With the holidays fast approaching and time running out, last minute gifts for your inner circle may still be undecided. Here is a list of 10 great gifts that you can get for your favorite nerd. There are options for any budgets that will be sure to delight. Nearly all of them can even make it under your tree before the 24th, with fast shipping, of course.
1. A fountain pen
If you have someone in your circle that spends most of their time writing for work or for school, chances are that they have a favorite pen. It’s probably a plastic rollerball like a Pilot G2, or something similar. These pens write fairly well and are cost effective, however, another great option for someone who is serious about writing is the time-tested fountain pen.
Fountain pens can be found for a wide range of prices to suit any budget big or small. There are hundreds of different inks in nearly any color you can imagine. Over time, investing in a good fountain pen will pay for itself and will help one stand out among the crowd.
A good place to start looking for a fountain pen is the Goulet Pen Company. They are very active on various forms of social media and run a very informative YouTube channel. There are also several other reputable companies who sell fountain pens.
2. A custom duel-worthy lightsaber
This item sheds the unnecessary chains of practicality in exchange for an extremely high level of sheer awesome. With extremely bright LEDs and a duel-worthy blade, this will awaken the force inside of your favorite Jedi or Sith.
There are even academies popping up worldwide where you can learn the art of lightsaber combat. If you want to make sure you don’t lose your favorite Jedi to the dark side along the way, consider picking up a copy of The Jedi Path.
Several lightsaber manufacturers exist to satisfy any budget or taste. Wired recently did a piece mentioning several of these companies and even included a video showing off a few of their products. It should be noted that many of these companies build their products to order and it is unlikely you will receive it before the holidays. Of course, there is always next year!
3. Their very own BB unit
Continuing the Star Wars theme is a gift appropriate for nerds of almost all ages, a recreation of BB-8 straight from "The Force Awakens." While this is not a cheap toy by any means, it is sure to delight, along with some of the sabers mentioned earlier. It is even capable of being controlled by voice or by an iOS/Android device. How cool is that?
4. Science-themed ties
A plethora of nerdy and science-themed ties are available all over the web. Ranging from math themes, to astronomy themes, chemistry themes and the classic Pi tie. You are sure to find something that fits the quirky professional in your life. There are even video game and pop culture themed ties available. These are all relatively inexpensive and can help add personal flair to their existing wardrobe.
5. Coffee mugs
One of the most tried and true gifts for any connoisseur of caffeinated beverages is the coffee mug. With more options than I could possibly list here, a simple search related to your favorite nerd’s interests should reveal something that will make their eyes light up this holiday season. ThinkGeek has an impressive selection that is worth checking out.
6. PC Peripherals
Some great things for anyone who spends a large amount of time slaving away in front of a computer screen are PC Peripherals. What do I mean by that? It's simply my nerdy way of grouping together keyboards, headsets, mice and joysticks.
There are a ton of options out there and in this category, the sky is the limit. Ranging from the Razer Kraken Headset, to the Logitech G910 keyboard and even a top of the line gaming cockpit, you are sure to find something in your budget that your favorite computer geek will love.
7. A calculator
Yes, in case you are wondering, I am very serious about this list item. If you have a STEM student in your life, you are probably accustomed to hearing the name of a new, terrifying and difficult sounding math course come out of their mouth at the start of each semester.
For someone who spends a lot of their time doing math, a high-end calculator may be a worthy investment. Consider something a pinch above the common Ti-83 or Ti-84 like the Texas Instruments Nspire CX or the Nspire CX CAS. It should be noted that some college courses may not allow these because of their extra features.
8. Books
Although it can be tricky at times to pick out the right book as a gift, this is not a bad option. Books can be found well within a relatively small budget and cover almost any interest. For those who are rarely found sitting on a couch watching television, this can be a very good gift.
Hardbacks can be good additions to the ever-growing personal libraries of your friends and family. Try to find books you know they don’t have or have talked about wanting to read, and when in doubt, include a gift receipt.
9. Jewelry
There are all sorts of nerdy bling available to suit almost any taste. From astronomy themed cufflinks, to atomic earrings, molecule necklaces and even a silver star necklace with a piece of an actual shooting star (meteorite). No matter what your nerd loves, you’re sure to find something they will like within your budget. Because who says that nerds don’t like something shiny to wear from time to time?
10. Gift cards
Don’t know what to get from this list? When in doubt…buy gift cards! Gift cards can be a great last minute gift for when you aren’t sure what to get someone, and they're less impersonal than cash. Instead, you can let them choose what they buy by purchasing a gift card for a well-known retailer. Amazon, Barnes and Noble or their favorite fast food joint are time-honored choices that are sure to please.
