Happy Mathematics Day! I know I’ve been doing a lot of holiday posts recently, but something like Mathematics Day needs to be celebrated with some cool math gifts. As a former engineer, I loved getting cool new supplies for math and engineering classes at the college bookstore. Even now, as an adult, I adore vintage math tools, like slide rules and the like. There is something just kind of amazing at the calculations people were able to do before computers came along, and I think all math nerd can appreciate that. If you have someone in your life who loves math, then some cool math gifts are sure to be a fun choice they will appreciate!

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GEOMETRY SET

Maybe you’re shopping for a kid or maybe for an adult. Either way, this basic geometry set is a darned useful thing to have around any home. Yes, there are plenty of times when items like protractors and compasses have come in very handy at my house. Know anyone who could benefit from something simple and useful like this? Comes with 15 pieces and is all your basic math nerd will need.

ANTIQUE SEXTANT

If you are looking for something a little more vintage, then this antique-looking sextant looks amazing and is going to be a great choice! Surveyors and mariners used to use these to calculate latitude and longitude, and this vintage replica can be used for some of those same calculations. A great and unique gift!

FRENCH CURVE SET

I was always fascinated with the French curve. The basic idea is that you can have three points, and the French curve will have somewhere where it can be used to trace a smooth curve that would follow along those points. It has been years since I’ve used a French curve, but just typing this makes me want to give it a try. A fun choice for not only a math fan but also for any artist in your life!

VINTAGE ABACUS

If you’ve ever stepped foot into a daycare or a pediatrician’s office, then you’ve seen some kid version of an abacus, but these things were used for higher calculations back in the days before computers and calculators. This beauty can be used for decoration or calculation. It looks nice, it’s made well, and it works. Also, it’s a great conversation piece!

CIRCULAR COMPUTER

My personal favorite in the cool math gifts is this circular computer! It has that amazing vintage look, and it performs a whole bunch of calculations, many for aviation. I actually have my dad’s vintage one, and I love it. Get this for the math nerd or aspiring pilot in your life!