Solar Powered
Gift Ideas

chargers+gadgets

Solar energy stands for future, environmentally friendly energy, high-tech semiconductor technology, efficiency, silence and education. Think of it - you can pack all that into a single smart and useful Christmas, birthday or wedding gift!

We have picked the following solar products from the other categories which we think would make an unusual great gift for most people. However, feel free to browse through the other categories for an even greater selection.

Or surprise with a gift certificate! All our selected retailers offer gift certificates, some of which can be emailed! Just follow any link to a retailer, or pick one of our recommeneded gift certificates from the links on the right.

Some selected gift certificates (Improvements Catalog, Gaiam and Edmund Scientific):

Rainbow Maker

Price range (USD)*: $35
To buy from retailer Gardener's, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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Turn a sunny window into a rainbow factory!

When the sun shines, this solar-powered ornament turns a genuine Swarovski crystal pendant, sending beautiful rainbows dancing around the room. The colorful gears are fascinating to watch, and the ornament provides a close-up look at the principle of solar power.

Easy to attach with included suction cup. Made from crystal, copper wire, steel, plastic. 5-7/8" H.

Sunlight will be reflected from a turning crystal (powered by sunlight too!) projecting beautiful coloured patterns into your room.

Great gift - will bring colour in everbodys life!

Power House: Experiments in Future Technics

Price range (USD)*: $143
To buy from retailer EdmundScientifics, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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Power House: Experiments in Future Technics provides an engaging introduction to regenerative energy sources while teaching basic concepts and principles in physical science. The kit focuses on the heat and light energy from the sun, the energy from the wind, as well as with electrochemical and plant energy. You will learn how to transform and use these forms of energy.

With this Power House kit you can build a model house complete with solar panels, windmill, greenhouse, and desalination system, build and operate an electric train, solar cooker, solar hot water tank, hygrometer, electric motor, power hoist, sail car, and more! Plant watercress, prepare sauerkraut, and make chewing gum.

The thoughtfully designed series of experiments were developed by physicist Uwe Wandrey. Professor Wandrey creatively integrates physical science and technology lessons with the adventure of building a home and living on a remote island. To survive, you must learn how to harness the power of the sun and the wind as well as tap the energy of other physical forces. The storyline follows the experiments in a stepwise fashion. Easy-to-follow activities make it fun to build models and use them for your experiments.

Many toys nowadays have all the bells and whistles already built in, overloading even the most curious young brains with visual and sound signals.

This well designed kit firmly stimulates your thinking creating those "whistles" inside your mind and that of your children.

Give fun learning!

See more educational solar kits in the Educational+Toys section!

Solar Headset AM/FM Radio

Price range (USD)*: $40
To buy from retailer EdmundScientific, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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When turned off, all power goes to recharging the batteries. One hour of charging in full sun gives 1-2 hours of night-time use while the fully charged battery provides over 18 hours of radio play.

Uses environmentally friendly NiMH batteries. Highlights include extended bass, comfortable dual headband, and unobtrusive internal antenna.

What an amazing gadget! This is a must for everybody who likes music/radio.

Buy two and you can dance with your partner - anywhere - without having to worry about running out of power or disturbing your environment!

See more solar radios in the Chargers+Gadgets section!

Coleman 50200 Exponent Flex 5 12V

Price range (USD)*: $99
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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The FLEX 5 is a foldable, portable solar panel that, in full sunlight, produces enough power (5 Watts) to recharge small 12V batteries, lanterns or to run portable electronics. Socket included. A fully weatherproof and impact resistant design is tough enough to strap to a kayak, tent or backpack for reliable power. Fully weatherproof and impact resistant design for long life.

Power output: 5 Watts in full sun

A very compact weatherproof power solution for campers, hikers and alike.

Ideal for everybody on the move. The power of the sun in your bag... - makes also a great gift!

See more portable chargers in the Chargers+Gadgets section!

