Holiday gift shopping can be a challenge. It's hard to come up with something for everyone on your list that is inventive and enjoyable. You’ll be pleased to learn that holiday shopping help is available right here on campus in one of Salt Lake City’s most unique shopping destinations—the Museum Store at the Natural History Museum of Utah.

With a wide selection of one-of-a-kind keepsakes and fun souvenirs that embody the museum experience and the beauty of our state, a visit to the Museum Store will help you in your quest to check off that challenging gift list. And know this, from Dec. 1–24, University of Utah staff and faculty get 20% off their entire purchase with their UCard.

Keep reading for some great gift ideas.

We recognize this might be the easiest gift to check off your list. Put a cute newborn in a cute onesie and voilà. But, what if you could take that cuteness to a new level while also inspiring a lifetime interest in the Pliocene epoch? Well, as a natural history museum that’s exactly what we had in mind when stocking an adorable selection of infant onesies, swaddles, bibs, beanies and plushies—all featuring mammoths, dinosaurs and more.

Sure, you might find a bigger selection of books scrolling through the internet, but there’s no better place to shop for science and natural history books than NHMU. With a carefully curated selection so good even our scientists shop here, we’re confident you’ll be able to find something for the bookworm on your list. We have books for readers of all ages and interests: local non-fiction exploring Utah; tiny explorations in entomology; giant pop-up books from Jurassic World; stories of Indigenous peoples of the West. There’s something for everyone.

You’ve likely got to shop for a kid or two this holiday season, and maybe even an overgrown “kid” who refused to grow up. We get it, dinosaur toys are hard to put down. NHMU has you covered with a wide selection of both fun and educational toys that help younger museum guests explore science and natural history wherever they are. Our shelves are full of countless dinosaur toys, science experiments, mini fossil digs, rock and gem collections, puzzles, games and more. Combine a gift of one of these keepsakes with a later visit to the awe-inspiring museum (maybe during DinoFest on Jan. 29 or 30) for a gift they’ll never forget.

"Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs" has been a blockbuster exhibition at the museum. Open through Jan. 6, 2022, it features more than 350 artifacts from ancient Egypt, some more than 4,500 years old. To celebrate this incredible exhibit, the Museum Store is stocked with a variety of Egypt-themed books, toys, T-shirts, collectibles and even Date Night Boxes. They’re sure to please anyone with a fascination with archaeology and ancient Egypt.

The stress of shopping for a fashionista can be so great one wants to give up completely. How to know what’s trending or unique enough to please the most stylish of our family and friends? Well, we’re confident the Museum Store’s selection of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted jewelry by some of the region’s most talented Indigenous artists will wow even the fussiest fashionistas. Not only are these pieces beautiful to behold, but they all come with a wonderful story. And, you’ll be supporting local and Indigenous artists right here in Utah.

Finally, if you have a cabinet of curiosities of your own at home, consider making a spectacular addition from our selection of extraordinary fossil casts, vibrant minerals and other fine art. Sure, these might require a shopper to open the wallet or purse a little wider, but they will make incredible conversation pieces for years to come. And, know that your University of Utah staff and faculty holiday discount of 20% applies to everything mentioned here, including the finest of collectibles.

We wish you all a happy holiday season and hope the Museum Store can be of help to you in your gift shopping here in Salt Lake City. Museum admission is not required to visit the Museum Store, but remember that your UCard also gives you free admission to NHMU anytime. Click here to learn more.