Are you on the hunt for a gift for the astronomy or space fan in your life? Get inspired with our gift guide, featuring some of the best bits of astro gear that's caught our attention so far this year.
From astronomy gadgets to nifty space-related toys and memorabilia, this is our wish list for lovers of all things astronomy.
We've made sure to cover budget space and astronomy gifts for Secret Santa purchases and those tightening the purse strings, as well as more high-end offers for those looking to splurge on a loved one or picking up a treat for themselves.
Best astronomy and space gifts under £10
Moon phases enamel badge
- Buy now from Not On The High Street
This decorative enamel pin shows the changing phases of the Moon as seen from Earth, as sunlight illuminates the lunar surface causing its appearance to change from new Moon through its waxing phase to full Moon, then back through the waning phases to new Moon again.
The brooch is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant and measures 2.8cm in diameter, making for a decorative piece of jewellery that shows off the wearer's love of our celestial companion. Perfect for your next moongazing session or star party.
Mae Jemisox
- Buy now from Chatty Feet
In September 1992, NASA astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African American women to travel into space as a mission specialist aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Pay tribute to Jemison's achievement and her contribution to human spaceflight with a pair of these bright and colourful socks.
See our list of the best space and astronomy socks
Space Racers: Make your own paper rockets
Ideal for the young or young at heart, this kit has everything you need to create your own paper rockets. Designs include the Vostok K, the Space Shuttle and a 60cm-tall Saturn V.
For more options, read our guide to the best Saturn V rocket models.
Moon playing cards
A 54-card deck featuring the phases of the Moon, lunar eclipses and Apollo lunar modules.
The images are taken from NASA's archives, showcasing the best of their lunar explorers.
The cards are sleekly styled with a black background and white text, and come in a metal gift tin to keep them looking sharp.
Have fun and learn about your space history at the same time.
NASA jigsaws
Piece together the Universe bit by bit with these officially licensed 1,000-piece NASA jigsaws, which come in three designs, each depicting a different nebula as imaged using the Hubble Space Telescope.
Discover our pick of the best space jigsaw puzzles
Best space and astronomy gifts under £20
Space Swirl Colour Pencils
These 10 two-tone pencils are decorated with NASA images of deep space.
Each pencil comes with a lead that's separated into two complimentary colours that will help give your drawings some added depth and interest.
Use them to draw the purple and pink Butterfly Nebula or the black and white clouds of the Milky Way.
Fizz Creations space string lights
- Buy now from Argos
Decorate your room and discover the Solar System with this string of LED lights, which features the Sun, all eight major planets and Pluto.
The LED lights will create a subtle but colourful glow to help brighten up your living space.
Requires two AA batteries.
Star mug
While on the shelf, this mug shows a starry sky.
But fill it up with hot tea or coffee to keep you going through the night and you’ll reveal six of the best-known constellations hidden among them.
Just the thing to keep you warm during a cold observing session.
Planetarium postcards
This collection of 50 postcards features Chris Wormell's illustrations of space and was produced in collaboration with astronomer and writer Raman Prinja. The illustrations feature the Sun, the Solar System, the planets, the Milky Way, planet Earth's most famous ground-based and space telescopes, views of comets and incredible exoplanets.
Each postcard comes with a short description on the back so that you - and the recipient - know exactly what you're looking at. These make for great decorative pieces that could be grouped together and framed, and come in handy when you need to pen a quick note to a friend or fellow astronomer.
Moon jigsaw
Can you tell your Tycho crater from your Copernicus crater?
Challenge your knowledge of the lunar surface by assembling this circular 100-piece puzzle of a high-resolution image of the full Moon, taken from NASA’s archives.
Stars pinhole constellation cards
Buy now from Walmart (US)
Knowing the constellations is vital for astronomers navigating around the night sky. These pin-hole cards, featuring 20 of the best constellations, will help you learn their shapes, while the accompanying book teaches you their mythology and history.
Earth and space 100 postcards
- Buy now from WH Smith, Chronicle Books (US)
A chunky selection of 100 postcards showing incredible astro imagery captured by NASA observatories and probes.
Great for framing and mounting, or for keeping aside for those quick ‘thank you’ notes.
Best astronomy and space gifts under £50
Haynes Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Edition
- Buy now from Haynes
2019 marked 50 years since humans first set foot on the surface of the Moon.
Celebrate with this new edition of the classic Haynes Apollo 11 manual.
Build your own cardboard telescope kit
With all the lenses, mirrors and other parts needed to build your own cardboard telescope, this kit is a great way to teach budding astronomers how telescopes work. Importantly, it also leaves you with your own scope to begin exploring the night sky.
