Remember when we were kids and we all dreamt of becoming space explorers as adults? Sure, our dreams were likely a result of natural curiosity and outer space movies and shows in pop culture, but for some, it was a genuine goal. And while most of us still have that curiosity and appreciation of space, it’s pretty obvious that none of us are traveling in our own version of a Millennium Falcon through the universe. 

So what happened to the kids who stuck with their childhood dream of exploring the stars? Some of them might still be space aficionados and astronomy enthusiasts but for others, they turned their curiosity into careers and are now astronomers, scientists, engineers, researchers, or even astronauts. And if you’re reading this article, we can only assume that you or someone you know fits one of these descriptions perfectly. 

With the holidays and graduation season around the corner, you might be browsing for ideas when it comes to gifts for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. If so, we’ve got you covered! Dive into our curated gift guide, showcasing a handpicked selection of stellar astro gear that can be used and appreciated by the space lover in your life. 

Wearable Gifts For Young Astronomers 

Stay Curious – Vaporwave Mars Rover
Graphic Tee

Who doesn’t love a classic graphic tee? Especially when said tee perfectly encapsulates the spirit of exploration and scientific curiosity. This shirt features vibrant and original artwork depicting the Mars Rover against the backdrop of the red planet. And hey, it’s not just a shirt; it's a wearable tribute to the ingenuity of space exploration that any astronomer or space enthusiast would proudly sport as a conversation starter.

Rocketry Canvas Shoulder Tote

I don’t know about you, but I can never have enough tote bags. They are so versatile and can be used for so many practical things. So when you are considering astronomy gifts for him or her, you can’t really go wrong with this reversible Rocketry Canvas Shoulder Tote. Whether you are looking for a gift for an amateur astronomer, aspiring astronaut, or your favorite space guru, this tote is the way to go.

Beyond its trendy appearance, this bag offers ample space for carrying books, gadgets, or even stargazing essentials, making it a functional and fashionable accessory for everyday use. And who doesn’t love a gift that they can actually use? 

Retro NASA Logotype Graphic Tee

When it comes to the best gifts for astronomers and space & science lovers, sometimes it’s best not to overthink it. If you are having a hard time choosing between the wonderful items on this list, this is certainly one of most universally-loved items that we offer: A Retro NASA Logotype Graphic Tee. 

So, here’s to the history of US space exploration, and the quest to journey ever deeper into the void. While this is unisex tee, if you are browsing for astronomy gifts for her, consider ordering a size down for a more fitted look.

Novelty Gifts To Cheers To

Night Sky Wine Glasses (Set of 2)

These cool stemless wine glasses are like having the night sky right in your hands! One glass shows the summer stars in the north, while the other flaunts the winter sky in the south. Even when the weather's too cloudy for stargazing, these stemless wine glasses bring the constellations to you, making any evening a cosmic adventure. Whatever your cheersing to, these glasses are sure to be a win-win when it comes to choosing the best gifts for the astro lover in your life. If you really want to knock this gift idea out of this world, consider buying a nice bottle of wine to pair with these wine glasses. Now, only one question remains: red or white?

Night Sky Rocks Glass Set 

Not everyone is a wine person and that’s okay! For those of us who are looking for the perfect gift to enjoy an evening drink sans wine, these Night Sky Rocks glasses are for you! Spend an evening sipping your favorite cocktail in good company while gazing at the stars with this pair of Night Sky rocks glasses. Designed with clean lines and simple elegance, they're perfect for showing off your favorite whiskey, mixed drink, or iced coffee. If you don’t want these glasses in your cupboard, consider using them as pen holders or decorative glasses for your bookshelf or desk. 

Notebooks & Stationery Gifts For Young Astronomers

The Night Sky Dark Matter Notebook

Beyond its artistic allure, this Night Sky Dark Matter Notebook serves as the perfect canvas for jotting down astronomical observations, celestial musings, or even writing out a to-do list for the week. Each cover in the Dark Matter series celebrates the beauty found in darkness and the scenes made by the faintest light. Let your creativity run wild in the black pages of this unique notebook. Yes, you read that correctly…the pages are black! This extra-thick 120 gsm black paper works great with gel pens, metallic pens, chalk markers, pastels, and even some paints! For the brightest colors, look for ones that are formulated to work on dark media, like our very own Supernova Pens.

Constellations Hardcover Notebook - Dot Grid

If you are looking for the perfect gift for the young astronomer in your life, this Constellations Hardcover Notebook is it. Perfect for amateur astronomers or students in a related field, this dot grid notebook will inspire you to sketch your astronomical findings, keep organized data sets, or simply have a rad-looking bullet journal.

Conclusion 

In the vast universe of gifting possibilities for astronomers and space enthusiasts, the journey to find the perfect present is possible at Cognitive Surplus. From out-of-this-world apparel to celestial-themed glasses, notebooks, and more, the astronomy gifts we've explored cater to both the scientific curiosity and the sheer awe of the cosmos.

So, whether you're shopping for yourself or someone special, keep stargazing, keep dreaming, and keep the cosmic vibes alive with one of these awesome gifts!