Sport Solar Oven

Price range (USD)*: $150
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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We love the look on friends’ faces when we present fresh bread and other home-baked treats while camping. So will you when you take our lightweight solar oven on your next trip. It concentrates the renewable heat of the sun to effortlessly, and deliciously!, roast meats, steam vegetables, bake breads and cookies, and prepare rice, soups and stews.

Ideal for backyard use, camping, boating and picnicking. Requires only minimal sun aiming to cook most foods in two to four hours.

Our complete kit includes two pots, oven thermometer, water pasteurization indicator and recipe book.

12"H x 27"W x 16"D. 11 lbs.

Who would not be impressed by home made bred or cookies while camping - best of all our sun was heating them!

Also great to warm up cold meals quickly!

See more solar ovens in the Solar Outdoors section!

Solar Hat Fan

Price range (USD)*: $8
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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It's hot. It's cool. It's one heck of a nifty gadget that really cools you down on a hot day!

The Solar Hat Fan will impress your friends and neighbors, and keep your cranium cool on sunny days. It clamps on to your favorite chapeau (stiffer-type brims and baseball caps are recommended) and gets to work harvesting enough solar energy to directly power a working fan.

Features miniature photovoltaic panel with an adjustable mount. Measures 2.75" L x 2.125" W x 2.25" H. China.

A fun solar gift for everyone!

Note that the neither the hat nor the girl comes with the fan - only the panel!

See more solar fans in the Chargers+Gadgets section!

Solar Car Kit

Price range (USD)*: $40
To buy from retailer SmartHome, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: EdmundScientific
To comment on this item, click here.

Sleek, powerful, unearthly, and very cool... this futuristic solar car that you build yourself is an exciting way to demonstrate the use of alternative energy!

It features an aerodynamic sports car shell design, a 4-wheel chassis, a powerful 1.4 volt, 350 milliampere solar cell (included) and transparent plastic body that can be painted or left clear to display the car's inner mechanical construction. The steerable front axle, rear wheel and adjustable (directional/angle) solar panel mount are all independent parts, allowing for separate solar projects.

The Solar Car Kit is also convertible. For example, the two-way battery source allows you to use solar power, or an alkaline AA battery (sold separately). Other features include a multi-speed transmission. This is a marvelous educational science project for ages 9 and up.

Dimensions: 5.7" x 8.8" x 1.75" (14.5 x 22.5 x 4.5cm). Arrives non-painted.

Electric cars may well be the standard of the not so far future. This cool looking electric car model can be pewered by batteries or directly by sunlight.

Idea! You could also experiment with charging the battery (rechargable batteries not included) somehow with your panels. See and observe what happens!

Another Idea! Get a small solar panel kit and add more panels for more power. Alternatively use only the motor and electrics of this car to power you own car (made of wood, or lego...) or convert it into a boat...

See more educational solar kits in the Educational+Toys section!

Cybug - Solar Fly

Price range (USD)*: $50
To buy from retailer EdmundScientifics, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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This solar powered Cybug is easy to build and educational! Very active in direct sunlight, its sensitive infrared eyes continually cause this Cybug to move toward the brightest object it sees. Its feelers help it navigate its way around obstacles and even has short-term memory about objects it comes in contact with!

Its long vertical antennae can draw energy from other sources such as homemade "feeding stations" described in the kit. Requires basic hand tools, soldering iron, and approximately 2 hours to complete. Skill Level III

A solar energy powered vehicle that moves towards every light source.

Can it follow/find your flashlight? What happens if you cover the light source with coloured transparent foil - is it more sensitive to red or blue colour?

Use mirrors to show it the way! Can you design a track using lights and mirrors so that it can find its way around obstacles in a predictable way?

See more educational solar kits in the Educational+Toys section!

Solar-driven Wood Kits

Price range (USD)*: $25
To buy from retailer EdmundScientifics, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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Demonstrate the principle of solar energy and the free power available from the sun. Kits include pre-cut balsa wood or acrylic pieces, DC motor, solar panel, and motor pulley.