Starry Night Music Box
Buy now from Robotime (US)
Craft your very own Solar System music box with this DIY kit.
The kit comes with all the pieces you'll need, precut by lasercutter. All you need to do is follow the instructions to create your own orrery.
A perfect addition to any mantlepiece.
The Desktop Planetarium
Keep track of planetary motions with this armillary sphere kit, made from concentric cardboard rings and foam rubber planets.
Lunt 6x30 mini sunoculars
- Buy now from AstroShop
- Buy now from Lunt Solar Systems (US)
Take a safe look at the Sun using these 6x30 ‘SUNoculars’.
Their small size makes them perfect for travel, allowing you to keep watch for sunspots from across the globe.
Best astronomy and space gifts under £100
Planets in Time
Buy now from Etsy (£20.00 - £140.00)
Every day is unique, so why not commemorate those most special to you with a custom print that captures the position of the planets on any given date?
Planets in Time uses NASA data to work out the orbits, and there are different frame options and sizes to consider.
Moon astronomical globe
- Buy now from Just Globes
Learn your way around the Moon’s surface with the help of this lunar globe.
It depicts all the major craters and mountains of the lunar surface, as well as the Apollo landing sites, and measures 30cm across.
Discover our pick of the best Moon globes and lamps
Best astronomy and space gifts over £100
Sega Toys Homestar Matataki
Turn the walls of your home into a sparkling light show with this home planetarium and star projector.
A 3-watt light bulb projects twinkling stars onto the walls around you, so you can look up at the Milky Way from the comfort of your sofa.
The in-built audio centre plays nature sounds to help lull you to sleep.
You can find even more home planetariums and star projectors here.
Mini Solar System
Buy now from AstroReality
These 3cm-diameter, 3D-printed worlds accurately depict the surface colouration of all eight planets plus Pluto.
They are painted to accurately recreate the surfaces of the planets using real NASA data.
Can be bought separately or as a set, and use the accompanying app to explore the planets in augmented reality.
Landfall 3D Moon images
Buy now from Landfall
These 3D maps are created using the natural topography of the Moon to shape beautiful lunar images.
Each is made to order, so you can choose your favourite lunar landmark to transform into a work of art.
Best experiences and subscription space gifts
BBC Sky at Night Magazine Subscription
Subscribe at BuySubscriptions
Help your giftee keep up to date with the latest observing advice, astronomy guides and space news with a subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine. UK readers can get 6 issues for £9.99 when they sign up to subscribe via the Buy Subscriptions website.
Skillshare galaxy painting courses
Subscribe to Skillshare now
The night sky has inspired artists for centuries, as they try to capture the beauty of the cosmos around us.
While a photograph can show the exact view of the stars above us, there are many who would much rather take up their paint brush to create a far more evocative art work.
Skillshare offers a range of courses to help you capture the clouds of a nebula, or the arc of the Milk Way to create your own watercolour galaxy.
In addition, your giftee will gain access to all of Skillshare's wide range of courses to fuel your space based creativity - delve into other areas of watercolour, learn the key to night sky photography or even learn how to make a CGI Moon.
Future Learn space course
Subscribe to Future Learn now
Gain access to hundreds of University level courses with a subscription to Future Learn.
Your subscription will give you access to unlimited learning in a huge range of subjects.
Learn all about Orion with the Open University, or unfold Mysteries of the Universe with the National Tsing Hua University.
Introduction to Astronomy one day course
Buy now from Virgin Experience Days
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of amateur astronomy with this one-day workshop from Science Horizons.
Designed for newcomers, this is the perfect experience to teach you the essential ideas needed to understand the Universe around you – you'll even get the opportunity to examine rare meteorites.
Includes a beginners guide to astronomy including guying the right equipment, and you'll have ample opportunity to ask your experienced stargazing expert questions.
Takes place in person in two locations near either Southend-On-Sea or Cambridge.
Brecon Beacons observatory group stargazing even with Dark Sky Wales
Buy now from Red Letter Days
Admire the dark skies above the Brecon Beacons, Wales' first International Dark Sky Reserve, and let yourself be led around the wonders of the night by expert astronomers.
Learn how to set up a telescope, and use it to observe and photograph the night sky above.
Another great choice for anyone wanting to get stared in astronomy.
Supernova escape room for two
Buy now from Experience Days
Time is running out! You have one hour to fix your malfunctioning spaceship and escape a supernova.
Located in the heart of Liverpool, this escape room experience for 2 to 5 players will require you to fix your ship and then navigate our way to safety.
Will you be able to escape in time?
For the perfect companion gift, take a look at best telescopes for beginners, best telescopes for kids.
For more gift ideas, read our guide to the best space gifts for kids, best space jigsaw puzzles and best space board games.