Great Gifts for Math Lovers 2020

Does someone on your “nice list” love math? Well, have no fear: Our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide will help you find that perfect gift for the math-y people in your life!

Companies large and small (Amazon, O Magazine, The New York Times —to name a few) often release holiday gift guides to make shopping for family, friends, and loved ones easier. And we do too! One exciting addition to our lineup this year is a set of recommendations from our learning centres across the country. We’ve included the names of those centres as a shout-out for their contributions. Keep your eyes open for something from the centre nearest you — they may have just had you in mind when they submitted their suggestion!

Books

How to Bake π | Eugenia Cheng

Recommended by Temple Mathnasium Learning Centers of Maryland and Virginia (Tysons, Mount Vernon, Lake Ridge, Woodlake, Midlothian, Short Pump, Chester, Centreville, Manassas, Great Neck, Roland Park, Dale City, Tuckahoe, McLean, Reston, Pembroke, Alexandria City, and Mechanicsville)

This book is a delightful read. It combines an accessible introduction to category theory with recipes and real-world examples. And it’s great for high schoolers through adults — no matter their math background! 

The First Six Books of the Elements of Euclid | Oliver Byrne

Recommended by Mathnasium of Manhattan, Upper East Side in New York, NY

A beautifully illustrated collection of definitions, postulates, and proofs written by ancient mathematician Euclid in 300 B.C. Having shaped the human view of math, this material holds as true today as when it was written.

The Little Book of Mathematical Principles, Theories, & Things | Robert Solomon

Recommended by Mathnasium of Westchase in Tampa, FL

A great read for both math lovers and those in their life. It explains math concepts in easy to understand ways without a lot of jargon, so it's also an excellent book for aspiring mathematicians.

Clothing

“The Only Subject That Counts” and “Without Geometry” Crusher Tees | Life Is Good

Recommended by Mathnasium Learning Centers of Pembroke and Great Neck in Virginia Beach, VA; and Mathnasium of Longview in Longview, TX

Fun gifts that can work for almost everyone!

Geometry Tie | Wolfish Threads

An excellent option for anyone who needs to wear a tie and wants to dress things up with math! This particular selection displays various geometric proofs and equations, but other variations can also be found on Etsy. 

Games

Muggins! and Knock-Out! Board Games | Muggins! Math

Recommended by Mathnasium Learning Centers of Oklahoma and Kansas (South Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Midtown Tulsa, Leawood, North Blue Valley, and South Blue Valley)

Great family games to strengthen math and logic skills — with no batteries needed!

Quadrillion Skill-Building Puzzle Game | Smart Games

Recommended by Mathnasium of Menomonee Falls in Menomonee Falls, WI

A fascinating logic game that helps develop problem solving, concentration, and visual perception skills.

Toys

Large Hoberman Rainbow Sphere | Toy Center

Recommended by Mathnasium of Richmond BC in Richmond, BC, Canada

Fun for both young and old learners, this object has uses in graph theory, geometry, and isomorphism. Fold-able kinetics are a hot topic in mechanical engineering, and this might just stoke the fire for would-be engineers!

Huzzle Cast Trinity Puzzle | Huzzle

Originally inspired by the morning glory flower, this Huzzle Puzzle is designed to look like a bud coming into bloom. Family and friends can discover hours of fun trying to remove the helix ring found at the intersection of the two “logarithmic spirals.”

Jewelery

Golden Ratio Fibonacci Earrings | Molecular Motifs

These Golden Ratio Fibonacci earrings make a great gift and statement piece for math lovers, architects, teachers, or anyone “Golden”!  Available in various finishes and materials.

Pi Watch (Showing the Value of Pi to 160 Digits) | Your Watch Design

A unique gift for the math lover-watch collector, this pi watch is sure to capture people’s eyes and endless interest.

Home and Decor

Mini Glass Geometric Terrarium Set | Mkono

Simple and elegant, these artistic polyhedron terrariums help create mini indoor gardens and remind us that math is both functional and beautiful. 

Miscellaneous

Creative Geometric Shape Sticky Notes | xLigo

These sticky notes put the fun in functional! Coming in various geometric shapes and colors, they’re a perfect addition to any math lover’s workspace.