Kits either snap together, needing no glue, or use the included adhesive. All wood pieces may be painted. Two-foot twin wire leads are included with the 3" x 1 1/2" solar panel. For ages 8 & up.

I must have made really big eyes when I finally got hold of a little piece of a solar cell at the age 12. It was a miracle how this shiny piece of something could make a lamp glow or motor turn without any noise.

See the eyes of your little scientists when they see the blades of the helicopter turn after shining light on the little solar panel.

Obviously you can use wood to built all sorts of things... think about it!

See more educational solar toys in the Educational+Toys section!

The Return of the Solar Cat

Price range (USD)*: $11
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: Gaiam
To comment on this item, click here.

Solar energy is for everybody!

For some reason, a fresh non-technical introduction is a very rare occurance.

This book does make a great gift for everyone including the technical enthusiast who likes to see a different perspective of solar technology.

Let's hope there will be a movie out soon...!

See more solar energy books in the Solar Books section!

Solar Today - MAGAZINE subscription

Price range (USD)*: $
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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6 issues/12 months

Keeps scientists, engineers, educators, practicioners, researchers, and consumers current with developments in solar energy related fields.

Casio G-Shock Gold Atomic Solar MTG900DA-9V

Price range (USD)*: $100
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
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- Solar Powered.
- Shock Resistant.
- 200M Water Resistant.
- Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow.
- Atomic Timekeeping.
- World Time (30 Cities).
- 1/100 Sec. Stopwatch.
- 4 Daily Alarms / 1 Snooze Alarm.
- Hourly Time Signal.
- Auto Calendar.
- 12/24 Hour Formats.

The Casio Atomic Powered watches receive a time calibration signal transmitted from Fort Collins, Colorado. Signal reception is possible within a radius of about 2,000 miles from the Fort Collins transmitter.

The perfect gift for someone that likes to have a nice looking watch that has all the bells.

Conveys sportyness but also environmental awareness. Tell people about the power of solar energy when they look at your watch!

See more similar products in the Chargers+Gadgets section!

5-In-1 Emergency Radio & Spotlight

Price range (USD)*: $40
To buy from retailer SharperImage, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

Pick your power! Emergency Radio & Spotlight recharges by solar, hand crank and DC power.

Lightweight, portable five-in-one emergency device features an AM/FM radio, spotlight, flashing light, siren and digital LCD alarm clock with snooze. To recharge, just position the pivoting solar cell collection panel toward the sun; or, if no sun, turn the hand crank or plug into a 12V DC power socket with its DC adapter/charger (included).

Also runs on 3 AA batteries or 2 AA NiCad rechargeable batteries (included). Measures 8 1/2" x 3" x 7" and weighs less than 2 lbs.

The small and inexpensive alternative to an emergency power pack. Having light, radio, time, emergency sirene - all in one can be lifesaving and invaluable.

I have one of these and find myself using it not just in emergencies but when other torches are out of battery just when you need them.

Great multifunctional solar gadget!

See more similar products in the Chargers+Gadgets and Solar Outdoors sections!

Solar Address Light

Price range (USD)*: $50
To buy from retailer ImprovementsCatalog, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

Lighted house numbers help visitors or emergency personnel (or the pizza guy) find their way to your home easily at night!

Just 1-½ hours of sun each day will power the light all night long. Detachable, 12"x12-¼" solar module has an 8' cord, so it can face the sun even if your front door does not. Automatically goes on at dusk, off at dawn.

Includes enough 4" numerals (visible from 500') for a five-digit address. Durable ABS plastic; weatherproof. Includes 16" stake, three Ni-Cad batteries.

An illuminated address marker is something I would have appreciated many many times when I was looking for a (new) friends place - especially in the US where streets or a block can be very long...

Emergency services would also appreciate this feature and it may save your life!

Make life for vistors (including yourself!) easier - using solar technology.

