With Cyber Monday just wrapping up, it's time for all of us procrastinators to get to work finding the perfect gifts for the geeks in our lives. Luckily, Mystery Guest and I have been doing some serious browsing this year, and figured we'd share our favorites from around the web. Frankly, I've been really disappointed with the standard geek gift guides from places like Engadget, Wired, and Amazon, so we just had to make our own.
Unlike those mainstays, there's a lot of variety here - not just the standard Wii and iTouch crap. No. We've actually scoured the four corners of the web to come up with some really creative, innovative gifts that aren't on everyone else's must-buy list. If you want to be a champ and stand out from the crowd, this should really help. The other great part - most of this stuff is under the $50 mark, so no need to get super-splurgy if you're still paying off your AdWords account :)
1. The Tokidoki Mozzarella Moofia Gang Leader
Everyone needs some desktop toys, and this is probably TokiDoki's best execution on a concept. $29.95
2. The Plastica Bento Box
For those of us who have to eat lunch at the office for days in a row, a fancy Korean-style bento box is just the ticket. $38.00
3. The Monty Python Cow Catapult Deluxe Set
In my experience, programmers, designers, & SEOs in particular are in love with Monty Python's Holy Grail. This toy is subtle, yet effective :) $30.00
4. Bookmarks Made from Recycled Circuit Boards
Even if you're not into recycling, using old circuit boards to mark your place is hip. $8.00
5. Hard Drive Desk Clock
Yes, it's very geeky, but it's also a nice reminder that time runs out on all hard drives....so for goodness sake, back up your files! $29.99
6. H-Racer and Hydrogen Station
How cool is it that this toy actually runs on water? Very, very cool. $99.95
7. The Sun Jar
If you're anything like those of us at SEOmoz, you desperately need more sunlight in your life. Seriously, in Seattle tonight, it was dark by 4:20pm. Practically intolerable. $44.00
8. Koffski Junior Gun-Shaped Wallet
Yes, it's very expensive, and it will probably get you into huge trouble with airport security. However, it's probably worth it to look like a mob bodyguard everywhere you go. $265.00
9. Dosh Compartment Wallet
I know, I know, two wallets in a row. This design was just too cool to pass up, though, and the price is much more affordable. $60.00
10. Demotivator Calendars
Yeah, they've been around for years, but they're still a great gift to give. I've seen at least 3 people receive these and everyone loves 'em to death. Somehow, the irony never fades. $16-$110 (depending on size & framing)
11. Silicone Travel Bottles
These handy little buggers are regulation size to go in carry-on, so store the sundry liquid of your choice and breeze on through security in true geek style. $20.00
12. The Onion's Gotcha Gift Boxes
Fake gifts are hilarious... Just make sure you get them something else, too. $17.99
13. Shark Attack Silver Necklace
We had to include some sort of jewelry, but this one's overboard (oh, the puns). Shark attack necklace = surefire conversation starter. $30.00
14. Personalized Sharpie Pen
Since you can create your own message on the pen, this becomes a really cool gift. We think "Do not attempt to write on this lettering" makes for a nice gag. $12.00+
15. Dart Shaped Coat Hooks
What's great here is that the darts appear to simply be embedded in the wall, but unlike the set at that bar you got thrown out of in Memphis, they're supposed to be. $34.00
16. Grabbing Hand Shaped Wall Mounted Hook
Kinda eerie, right? I think this would go best in a place where you'd least expect it, like at knee level in the kitchen. Or maybe just at the entryway, where envious guests will stare in horror as you grab your jacket off the "hook." $76.00
17. Offering Hand Shaped Wall Mounted Shelf/Hook
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If you're not into creepy hands emerging from the wall to grab things, how about creepy hands emerging from the wall to offer things? $76.00
18. Sleek LCD Bathroom Scale & Pedometer
Seriously - no judgment calls here. I just know how much web workers like to stay in shape :) $84.99
19. Voodoo Human Modeled Knife Holder
Voodoo dolls are cool, but this one's useful and re-usable. That, and it's your chance to stab someone several times a day with no repercussions. $69.99
20. Credit Card Bottle Opener
Bottles stand no chance against what's in your wallet. The slickness of this move is guaranteed to have people saying "wow, you're really geeky, huh?" as they break their teeth or belt buckle. $26.00
21. MOMA Georgio Fedon Business Card Case
Truly stylish, and quite useful, particularly when traveling to Asia on business, where etiquette demands the respect of business cards. $24.00
22. NPR Map
I've noticed that a lot of people in the field of web search are huge NPR fans. This map is a little less useful than humorous, but still a great gag gift for the NPR junkie. $7.50
23. Magnetic Desk Dots
