The air is crisping. The sun sets earlier. It’s that time of year. Cocoa. Falling leaves. Increasing panic as the holidays close in and you wrack your brain over what to get those special people in your life.
We’d love to say we’ve got you covered, at least on the geeks and nerds gift front, but giving gifts is a personal thing and all geeks are different. Geeking out is also often fandom-specific, which can make gift-buying particularly tricky.
Unfortunately, we can’t read geek minds. What we can do is stick to the basics.
Best Gifts For Geeks, Nerds & Awesome People
We’ve compiled a list of general geek stuff, tech gifts, and nerdy presents that should delight most any Brainiac in your life, minus the usual fandom merch.
1. Erector Set / Steel Works / K’NEX / Model architecture / 3-D Puzzles
We’ve listed these sets together because they all come back to the same general idea – building.
Yes, these gifts might appeal to a certain type of geek more than others, but there’s a lot of variety available in these products and most geeks can have some fun with them.
Playing with building sets like these has also been proven to be good for creativity, making this an ideal gift for those nerds in your life who need a regular shot of good old-fashioned inspiration.
2. A Globe
It’s true. Not all geeks like geography. Or travel. But even if the continents themselves aren’t a huge draw, globes make for some great geeky décor, and they are doing some cool things with globe design.
Like these levitating globes – the second one changes colors! and the last one is a cool, fancy globe!
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Any of these would make a cool addition to a truly nerdy collection.
3. Wit’s End board game
Kind of like Trivial Pursuit with a more puzzle-y, riddle-y vibe, Wit’s End includes brainteasers across a range of categories from science to popular culture.
Perfect for those who absorb random information, and those who always want to learn a little bit more.
Buy it at:
4. Tetris Brainteaser Cube
This one is a tad specific – it is Tetris-themed, after all – but a geek who doesn’t appreciate Tetris is not a geek worthy of the name.
Seriously, though, one doesn’t have to be a Tetris fan to appreciate this particular Tetris product. It’s basically just a fidget toy to pass idle time.
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You can also find a cheap, unbranded version at Walmart –
5. Fandom Sign Post Wall Decal
Okay, for this one you do have to know some of your geek’s favorite fandoms, but it’s just so cool, we couldn’t pass it up.
A sign post decal with multiple signs pointing to different fantasy/gaming/sci-fi worlds. (Or, I suppose, to Poughkeepsie if you really want since it is customizable.)
This is an ideal gift if the geek you’re buying for has a lot of favorite fandoms, and you’re having a hard time narrowing it down.
Plus, it just looks really freakin’ cool.
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6. Geek Socks For Nerdy Feet
Sure they’re basic, but that’s kind of the point. I mean, who doesn’t need more socks? Especially if they’re awesome socks.
Circuit boards, science, the ankle’s the limit. Probably ought to leave the full-on “Geek” socks for the geek in your life who wears their nerdiness like a badge of honor. But these are cheap geek gifts with actual utility, so even if they hate the design, your giftees will have warmer feet.
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7. Geek Magnetic Poetry
Once again, a gift only for the self-aware geek who owns the title, this classic magnetic poetry is laced with words and phrases only true fan boys, girls, and non-binaries will understand.
Let their geek imaginations soar.
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8. Gadget Bag For Nerdy Holdings
Fact: All geeks have gadgets. They might be gaming gadgets, or cell phone gadgets, or photography gadgets, but geeks definitely possess gadgets of some sort.
Help them organize their nerdiest toys with just the right gadget bag. Like these ones that have all the space for all the things –
Or this one that rolls small. –
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9. Euler’s Disk
You don’t have to be the biggest nerd on the block to appreciate the Euler’s Disk.
Once spun, this thing just keeps on spinning and spinning. Technically, it’s physics, meaning science nerds will dig it most.
But it looks cool even if you don’t care how it works.
Buy it at:
10. Solar System Crystal Ball
A solar system crystal ball is just what it sounds like – the entirety of the Milky Way inside a glass globe. Just to look at. Because it looks awesome.
Like the Euler’s Disk, science nerds (in this case astronomy buffs) might be the most stoked to receive this, but it’s a nerdy Christmas or winter holiday gift with mass geek appeal.
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11. Desktop Tesla Coil
Tesla was doing wireless before wireless was cool. And a miniature Tesla coil captures the essence of that technology in a home-friendly size, using different mediums.
Some use music. Some make lightning. All make an impression.
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12. Multifunction pen
It’s not particularly novel, but it could be used to write a novel. Ba-dum ching.
For real, though, a multifunction pen has utility for just about anyone. Like this one that has four different ink colors, plus a mechanical pencil, a.k.a. the perfect gift for a teacher –
Buy it at:
Or this one, which may just be the nerdiest multi-pen around. It has a ruler, a stylus, AND can be used as a phone stand.
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13. Space Pen – It’s Out Of This World!
It’s just a pen. Yeah, but designed to use in space!
What that means here on Earth is that this pen writes in any position, no matter how awkward.
