Enigma Machine and Penicillin Mould: What Do You Gift the Person Who Has Everything?

As Christmas approaches, that challenging question occupies everyone’s mind: What do I buy for that enigmatic person who has everything and is the hardest to shop for? An ordinary gift won’t do. But London’s Science Museum has found the solution to this Christmas puzzle: You can gift them a piece of history that money can’t buy.

Adopt an Object from the Collection Program

The Science Museum’s newly launched “Adopt an Object” program offers the chance to present your loved ones with a piece of scientific heritage instead of an ordinary gift. Which wealthy collector’s home could feature these objects?

• Penicillin Mould: A sample of the life-saving penicillin mould discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1935.
• Enigma Machine: The 1934 Enigma Cipher Machine that cracked Second World War codes.
• Cactus Disguise: An antenna disguised as a cactus.
• Antique Toy: A 112-year-old golden mohair Steiff teddy bear from 1913 (not an ordinary teddy bear, but a historical treasure).
• Ancestor of the Toilet: An early version of the flushing toilet from 1870.

These objects can be adopted for one year, starting from just £3 per month.

Privileges Without Wrapping

Of course, you (unfortunately) can’t take the adopted objects home to display at dinner parties. However, in return for this unforgettable gift, the adopter receives:

• Digital Adoption Certificate
• Personalised thank-you email from the Head of Collections.
• Twice-yearly email updates from the museum.

All these privileges can be arranged in the name of the gift recipient you choose. The best part is that this Christmas gift requires no wrapping at all. Your donation goes directly towards the maintenance of one of the city’s finest free-entry institutions.

Don’t miss the Science Museum’s “Adopt an Object” program this December to solve your gift dilemma and contribute to a heritage!