The California Science Center offers numerous gift options for family-friendly fun and learning throughout the year. Whether you are shopping for a science enthusiast, a curious explorer, or a future astronaut, there are plenty of wonderful gift options for all.

There are also many ways to participate in support of the California Science Center Foundation and create a personal gift that will inspire science learning for everyone.

Selected highlights include:

Gifts That Spark Curiosity:

Give a gift Membership to share the love of science learning with family and friends by enrolling them in a year of exploration and fun as Science Center Members. There are five different levels of gift membership available, beginning at $95 for a family. Among the many benefits on offer are invitations to Members-only exhibit viewings and movie screenings; IMAX Theater passes; discounted tickets to special exhibitions, attractions, and simulators; and discounted dining and shopping onsite. Further details on the different Membership levels can be found here.  

Gifts That Make a Difference:

Provide a summer camp scholarship for the California Science Center’s Hands-On Science Camp – an amazing way for kids to combine fun with the joy of learning.  Programs are built on age-appropriate concepts and hands-on activities from Pre-K through 8^th grade. Campers can choose from over 25 weeklong classes ranging from chemistry to Earth science to astronomy and more. A gift of $460 makes it possible for a student to attend a week of Science Camp for free – in many cases, that’s more science learning than they receive all year in school.

Create a lasting tribute for someone special and join Team Endeavour by sponsoring one of Space Shuttle Endeavour’s thermal tiles in perpetuity, supporting the California Science Center Foundation’s efforts to build the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center – the future home of Endeavour in the world’s only display of an authentic, “ready-to-launch” space shuttle system. Gift levels start at $1,000 with convenient monthly payment options.

Gifts for Families:

The ExploraStore, located on the main floor of the Science Center, offers a wide range of gifts to suit every budget and every explorer. Some of the more popular items this year include a special collection of space and aviation-themed Snoopy and Peanuts merchandise that includes adult and youth apparel, an adorable Hello Kitty astronaut plushie, and other unique toys. The ExploraStore also offers the convenience to purchase items online here. All proceeds from the store go to support the California Science Center Foundation, a Non-Profit California Corporation.

Gifts for Everyone:

Gift certificates purchased at the box office or via telephone can be redeemed in person for purchases at the ExploraStore or at the box office for timed tickets to any of the following experiences:

IMAX THEATER TICKETS

Four movies are currently available in the IMAX^® Theater: Antarctica 3D allows viewers to venture to the coldest, driest, and windiest place on earth; Superhuman Body 3D explores a world of medical marvels and the extraordinary ways our bodies work; Blue Whales 3D takes viewers on a journey to learn about the largest animal ever to have lived; and The Blue Angels,filmed for IMAX in 3D, reveals never-before-seen footage chronicling a year with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron.

ENDEAVOUR TOGETHER SIMULATOR

Climb aboard a state-of-the-art motion simulation experience and celebrate Space Shuttle Endeavour’s many contributions to the space program.

Credit: The California Science Center.

Looking for a fun rainy day activity! How about painting? How about ready-to-paint Figments: 3D-printed characters with bold shapes, comfy to hold, and easy to color?

I recently received a Figment of my pup from ColorFig. I was amazed that it looked just like my pup! I had emailed a photo and quickly received a fun kit which included paint and paint brushes!

ColorFig is a new family-run studio turning imagination into 3D reality and adding a splash of color.

Founded and operated by their STEM-driven daughter and her brother, they design and 3D-print paint-ready figurines called Figments — creative kits that invite people to Print. Paint. Play.

Every ColorFig kit is made locally in Houston, using eco-friendly practices like using recycled and upcycled packaging (we even shred old boxes into our fill!)

Each Figment celebrates creativity, culture, and connection — from playful kid-friendly designs to artistic cultural icons.

The most amazing part of the whole process is you can customize and personalize these with your child’s name which makes an amazing stocking stuffer! 

I had fun over this rainy day weekend painting Ozzy!

You can see details about the figments and order your own at:

https://www.colorfig.com

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post.

School-Safe Muffins from Antonina’s Gluten-Free Bakery

Price: $8.99 at local retailers.

