The 10 Best Gifts for Future Space Tourists

When it comes time to shop for your favorite fan of outer space, there are a lot of gifts to choose from. The range goes from ‘cheesy’ to ‘techy,’ and it’s hard to spot exactly which spacegifts fall in the ‘cool’ range of the spectrum.

Before launching in to the space gifts themselves, be sure to stock up on galaxy wrapping paper (pictured above). You can also seal it with galaxy printed duct tape to stay truly committed to the space theme of your gift and win over your space-loving friends.

In this guide, you will find the best space gifts for space fans and future space tourists. These will show your favorite astrotourist that even if space isn’t your favorite thing, you support that it may be their favorite thing! Read on for the best space gifts for the 2020 holiday season.

This post was originally published in June 2017, and was updated in November 2020.

1. Under Lucky Stars Art

Since I first learned about custom star art, I’ve always wanted one of my own. That’s why I was so excited to partner with Under Lucky Stars and get a piece of custom star art set to the exact time, date, and location that I was married this summer.

Under Lucky Stars offers a ton of sizes, design options, and styles, as well as framing so that your space gift can arrive completely ready to hang on the wall. This is a perfect gift for someone who has a special occasion to mark – or if you have one to celebrate with them!

Start designing your custom star art gift on Under Luck Stars.

2. Well Told Celestial Glassware

I love constellation and star chart designs because they are beautiful and modern – but also feel awe inspiring. When I saw the cosmic collection from Well Told Design, I knew I needed to add some to my home, and I think they make one of the best space gifts out there.

Well Told Design was kind enough to send me a custom star chart carafe – also for my wedding day, just like my custom star art! It’s a beautiful addition to my bar tray.

Well Told offers constellation designs on rocks glasses, pint glasses, wine glasses, coffee mugs, carafes, flasks, and insulated mugs and bottles. Basically, no matter what your favorite space fan loves to drink, Well Told has an item with their constellation designs (or custom night sky design).

Browse the full collection of cosmic products on Well Told Designs.

3. Mova Globes

If you’ve never seen the magic of MOVA globes before, don’t be surprised if you want one for yourself in addition to giving itself as a space gift.

These 6-inch spinning globes are powered by solar energy and rotate internally; they come in designs for each of the planets, moons, asteroids, and even the sun. There are also some other designs, including the night sky, various maps, sports balls, and even famous art works!

I received the Constellations globe for Christmas a few years ago and love how it looks on my shelf.

Browse the full collection of MOVA Globes to find a perfect gift.

4. Moon Light

One of the coolest things on this list, this moon light turns your desk into a cool, calm workspace under the gentle glow of the moon. There are several different stands to choose from, but the hand makes the moon feel like it’s within easy reach.

My husband bought me this moon light as a gift many years ago; it has been on my nightstand ever since!

This lamp comes in three sizes: 3.5″ diameter, 4.7″ diameter, and 5.9″ diameter. It’s also an affordable option on this list, great for kids or someone who you’re also buying a non-space gift.

Buy this moon lamp on Amazon.

5. Miniature Scale Solar System

If you loved the idea of the moon lamp and its commitment to accuracy, you’re going to like this next gift even more.

When a company calls itself the ‘Little Planet Factory,’ you just know they make something awesome. This company makes highly accurate versions of the planets and other bodies in our solar system. They don’t offer any for sale on their website anymore, but you can purchase them on a different site.

From fixed size options (every planet/moon the same diameter) to scale sets, the Little Planet Factory offers a uniquely accurate space gift that any space fan will love to display.

Purchase Little Planet Factory models on Shapeways.

6. Galactic Computer Case

There are a lot of cool ways to accessorize a computer – it’s big business, just like smartphone cases! When I saw this cool case on my friend’s Instagram account, I knew I needed one for myself, and to recommend it as a budget-friendly space gift.

This colorful case isn’t exactly accurate to any specific space structure – it’s more of a statement piece for someone who loves space and wants to declare it on their computer for all to see. Best of all, it’s a great affordable option if you don’t have a huge budget to spend this holiday season.

Buy on Amazon.

7. Chart of Cosmic Exploration

There are a lot of great options for space art to gift, but I’ve tried to pick only the coolest and my most favorites.

This one – the Chart of Cosmic Exploration – shows all of humankind’s efforts to observe and understand our solar system in the tech and path each has taken. You can see all of the different spacecraft we’ve sent out into the solar system and beyond, see the path each craft has taken, and get a sense for how much (and how little) we’ve really explored.

Purchase the Chart of Cosmic Exploration from Pop Chart.

8. Studio Inception Prints

Okay, here’s one more piece of space art you might want to give as a gift this holiday season. I fell in love with Studio Inception prints after I first saw them because they seem to be even cooler versions of NASA JPL’s “Visions of the Future” posters.

The designer who runs Studio Inception has four specific space prints: Mars (pictured above), Earth, Jupiter, and Titan. They’re all bright and eye-catching and would make a great gift on their own – or as a set. There are also some other semi-space-themed prints in the rest of their shop, including Voyageurs National Park (with northern lights), Glacier National Park (with a starry sky), and a crescent moon above Serengeti National Park. (That’s part of why these prints also made my list of the best National Park gifts!)

Browse the Space Travel collection in the Studio Inception Etsy store.

9. Dark Skies

It’s hard to believe my book, Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism, has been out for more than a year! I’ve been so happy to hear how many people have enjoyed learning more about space and the best places to experience it here on earth.

Obviously I’m a little biased, but I think Dark Skies is definitely one of the best space gifts out there! It’s perfect for those who know nothing about the night sky – and those who think they know it all and still want more.

Buy signed or unsigned copies of Dark Skies in the STG Shop.

10. Telescope

Last but not least: if you really love your favorite space enthusiast, a telescope is the ultimate space gift to give. I received a telescope for Christmas one year as a kid, and it definitely set me on the path to loving the night sky my whole life – and starting this website!

There are so many options with telescopes, you might want to read up on the different types and decide your budget before you start browsing. Once you’re ready, we have a list of the best telescopes for every budget – from $200 to $2000 that can help you choose the perfect gift this season.

Which of these space gifts will you be giving? Which one do you want??? Let me know in the comments!

Special thanks to Under Lucky Stars and Well Told Design for gifting me items to include in this space gifts guide; I had already decided to include both of them prior to our partnership. I was not compensated in any way for the other gifts I recommended.

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