Possibly one of the coolest and most multi-functional desk accessories around that's still mostly a toy. I can imagine spending hours of phone consultation time playing with these guys. $19.95
24. Star Wars Princess Leia T-Shirt
We needed a few female-specific items, and Mystery Guest thinks this t-shirt from Delia's is a must-have. Strong in the force she is. $24.50
25. Solar Laptop Battery Charger
Spendy, but handy. The case actually will replenish your laptop battery using sunlight. It takes a while, but hey, what else are you doing during Burning Man, right? $236-$390
26. iPod/Multi-Device Solar Charger
You may only need to charge an iPod, in which case, this little guy is considerably more portable. $99.95
27. SuperGirl Undie Set
Mystery Guest often complains that most of the novelty underwear for women is in the form of a thong, rendering it virtually unwearable to most women. This set offers a far more usable cut and it's made from 100% awesome :) $37.95
28. Shmaltz Jewbilation Brew
We needed to throw in some Hanukkah specific items and this He-Brew fits the bill nicely. Sarcastic, ironic, and utterly perfect for Red Sea Pedestrians like me. Prices Vary
29. MOMA Store Sky Umbrella
I've loved this umbrella ever since I first saw it. The feeling of being out on a sunny day is actually quite effective for lifting those dreary winter moods. $48.00
30. Cranium Poindexter Character
If he looks geeky, that's because he is. Now go check out the profession he claims - awesome, right? $4.95 (full disclosure, MG is employed at Cranium)
31. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon
The Millennium Falcon in all its glory. Plus, you get to build it... Hold together baby. $369.99
32. Flight of the Conchords Mug
Some of the web's most popular viral videos this year came from the Conchords. Celebrate accordingly. $9.99
33. Homer Simpson and Spider Pig Action Figure Set
If you saw the Simpsons movie, you know how hard it is to get that spider pig song out of your head. Now, you can make it equally hard on everyone who stumbles across this flawless homage to the genius that is Homer. $15.95
34. Finnish Dart Set
Yes, it's simple, and that's what makes it great. No complex, weird, British scoring rules, just simple, straightforward, Finnish darts. $48.00
35. Lunar Excursion Module with Stand
I pretty much want one of these right now. Seriously, how cool is it to have a lunar module on your desk? $109.99
36. MOMA USB 2.0 4-Port Hub
More USB goodness, but this one's actually really useful, particularly if you have lots of connections on a laptop with only one port. The nifty swiveling design is just bonus. $25.00
37. iRobot Programmable Scuba Washing Robot
The cool part is, it doesn't just clean up after you, it's also entirely programmable. $499.99
38. Generation 1 Optimus Prime Re-Issue with Trailer
So. Damn. Cool. This one's actually even better than the one I have, because it comes with the full trailer. $199.99
39. Alessi Parq Document Tray Set
If you've got to have paper in your office, at least store it stylishly. These desk trays are probably as cool as it gets in the world of filing 1.0. $39.00
40. Handheld 20 Questions Game
It's way, way smarter than you think. $19.95
41. Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard
This is typical geek present fodder, but it's also amazingly cool, so onto the list it goes. $179.99
42. USB Doomsday Device Launch Button
Honestly, I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out before I need one of these. $49.99
43. Staple-Free Stapler
If you're as afraid of getting your fingers stapled as I am, you'll want this bad boy. Inexpensive, and fun to use. $8.00
44. MS Sidewinder Mouse
Microsoft still makes some pretty awesome mice, and this one's near the top of the list. Whip it out at a conference with your laptop and enjoy the benefits of envious stares. $70.65
45. Ninja Domo USB Drive
This is the coolest USB drive we found on the web. It's especially awesome for link ninjas, and thus, I expect that Jim Boykin will have to buy one for each of his crew :) $49.95
46. Laptop Cool Feet
Why wouldn't you use these? $12.95
47. Marshmallow Blaster Guns
If there's something more fun than a food fight with a roastable treat, sign me up. $17-$25.00
48. Black Bar Anonymity Sunglasses
Ever been in a photo you wish didn't find its way to Flickr. Welcome to Solutionsville, population: you. $10.00
49. Paul Smith Designed Laptop Bag
This is quite possibly the most stylish laptop bag I've seen. It's almost too good looking. $175.00
50. Make Your Own Plush Monster
Technically, they're on back order, but the concept here is amazing. You can design virtually anything, send in a drawing and FAO Schwartz will make it real. If your kids have ever sketched something amazing, here's your chance to bring it to life - very creative stuff. $249.00
Now it's your turn - find some crazy cool gadgetry, toys, or gifts you'd like to share? Please throw them in the comments and feel free to link (and yes, self-promotion is OK, so long as it's relevant) :)
p.s. Oh my... This post took nearly 4 hours to write, grab photos, and find links. It's now 3:55am... Doh!
