The equity4success alternative gift guide 2023

Are you looking for ‘gifts for him’ and ‘gifts for her’? Think beyond gender this year with our alternative gift guide! We’re back again with suggestions that go beyond the stereotypical baby dolls and bath bombs or toy cars and ties. We’ve split our gift ideas into categories for easy browsing (that doesn’t include gender!) so enjoy taking a fresh look at festive gift solutions that promote science, diversity, and general awesomeness. Check out our previous lists from 2021, 2020 and 2019 for even more ideas. Also watch our short talk on gendered toys and stereotypes to learn why it’s important and what you can do to discourage gender stereotypes.

We hope you enjoy our suggestions. Get in touch to show us your nerdy stereotype-defying gifts on equity4success@babraham.ac.uk or on twitter (@equal4success)

Please keep in mind, our selection is purely based on our commitment to supporting equality and diversity and challenging gender stereotypes. We’ve also made an effort to feature products created by people from marginalised groups. We’re not receiving any incentives to feature these products and we haven’t inspected them in person so we can’t say how well they perform. Inclusion in our list is not an endorsement of a product. Prices may vary from those indicated depending on retailer.

Babies and toddlers

• A parody of the classic Goodnight, Moon, this board book is perfect for scientists to read with their little ones. Goodnight Lab by Chris Ferrie £7.99
• Your little feminist-in-training will look adorable in this onesie. Tiny Feminist Baby Bodysuit Gift in Red by SpudyandCo £13
• Over 50 inspiring figures from art, science, history and more are available as cute and cuddly dolls. Mini Influential Women Dolls by ThimbleAndTime £23.90

Kids

• The story of a pair of siblings exploring the cosmos is woven around Holst’s The Planets, complete with orchestral accompaniment. The Story Orchestra: The Planets by Jessica Courtney Tickle £16.99
• Families come in all sorts of configurations and this updated card game of the old classic provides the kind of diversity that truly represents the current day. Happy Families Progress Edition Card Game by RainbowFamilyCircus £15
• This set of 6 wooden discs that project constellations is great for any kid who loves outer space, aka any kid. Constellation Discs by Yippeeadventures £7.95

Teenagers

• This eye catching and engaging graphic novel illustrates the stories of lesser known scientists, focussing on those who were side lined because of their gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Graphic Science: Seven Journeys of Discovery by Darryl Cunningham £16.99
• These temporary pride tattoos with designs by professional tattoo artists have a range of rainbows anyone would love to decorate themselves with. Inclusive Pride Tattoo Sheet by Bianca Designs £9
• Those expensive wireless earbuds need protection and this silicone case provides that in the best way possible: like a nerd. Handheld Game Console Design Case by elago £15.99

Secret Santas

• If your giftee has been more naughty than nice this year, give them a sack of coal in delicious marshmallow form. Sack of Gourmet Marshmallow Coal by The Naked Marshmallow Co £8.95
• The Shetland Soap Company works alongside people with learning disabilities to produce amazing skincare, like this festive inspired moisturising lotion. Tammasmas Hand and Body Lotion by The Shetland Soap Company £9.95
• These magnetic bookmarks in range of cute chemistry beaker shapes and colours are the perfect accessory for any booklover and/or scientist. Trio of mini chemistry bookmarks by WoolyScience £6

Non-scientists

• A flower growing kit that’s made of sustainable materials, plants that promote native pollinators, money that goes towards cancer care, a slice of nature for wellbeing. What doesn’t this gift do? Sow&Co Save the Bees Kit £15.00
• These attractive planters are a safe way to give a virus to your friend or loved one. T4 Bacteriophage Planter by MyMiniLaboratory £35.99
• Aderin-Pocock from The Sky at Night is now available in book form! A guide to what you can see and how best to see it, this beautifully illustrated book opens up stargazing to anyone. The Art of Stargazing by Maggie Aderin-Pocock £16.99

Booklovers

• Bias in technology and AI crops up too often to be an accident: it’s clear by now that it’s embedded in all sorts of systems from the start. Broussard comprehensively documents the evidence and offers solutions for coding a more equitable future. More Than a Glitch: Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech by Meredith Broussard £25
• If you know someone who enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry, give them this non-fiction account of female scientists who fought back against being marginalised and having their contributions unattributed at MIT. The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins and the fight for women in science by Kate Zernike £20
• Gendered inequality is so embedded around the world it feels like an inevitable part of the natural order. Using research from science, archaeology, and history, Saini shows this narrative for the myth it is and ask how we can all work to overturn it. The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule by Angela Saini £20

Best friends

• This classic beanie keeps your head warm and the smooth satin lining prevents static, ensuring you look as stylish when you take it off as you did wearing it. Satin Lined Beanie by Black Sunrise £22
• This personalisable mystery gives your friend the experience of an escape room at home. The Missed Flight by Puzzle Post £13.99
• This print is gorgeous at first glance but closer examination reveals the intricate molecular makeup adding an elegant layer to the art. The Orange A3 Print by Molecularts £38

Partners

• This handmade plant hanger is a beautiful way to bring more plants into your home and prevent fabric from ending up in landfill. Macrame Plant Hanger by Sarora Knots £28
• With no fixed beginning or end, this innovative puzzle tiles indefinitely creating a uniquely challenging experience. Cosmic Cliffs Infinity Puzzle by nervoussystem £75.33
• No more fighting over the charger with this stylish and sustainable dual wireless charging pad. Dual Slim Charging Pad by Oakywood £89