<p>The holidays are here, and you're pulling out your hair trying to decide what to get the science geek on your list. (Everyone has this problem, right?) We here at LiveScience have our own conundrum: There are way too many cool science-related gizmos and gadgets to pick from. With great difficulty, we've narrowed down a selection with a little something for the space geeks, biology nerds or rock jocks on your list — or maybe you'll find something you'll want to ask Santa for this year.</p>
<p>These snazzy socks are a good fit for the earthquake enthusiast in your life, and they're for a good cause to boot. On Sept. 4, 2010, a strong 7.1-magnitude temblor struck Christchurch, New Zealand. On Feb. 22, 2011, a smaller but even more destructive quake again struck the city, killing almost 200 people. </p> <p>Two women from the region, Justine and Jo Ottey, decided to do something to help rebuild. Working with Rural Women New Zealand and the New Zealand Sock Company, they created "aftersocks," red-and-black socks with a seismic theme. Proceeds from the socks go to the Christchurch Mayoral Fund to help the city recover. Science-y and charitable — that's our kind of Christmas. <i>(<a href="http://www.aftersocks.co.nz/index.html">aftersocks.co.nz</a>, $20)</i></p>
<p>What do you get the Star Trek nerd who has it all? A Starship Enterprise pizza cutter, of course. Who wouldn't want to boldly go (and cut pizza) with this stainless-steel gadget? We're pretty sure even the ultra-logical Spock would get excited to find this in his stocking. <i>(<a href="http://store.space.com/gifts-gadgets/star-trek-enterprise-pizza-cutter/?utm_content=SPCountdown&utm_campaign=PizzaCutter_112811">SPACE.com</a>, $29.95)</i></p>
<p>This year marked the last shuttle launch in NASA history, so why not commemorate the moment with jewelry? These sterling-silver post earrings feature the Space Shuttle with its boosters still attached. <i>(<a href="http://www.thespaceshop.com/sishwiboea.html">Kennedy Space Center</a>, $28.99)</i></p>
<p>For those on your gift list who are more Earth-bound, may we suggest a bit of abstract art? Italian geoscientist <a href="http://www.livescience.com/15499-gallery-microscopic-beauty-rocks.html">Bernardo Cesare</a> uses microscopes and light filters to create dreamy photographs of ordinary rocks on a microscopic scale. From fossils to agate to graphite, rocks and minerals take on a whole new look. <i>(<a href=" http://www.pixtura.us/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=81_171">Microckscopica, $495-$850</a>)</i></p>
<p>Got a friend with a yen for caffeine? She can sport her addiction proudly with this caffeine molecule necklace. You can also get molecule charms and other jewelry in the shape of serotonin (happiness), dopamine (love), endorphins (energy), and theobromine (the stimulant in chocolate), among others. Forget diamonds — oxytocin is a girl's best friend this holiday season. <i>(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/molecularmuse?ref=top_trail">molecularmuse</a>, most necklaces and earrings $50-$100)</i></p>
<p>Perfect for space lovers, atmospheric science geeks, or just people who like to have a sense of scale, this 36-inch-tall (91-centimeter) poster is based on a <a href="http://xkcd.com/482/">comic</a> by xkcd artist Randall Munroe. (If you're not reading xkcd, get on it! You'll never graduate to professional-level nerd-dom without it.) This illustration of the observable universe is on a logarithmic scale, meaning each unit moved up is double the height. So if you ever wanted to put the Eiffel Tower in its proper context, this is your chance. <i>(<a href="http://store.xkcd.com/xkcd/#HeightPoster">xkcd</a>, $15)</i></p>
<p>This gift is perfect for two types of people: tchose obsessed with insects, and those who really don't want anyone else messing with their computer. Embedded in the clear acrylic of this mouse is a real chafer beetle. And yes, it glows in the dark. <i>(<a href="http://www.smithsonianstore.com/home-decor/desk-accessories/glow-in-the-dark-beetle-computer-mouse-78184.html">SmithsonianStore</a>, $17.99 members, $19.99 non-members)</i> </p>
<p>It's the year of <a href="http://www.livescience.com/16214-implications-faster-light-neutrinos.html">faster-than-light neutrinos</a>, so it can't hurt to be ready for time-traveling hijinks (even if the veracity of the findings is still up in the air). This shirt has you covered. As long as you're wearing it, you'll have the basic info you need to rebuild modern amenities such as the radio, vaccinations, and the atom bomb, but maybe hold off on that last one, okay? <i>(<a href="http://www.topatoco.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TO&Product_Code=QW-CHEATSHEET&Category_Code=QW#pic">Topatoco/Dinosaur Comics</a>, $18)</i></p>
<p>The common cold never looked so cute! Giant Microbes sells plush versions of microbes and maladies from syphilis to the black death — the rhinovirus, or the common cold, is the lumpy bright-blue fellow on the right side of the photograph. You can also buy your loved ones friendly microbes, such as yeast, or teeny-tiny critters such as dust mites. Trust us, this is the only way you're going to give someone Ebola and get thanked for it. <i>(<a href="http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/main/giantmicrobes-originals/">Giant Microbes</a>, $9-$13)</i></p>
<p>Many old-photograph collections are buried in library vaults and dusty books, but the company i-concepts works with non-profit organizations to sell prints that would otherwise go unseen. Currently, four sets of historical prints are available, memorializing Amelia Earhart, the 1913 U.S. Open, the 1930s Red Sox, and Galapagos Island sketches by Charles Darwin. Classy and cool. <i>(<a href="http://www.dailygrommet.com/products/303-i-concepts-buy-amelia-earhart-francis-ouimet-darwiniana-and-depression-era-baseball-memorabilia">DailyGrommet</a>, $26-$48)</i> </p>
<p>If no one on your gift list wants these, could you send them to us? What Christmas tree couldn't be improved by ornaments featuring Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Mary Leakey and other female science greats? Buy just one or get the whole set. And if you prefer a mixed-gender group of geniuses, the same seller also makes ornaments out of male scientists from Albert Einstein to Carl Sagan. <i>(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86399641/women-of-science-non-denominational">eavesmade</a>, $85 set, $9 individual)</i></p>
<p>Of course, instead of giving the gift of science trinkets, you could give the gift of actual science. The <a href="http://www.livescience.com/17100-scifund-science-crowdsourcing-projects.html">SciFund Challenge</a> is a project in which scientists are raising money for their research from small donations from the general public. You can choose from 49 projects spanning the gamut from research on depression to studies on sea turtles. Or maybe you're into ancient Roman DNA, the evolution of duck genitalia or algae biofuel? Take your pick. Many researchers will send you a thank-you gift for donating, such as a bumper sticker or exclusive access to photos from the field. Whichever you choose, act quick, because the challenge ends Dec. 15. <i>(<a href="http://www.rockethub.com/projects/scifund">SciFund Challenge</a>, self-determined donation)</i></p>