If anyone out there is shopping for a certain mozzer ;), numbers 1, 3, 7, 22, 31, 35, and 46 are pretty rad.
How can you thumb down a post like this?! Me thinks we have a scrooge in the audience.
That's alot of shopping around. Thumbs up just for the effort.
I do like the Voodoo Human Modeled Knife Holder. I hope my mother-in-law likes it as well. Merry Christmas mom!
This is the greatest, most useful post you guys have ever written. Thank you. :)
Ummm....was that a compliment? :)
Heh, it really was! I've been struggling for weeks on what to get my Web geek boyfriend. :)
I'm going to go cry in a corner now.
No. Really. A compliment. I swear it!
Rebecca is going to kick me next week, isn't she? Sigh.
I think the post should be titled "Give out 50 perfect gifts for webophiles, bloggers and internet marketers all for under $3999.99".
Yes - I am that sad. I actually totalled them up... ( afew items had varied prices and I just took a middling sort of price)
lol.
This list was great! Nice work to both of you.
The laptop cool feet.... I use the caps from water bottles for mine. Maybe I should have patented it years ago.
I use wine corks to do the same thing. The synthetic rubber kind work best.
well, rand you've provided 2 great gift ideas for me. and by "for me" i mean for me. not ideas for anyone else i know just me. i'll be needing the purple star wars shirt and the super girl underoos...well, actually those would be more so for my boyfirend than me. ooo...that works out even better.
Really though. Is any geek shopping list complete without the inclusion of the gratuitous Nerf gun? How else to wage all out war on your fellow employees? And starting at $7.99, the whole SEOmoz office can be fully equipped for about $100 bucks!
Read and weep. Tell me you don't want it. Tell me you don't need it!
Nerf-N-Strike Maverick
The MAVERICK blaster features a six-dart rotating barrel with easy flip loading so you don’t have to waste any time while blasting enemy targets! Rebecca & Jane - are you seeing the possibilities?
Rapid launching action increases your battle speed and accuracy! Other features include pullback mechanism and auto-advancing barrel.
The MAVERICK is a part of the N-STRIKE team, so you can snap it onto the UNITY POWER SYSTEM (sold separately) and ratchet the NERF action up another notch!
Gawd, now there's some sales copy that brings tears to my eyes!
Hmmm, I do like throwing things at my coworkers...
Ok, since I solved the mystery of the solar lap top charger (a mystery for me anyways--it IS a case) I now present you with my gift suggestion: a high powered wifi USB card. This beauty is powered solely through a USB cable, has crazy range, and has a great DIY aesthetic. Since the wifi card is external, and attaches via the USB card, you can turn any computer into a wifi enabled system. I've found it's ideal for my laptop when the internal card just isn't cutting it. Typical experience: where I could see 3-5 wireless routers, I then see 20+.
And if you want to go really crazy...
Wow. I know a certain girlfriend who will be getting a certain superhero outfit... Thanks for the inspiration :)
By the way, if we're talking weird gifts, how about a whole lotta nothing? I love the fact that on the product page, they "tick" the category "in stock".
Well. Thank god for that. I would have hated the universe to run out just before Christmas time.
How about a cocktail umbrella lamp?
oh..yup. i so totally need one of those too.
Phenomenal post Rand! My bank account is now angry at you for the $60 it's missing from the Dosh Compartment Wallet purchase.
Is that solar laptop charger a case as well? I can't quite figure that one out.
It IS a case. I solved this one through the magic of the telephone... Now that would be a su-weet thing to use.
Wow, I gotta say, don't know which one's my favorite. I'll just stick'em all on my wish list. :)
Thanks Rand.
Whaa?? 4 hours? Mann your'e one dedicated blogger.
I Really want the Hard Disk !!! (No.5)
Nice post ;)
Thanks so much for posting this! My husband loved the Monte Python cow catapult set. He said it was the best gift he's ever received. And all thanks to you :D
demotivator posters and USB toaster box made me laugh. I love crazy gifts. Even if they are completely useless you will never forget the fun everyone had :)
ha ha ha awesome post :-)
I've got to say the Virtual Keyboard is the sweetest. Although it wouldn't work as well as a real one.
Just sent this link to my wife (the crazy women jumping on a trampoline on our wedding day in my profile pic), looking forward to one (or sevceal of these in my stocking this year!!
So that'll be #7, 9, 18 (Oh! do I ever need this one), 23, 25, 29, 39, 45, and 49, of course. To go.
Is my whole family reading this? There will be a test on Friday.
Email me directions to that bar, BigTequila; I've just finished my holiday errands, too.
I like the Voodoo Human Modeled Knife Holder. But i think if i brought it in the office (with knives) I might loose my job....and get arrested!
