The holidays are coming at us fast, and it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Most people these days have an IT Guru in their lives—and they can be challenging to please. Because we are kind of geeky ourselves, we put together a list of holiday gift ideas that are sure to be welcomed by your technology-loving friends and family.
Ember Temperature Controlled Mugs
These smart mugs keep coffee, tea, or cocoa at the perfect temperature from the first sip to the last. With travel mugs for on the go and ceramic mugs for at-home sipping, you can keep your favorite beverage at exactly the temperature you want using the Ember app. You can even choose and save presets for different drink types.
$79.95 and up, https://ember.com
Whistle 3 Pet Tracker
Nearly every pet owner has experienced the dread of their furry family member getting lost. This tracking device fits on the pet’s collar and not only keeps track of their location but also helps you understand their activity levels. With cellular and GPS technology, you’ll be able to find your pet no matter whether they’re a few blocks or a few miles away.
$79.95 and up, https://www.whistle.com
VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum
Your favorite geek probably has crumbs in their keyboard. And probably on the floor, too. Some may have even made their way into the car. Clean them up no matter where they’re dropped using this handy, dual-purpose vacuum. It quickly converts from a lightweight stick vacuum that’s great for carpeted or hard floors to a handheld that will whisk up dust and other messes from the desk and keyboard.
$34.95, Amazon.com
100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
Share a project with your IT Guru and scratch off each of the one hundred movies on this “bucket list” poster. Start with the ones you’ve already seen and expand your horizons with quality selections you’re sure to love. You’ll also find “100 Books,” “100 Albums,” and other scratch off posters to round out a New Year’s resolution.
$15.00, uncommongoods.com
Nuvitron Vintage Nixie Tube Clock
For a retro touch, technology enthusiasts will enjoy this clock with a display using an ancestor of LEDs: Numeric Indicator Experimental No1 (Nixie) tubes. These tubes were made decades ago in the former Soviet Union and have been upcycled into several gorgeous designs.
$149 and up, Amazon.com
USB Endoscope
For a variety of do-it-yourself projects, an endoscope can be an indispensable tool for getting your eyes on spots you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. This semi-rigid snake camera can help you see into a PC case, plumbing, engines, and more. It’s available in a variety of lengths up to 16 feet. This particular model seems to support everything except iOS—so plan to use it with a tablet or laptop and read the comments before purchasing to make sure you get the right one.
$18.99 and up, Amazon.com
Dell Ultra HD 4K Multi Client Monitor
This monitor is not only as big as many TVs, but it also lets you keep an eye on up to four inputs. In other words, it gives you the power of four monitors for side-by-side or quad viewing on a single, large display. Easily rearrange or zoom in on any of the displays without bezels getting in the way.
$949.99, Dell.com
PancakeBot and Keyboard Waffle Iron
The PancakeBot is just like a printer, except it uses pancake batter instead of ink. Load designs into with an SD card and watch the food printer automatically dispense batter onto the griddle. There’s even a user community that shares new designs weekly.
$299.95, PancakeBot.com
For a less expensive techie breakfast, try the keyboard waffle iron. Its nonstick design molds this favorite morning treat into the shape of a computer keyboard.
$60.00, Amazon.com
Arcade Light Switches
Transform ordinary wall switches into a whimsical blast from the past with these colorful buttons. They come in customizable packs with black and white wall plate options and buttons available in colors like yellow, neon green, purple, black, pink, white, blue, red. This could be just the nerdy decorating touch your room needs.
$7.95 and up, Amazon.com