brass, and copper, suggesting it as a great gift for science enthusiasts.
  • Another participant introduces a mechanical marble run made of laser-cut plywood, noting its complexity and the enjoyment derived from assembling it.
  • A different participant mentions a vintage DigiComp 1 computer toy kit as a potential gift, providing a link for reference.
  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for the Acme Klein Bottle as a gift idea.
  • Several participants share links to various Amazon products, including a vintage circular slide and a robotics kit, discussing their appeal and personal experiences with similar items.
  • Some participants express a humorous struggle with budget constraints while being tempted by the suggested items.
  • There are mentions of levitating gadgets, including a UFO lamp and a Death Star Bluetooth speaker, with participants sharing their excitement about these items.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of gift ideas, but there is no consensus on a single best option. Multiple competing views and preferences remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention personal experiences with the items discussed, but there are no detailed evaluations of the products' effectiveness or quality. The discussion is informal and exploratory, with no formal conclusions drawn.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals looking for creative and unique gift ideas for friends or colleagues in scientific and engineering fields.

Ivan Seeking
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If you are like me, you often struggle for a good gift idea for someone. My boss's boss has given me a nice Christmas gift the last couple of year so I wanted to find something nice for him. He is really into antique science and testing equipment and has a nice collection. I decided to search around for something cool when I found this. He loved it! In fact, he looked at it a few minutes and exclaimed "This is a badass gift!" :oldlaugh:

It seems like a nice gift idea generally for nerds. There are many similar items as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WWZ5LRV/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It is beautifully crafted with rosewood, brass, and copper, and very decorative. Very nice and not horribly expensive considering the craftsmanship.

1675900633372.png
 
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jedishrfu said:
Here’s another gift idea a mechanical marble run made of laser cut plywood that you assemble. This is just one example of many models Rowood makes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094CQR5SL/?tag=pfamazon01-20

View attachment 321972
My daughter got me one of these. They were surprisingly good. The pieces mostly didn't break and superglue worked on the wood if they did. It was very complex, but worked fine after a bit of initial tweaking.
I was impressed with the designing of it.
Took about a day to assemble.
 
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Ivan Seeking said:
It seems like a nice gift idea generally for nerds. There are many similar items as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WWZ5LRV/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It is beautifully crafted with rosewood, brass, and copper, and very decorative. Very nice and not horribly expensive considering the craftsmanship.

jedishrfu said:
Here’s another gift idea a mechanical marble run made of laser cut plywood that you assemble. This is just one example of many models Rowood makes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094CQR5SL/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Aaargh, why did you two post about so cool items? :smile:
I need to stay away from Amazon, I've already reached my budget limit for this month (and I only bought boring but needed things, e.g. 2 hard drives, a desktop fan and winter gloves. No toys this time :frown: ).
 
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jedishrfu said:
Sorry I promise not to post any more Amazon stuff...
It's ok. I can put them on my wish list on Amazon instead ("Save for later")... :smile:

The Robotics Kit looks very cool too (I loved Lego Technics when I was young).
 
  • #10
DennisN said:
The Robotics Kit looks very cool too (I loved Lego Technics when I was young).
The stuff from my link comes as a wooden puzzle! They also have vehicles of all kinds, an astrolabe, etc.
 
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  • #11
I just saw two items on Amazon I just had to share here...

They are so cool that I feel a strong itch in my finger, an itch that only pressing the "Buy now" button on Amazon can fix... :smile:

How cool is this lamp? (really expensive, though)

It's a lamp. A UFO lamp. A levitating UFO lamp.

UFO lamp.jpg


And how cool is this gadget? (link, I don't know the price)

It's a Death Star. And a bluetooth speaker. And it levitates.

Levitating Death Star.jpg
 
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  • #12
DennisN said:
I just saw two items on Amazon I just had to share here...

They are so cool that I feel a strong itch in my finger, an itch that only pressing the "Buy now" button on Amazon can fix... :smile:

How cool is this lamp? (really expensive, though)

It's a lamp. A UFO lamp. A levitating UFO lamp.

View attachment 322912

And how cool is this gadget? (link, I don't know the price)

It's a Death Star. And a bluetooth speaker. And it levitates.

View attachment 322913
There are levitating globes too:

Screenshot 2023-02-26 at 4.52.31 PM.png
 
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  • #14
BillTre said:
There are levitating globes too:
I've got one already :smile:. Like this one, but the one you posted looks cooler, I think.
And maybe it can spin by itself, like this one (mine can't).
 
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