Advertise the power of the sun and your awareness of energy issues!

Indestructible Solar Driveway Markers (set of 2)

Price range (USD)*: $25
To buy from retailer Gardener's, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

These amazing lights performed beautifully in the most miserable winter weather Vermont has ever seen. They're indestructible — you can drive a truck right over them. They glow for several nights on one charge, even buried in snow, and the blinking light is visible over a mile away. No one will ever miss your driveway again!

Set of 2 markers, each with 6 amber LEDs. Visible a mile away. Nail right into the asphalt, or screw to posts if you plow your drive (screws not included). Also great to light a pathway, mark a hazard, for boat docks and mooring buoys.

Each 4-1/4" x 3-7/8" x 1-1/8" H
Made of aluminum with crystalline solar panel
3-way switch: on / off / blinking

A great way to add security while trying out and promoting solar technology!

See more solar safety lights in the Solar Lights section!

Flickering Solar Torch

Price range (USD)*: $60
To buy from retailer Sharper Image, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

Flickering solar-powered torch adds exotic lighting to your backyard or garden, with an LED "candle" that flickers like a real flame. Automatically turns on at sunset (after an 8- to 10-hour solar charge) for up to 15 hours of illumination!

Lantern attaches securely atop the included 5-foot, 1 1/2-inch steel ground stake. Durably made of die-cast zinc, glass panels and UV-protected powder-coated steel for years of outdoor enjoyment.

Lantern measures 9" tall x 6" diameter. Runs on two included 1.2V AA NiCad solar rechargeable batteries.

A weather proof lantern that provides beaufitul light - for an unlimited time - clearly is a great item to put into the garden.

No concerns about the dangers of real fire!

See more solar lights in the Solar Lights section!

Double Solar Cascade is Two Fountains in One

Price range (USD)*: $140
To buy from retailer Gardener's, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

Add a delightful water feature to your landscape with no work at all! This five-tier double solar cascade can be placed anywhere-on your deck, patio, balcony, even indoors. It's easy to set up, and the solar panel can be hidden in a sunny spot up to 15 ft away.

No wires or batteries! Quiet pump continuously circulates water from bottom bowl to the jug on top. Float colorful blossoms in the bottom bowl. Metal frame is weather-resistant. 21" H x 19" W overall.

Protect fountain from freezing temperatures.

This fountain combines good old traditional looks with modern solar technology.

Makes a great gift for friends who admire hand made (looking) things with a contemporary "soul"...

See more solar fountains in the Solar Garden section!

Stake Yard LED 3-Light Kit

Price range (USD)*: $90
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

Each of these captivating Solar-Powered Yard Critters has a brilliant, color-changing LED light that produces dazzling colors throughout the clear acrylic body. Power comes from an unobtrusive solar pod/battery pack on an 18" aluminum stake.

Garden stake style has a hummingbird, dragonfly and butterfly on 30" black plastic stakes. Lights are spaced over 10 feet, with an additional 10' of wire back to the solar power pod. Takes four AA NiMH batteries, included. China.

One of the few multicolor solar lights. It even uses standard AA batteries for your convenience.

The longer cord to the solar panel also gives you the chance to optimize sun exposure and place the actual lights at darker locations where normal Solar lights wouldn't work well.

See more solar lights in the Solar Lights section!

Noel Luminaria Set

Price range (USD)*: $50
To buy from retailer ImprovementsCatalog, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.

Ceramic-look “Noel” Luminaria Set is charged by the sun during the day, to shine brightly at night!

You remember luminarias as little paper sacks filled with sand and a lit candle, set up along a driveway or path. But this 4-pc. “NOEL” set is illuminated with LED bulbs that are charged daily by a separate solar panel that can be set up to 10’ away from the display.

And the paper sack is now colorful ceramic-look resin, to withstand the weather! Each “sack” can be placed up to 23” from the next, and measures 7-1/2”x3-1/2”x9” tall.