Website: www.antoninasglutenfreebakery.com

Make packing lunchboxes easier with school-safe muffins from Antonina’s Gluten-Free Bakery! Their six delicious muffins are peanut-free, nut-free and gluten-free, providing children with a safe treat to enjoy as a snack or in their lunch. The moist gluten-free muffins are light, fluffy, and full of flavor making them a muffin truly everyone will enjoy. Choose from mouthwatering varieties, including Blueberry Raspberry (also soy-free), Blueberry (also soy-free), Triple Chocolate (also soy-free), Chocolate Chip, Lemon Poppyseed (also soy-free) and Cinnamon Chip (also soy-free). Learn more about Antonina’s Gluten-Free Bakery at Antoninas Gluten-Free Bakery – Antonina’s Gluten-Free Bakery (antoninasglutenfreebakery.com). To find a store near you, please visit their store locator. 

Sweet Chaos Popcorn

Price: $3.96 per bag

Website: https://sweetchaos.com/popcorn/

Make back-to-school season a little sweeter (and crunchier) with Sweet Chaos Popcorn—perfect for lunchboxes or as a well-earned after-school treat. Certified gluten-free and made with NON-GMO kernels popped in coconut oil, this better-for-you snack skips the artificial junk without sacrificing flavor. From the bold tang of NEW Dill Pickle (made with real dill & vinegar) to kid-approved classics like Sea Salt, Kettle Corn, Movie Theater Butter, Jalapeño Blue Cheese, and White Cheddar, there’s a flavor for everyone! Visit https://sweetchaos.com/popcorn/.

Glass Prep Jars

Price: $19.96 & up

Website: https://keababies.com/collections/baby-food-jars

Make and prep meals and snacks for your little ones with the Glass Prep Jars from KeaBabies! From perfectly portioned yogurt + fruit, applesauce or purees, and small finger foods, such as crackers, the airtight, leak-proof lids seal in freshness and prevent spills while on-the-go! The perfect homemade food storage solution for you and your children are available in an array of gorgeous colors. The jars are dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe and microwavable, too. BPA-Free. Visit https://keababies.com/collections/baby-food-jars and Amazon.com. 

KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit

Price: $24.99 (MiniKit) and up

Website: https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/

From scraped knees on the playground to classroom mishaps, your child will be ready for anything! TSA approved, the lightweight kit is packaged in an organized, stylish water & stain-resistant case for busy school days. Created by a mom of four, the KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit is an essential for children of all ages. Four kits are available, including the SuperKit (270 pieces), NEW Adult GoKit (130 pieces), GoKit (130 pieces), and MiniKit (perfect for clipping on backpacks!). A variety of stylish, trendy patterns and colors are available, as well as sets. The kits can be found on the website https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/ and on Amazon.com.

My Little Dreamy Pillow: Jumbo

Price: $26.96

Website: www.keababies.com

Give your little one the comfort of home at nap time! Made from 100% organic cotton, My Little Dreamy Pillow: Jumbo is the perfect sleep companion for naps at daycare, home or away! Its soft, gentle design ensures a restful night’s sleep, while its machine-washable durability keeps it fresh and fluffy. Thoughtfully crafted with an ergonomic 14×20 size and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, this pillow is a natural and safe choice for your child. Available in 20 vibrant colors and playful patterns to match their personality, it’s ready to be packed for preschool and beyond!

Parenting Must-Have: Handzies Debuts New 12-Pack Travel Wipes for Clean-Conscious Families

Whether you’re navigating preschool pickups or park playdates, Handzies has your back with their new 12-pack Travel Pack—a gentle, on-the-go cleansing solution that’s perfect for lunchboxes, diaper bags, and glove compartments. Unlike harsh alcohol-based wipes, Handzies rely on simple, natural ingredients like castile (olive oil-based) soap and essential oils for a “just-washed” feel without residue or chemical smells. The soap-and-water formula is alcohol-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and free from Triclosan, parabens, artificial dyes, and perfumes—making it safe for sensitive little hands and grown-up skin alike.

Handzies were created with families and the planet in mind: they’re cruelty-free, vegan, NON-GMO, gluten-free, and crafted with 100% plant-based fiber. Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-licensed, EPA-registered, NSF-certified facility that’s also FSC and Rainforest Alliance Certified, Handzies offer a clean you can feel good about.