The perfect gift for those who like to do their note taking upside-down.
Buy at:
14. Playable Art
When it comes to geek décor, once you step outside fandoms the pickings are slim.
Playable artworks are one exception to this. These sleek wooden designs look good AND provide an element of fun.
You can get them in color or in neutral for the more staid office environment at Amazon or Walmart.
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15. Magazine subscription
If you know your geek well enough to know their general areas of interest, it’s hard to go wrong with a magazine subscription (assuming they’re unsubscribed, of course).
Not only does it keep giving all year, but your giftee is sure to find something of interest inside.
Try this cool science fiction/non-fiction pub. – Analog Science Fiction and Fact
Or the nerd’s paradise – The Smithsonian – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/
16. Experimenting with Babies book
This one’s specific to newer geek parents, or those who have a nearby baby they can borrow.
These scientific experiments* are not only enlightening and entertaining, they provide a great bonding opportunity.
Buy at:
*Don’t worry. No babies are harmed in the performance of these experiments.
17. External digital storage
For any geek with a creative hobby, gamers, or those who just buy their media in digital format, extra gigabytes are always a welcome thing. And they come in a variety of styles.
Like this rugged external hard drive. –
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This totally steampunk cryptex flash drive. –
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Or, for the iPhone enthusiast, an iPhone flash drive (ideal for carrying around extra media for travel) –
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18. Headlamp / LED beanie
Can you think of anything geekier to put on your body than a headlamp? I mean, they’re iconic sci-fi wear.
Egon wears one in Ghostbusters. Lindsey wears one inThe Abyss (she’s scuba diving, but still). Even Copernicus the dog wears one in Back to the Future.
Plus, headlamps are useful for doing everything from putting together model cars to walking in the woods at night, giving them appeal to a wide range of nerd types.
This one’s extra bright and durable for outdoorsy nerds. – (buy it at REI)
This one’s futuristic and waterproof. –
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Or change it up with an LED beanie. Same general idea, different delivery. –
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19. Binoculaurs
They’re a generic go-to gift for sure, but they’re also a great go-to gift if your geek doesn’t have any.
From birds to concerts, there’s surely something your giftee would like to have a closer look at.
And you can get them basic and inexpensive. –
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Or a little more pro, but a little more costly. (buy at REI)
20. Steampunk Sunglasses (Nerd Approved)
Not every geek digs steampunk, but these sunglasses, featuring side and top guards, look good and are super functional regardless.
And they’re built for durability, making them ideal for geeks who want to look good while staying active. Buy them at REI
Or, for cosplayers, a pair of steampunk goggles can add a unique twist to any chosen costume. These ones are fun.
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21. Steampunk Watch
Goes with the goggles. Makes more sense for everyday use.
This men’s steampunk watch looks borderline vintage. This women’s steampunk watch is a glory of gold and gears.
Or go ultra-nerd with the Tesla model.
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22. Cord Supervisor
Looking for that little add-on to put your geek’s gift over the top, or a great stocking stuffer?
Anyone with headphones or wayward cords can use this guy. Or several of him. Buy it at REI.
23. Ocean wave projector
A more visual take on the standard sound machine, this projector features the usual nature sounds, plus a soft, changeable LED nightlight that casts waves around the room.
Not as relaxing as sleeping by the ocean, but it’ll do.
Buy it at:
24. Hourglass
Geekiest way to keep time? It may get edged out by the sundial, but it’s pretty close.
And there are numerous geek-friendly options.
Like this brass rings design. Or this antique compass. Or go for this multi-glass pack, and help your geek stay on schedule.
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25. Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
For those of us geeks who spend a lot of time at our computers, a good chair is perfection.
While a gaming chair might be the choice gift for a gamer, it doesn’t change things up the way this chair does.
Providing a completely different way of holding the body, an ergonomic kneeling chair supports good posture and eases pressure on the back.
Even those who don’t use it all the time will find it a swell alternative to keep on hand. This second one rocks!
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26. Origami
Origami may be a specific art style, and therefore appeal mostly to artist geeks, but it comes in a ton of variations.
There are galaxies, airplanes, dinosaurs, geometric shapes, even Star Wars and Harry Potter versions, so it’s not necessarily just one thing.
And nerds like to make things. (See building toys above.) Origami for beginners and cool Japanese designs are a great place to start.
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They’ll need them papers. Here’s some good options for origami papers –
- Origami Folding Papers Jumbo Pack: Japanese Designs : 300 High-Quality Origami Papers in 3 Sizes (6 inch; 6 3/4 inch and 8 1/4 inch) and a 16-page Instructional Origami Book
- Origami Paper 500 sheets Kaleidoscope Patterns 6″ (15 cm): Tuttle Origami Paper: High-Quality Double-Sided Origami Sheets Printed with 12 Different Designs (Instructions for 6 Projects Included)
- Origami Paper 500 sheets Chiyogami Designs 6″ 15cm : Tuttle Origami Paper: High-Quality Origami Sheets Printed with 12 Different Designs: Instructions for 8 Projects Included
- Origami Paper Double Sided Color – 200 Sheets – 20 Colors – 6 Inch Square Easy Fold Paper for Beginner
27. Nerdy Facts Books
Now, this right here, this book is filled with geek facts good and proper.
