The holiday season is here.
If your shopping list includes someone who loves computers or programming, you're in luck. From gadgets to clothes to toys, there are a whole lot of things your favorite geeky guy, girl or kid will like.
We've compiled a short list of ideas for you, most of them under $100, and many under $25.
Arduino Starter Kit: $90
The Starter Kit is a great entry to the world of building cool electronics projects like a musical instrument you play by waving your hands or a lock that opens by tapping a secret code.
The Starter Kit includes the components and step-by-step instructions for 15 projects.
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 3 Ultimate Starter Kit: $90
An alternative starter kit for wannabe electronics gadget makers is this "ultimate" Raspberry Pi 3 starter kit. It includes the latest Pi computer as well as a whole bunch of other components for building electronic gadgets.
Intel's Compute Stick with Windows 10: $132
Intel's Compute Stick is a full-fledged Windows 10 computer, the size of a USB stick, that you can plug into any HDMI display like a TV or monitor.
Carry it in your pocket or on your key chain and you'll always have a PC with you.
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit Government-Issue Edition: $70
This set of tools, selected by analyzing thousands of repair guides, is capable of opening, repairing, and putting back together all sorts of mainstream laptops and cellphones.
Word is, this kit is used by the FBI and the CIA.
Logitech Wireless Performance Mouse MX: $56
Programmers, IT pros and computer lovers spend hours with their hand on a mouse and Logitech Wireless Performance Mouse MX has a 4-out-5 star rating on Amazon.
It works on many surfaces, has a fast scroll button, and its receiver can connect up to 6 compatible devices.
Binary watch: $90
A binary watch is a fun "inside-joke" for programmers that doubles as a useful piece of jewelry.
There are a lot of binary watches on the market ranging in price from a couple of bucks to a couple of hundred dollars. This one from DeTomaso is an Amazon bestseller. It features colored LED lights to show the time in true geek fashion.
Programmer T-shirt: $22
There are many, many funny T-shirts for programmers. This funny T-shirt is a favorite.
... and it also comes in women-specific sizes.
Programmer's Mug: $18
Here's a mug sure to warm your beloved programmer's heart. It combines a useful gift with an inside joke.
"Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words": $14
Another idea is this bestseller from Randall Munroe, creator of the popular XCKD cartoon. Munroe's cartoons are favorites among the geek crowd. He's written a couple of popular books, too.
In Thing Explainer, Munroe uses line drawings to give simple explanations for interesting stuff.
Magic Wand programmable remote control: $80
"Buttons are sooooooooooooooo out, wands are in. Trust us," says the ad for this programmable Magic Wand by a company called Kymera on Think Geek.
The Wand can be programmed to learn up to 13 remote control commands and map them to particular magical motions. Flick the wand from side to side to flip TV channels, twist the wand to turn up the volume.
Best of all, the Wand can learn from other remotes that control all sorts of electronics.
Web designer earnings: $5.50
For the web designer in your life, these affordable earnings are sure to bring a smile.
Circuit board ring: $22
Or, for something more subtle, try these rings made out of recycled circuit board. They say "geek" and "fashion" at the same time.
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