Learn more at handzies.com. You can also find the new Travel Pack on Amazon.

Old Trapper’s 1.8 oz Bags Are the Perfect Snack for Busy Students!

Back-to-school season means packed schedules, quick lunches, and on-the-go snacking — and Old Trapper’s 1.8 oz beef jerky bags check all the boxes for students who need smart, satisfying fuel between classes.

Made from lean cuts of real beef and naturally smoked for bold flavor, these conveniently sized bags are perfect for backpacks, lunchboxes, or locker snacks. With classic flavors like Old Fashioned, Teriyaki, Peppered, and Hot & Spicy, Old Trapper gives students a high-protein snack that tastes great and keeps them focused. Absolutely delicious!

MSRP $5.99 each. Available at convenience stores nationwide. www.OldTrapper.com

Back-to-School Just Got a Whole Lot Better with Alter Eco Granola!

Back-to-school is here…and that means parents and students everywhere are scrambling to find breakfast and snack options that are quick, healthy, and actually taste good.

Enter Alter Eco Granola: a better-for-you, better-for-the-planet option made with whole food ingredients and no refined sugars. Just like their beloved eco-conscious chocolate bars and truffles, Alter Eco’s granola delivers the same crave-worthy taste…with ingredients that are just as good for you.

This isn’t your average granola. Made with regeneratively grown oats, clean ingredients, and packed with flavor, Alter Eco Granola turns rushed mornings into moments to savor. With flavors like Dark Chocolate & Cashew Butter or Cinnamon Raisin & NEW Almond Butter, Alter Eco Granola offersa feel-good crunch that supports your body and the planet.

I love this in my Acai bowls and yogurt! But, it can also be added in other recipes such as muffins!

Happy Back-to-School!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to feature for Back-to-School! Images were also provided.

National S’mores Day is coming up on August 10, and while we all love the classic gooey-goodness of graham, marshmallow, and chocolate, this year we’re upping the bar…literally.

Alter Eco makes s’mores better in every way, starting with what matters most: the chocolate. Their rich, melt-in-your-mouth bars are organic, fair trade, and climate neutral…so you can roast, stack, and snack with a little less guilt and a lot more flavor.

With bold, crave-worthy options like Brown Butter, Burnt Caramel and Classic Blackout, Alter Eco turns your backyard bonfire into an eco-conscious (and seriously elevated) indulgence. Plus, they come wrapped in compostable packaging that’s just as thoughtful as what’s inside. Brown Butter is my favorite but they all are yummy!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

This soothing magnesium-powered set includes tubes specially formulated for nerve, muscle, and foot relief. Unlike traditional Epsom salt soaks, these no-mess topical formulas make it easy to relax the body and calm the nervous system before bed, without the tub. Ideal for those with sore feet, muscle tension, or nighttime nerve discomfort. www.epsomit.com. Forget soaking in a tub…Epsom-It’s concentrated lotions and rollerballs give people an easier, mess-free, and fast-absorbing way to get the benefits of magnesium, and the internet can’t get enough.

My favorite is the Calming Foot Lotion!

These natural cacao bars aren’t just a decadent treat. It’s made with clean, organic ingredients and naturally high in magnesium, a mineral linked to deeper, more restorative sleep. Plus, the low sugar content won’t spike blood sugar before bed, making it a smart nighttime indulgence. Want pure dark chocolate? Try their Total Blackout 100% cacao bar for maximum benefits. www.alterecofoods.com.

From lush, fair trade cacao farms to compostable wrappers and regenerative agriculture, Alter Eco has been quietly leading the charge in ethical chocolate for over two decades. Their mission? A world where enjoying chocolate doesn’t come at the cost of the Earth, or the farmers who grow it.

With decadent offerings like Creamy Truffles and Truffle Thins, Decadent Dark Bars, and other offerings like Granola and Quinoa, Alter Eco proves that indulgence and integrity can coexist in every bite. I love the Cashew Butter Organic Granola! It has no added sugar and is delicious!

Self Disclosure: I received free sample products to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.