They have no purpose other than knowledge itself. Unless someone’s going on Jeopardy.
They might come in handy then. But probably not.
At any rate, it makes for chuckle-worthy bathroom reading.
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And it has companion books:
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For more traditional geeks, try the Ultimate Trivial Pursuit Q&A book. Same general idea. Less farts and vomit.
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28. Something nostalgic
Chances are, if they liked it when they were young, they’ll probably like it now.
At least in a good memory, nostalgia sort of way.
If you can think of something your geek loved when they were younger, look for something similar.
Pssst. Second-hand comic stores and eBay are the places to look.
29. List Journal
For the introspective geek. A list journal helps a person get to the bottom of themselves.
Or just to catalog who they are and what they’re into at a particular point in time.
It’s kind of like a journal with prompts.
The first one has a list day for three years. The next one has cute art.
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30. Hologram Smartphone Projector
There are smartphone projectors, and then there’s this futuristic, space-age smartphone projector.
Okay, it’s not that high-tech.
The images it makes are pretty small and pretty weak.
But it does make holograms and it’s inexpensive, making it a great novelty gift.
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31. Laser-Projected Virtual Keyboard
Speaking of smartphone projectors, this one actually IS high-tech and possesses both wow factor and utility.
It’s a laser-projected keyboard that turns any flat surface into a virtual typing space for your mobile device. It does something useful and looks way cool doing it.
Buy at:
32. A Cryptex
What better way to please a geek than make them puzzle out their own gift?
That’s the idea behind a cryptex.
Put anything you want inside, such as a gift card or *cough* cash, and watch your giftee try to get at it.
This first one lets your geek see what’s inside. This other one’s got a more old-school vibe.
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33. Tak / Quoridor Game
For those who love strategy games. Tak and Quoridor are both board games that require critical thinking, but have simple gameplay.
More like chess or checkers.
Less like many of today’s multi-card, multi-move games. Not that there’s anything wrong with those.
But sometimes simple is good.
Buy Tak at:
Buy Quoridor at:
34. Wireless Charging Desk Lamp
Again with the gadgets. Those who have them must have a way to charge them.
Even better if that means of charging does something else useful.
So, here’s a wireless charger that’s also a desk lamp. This bedside lamp is both charger and Bluetooth speaker. And this Himalayan salt lamp cleans the air while it charges.
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35. Cool Light Switch Plate
A little bit of décor, a who lot of novelty, light switch plates don’t have much in the way of real utility, but the best ones liven a place up.
And there are some super nerdy ones being made. You can find light switch plate designs for Zelda, Harry Potter, Minecraft, Pokemon, and more.
But to keep this list generalized geek, here’s a light switch cover that looks like a lever. And here’s a mad scientist-style throw switch.
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36. Infinite Dungeon Corridor
If anyone would like to buy me a completely frivolous gift with no purpose, this is the one I want.
Cool, creepy, and most any geek will appreciate it.
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37. New Creative Tools
For geeks who like to make stuff, any raw materials in their creative field of choice (drawing, jewelry making, woodworking) will likely be well-received.
Or go wild and give them something new to try.
Does your geek dig leatherwork? These are stamp sets that works on leather. –
Buy this one at Walmart.
Or check out the one below at Amazon.
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Is your geek into painting? Get them some crackle paste or granular gel for experimenting.
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38. Smart Phone Lens Kit
You don’t have to be a photographer, or even a geek, to appreciate better photos.
A smart phone lens kit gives you better photos, and, with eleven different lens options, this kit runs the gamut.
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This three-lens kit at Walmart comes with other accessories, including a remote control and tripod.
39. Kinetic Stress Ball
Unlike the stress balls people squeeze and try not to throw at their bosses, this kinetic stress ball is no touching required.
Instead, it spins on its base, creating an optical illusion that melts the stress away, or at least distracts your giftee for a minute or so at a time.
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Do you notice how it looks like the Golden Snitch from Harry Potter?
40. The Geeky Chef Cookbook
All geeks must eat. With this cookbook, they’ll be eating in true geek style.
With recipes inspired by a number of fantasy and sci-fi franchises, including Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and Doctor Who, they are bound to find something they like.
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41. Thinking Putty
Think. Think. Think.
Help get those geeky minds whirling with thinking putty.
It doesn’t do much. It’s just putty, designed for chilling.
Kind of like a mushy fidget spinner meant to restore calm and brainpower. And it comes in cool colors.
Get started with a six pack. Or this appropriately winter-themed gift set.
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42. Geek Out!
This is it, a geek’s true chance to shine.
In the board game Geek Out!, players don’t just answer questions about geeky topics, they bet their opponents that they can answer the questions more thoroughly than them.
It’s a geek-culture enthusiast’s delight.
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Happy shopping!