To some, the best part of the Connecticut Science Center is the butterfly exhibit; to others, it’s the traveling exhibit; to us, it’s the Love Science Gift Shop. Here are the top ten best summer gifts to give or receive from the Connecticut Science Center Gift Shop. Be sure to check them out while they’re available.
1. Sun Plushie
If you can’t beat the heat this summer, embrace it with a sun plushie. Did you know the average temperature of the sun’s core is 9,941°F? This adorable little guy comes with some cool (but still hot) facts about the sun and you can collect the entire solar system.
2. Butterfly Wings
Ever wish you could just fly to another state like monarch butterflies when they migrate to warmer climates? Well, now you can pretend to migrate and go through metamorphosis just like your favorite butterfly with a pair of wings. Plus, the kit even comes with a butterfly wand.
3. Pizza Herbs Growing Kit
There are few things better than homemade pizza, and with summer weather, now is the perfect time to grow your own pizza herbs with this kit. Grow arugula, oregano, and basil at home and garnish your favorite pizza with the herbs for a fresh, authentic taste. Now, if only we could find a way to grow pepperoni!
4. Dinosaur Soap Lab
Summer is bound to be a messy time between the sand you bring home from the beach, the melting desserts, and sweat from the heat, so make sure there’s plenty of soap to keep you clean and fresh. This dinosaur soap kit allows you to mold and color soap into your favorite dinosaurs. It’s totally roarsome!
5. Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Everyone needs a sweet treat during the summer so why not give astronaut ice cream sandwiches a try? These delicious freeze-dried treats are just like the ones NASA astronauts ate on Apollo missions. Choose your favorite flavor, vanilla or cookies, and cream. The best part, these treats won’t melt under the hot summer sun.
6. Connecticut Science Center Bucket Hat
Quizz the Robot’s favorite find in the gift shop is a CSC bucket hat that he wants to wear himself. The hats are tan and blue, perfect to block the hot summer sun. Twin with Quizz and a friend!
7. Dinosaur Plushies
Don’t fret, these Dinosaurs are the perfect pet that won’t bite! These super soft, cuddly stuffed animals are adora-saurable and perfect for any age. Collect a rampant red T-rex, a booming blue Triceratops, a glorious green Brontosaurus or Allosaurus.
8. Egyptian Anubis Snow Globe
Make sure to get an Anubis Snow Globe to be protected from the Mummies around the world. Anubis preserves the souls of the dead and ensures that mummies stay where they should be. For some extra luck, shake the snow globe a couple of times so the God of the Dead continues to do his job.
9. WOWMazing Bubble Kit
For parties or for a regular day, the WOWmazing Bubble Kit is perfect for some quick fun. Watch the bubbles grow and grow until they are bigger than you, then… pop! This gift is great to add to kids’ summer bucket lists and take a break from the same routine. It’s better than your average bubble!
10. Planet Maker
This activity is for all the young terraformers out there in the galaxy. Mix bright-colored sand to forge your very own planet and the multicolored world with this kit. Best of all, your planet turns into a bouncy ball, in the end, to toss through space.
Erica Presbie is a Community Engagement and Marketing Intern at the Connecticut Science Center. She is a senior Marketing major at Endicott College and enjoys participating in the collegiate dance club as well as teaching kids dance classes in her free time.
London Brazal is a Community Engagement and Marketing Intern at the Connecticut Science Center. She is a rising senior at Marist College working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations.
