Nov 27 2009

Gift Buying for geeks

We all have that geek that we love in our lives. With the Christmas holiday fast approaching, one has to wonder-what the hell do you get a geek? This is especially hard for those people who are NOT geeks.

Makes buying harder when you have NO idea what geeks like.

Hopefully, this will help you buy for the geek you love, without looking clueless.

Tip #1- They play computer games, such as World of Warcraft, or Starcraft, and you want to get them a collectible figure. It’s a good idea, however, make sure you know WHAT they play. For example, if they play a horde character, don’t get something from the Alliance side. If you need to, casually ask them while they are playing, saying that a friend wanted to know.

Tip #2-Know what kind of geek you are buying for. This seems obvious, but there are more then one type of geek, and a lot of them overlap. First thing is to know what type you are buying for, then see what they have already. Fantasy geek? Look into new books, or see if their favorite author (s) is traveling, or speaking at a con and buy them tickets.

(Click to Embiggen)

Tip #3-Want to buy them clothing? It isn’t impossible. It just takes some work on your part. Snoop around their closets, see what they have and pay attention to the sizes you see! Buying them something that’s too big is just as bad as buying them something too small. If it’s for a girl, its even worse, because then you insult them. ThinkGeek is always a good bet, and so is Jinx.

On this clothing note-I don’t suggest anything sexy, or handsome. It won’t end well, no matter how cute you think he/she will look in that dress top/skirt. The key to geek clothing is comfort and usability. If its a once in a while thing, it will be seen as useless.

Tip #4-Gift certificates are NOT the way to go. Ever. They are the epitome of laziness and proof that you really don’t know the person you are shopping for. Furthermore, it shows the person EXACTLY how much you spent on them,  and, those things should be kept private.

Tip#5- Just because they like small toys and gadgets doesn’t mean they need a 12 pack of thumb drives, no matter how cute they are. In most (but not all) cases one is often enough. At most, 2.

My recommendations! (or, things I want)

Caffeine, now in bling!

Never be OOM again

Druid FTW

Hope this helps!

xox