Handheld Geiger Counter

~$100 typical price

A pocket radiation detector that clicks and displays counts per minute from background and nearby sources.

Why it makes a great gift

It makes an invisible part of physics audible, and curious owners spend weeks testing rocks, old glassware and airplane cabins.

Featured in these gift guides

~$80

A useful piece of home tech for someone curious about their living space.

Tech LoversHomebodiespractical

~$65

A useful bench tool for someone who builds or repairs small electronics.

Tech LoversScience Nerdspractical

~$119

Gives a data-minded person a clearer picture of when to ventilate a room.

Tech LoversScience Nerdspractical

~$179

A fascinating tool for a maker who likes finding heat leaks and exploring how things work.

Tech LoversScience Nerdsunique