Finding great gifts is a hard challenge, especially if you're looking for something inexpensive, but also unique.
Think Geek has what I think is a great Holiday gift that satisfies the above requirements: The Molecular Gastronomy Starter Set.
Molecular Cuisine has been around for a while. It is merging chemistry with cooking leading to unique taste experiences.
This Molecular Gastronomy Starter Set comes in a tin box that contains everything you need to get started in spherification, thickeners and foaming agents. Not only the chemicals - agar, sodium alginate, calcium chloride, carrageenan, ascorbic and citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate - but all the equipment is included too.
A syringe, pipettes, silicon tubes, measuring spoons and a non-reactive spoon are included in the kit, as well as a booklet featuring six spectacular recipes for some amazing new cuisine.

The Molecular Gastronomy Starter Set sells for $59.99 on ThinkGeek.