21 Analytical Gifts for Big Data Geeks

Not sure what to get the data scientist in your life? We have narrowed it down to the top gifts that data scientists would love to receive this holiday season! 

Data science may seem like a confusing and esoteric topic at first glance, but these relatable and clever gifts for data scientists are accessible enough that both data geeks and non-data geeks alike can appreciate the subtle jokes and creativity within.

From cheeky shot glasses and coasters to useful notepads and calculators, the data geek in your life will love any of the data science swag off this list. 

Looking for gifts for data nerds? Here are some great and nerdy gift ideas to give to that data geek on your mind.

1. Mathematical Shot Glasses 

These shot glasses from Uncommon Goods are the perfect gift for any data scientist who also likes to party. They come in a set of four. Each glass has one of four popular math formulas printed on them. These include Pi, Euler’s number, Phi, and Pythagoras’ Constant. Geek out and take a shot with these glasses! 

2. Big Data Books

This is a perfect gift for analysts. If they enjoy reading and are always looking for another way to expand their mind, gifting them with a big book full of data is a perfect choice! 

Amazon sells plenty of hardcover data books. Some good examples of these data books include Data Flow: Visualizing Information in Graphic Design, The Visual Miscellaneum, and The Zoomable Universe. 

3. Rubix Cube Coasters

Another cheeky home goods item for the data geek you know are these Rubix cube coasters. They are sold in a set of six coasters, 3D printed to combine and make an entire Rubix cube look. These coasters are moisture-resistant and will make a great centerpiece for a coffee table or side table.

4. Data Geek Mugs

Holiday activities often include warm drinks, so giving a mug as a gift is a common practice. Give the gift of both practicality and humor with these data geek mugs! Sayings include “Talk Data to Me” and “Data is the New Bacon”. The mugs are dishwasher safe and come in a standard size.

5. Graphic Continuum Match It Game

This is the one of the best gifts for data scientists that love games. This game is a data-visualization game that is fast-paced and enjoyable for all. Match all the pairs to win! 

6. Blockchain Necktie

This is the best gift for a data scientist who dresses up for work or needs to present at a big lecture soon! Why not give them something they can wear that showcases their interests. Blockchain is printed on this tie and it comes in three color variations.  

7. Big Data Wall Art

Etsy offers plenty of unique art. This is no exception. Big data wall art is a great gift option for the data geek who likes other pop culture references as well as data. One great example of this type of art is the song “Let it Be” by the Beatles in soundscape format. Soundscapes are graphic representations of music scores. 

8. UFO Sightings Per Capita Magnet

If the data geek you know likes small knick-knacks, something like this data visualization magnet is an excellent choice. It is a 3D-printed visual representation of UFO sightings per capita for each state in America. This is a unique and data-heavy gift they will love. 

9. Pop Chart Posters

Pop Chart is a company that makes scratch-off charts, posters, and other interactive prints. For the data scientist who loves to keep track, give them one of the posters made by Pop Chart! Some popular designs are National Parks, Cosmic Exploration, and Graphic Design History. 

10. Sphero Robot Ball

If they are more into hands-on activities, buy them this Sphero Robot Ball. It is an app-enabled robot with programmable sensors with lights. It is most useful for the adolescent data geek in your life as it is a great tool to learn about JavaScript, Scratch, and Swift. 

11. Non-Transitive Dice

This is a dice game meant for two people. It includes six dice – three for each player. These are not like traditional dice, since they are not labeled with 1-6 number values. Instead, the values are random. This is a fun game for anyone, but data scientists will particularly enjoy it!

12. SmartBark

SmartBark is an incredibly advanced piece of decor. It is a wall panel that looks like bark but it is more than that. It is a technologically advanced piece of bark. It is responsive to the environment it is in. It is intended to reduce stress in a working area. The data scientist you give it to will be able to place it in their workspace for a happy break when needed. 

13. Data Viz Flask

Another gift for the data geek who likes to get tipsy, this flask is custom engraved with data visualizations. It is a six-ounce, stainless steel flask that can be customized with the name of your choice. The data engraved on the flask is PSR B1919+21. This is the first radio pulsar to be discovered. 

14. Data Geek T-Shirts

Everyone enjoys getting new clothes for the holidays! Gift the casual data geek you know with a soft cotton t-shirt that has a cute and clever saying on the front. Graphic tees are timeless and always a great present. Etsy has plenty of options for these t-shirts at a reasonable price. 

15. Mushroom Coffee

Four Sigmatic is a company that produces brain beneficial products. One such product is mushroom coffee with lion’s mane chaga. This drink is supposed to increase productivity and comes in a 10-pack of on-the-go packets. This coffee has half the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee but provides the energy at the same rate. It is organic, vegan, and has zero sugar. 

16. Hatch Ideas Notebook

Uncommon Goods is known for its cheeky and unique items. The Hatch Ideas notebook is no exception. It has three sections for you to write down your bedtime thoughts and post-it note ideas. Conceive, Incubate, and Hatch. Give this notebook to your data geek friend and let them continue to create!

17. Floppy Disk Notepads

Another out-of-the-ordinary item on Uncommon Goods is the floppy disk notepad. Give the gift of nostalgia with these notebooks! They are sold in sets of 3 and are repurposed from old floppy disks from the 1980s and 1990s. 

18. Death Star Tea Infuser

If your data scientist friend or family member is a tea drinker, this tea infuser is perfect! Star Wars fans will appreciate this look-alike of the Death Star when they dunk it in their hot water to create the perfect cup of tea! It is available for purchase on Amazon. 

19. Vintage Data Memory Bank

Convey a sense of nostalgia with the data geek you are buying for by purchasing this vintage data memory bank. A memory bank was used in the data transfer process. You can find these on sites like Etsy or other vintage sites.  

20. Mini Abacus

What’s a better gift for data scientists than one of the classics? Scientists used the abacus for data analysis and calculations for thousands of years. Many data geeks like to keep abacuses for decoration, so give them a mini abacus that they can display on their desk or in their office! 

21. Scientific Calculator

Depending on the type of data they work with and the age of your data geek, they may require a scientific calculator. It is best to ask them what kind they need if you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of scientific calculators. You can purchase these online at Amazon.