Categories: Parenting

Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Computer Geek

Everyone knows someone who is up on all the latest techie lingo. He/she may or may not “work with computers.” But there are plenty of people who take their Dungeons and Dragons very seriously. Additionally, there seem to be those people for whom no new piece of computerized equipment goes unnoticed on the market. So, what do you get these people whose eyes are glued to a screen, and whose wrists and hands are showing the first signs of carpal tunnel syndrome? That’s easy…

1. Computer Games – All you have to do with this one is find out what computer games your friend DOESN’T have-and then comb the electronics stores for the one(s) that are missing. I would be lying if I said that I knew what all the hottest games are. But that’s the beauty of shopping for a computer geek, you get to visit these stores and find out what all the hype is. This might take a little sleuthing. But you’re sure to find something to suit your giftee’s fancy. Toys-R-Us, Circuit City, and Best Buy are terrific places to comparison shop.

2. Posture is Everything – If your techie gift recipient is a really computer nerd, then more than likely, he/she has horrible posture from sitting those long hours in front of a computer screen. Get him/ her a massaging lower lumbar support which will aid in better posture (and possibly prevent future health issues). These little doo-hickeys can be found on Amazon.com for a little of nothing. Comfort Products makes a really good version which actually had a heating function. Geeks deserve a little luxury too!

3. CD-Media Holder – Techie’s always have lots of disks and tools. So that’s where organization comes in. StoreyourMedia.com has a huge selection of media-holding devices. For about $150 you can purchase a ready to assemble media case. There are (5) different finish choices, including walnut and oak. The stand is about 76″ in height, which should provide more than enough room for all those….um…techie things.

4. FoldingPortableKeyboard – Computer geeks need top quality convenience when transporting their laptops. For about $30, you can score a flexible keyboard for your geeky buddy who prefers the feel of a full keyboard when traveling. This is a really neat gift to receive, as it simply rolls up when not in use.

5. Lexar JumpDrive Firefly – Techies will always need more storage. This little drive can hold a massive amount of photos (up to 1000), 120 minutes of video footage, and several hours of music. They also come with Google software that makes photo editing, and internet searching a snap.

6. Ultimate Gaming Comfort – The techie who is addicted to sitting for hours and “gaming” might need a little bit more than just back support. The Pyramat Sound seat is a royal treat for those who spend nights at a time glued to their favorite games. This seat is more than just ergonomically sound, it actually PROVIDES sound. Compatible with the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and even GameCube, this rockin’ chair pumps out surround sound and folds in half for easy storage.

7. Snack Time – This is going to sound terrible. But people who are really into their gaming most often do not want to be disturbed, not even for meal time. So, keeping that in mind-why not spring for a portable mini-fridge to go into his/ her office. For around only $100, you can pick up this little refrigerated drink/ snack holder which can keep foods hot, or drinks cold with only a flick of a switch.

8. Grooming is a Must – No offense to all those die-hard technology obsessed individuals out there. But it is a known fact that some techie’s don’t always pay particular care to hygiene, and fashionable grooming. If this is the case with your gift recipient, then you will definitely want to provide a little help. Purchase a couple of pre-paid hair services for your techie giftee, and he/she will at the very least still LOOK like a human being, if even if they talk like a computer.

9. May the FORCE Be With You – A computer geek just isn’t a computer geek unless he/she has a healthy obsession with Star Wars. In this instance, you’ll want to provide your gift recipient with his very own R2-D2. This interactive Droid can be purchased on the SharperImage.com website for under $120. If you’re thinking that’s too expensive for an adult “toy,” -think again; this little guy is voice activated, obeys commands, plays games, and even reacts to 30 different phrases.

10. Put the Mouse Down… – Sometimes the best gift that you can give to a computer geek , is a break from the computer. Schedule a mini-trip which will take his/ her mind off of digital screens, numbers and codes for a while. It’s been noted that people function best when both the left and right sides of the brain are actively engaged at some point. So make sure that the mini-trip features many things of beauty. For those living in Atlanta, the cabins in Helen, GA make for excellent getaways during the holidays. A weekend trip won’t cost an arm and a leg. And your geeky gift recipient can have a much needed break from technology.