First of all... HOLY CRAP - someone gave me that Lego Millennium Falcon a year or so ago - I had no idea it was THAT expensive. They must have really loved me.
Second of all - I think they are going to sell out of that Supergirl Underwear set. That seems to be a popular item ;-)
Vin, If I were you, two words:
Hello eBay.
Item #1 cannot be found
Otherwise, great inspiration, thanks
Next time I feel bad for wasting time and staying up late doing something fun but not on-track I'll think of this post. :-)
Last year my wife's "gift" to me was to carefully pull everything off my desk and clean it off and then dust everything and put it back.
She said it was that or drain our savings and buy me a Ferrari!
-OT
I must say it's a terrific list. I have already hand picked a few items to buy . . and there goes my christmas gifts shopping budget. Did I mention all those were for myself ?
The USB Toaster and Doomsday device are awesome. Great Post.
Nice one! If only my parents had a place to send all of my crazy drawings when I was a kid, I would have some seriously messed up stuffed animals!
Thought I would share a couple of fun/useful gift ideas with the SEOMoz community.
1. Here in Canada, we recently celebrated the "two four" anniversary of our countries founding fathers - Bob and Doug Mackenzie. You can pay your homage with these delightful figurines complete with push button sound effects.
2. Cooking a turkey this Christmas? Forget the dried out or half frozen disasters, try smoking your turkey. For the guy/girl who has everything, pick up a sweet little food smoker this holiday season and never use your oven again.
3. Hate your laptop bag? I have only found two bags I have ever been happy with, especially when I hit the road and want to travel in style. A few months ago I came across the Jack Spade bags and have never looked back. A good gift for any geek on the list.
doooooooooode , !
I have to get that USB toaster for sure !~
Let go my ego@!!!
Dedication. Thanks Rand. I want one of those doomsday button things....
Best...post...Ever...srsly ;-)
USB Toaster is sweet....what about a USB Missle Launcher to go with it? Toast and an arsenal of foam weaponry...then you could seriouly drain your laptop's power.
Son of a MONKEY...why is Optimius Prime so expensive? I remember asking for him when he was in the 30.00ish category (if I remember correctly from the JC Penneys catalog) as a Transformer maniac (I was also a Hulkamaniac). Awesome post which I'm sure will be much talked about...genius.
Rand, you need to add affiliate tracking to all of the links above. You are missing out on the opportunity to make some money from the click throughs. Take the Millenium Falcon for example. Sure, maybe no one will buy it but if they click through on it and then realize that they should buy a CD, a DVD, or a book for someone . . . poof, you just got 5% of the revenue you generated. I am sure most of the sites above have an affiliate program. With the traffic you get to this site . . . you need to sign up for them and change the URLs to track the affiliate linkin.
Top Picks for Me . . .
1. Demotivator items. I love this company but haven't bit the bullet to buy anything from them.
2. The Supergirl outfit . . . I promise I wouldn't wear it. If you haven't been watching Smallville on Thursday at 8pm (TheCW) then you are missing out on the hottest Supergirl EVER!! *drools*
P.S. I have a G1 Optimus Prime that I have had for years and years. Still have the fists, the gun, the trailer, everything!! He works perfectly. I even let my 4 year old son play with him (but not the fists and gun because I don't want those getting lost). The G1 Prime is the best of all the Primes. AUTOBOTS . . . ROLL OUT!!
Brent David Payne
Brent - we're actually a bit hyper-allergic to affiliate links or anything in our editorial content that could be seen as biased. :)
Glad you commented here. Was looking for a way to give you a second thumbs up for the Burning Man reference. Does this stuff just this just flow through your mind?
You FIRST pick the products and THEN layer in the affiliate coded links. You need to make money and if you can make money from your content what is wrong with that?
However, considering you received a lot of thumbs up for your reply . . . you know your customers well.
It'd be interesting to poll customers to find out how many would feel it inappropriate for SEOmoz to make money on affiliate links on something so off-topic as this post. I can see them having a problem with an SEO recommended book or something on topic but . . . calendars, transformers, and supergirl get-ups . . . I think it is completely different.
Great Off Topic Post. I've seen a bunch of these things, but many are new to me.
PS - The first product link seems to be broken.
There's a really neat video of the mellenium falcon being put together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEc8v1OWeE4
neat!
Cow Catapult Set, please :)
That will be fun to play with while I talk on the phone at work.
I also like the marshmellow launcher - you can play and feed co-workers at the same time - great for multitasking!
This is a great post, Rand - and you've saved me probably hours of shopping. I just picked three gifts to buy my family members from this list. Awesome.
I guess this means more time at the bar this season for me!
SuperGirl Undie Set - I think I owned this--when I was four. They called them "Underoos" back then.
Kat, In the words of the great Paris Hilton (sorry for littering the board):
"That's Hot"